Marcus Foster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcus Albert Foster
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| Born | March 31, 1923 Athens, Georgia, US
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| Died | November 6, 1973 (aged 50) |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wounds |
| Resting place | Mountain View Cemetery |
| Citizenship | American |
| Alma mater | B.A., Cheyney State College, 1947 Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1971 |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Years active | 1957–1973 |
| Employer | Oakland Unified School District |
| Known for | Oakland's first African American Superintendent; founder of the Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute; murdered by SLA |
| Title | Superintendent |
| Term | 1970–1973 |
| Successor | Robert Blackburn |
| Spouse(s) | Albertine Ramseur Foster |
| Children | 1 |
Marcus Aurelius Foster (born March 31, 1923 – died November 6, 1973) was an important American educator. He became well-known for his excellent work in schools. He served as a principal in Philadelphia and later became the first African American Superintendent of a large city school district in Oakland, California.
Foster was a leader who believed in helping all students succeed. He worked to improve education for many years. Sadly, he was killed in 1973.
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Early Life and Education
Marcus Foster was born in Athens, Georgia. He grew up and went to public schools in Philadelphia. His mother, Alice, helped him learn to speak and write English very well.
As a young man, Marcus was smart and also connected with many different people. This helped him later in life to inspire students from all backgrounds. He also brought together different groups who wanted to improve schools. He earned his first degree from Cheyney State College in 1947. Later, he received his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
What Was Marcus Foster's Career Like?
From 1957 to 1970, Marcus Foster worked in Philadelphia's public schools. He taught students and was also a principal at several schools. These included Dunbar Elementary School and Gratz High School. He also worked as an Associate Superintendent, focusing on community relations.
In 1970, Foster moved to Oakland, California. There, he was chosen to be the Superintendent of the Oakland Public Schools. This was a very important role. He was the first African American to lead such a large school district.
How Did Marcus Foster Die?
Marcus Foster was killed on November 6, 1973. He was shot by members of a group called the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). The SLA said they killed Foster because they disagreed with a plan for student identification cards.
Foster's deputy, Robert Blackburn, was also shot but survived. Two people, Joe Remiro and Russ Little, were found responsible for the attack. Marcus Foster is buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. His wife, Albertine Ramseur Foster, was later buried next to him.
Honors and Tributes
Marcus Foster received many honors for his work. In 1969, he won the Philadelphia Award. This award recognizes people who make great contributions to the city.
After his death, several places were named to remember him. These include athletic fields at Gratz High School in Philadelphia. The student union building at Cheyney University also carries his name. The School District of Philadelphia created the Marcus A. Foster Award. This award is given each year to a school administrator who has made important contributions to education.
Both the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California Berkeley have created Marcus Foster Fellowships. These help students who are studying education.
In the 1970s, Oakland schools needed to be made safer from earthquakes. This program was named the Marcus Foster Earthquake Safe program. Many schools were updated or rebuilt because of it.
Marcus Foster also founded the Oakland Education Institute in 1973. This group helps raise money to improve Oakland schools. After his death, it was renamed the Marcus A. Foster Education Institute. The Institute gives scholarships to Oakland high school students. It also gives money to teachers for new and creative projects.
In 1975, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) started the Marcus Foster Memorial Award. This award honors an administrator who shows the same ideals as Marcus Foster.
