E’ry day this month, Philly’s 7th Ward, in partnership with the Center for Black Educator Development, will highlight a “Black Educator Hall of Famer.“ But, don’t forget, e’ry month is Black History Month. February is just the Blackest. Every day is an ongoing opportunity to learn and teach the colossal impact Black educators have had on society.
Sharon Bailey
Sharon Bailey was the Denver School District’s moral compass, according to Chalkbeat Colorado. A straightforward critic of the institutional racism she saw in the district, Bailey was also a compassionate leader who believed the system could change and was willing to help.
Bailey grew up in Denver and graduated from Denver East High School. After she received her undergraduate degree at Princeton University, a master’s in Interdisciplinary Social Science, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. Her dissertation, entitled “A Journey Full Circle: An Historical Analysis of Keyes v. School District No. 1,” examined efforts to desegregate Denver schools.
Bailey is also a recipient of various awards and is recognized for many accomplishments, including induction into the Colorado Association of School Boards’ Hall of Fame. She also served as an elected member of the DPS Board of Education from 1988 to 1995.
In 2016, her Bailey Report, commissioned by the district, found Black students were disciplined more harshly and had fewer resources dedicated to their academic success than students of other races. A qualitative report based on interviews with 70 Black teachers and administrators, it also found that Black educators felt isolated and passed over for promotions.
The report led to the creation of a districtwide African-American Equity Task Force, which made 11 recommendations, including that every school develop a plan to better serve Black students and that the curriculum be culturally relevant.
Sadly, Ms. Bailey passed away on Friday, December 3, at the age of 68, at the time survived by her husband, 3 sons, and five grandchildren.
Said of Bailey by Denver Public Schools:
“Dr. Bailey touched the lives and inspired the work of so many in our community, and her contributions will be felt for generations to come. She was a brilliant and dedicated leader and equity champion who worked tirelessly to help ensure all children have access to a quality education and to highlight the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the experiences of African-American students and educators in Denver in order to drive improvements and honor Black excellence. We stand together in grief at her sudden loss and in strength to continue her work, inspired by her expertise and passion.”
Happy Black History Month and make sure to read up on Sharon Bailey, a member of the Black Educator Hall of Fame.
