Sean Davenport

Dr. Sean L. Davenport, Superintendent of Harlem’s Community School District 5, is a passionate advocate for culturally responsive education. His own experiences as a student, where he often felt unseen and unheard, drive his mission to create learning environments where every child feels valued. He holds degrees in communications from Norfolk State University, a Master of Science in Education from Fordham, and a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University. Though initially hesitant to follow his father into education, Dr. Davenport found purpose in youth empowerment, eventually founding Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School in 2005. There, he launched a culturally responsive curriculum rooted in Harlem’s history and the Harlem Renaissance. Returning to District 5 as Superintendent in 2022, he introduced a bold vision: “Reimagining the Renaissance,” focused on student empowerment and community pride. As a 2024–2025 Google Fellow, he’s also pioneering the use of AI to improve learning outcomes. Dr. Davenport champions collaboration through initiatives like the “State of the District” town hall and prioritizes literacy, arts, STEM, and holistic student development. His unwavering goal: that every Harlem student graduates equipped for college, career, and life.