E’ry day this month, the Center for Black Educator Development, in partnership with Phillys7thWard.org, will highlight a Black Educator Hall of Famer.
But, don’t forget, e’ry month is Black History Month…February is just the Blackest.
Today, our featured Black Educator is Mathilda Beasley.
Mathilda Beasley was born Mathilde Taylor in New Orleans in 1832. Born to an enslaved woman and her captor, Beasley became an orphan at an early age. While it is unknown how she arrived to Savannah, Georgia, she did in the 1850’s. She arrived to a city with numerous free Black people, herself a free Black woman where opportunities abound.
At age 21, Beasley worked as a seamstress and dressmaker, however she dedicated her life to the education and care of the Black children of Savannah, Georgia. She started by teaching enslaved children how to read and write. From her arrival until 1860, Beasley ran a small secret school to teach enslaved children in her home. Her inspiration was due to the kindness show CONTINUE READING: Mathilda Beasley, Black Educator Hall of Fame - Philly's 7th Ward