Jessie Whaley Maxwell facts for kids

Jessie Whaley Maxwell (1909 – 2002) was an amazing American teacher and school leader. She made history by becoming the very first African-American school principal in the Denver Public School system. This was a big deal not just for Denver, but for the entire state of Colorado!

Early Life and Family

Jessie Whaley was born on October 9, 1909. Her hometown was Mansfield, Louisiana. Her parents were John and Julia Carter Whaley.

Jessie grew up on the campus of a boarding school called Northwest Institute. Both of her parents worked there as teachers. Her father was the president of the school, and her mother taught music and English.

Education and College Life

Jessie Maxwell went to Bishop College in Marshall, Texas. She earned a bachelor of science degree there. After college, she moved to Denver to live with her aunt.

She continued her studies at the University of Denver. There, she earned two more degrees: a bachelor of music and a master of music education.

While at Bishop College, Jessie joined the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. This is a group for college women. In 1939, Jessie, along with Mae Adams and Elaine Brown Jenkins, started a new chapter of this sorority in Denver. It was called the Beta Phi Chapter. Jessie Maxwell was chosen as its first Treasurer.

A Career in Education

Jessie Maxwell worked in the Denver Public Schools from 1942 to 1975. She was both a teacher and a school leader. She also taught classes at the University of Denver and Regis College.

She started her teaching career in 1942 at Whittier Elementary School. First, she was a substitute teacher, then she became a full-time music teacher. She was one of the first Black teachers in Denver.

Becoming a Principal

In 1955, Jessie Maxwell was chosen to be the Principal at Whittier Elementary School. This was a very important moment! She became the first African-American school principal in the Denver Public Schools.

Back then, teachers didn't apply to be a principal. Instead, they had to be nominated. Leaders in Denver's Black community strongly supported Maxwell for the job. The community around the school was mostly white and Jewish. About two-thirds of the students were white, and one-third were Black.

Making a Difference at Whittier

Principal Maxwell brought many new ideas to Whittier Elementary. She started the first science and reading night classes in Denver. She even kept the school open until 9 p.m. This helped kids who were home alone after school or who played sports.

In 1966, she became the Principal of Columbine Elementary School. She worked there until she retired in 1972.

Later Honors and Contributions

In 1980, the University of Denver gave Maxwell a special award. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. This is a very high honor!

Jessie Maxwell and her husband created the Maxwell Education Fund. This fund helps college students who attend Zion Baptist Church.

Maxwell was also a board member for several important groups:

• YWCA
• Denver Metropolitan Mental Health Association
• Stovall Care Center
• Bishop College Alumni Association
• Denver Girls, INC

She was also a lifelong member of:

• NAACP
• National Education Association
• Colorado Parent-Teachers Association

Personal Life

Jessie Whaley married Hulett A. Maxwell. He was an African-American pharmacist in Denver. They got married after knowing each other for only four weeks!

The Maxwells were active members of the Zion Baptist Church. Jessie Maxwell was the church's organist and music director.

Legacy and Recognition

Jessie Maxwell passed away on July 26, 2002. She died of natural causes.

Even before her death, people wanted to honor her. In 1972, a group of Denver residents, led by Juanita Gray, suggested naming a new elementary school after her.

In 1998, the Jessie Whaley Maxwell Elementary School was dedicated in Montbello, Denver. The Denver school board even changed a rule for her. Usually, schools are only named after people who have passed away. But they made an exception for Jessie Maxwell because of her amazing contributions.

Also in 1998, Maxwell was added to the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame. This recognized her important place in Colorado's history.