De Facto Desegregation in the Urban North: Voices of African American Teachers and Principals on Employment, Students, and Community in Columbus, Ohio, 1940 to 1980
Abstract
This research explores the historical development of African American teacher and principal hiring and placement in Columbus, Ohio, from 1940 to 1980. In 1909, the Columbus Board of Education established Champion Avenue School creating a de facto segregated school to educate the majority of African American children and to employ Black educators. Over the next 50 years, Columbus created a de facto system of education where Black educators were hired and placed exclusively. This research illuminates how an unintended detriment such as de facto segregation actually developed Black leadership, and strengthened and empowered the community before and after Brown.
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Biographies
Dr. Adah Ward Randolph is professor of Educational Research and Evaluation at Ohio University in the Patton College of Education. She has published numerous journal articles and book chapters. She is past president of The History of Education Soceity. She is currently completing a book on Ethel T. Overby.
Dr. Dwan V. Robinson is assistant professor of Educational Leadership at Ohio University in the Patton College of Education. Her research focuses on black males, parents and community and educational leadership.
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Article first published online: March 20, 2017
Issue published: December 2019
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