Camay Calloway Murphy facts for kids

Camay Calloway Murphy (born January 15, 1927 – died November 12, 2024) was an American educator. She was the daughter of the famous jazz bandleader and singer Cab Calloway. Camay Calloway Murphy made history as one of the first African-Americans to teach in schools that were mainly for white students in Virginia.

Throughout her career, Murphy focused on teaching music and promoting multiculturalism. This means she taught students about different cultures and their importance. She also started the Cab Calloway Jazz Institute and Museum at Coppin State University. This museum helps people learn about jazz music. She also led the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center in Baltimore. Later, she became a commissioner for the Baltimore City Public Schools' Board of Education.

Camay Calloway's Early Life and Career

Camay Calloway was born in New York City on January 15, 1927. Her parents were Cab Calloway and Zelma Proctor. She was raised by her grandmother, Viola Proctor, for some time. Later, she reunited with her mother in Sugar Hill, Manhattan.

As a child, Camay took piano lessons. She really wanted to be a journalist. However, major newspapers in New York did not hire black people at that time. So, she decided to study education instead. She went to New York University.

Becoming a Teacher in Virginia

After finishing her studies at New York University in 1950, she became a teacher. Her first job was at Burgundy Farm Country Day School in Alexandria, Virginia. This was a big step. She was one of the first African-Americans to teach in schools that were mainly for white students in Virginia.

In 1961, she moved to Ikenne, Nigeria. There, she became the headmaster of Mayflower School for two years. After that, she came back to teach in Arlington County, Virginia. In 1965, she started teaching in the Arlington school system. She was one of the first African-American teachers at Abingdon and Oakridge elementary schools. These schools were mostly white. Later, she became a specialist in early childhood education for Arlington County.

Leading Schools and Cultural Centers

In 1968, she became a supervisor for Arlington Public Schools. She held this role for ten years. In 1978, she became the principal at Ashlawn Elementary School. She stayed there until she retired in 1993. As principal, she opened a black heritage museum at Ashlawn. Her school also received recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School. This award is given to excellent schools.

After retiring, Murphy moved to Baltimore in 1994. She worked as a cultural development consultant at Coppin State University. Her father, Cab Calloway, passed away that same year. To honor him, Murphy started the Cab Calloway Jazz Institute and Museum at Coppin State University. This institute helps promote music education. She also served as the chairman of Baltimore's Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center. In 1999, she was appointed as a commissioner for the Baltimore City Public Schools' Board of Education.

Camay Calloway Murphy's Family Life

In 1951, Murphy moved to Washington, D.C. with her husband, Booker T. Brooks. In 1955, she had her first son, Christopher William Brooks. Camay and her son appeared on a TV show called Person to Person in 1956. They were on the show with her father and his family. She later had another son, Peter Brooks.

Her son Christopher studied music at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He became very good at transcribing music. He wrote down the first musical notes for guitarists like Joe Pass, Johnny Smith, and Wes Montgomery. Christopher later taught guitar. In 1998, he formed The Cab Calloway Orchestra to honor his famous grandfather.

In 1980, Camay Calloway Murphy married John H. Murphy III. He was the head of the Afro-American newspaper. They were married in Baltimore. Her husband passed away in 2010.

Camay Calloway Murphy died on November 12, 2024, in Havre de Grace, Maryland. She was 97 years old.