Middle School Head Security Monitor Linda Thompson-Williams (known to most by her nickname, LT) has kept a watchful eye over thousands of her “babies” since she joined the District in 2008, but last spring, the tables were turned: she had millions of eyes watching her as she pursued her true passion, gospel singing, as a contestant on the BET gospel singing competition/reality show “Sunday Best.”
This year, Ms. Thompson-Williams returned to her day job at the Middle School, but she still spends hours each day outside of work fine-tuning her skills as a gospel singer-songwriter in the hopes of landing a recording contract.
Some believe that working with Middle School students is challenging. What’s your secret to connecting with teens?
I’m me and I let them be who they are — they students warm up pretty easily that way. Plus, I’m caring and I can be sensitive. A lot of students are going through things that are really hard for them to deal with. So I listen and let them know that I care. But I’m also stern. So I think sometimes, they think of me as an aunt: I can be tough and I demand respect, but I care.
Tell us about your backstory, where you grew up and how you got into gospel singing.
I’m one of 16 children from the same mother and father, born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. There were four girls and 12 boys. My father was a pastor and my mother was an evangelist who also stayed home to care for all of my brothers and sisters. So all I’ve ever known is gospel and church. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. We weren’t the richest family in terms of money, but my parents emphasized discipline, good values and Christianity. My mother really encouraged us to be our best selves.
When you’re singing, you seems so filled with joy. Is that what keeps you going?
For me, it’s about who I’m singing about — and that’s my god. I’m so joyful when I sing. I also feel like it’s a gift I have and so if I’m able to encourage someone through my songs or through music, then I’ve shared that gift with someone in need.
Where can we hear you singing today?
I’m the choir director and worship leader at my church, Faith Baptist Church in Euclid. The church and my pastor, Dr. Martha Forrest, are both such a huge, positive force in my life. I’ve also started singing more in public venues here in Cleveland and out-of-town. There have been so many opportunities for me to sing since I went on the show. It’s really been phenomenal.
What was your most memorable moment about being on Sunday Best?
There were so many moments. I hadn’t ever been on an airplane, so that was exciting. But I think meeting [Grammy award-winning gospel musician] Kirk Franklin and having him walk in front of me up close was truly amazing. And [R&B artist and Sunday Best host] Kelly Price just treated me like family. They called me Aunt Linda, which was nice. I was the oldest contestant on the show, but I didn’t mind it at all.
What did you learn about yourself when you were on the show?
I just felt so at home on that stage. I truly felt like I belonged there. It’s something I’ll never forget. I had this sense afterwards that now, I can do anything.
What’s your next goal?
My biggest goal is that I want to sing on the stage of the Stellar Awards, that’s the Grammys for gospel music. I want to continue to sing on large stages and encourage people — because that’s my thing.