Garnet C. Wilkinson facts for kids

Garnet Crummell Wilkinson (born January 10, 1879 – died June 15, 1969) was an important American educator. He is best known for leading the public school system for African American students in Washington, DC. This was during a time when schools were separated by race.

Washington, DC, had a reputation for having the best public schools for African Americans in the country. Wilkinson worked in Washington's public schools for almost 50 years. He served as an assistant superintendent for 30 years. He believed in "separate, but equal" schooling.

Garnet Wilkinson's Early Life and Education

Garnet Wilkinson was born on January 10, 1879, in Summerville, South Carolina. He was the fourth child of James W. Wilkinson and his wife, Grace. His family moved to Washington, D.C., in 1888. They first lived in the Barry Farm neighborhood. There, Garnet went to Birney Elementary School.

Later, his family moved to LeDroit Park. Wilkinson attended and graduated from M Street High School in 1898. He then went to Oberlin College, graduating in 1902.

After college, he returned to Washington. He taught Latin and economics at the M Street School for ten years. In 1908, he earned a law degree from Howard University Law School. He also earned a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Later, he received an honorary doctorate from Morgan College (now Morgan State University).

Wilkinson's Career in Education

Wilkinson became the principal of the Armstrong Manual Training School from 1913 to 1916. After that, he was appointed principal of Dunbar High School. This school was formerly known as M Street School.

In 1924, he became the assistant superintendent. He was in charge of the schools for African American students in Washington, DC. Wilkinson held this important position until he retired in 1951.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

In 1905, Wilkinson married Blanche E. Colder. She was also an educator from Philadelphia. They were married for 37 years until Blanche died in 1942. In 1947, Wilkinson married another educator, Caroline B. Manns. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1969.

Wilkinson lived in the LeDroit Park area of Washington, DC. He was an honorary member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Two of the fraternity's founders had been his students.

He was also involved in many social groups. These included the Mu-So-Lit Club and the Bethel Literary and Historical Society. He helped start the Northwest Settlement House. He also chaired the all-black 12th Street YMCA.

Wilkinson served as treasurer for the Washington NAACP for 15 years. He was also the founding president of the Washington Urban League for 15 years. He helped organize the all-black Federation of Parent-Teachers Associations. He served two terms as president of the American Teachers' Association. He also joined the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

Garnet Wilkinson passed away on June 15, 1969, at the age of ninety.

Wilkinson's Impact on Education

During his time as assistant superintendent, Wilkinson was seen in different ways. Some people admired him as a leader for black education. Others criticized him for supporting the existing system of segregation.

He helped Washington's schools gain a reputation for excellent education for African Americans. He started programs to expand vocational training and sports. He also supported the idea of specialized schools. He improved the nursing program at Margaret Murray Washington High School. This program trained African American girls to help their community.

In 1928, he helped create Francis L. Cardozo High School. This was the only segregated high school in the nation to offer a business program for black students. He also promoted learning by doing and teaching good character.

Wilkinson believed that "separate, but equal" education was helpful for African Americans in Washington. This view put him at odds with many anti-segregation activists and the NAACP. They were working to end segregation in schools.

For example, when black parents protested for better resources in their schools, Wilkinson did not support the strike. He also opposed transferring an all-white high school to black students. Many African American residents, especially parents, disagreed with his actions.

In 1978, the DC Public Library opened a section in Wilkinson Elementary School. It was named the Garnet C. Wilkinson Branch. This school is now called Moten Elementary School.