More than 40 years ago, I conducted a series of interviews with African American early childhood educators who went on to make outsized contributions to our field. The four legendary leaders I am proud to highlight, each of whom have now passed away, are distinguished not by the titles they held but by their enduring commitment to the development and education of young children and by the legacies they leave behind. 

To guide my selection, I established the following criteria: 

• Educators must have been of African American descent. 
• They must have worked for at least 30 years in the field. 
• The must have been at least 50 years old. 

I am proud to highlight four legendary educators who exemplified these qualities: Ella Jenkins, Barbara Bowman, Evangeline Ward, and Jeanne Core Simmons. Here they are, in my words and in their own:  

Ella Jenkins 

Ella Jenkins, often referred to as the First Lady of Children’s Music, made her mark by blending music and education to captivate and inspire children. She passed away in 2024 at the remarkable age of 100, still performing and engaging audiences through her songs. Her unique approach to education, centered on participation and joy, reflected her lifelong dedication to sparking the interest and involvement of children and adults alike. 

“Two albums cooperating my idea of fun, learning, and culture awareness are Adventures in Rhythms and Growing Up with Ella. In both of these recordings, children can feel their sense of body rhythm, express themselves, organize their thoughts, and remember things better. During the 1960s, when Black is Beautiful became popular, I wrote a lot of materials committed to Black history. I sang a lot of spirituals and protest songs, created chants and group songs and involved myself in workshops to help make children and adults aware of the importance of the times.” 

Barbara T. Bowman, PhD 

Barbara Bowman had just turned 50 at the time of our interview. Throughout her career, she embodied a deep commitment to the field of early childhood education, inspiring countless educators and families with her dedication to equity and child development. At the time of her passing in 2024, at the age of 96, she was still actively teaching as a professor at the Erikson Institute, which she co-founded. Her passion for improving educational opportunities for young children and her tireless advocacy for professional development among educators remain an enduring legacy. Barbara Bowman could always be counted on to expose and dissect the complex nuances of an issue in straightforward language, thus drawing people into more in-depth consideration of possible resolution. 

Barbara Bowman addressed the connection between educational environments, including teachers who are reflective of the child’s culture and strengths-based perspectives. 

“Black [educators] see the strengths in their kids. This relates to the character that gets built from oppression and not giving in to it but surviving in spite of it. That is the strength of character that comes into our lives... We can relate to their strength, and we can cultivate it.”

Evangeline Ward, EdD 

Evangeline Ward, a trailblazer in the field, devoted her career to advancing the cause of early childhood education on a global scale. She passed away at the age of 65 in 1985 while she was in Australia attending the World Organization for Early Childhood Education. Her work extended beyond borders, emphasizing the universal importance of nurturing young minds and elevating new leaders. 

“I am a member of a number of early childhood associations, [but] I have the notion that you must bring other people up through the system, or it dies. Young people would come in, but they are not being given a fair chance. If people had not admitted us when we were young and green into the organization[s], we would have been unable to do the things that we have done. So, I feel very strongly about wanting to provide opportunities for new people to come into the organization[s].”  

Jeanne Core Simmons 

Jeanne Core Simmons dedicated her life to advocating for the needs of children, especially in underserved communities. Her work in Pasadena, California, in the 1970s brought quality child care and early learning to the Community Housing Services and was a testament to her belief in the transformative power of early childhood education. Jeanne continued her advocacy efforts until her passing, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and unwavering commitment to children’s rights. 

“During the summers from 1960 to 1965, I worked in special programs, and one was a migrant program in Chicago Heights, Illinois. By this time, I had become active in a number of early childhood organizations and began to take on some leadership roles in them. Being at Horizon House as a Head Start administrator was a great learning experience for me. I met some challenges, but I was able to overcome them. I have had lots of success through goal setting, and lots of wonderful experiences have happened to me because of my optimism—knowing that things will work.” 

Reflections on Their Early Influences 

In speaking with these educators, I observed a common thread: The profound influence of their upbringing. Each of them spoke of the foundational role their parents played in shaping their paths. From early guidance and encouragement to instilling a sense of purpose, their home environments laid the groundwork for their achievements. This insight highlights the power of early familial support in cultivating a lifelong commitment to education and service. 

These four Black educators lived their ambition and profession, leaving an indelible mark on the field of early childhood education. Their legacies serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing, supporting, and celebrating educators who dedicate their lives to shaping the future.