By Dr. Brenda M. Greene
I am the only Black student in my class; the memories flood my senses, and tears come to my eyes as I reflect on sitting in kindergarten, one of three Black children in the entire school. I do not want to be subjected to the marginalization that I felt as a young girl and I determine that I will impact the educational system by becoming a teacher and role model for Black and Brown students. Upon graduation from college, I begin teaching in JHS 117 and later at PS 305, both located in Brooklyn, New York. Disillusioned by what I see, I think about beginning my own school.

For various reasons, this does not happen, but I become aware of Dr. Adelaide L. Sanford, a powerful and dynamic woman who embodies all that I am inspired to do as an educator.

Dr. Sanford’s grace, demeanor, and commitment to creating student-centered learning environments that inspire students to read, to write, and to become knowledgeable about their history and culture affirm my lifelong goals as an educator, scholar, and cultural worker in what Dr. Sanford refers to as the Beloved Community. I have watched Dr. Sanford from afar in her roles as principal of the Crispus Attucks School (PS 21), Vice-Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents, and as an African-centered professor and scholar.

I have been in her presence as she recounts stories of the prominent scholar and Pan-Africanist Dr. John Henry Clarke, speaks about the significance of raising funds for the John Henry Clarke House, and recalls visiting the Edmond Pettus Bridge at its annual gathering to commemorate “Bloody Sunday.” She continually teaches and regales students, educators, and the community about the importance of acquiring wisdom and becoming servant leaders in their communities.

Guiding and educating our youth are central to Dr. Sanford’s core values. Her “Dedication to her Grandsons” in her memoir, From Enslavement to Belovedness: For the Dignity of My People, can be viewed as a message to all young people.
My grandsons, you are today “Freedom Scholars. . . .
At times you are alone in your pursuit to be a Freedom Scholar. . .
Connect with organizations of African ancestry who are in academia. . .
Embrace a system of values that validate and enhance your worth and potential.
In her memoir, Dr. Sanford also speaks lovingly of the regality and elegance of her mother, a consummate breadwinner whose ancestry descended from an Ibo woman and who believed that she had the power to overturn what might seem to be impossible. Her mother instilled this belief in her children and Dr. Sanford has lived by this creed.

All praises to you Dr. Adelaide Sanford, a guiding light and foremother for youth, educators. and the community. Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, tells us that “the sea is so wide, and my boat is so small.” You have shown us how to navigate the wide-open sea with fortitude and agency.

Dr. Brenda M. Greene is an Author, Professor Emerita, and Founder and Executive Director Emerita of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY. For more information, visit https://www.drbrendamgreene.com