The Square Pizza podcast focuses on the intersection of education, innovation, and diversity. We host and interview leaders doing incredible work around the country to ensure all students have access to an equitable education. The Square Pizza podcast is hosted by SchermCo, a social-impact implementation firm that offers strategic implementation and project management services to schools and education-focused organizations across the country.

Today’s guest is Mr. Ricky Singh, who is doing great things in Charlotte.

This was actually one of the very first podcasts we recorded, which is evident at points, so please give us some grace (or at least a laugh) while we navigate through!

We talk to Ricky about how hip hop has influenced his life and how he used hip hop as a tool in after school programs, and of course, about his main gig now, as a founding member of the leadership team of Charlotte Lab. He’s currently in the process of launching Charlotte Lab High School.

Since we spoke with Ricky, he’s done some amazing community organizing and engagement work through public murals in Charlotte in tandem with the Black Lives Matter movement and large-scale mural in Uptown Charlotte, as well as on the westside along Beatties Ford Road in reaction to a shooting.

Since our chat, Charlotte Lab High School also found a permanent home in South End. Congrats!

Find Ricky on Instagram @MrRickySingh for updates on his community work, and @CharlotteLabSchool for school updates.