Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is commemorating Black History Month by honoring the contributions of Black Americans through various programs and events. The observance, which began as a weeklong event in 1926, was officially recognized as a month-long celebration thanks to a resolution introduced by Olympian and U.S. Representative Ralph Metcalfe.

Metcalfe emphasized the importance of recognizing Black heritage in his 1977 address to the House of Representatives, stating that it "encourages all citizens of the United States to learn about and recognize the heritage of our Black citizens."

Several MPS schools are named after prominent Black leaders who have made significant impacts both locally and globally. These schools include:

- **Grant Gordon Learning Center**: Named after Grant Gordon, Milwaukee's first Black principal, this center focuses on early childhood education for three-year-olds.

- **Gwen T. Jackson Early Childhood and Elementary School**: This school honors Gwen T. Jackson, a leader in volunteerism with organizations like the American Red Cross.

- **Marvin E. Pratt Elementary School**: Named after Marvin E. Pratt, Milwaukee’s first Black mayor, this school offers an International Baccalaureate program for young students.

- **Dr. Benjamin Carson Academy of Science**: Known as the "Home of Future Scientists," this academy is named after Dr. Benjamin Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

- **Dr. George Washington Carver Academy of Mathematics and Science**: This school pays tribute to Dr. George Washington Carver, an agricultural scientist known for his innovations with peanuts.

- **Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School**: This K–8 school integrates African American history into its curriculum and honors civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

- **Frances Brock Starms Early Childhood Center & Discovery Learning Center**: These campuses are named after Frances Brock Starms, an advocate for high-quality education for all children.

- **Lloyd Barbee Montessori School**: Named after Lloyd Barbee, who fought against segregation in Milwaukee schools, this Montessori program emphasizes self-directed learning.

- **Ralph H. Metcalfe School**: Honoring Ralph H. Metcalfe himself, this school provides relationship-centered education with community involvement initiatives like Dads on Duty.

- **Mary McLeod Bethune Academy**: Named after Mary McLeod Bethune, a civil rights leader and educator who founded what became Bethune-Cookman University.

- **Andrew S. Douglas Middle School**: Celebrating Andrew S. Douglas's advocacy for integration and equal opportunities within MPS.

- **Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education**: Offering comprehensive K5 to grade 12 education with an emphasis on STEM subjects; it is named after Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States.

These schools not only provide educational opportunities but also serve as reminders of the enduring legacies left by their namesakes in promoting equality and excellence in education.