Every February, Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. It is a time for reflection, celebration, and education, ensuring that the stories of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers are recognized and honored.
Black History Month is more than a moment—it’s a movement toward acknowledging the past, uplifting the present, and shaping the future. From the arts to activism, science to social justice, and education to enterprise, Black excellence has been a driving force behind progress in the United States. One area that remains crucial to this progress is education—where Black school leaders and educators have long been at the forefront of advocacy, equity, and empowerment.
This year, we're spotlighting five influential Black educators and school leaders in Washington State whose contributions have shaped the educational landscape. Their stories reflect the power of leadership, the importance of representation, and the lasting impact of advocacy in education.
Honoring Black Educational Leaders in Washington State
1. Thelma Dewitty – Seattle’s First Black Public School Teacher
📍 Seattle, WA
In 1947, Thelma Dewitty became Seattle’s first Black public school teacher, challenging racial segregation in education. A champion for civil rights, she worked alongside the NAACP to advocate for policy changes that would dismantle systemic racism in schools. Her dedication to academic excellence and equity helped pave the way for future Black educators in Washington State.
🔗 Read more about Thelma Dewitty: HistoryLink
2. Dorothy Hollingsworth – First Black Woman on the Seattle School Board & Educational Advocate
📍 Seattle, WA
Dorothy Hollingsworth was a pioneering leader in education and public service, becoming the first Black woman to serve on the Seattle School Board in 1975. A passionate advocate for early childhood education and civil rights, she played a crucial role in developing Seattle’s Head Start program and advancing equitable policies in the public school system.
Her leadership extended beyond education—she was also the first Black person to chair the Washington State Board of Education, using her platform to push for systemic change and uplift marginalized communities. Hollingsworth’s lifelong dedication to equity and inclusion in education left an indelible mark on Seattle’s schools and beyond.
🔗 Read more about Dorothy Hollingsworth: HistoryLink
3. Dr. Maxine Mimms – Higher Education Trailblazer
📍 Tacoma, WA
Dr. Maxine Mimms saw the need for higher education accessibility in marginalized communities and founded Evergreen State College’s Tacoma campus. Her innovative approach provided adult learners, particularly Black students, with flexible opportunities to pursue their education while balancing work and family responsibilities.
🔗 Learn more about Dr. Mimms: Washington State Historical Society
4. Dr. Dolores Irene Silas – Educator, Principal, and Tacoma’s First Black Female City Council Member
📍 Tacoma, WA
Dr. Dolores Silas was a respected principal, educator, and civic leader. She was the first Black woman to serve on Tacoma’s City Council, where she fought for education reform, social justice, and racial equity. Her impact continues to be felt in Tacoma schools, where a high school now bears her name.
🔗 Read more about Dr. Silas: BlackPast
5. Ina Howell – Champion for Black Educators
📍 Seattle, WA
Ina Howell is a lifelong educator, mentor, and advocate for increasing Black representation in school leadership. Her work in mentorship and development programs has empowered future Black school leaders, ensuring that students of color see leaders who reflect their identities and experiences. She was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Alliance of Black School Educators. She is also a retired AWSP member!
🔗 Read more about Ina Howell: Seattle Medium
The Importance of Black Educators and School Leaders
The presence of Black educators and school leaders is essential for fostering inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments. Studies have shown that Black students thrive when they see educators who reflect their identities, leading to improved academic performance, higher graduation rates, and increased confidence.
Yet, the historical erasure of Black excellence in education means that the stories of Black school leaders are often overlooked or undocumented. As we celebrate these remarkable individuals, we must also advocate for better documentation, recognition, and recruitment of Black educators.
Take Action: Document and Uplift Black Excellence in Education
- Advocate for policies that increase the recruitment and retention of Black educators.
- Document the contributions of Black school leaders in your district.
- Mentor aspiring Black educators and leaders.
- Share this post and last year’s feature on Black History Month: Celebrating a Beautifully Rich Culture:
🔗 AWSP Blog 2024