Song of Symphony: An Adjunct and Advocate

Going back to my analyses of the Starz Power Universe. I usually look to the Power Book II: Ghost series, but this time, I chose to dissect one of the most unlikely shows where college themes are present, which is Power Book III: Raising Kanan. This show is often laden with drugs and violence, but there is so much more in this series. The themes of human connection, the complexities of family, and the polysemic perceptions of loyalty often arise throughout the show. Another theme is in the title of Raising Kanan, a young man who finds himself entrenched in a life his family built that his mother seeks to keep him away from its influences.

*As a play on Symphony's name, meaning composition of music, various sections of this piece are titled appropriately—a nod to my time in the band and appreciation for music.

The Overture?

In this piece, I’m focusing on a character that was not featured heavily but was very impactful: Symphony Bosket. He was a pillar of influence in the story arc of Raquel (Raq) and her son Kanan Starks. Symphony becomes Raq's love interest, and as we get to know a little about him, we see that although not a hustler in the street sense, he hustles in many other ways as an educator and graduate student. In the short yet memorable times that Symphony appeared in the series, viewers get a glimpse of his life as an adjunct faculty member and how he teaches his students.

The Crescendo

Life of an Adjunct. While working on getting his graduate degree in city planning, Symphony serves as an adjunct instructor at the local community college and moonlights at night as a bartender. Although adjunct teaching may be rewarding, more consistent income is needed to make ends meet. A similar narrative is expressed by Berke (2023), who shares the challenges that adjuncts face as instructors may go through terms or semesters without getting a course section assigned to them. This can be common as this is based on student enrollments.

His role as an educator comes out more as Kanan’s mother, Raq, informs Kanan that she has enrolled him in one of Symphony’s classes for what appears to be dual enrollment, where he can work toward gaining some college credits while he finishes high school. Raq often tells her son not to worry about her business or the streets as she sees he is smart and should focus on his education. Raq’s persistent mention of school and monitoring of Kanan’s academics mirrors that of parents who seed the idea of college going as an option for their children.

Kanan arrives at one of Symphony’s classes and has a relatively long conversation with him afterward. Symphony affirms Kanan of his intentions in his relationship with his mother and how he is also a support and resource for him when needed. This moment, followed by others, secured a level of trust between Kanan.

An Example of Black Manhood. Kanan was raised around street life; his many male examples throughout his childhood included his uncles, who were deeply invested in the family’s business and tried to shield him from that life as much as possible. As Kanan grew older, keeping him away became even more challenging. Symphony served as an alternate male influence and example for Kanan, offering sensible advice and holding Kanan accountable.

When Kanan gets into an altercation at school, Symphony picks up Kanan and shows up at his school. Kanan appreciates seeing Symphony as he knows his mother's response would be harsher. Although not his father, he provided support in a way his mother could not. This, unfortunately, causes friction between him and Raq as she feels that Symphony overstepped his role with her son. This was complex as Symphony provided coaching and support that Kanan appreciated and needed.?

In the reflective background narration, voiced by Kanan (50 Cent) in his older age. He then speaks to how much he liked Symphony as he always taught him something. Their connection grows, and Symphony continues to look out for Kanan, even picking him up in the middle of the night to drive him across states to be with relatives after his home becomes unsafe due to threats made on his life.

The Outro

Much like the ending or climax to a orchestra piece, Symphony's storyline comes to an end as his relationship with Raq become soured. Not seeing longevity in their romance and feeling as if he is only needed at her convenience, he calls it quits, and they part. This causes some disappointment in Kanan as he and Symphony, of course, grow closer-losing such a positive male figure in his life was not easy.

One can only imagine what could have been if Symphony had stayed in the picture, but he had to do what was best for him. Considering his focus, we can be confident that Symphony finished his academic journey and was able to minimize his side hustles.

Questions that loom about Symphony.

• Upon finishing his master's, did he secure a job in New York or elsewhere engaging in city and community planning?
• Did he continue teaching at the collegiate level? If so, what courses would he have taught?
• What was/is his teaching philosophy??
• Based on his disposition and how he supported Kanan, how did he support his other students?

As someone who supports adjuncts in my full-time role and engages in adjunct teaching, I see these instructors and their challenges. Also, as a Black man, I know the intersection of how my identity plays a role in the representation and support that can be provided to the students that I serve of underserved populations.?

James K. Winfield, EdD, is a #popculture enthusiast, #highered administrator, and instructor passionate about #equity, access, and #success. He can be followed via X (Twitter) @jwinfield4