Who Was The First Black Teacher?

The American society of the 18th and 19th centuries was not for Black people to hold any position of importance. A black person becoming a teacher was the least expected idea back then.

In today’s world, we promote having a variety of people with different backgrounds at work. It’s important to remember that not too long ago, Black individuals faced restrictions in many job fields.

Even when Black children were finally allowed to go to school, it took many years before Black teachers could freely teach without facing resistance. Back in the late 1700s, a small group of courageous individuals challenged racist norms and became excellent teachers. This leads us to the question: who holds the title of the first Black teacher in America?

The History of School Segregation

In the late 19th century, there was a legal concept called “Separate but equal,” established by the Supreme Court in 1896. This meant that Black and white people could be kept apart but treated equally.

However, in reality, Black individuals were forced into separate, underfunded schools after the Civil War and during Reconstruction.

Fast forward to 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court declared “Separate but equal” unconstitutional in the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.

This decision marked a turning point, ending racially segregated schools and contributing significantly to the civil rights movement. Despite the positive ruling, many in the country resisted, making social change challenging.

Black students showed incredible bravery by entering previously all-white schools, and Black teachers faced considerable challenges as they began their careers. This shift in policy was a crucial step forward, but overcoming opposition and fostering true equality required considerable determination and strength.

Is Susie King Taylor the First Black Teacher in America?

Susie King Taylor (1848-1912) holds a special place in history as one of the first Black teachers in America. She played a crucial role in educating freed African-American slaves in Georgia, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of African-American education.

According to Wikipedia, Taylor was the first African-American nurse who served with the regiment during the American Civil War.

Born into slavery on a plantation in Georgia, Susie faced barriers to formal education. However, her journey took a turn when she went to live with her free grandmother in Savannah at the age of seven. Despite legal restrictions, Susie received secret instruction from two African-American women and two white youths. Her thirst for knowledge persisted.

In April 1862, Susie’s life took a pivotal turn when she found freedom after escaping to a federal gunboat near Confederate-held Fort Pulaski. She resettled on Union-occupied St. Simons Island, where she began teaching fellow former slaves at just fourteen years old. This marked the beginning of her impactful career in education.

Following the end of the Civil War, Susie returned to Savannah with her husband, Sergeant Edward King. There, she established a private school for freedmen’s children. However, the school faced closure within two years due to the opening of a public alternative. Despite setbacks, Susie remained resilient in her mission to uplift her community through education.

Later in life, Susie penned her memoir, “Reminiscences of My Life in Camp with the 33d United States Colored Troops, Late 1st S.C. Volunteers.” In her book, she candidly addressed the persistent challenges of racism while also expressing hope for the future. She highlighted the remarkable progress made by African Americans since the abolition of slavery, emphasizing their ongoing pursuit of equality and freedom.

Susie King Taylor’s legacy serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of African Americans in the face of adversity. Her pioneering efforts in education paved the way for future generations, inspiring countless individuals to strive for excellence despite the obstacles they may face.

Pioneering Black Educators Who Shaped History

In the annals of history, numerous Black educators have left an indelible mark, but let’s spotlight two remarkable figures who made significant contributions.

Meet Fanny Jackson Coppin (1837-1913), a trailblazer and the first Black principal in the United States. Back in 1865, she achieved a milestone by becoming one of the first Black women to earn a college degree at Oberlin College in Ohio. While pursuing her education, Fanny took the initiative to establish a school with evening classes dedicated to educating freed slaves.

After ascending to the role of principal at the Institute for Colored Youth, she was further recognized when the Philadelphia Board of Education appointed her as the superintendent. Born into slavery, Fanny seized control of her destiny and made history by becoming the first Black superintendent of a school district.

Now, let’s turn our attention to Kelly Miller (1863-1939), a groundbreaking individual who was the first Black mathematics graduate student and the inaugural Black attendee at Johns Hopkins University.

In 1907, Miller assumed the position of dean at Howard’s College of Arts and Sciences. His impact was not only felt in refining the curriculum but also in the remarkable feat of tripling enrollment within just four years. As Miller progressed through his life, he dedicated himself to the noble cause of expanding access to higher education for African Americans.

These two educators, Fanny Jackson Coppin and Kelly Miller stand as beacons of inspiration in the history of Black education. Their pioneering efforts paved the way for future generations, showcasing resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers in the pursuit of knowledge.

Bridging the Gap of The Ongoing Struggle for More Diverse Teachers

Did you know that many Black and Latino students never see teachers who look like them in their classrooms? Despite progress since the Jim Crow era, there are still serious problems in the education system that we need to address.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center from 2018-2019, only 16% of teachers in the U.S. are Black or Hispanic, a stark contrast to the 42% of Black and Hispanic students.

The shortage of diverse teachers has a direct impact on students of colour. Research shows that when students learn from teachers who share their racial background, they perform better academically. Having role models who look like them encourages students to believe in their potential. This boost in confidence leads to improvements in reading and math scores, as well as an increase in graduation rates.

Everyone needs to contribute to diversifying the education system so that students of colour can receive the best possible education. Academic institutions should provide accessible, quality education to any qualified student through any possible means. They should actively put this mission into practice by maintaining a diverse faculty that reflects the backgrounds of our students.