Naomi Gray facts for kids

Naomi Jean Thomas Gray (born May 18, 1922 – died December 29, 2006) was a very important person who helped improve public health and education. She was the first woman to teach social work at San Francisco State University. She also created many organizations to help people stay healthy and get a good education.

Early Life and Education

Naomi Gray was born Naomi Jean Thomas in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She grew up in Indiana with her four brothers and sisters. She went to Crispus Attucks High School.

In 1945, Naomi Gray earned her first college degree in Sociology from Hampton University. Later, she received her master's degree from Indiana University.

Career and Public Service

After finishing college, Naomi Gray started working as a caseworker. She helped children who were in foster care in Indianapolis. She was even honored as an "Indiana Distinguished Citizen" for her great work.

Soon after, she began working for a large health organization. For 20 years, she worked there and became a Vice President. This was a big deal because she was the first Black woman to hold such a high position in that organization.

Later, she moved to San Francisco. There, she worked for the city's Public Health Department. She helped create and develop many programs to keep people healthy.

Helping Public Health

Naomi Gray moved to San Francisco to live with her sister, Doris Thomas. She continued her work as a social worker. Then, she became a professor at San Francisco State University.

In 1985, Dianne Feinstein, who was the mayor at the time, chose Naomi Gray to be on the first San Francisco Health Commission. This commission helps make decisions about the city's health. Naomi Gray used her position to push for "stronger affirmative action programs." These programs help make sure that everyone, especially people from groups that have faced unfair treatment, gets a fair chance in jobs and opportunities. She served on the Commission for two terms.

Naomi Gray also wanted to find ways to prevent serious health issues in Black communities. She helped start the Black Coalition On AIDS. This group worked to educate and support the Black community about health needs.

Improving Education

In 1993, Naomi Gray helped start the Twenty-First Century Academy. This was a public middle school in Bayview-Hunters Point. She created it to "improve learning among underserved African Americans." She hoped this school would help stop "busing" efforts. Busing was when Black students were taken by bus to schools in white neighborhoods, and Naomi Gray believed it was better for students to learn in their own communities.

She also worked to make sure that Black foster children were placed with Black foster parents. This helped children feel more comfortable and connected to their culture.

Other Important Roles

Naomi Gray helped create several other important groups. These included the Urban Institute for American Affairs, the Black Leadership Forum, and the African American Education Leadership Group. She also co-founded the Sojourner Truth Foster Family Service Agency, which helps foster families.

She served on Mayor Willie Brown’s special team for Children, Youth, and Their Families from 1990 to 1993. In 2003, she was also part of Mayor Gavin Newsom’s team when he was starting his term.

As the president of the Urban Institute for American Affairs, Naomi Gray was again recognized as an "Indiana Distinguished Citizen." She was also mentioned by the National Association for Sickle Cell Disease for her contributions.

Later in her career, she started her own company called Naomi Gray Associates. This company helped with public relations and advising other organizations.

Naomi Gray was good friends with important leaders in San Francisco, like Dianne Feinstein and Nancy Pelosi.

Death

Naomi Gray passed away on December 29, 2006, in San Francisco. A memorial service was held for her on January 20, 2007.