Exploration Place honoring African-American scientists with outdoor display
6 February 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The first documented Black educator dates back to the 1800s.
Susie King Taylor is the first Black teacher to openly teach in a school for former slaves. In the past 175 years, thousands have followed in her footsteps.
Portrait of American nurse and teacher Susie King Taylor (1848 – 1912), early 1900s. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
The Black Educators Hall of Fame honors Black teachers in Kansas, adding more to its roster of inductees annually. The demand for Black educators in the state is strong.
“As a retired high school counselor, we could see the need,” Janice Thacker, founder of the Black Educators Hall of Fame, said.
She started the organization to honor Black Kansas teachers.
“The benefits are our students start thinking about teaching as a career,” said Thacker.
She has an extensive career as an educator.
“I started out as an art teacher, then to White Plains, New York, and the demand was they wanted Black teachers, and I was one of them,” Thacker said. “Then, I moved back to Wichita and worked for East High School.”
Board member Lola McLorin is also a retired teacher with nearly 40 years under her belt. She says educators are the foundation for everything, which she learned from her parents, who were both teachers.
“My parents always said no one can take your education away from you,” McLorian said.
A mantra she puts into practice every time The Black Educators Hall of Fame selects new members. Retired health and physical education teacher LaVonta Williams was inducted in 2019.
“We had a multitude of African American teachers, and we thought that was the norm until I got to high school,” Williams said.
This eye-opening moment helped lead her to a career in education.
“I went to Hamilton Jr. High, and I got the job, and I taught there my entire career,” William said.
A plethora of young learners have graced her classrooms and no matter their origin, she looked for ways to connect.
“Teaching taught me patience, the value of helping others see themselves in a different position than they consider themselves,” Williams said.
A similar story with Michael Bruce, a retired high school principal who still substitutes and teaches.
I will always support public education and have been working with USD 259 for the past 43 years,” Bruce said.
Inductees to the Black Educator’s Hall of Fame are also gifted a sketched portrait capturing them as their students remember.
“It’s one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had seeing another educator being honored,” McLorian said.
“It feels good to be recognized by my peers and students,” Williams said.
The Black Educators Hall of Fame has its annual ceremony on Feb. 24, where 10 new teachers will be inducted.