Via Historymakers.com
Afrocentric educator Adelaide L. Sanford has impacted the lives of students at every level of New York City‘s school system through her work in shaping educational policy. Born in Brooklyn on November 27, 1925, Sanford began her career teaching primary grades in New York before rising to the position of vice chancellor of the State University of New York’s Board of Regents.1947. She received her M.Ed. from Wellesley College three years later. From 1950 to 1965, Sanford taught in New York’s elementary schools before being hired as an assistant principal. Sanford earned her Ph.D. from Fordham University in 1967 and later became principal at Crispus Attucks School in Brooklyn, earning her an outstanding reputation of promoting excellence and achievement at an inner-city school.1986, Sanford won unanimous election to the Board of Regents of the State University of New York. As chairperson of the Regents’ Committee on Low Performing Schools, she played an instrumental role in shaping new educational policies that sought to close the gap among schools in student performance. Though outspoken and known for her African-style dress and Ebonics commentary, Sanford has never wavered in her concern for the welfare of New York’s students, particularly those at low-performing schools. While serving as a regent, Sanford has also taught at Baruch College and Fordham University.
I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Adelaide Sanford speak at my church (Christian Cultural Center) at our Women’s Meeting. She is a very engaging, powerful, and eloquent speaker. Her speech made my job as a teacher so much more meaningful. Some of my views model Dr. Sanford’s views to a tee! It was incredible! Her entire speech was not about teaching our children, but empowering ourselves as women being that all life comes from a woman.
She asked a question “What does it mean to be a mother?” That question cannot be answered because we need to understand what it means to be a woman first. As women, we are naturally enhancers, peacemakers, givers, and enablers (not neccessarily in a negative context). We need to understand our role as women before we can have any meaningful relationships.
As women we are disaffected from each other. Instead of embracing one another for our positive qualities and seeing the God in each other, we hate and tear each other down. We tend to reject each other and we cannot reject anyone and embrace God.
She mentioned “pretty is as pretty does” meaning beauty is not defined by physical appearance, but it is defined in actions, attitude, and character. We must “act pretty” to create a beautiful atmosphere where we are all accepted.
Many of us (as women) do not have meaningful relationships because we have weak belief systems. We have to believe we deserve the bes and not settle! Dr. Sanford said Strengthen your belief systems and embrace who you are as you are, in order to have a relationship with others. So creating these alter egos, fake personas (Barbies, 5 Star Chicks, Divas), and facades is not allowing us to have meaningful relationships because we are not loving and accepting who we are. In order for us to feel needed, wanted, and accepted, we must hide who we really are to portray what others think we should be.
There was sooooooo much more, but I was so captivated by her that I could not get it all down in my notebook lol. I need the audio.
She was truly an inspiration. If you EVER have the opportunit to hear her speak, please do!
