Adelaide L. Sanford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adelaide Luvenia Sanford
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| Born | November 27, 1925 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
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| Occupation | Educator, education activist, public speaker |
Adelaide Luvenia Sanford (born November 27, 1925) is an American educator and activist. She is a strong supporter of education, especially for Black students. She believes in teaching about African history and culture. From 1986 to 2007, she served on the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York. This board helps lead education for the entire state.
Adelaide Sanford started the Board of Education of People of African Ancestry. She helped this group grow and become very important. She also taught education classes at Baruch College and Fordham University.
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Adelaide Sanford's Career in Education
Adelaide Sanford studied hard to become an educator. She went to Brooklyn College and earned her bachelor's degree in education in 1947. Later, she got her master's degree from Wellesley College in 1950. In 1967, she earned her Ph.D. from Fordham University.
Teaching and Leadership Roles
Sanford began her teaching career at P.S. 28 in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. She worked as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. She was a leader at P.S. 21 Crispus Attucks School in Brooklyn. She helped develop Crispus Attucks School with other dedicated people.
She also taught education courses at several colleges. These included Baruch College, Mercy College, and Fordham University. She was a special teacher and researcher at Harvard University. She also advised school boards in different states. These states included Niagara Falls, Connecticut, Indiana, and New Jersey. She helped groups that advise on teaching about different cultures. She also served on the board of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. This group helps communities in Upper Manhattan.
Work with the Board of Regents
In 1986, Adelaide Sanford became a member of the Board of Regents. This board makes important decisions about education in New York State. She was re-elected twice, serving until 2007. In 2001, she was chosen as the Vice Chancellor of the Board of Regents. This means she was a top leader on the board.
Founding BEPAA
In 1990, Adelaide Sanford started the Board for The Education Of People Of African Ancestry (BEPAA). This organization helps students, parents, and teachers. It offers programs and services. She explained that other groups existed for different communities. She felt it was important to have a group that supported people of African ancestry.
Adelaide Sanford and her husband, Dr. Jay Sanford, helped create special places. These included the John Henrik Clarke House in Harlem and Elders House in Selma, Alabama. In 2011, she started the Sanford and Hines Families Award. This award supports study and research in African experiences.
Adelaide L. Sanford Institute
In 2006, many community leaders met in Central Brooklyn. They discussed important issues like education and health. They were very concerned about differences in schools. From this meeting, the Adelaide Sanford Institute was created. It was named to honor Adelaide Sanford's work.
In 2012, the Adelaide L. Sanford Institute (ASI) began community discussions. These meetings brought together community groups, elected officials, and parents. They talked about New York City public school standards. The goal was to find ways to improve education for everyone.
Personal Life
Adelaide Sanford was married to Dr. Jay Sanford for 56 years. He passed away in 2011.
Awards and Honors
Adelaide Sanford has received many awards for her important work.
- Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's George Thomas "Mickey" Leland Humanitarian Award
- Distinguished alumna award from Brooklyn College
- Distinguished alumna award from Wellesley College
- Josephine Shaw Lowell Award
- Ellen Lurie Award
- Honored in 2014 State of New York Resolution - Achievement Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Honorary Doctorate Degrees
She has also received special honorary degrees from several colleges.
- Mercy College
- The Bank Street College of Education
- Five Towns College
- St. John's University
