Vincent Reed, the former D.C. Schools Superintendent, was 89 when he died this October, a fixture for those of us who lived through this era of dynamic and challenging evolutions in Washington, DC. He was a leader, teacher, educator, principal; a corporate big wig at the Washington Post, a veteran, and an advocate for public education and excellence. He was a doer and our local hero.
The younger generations, the re-gentrified newcomers, tourists, and temporary residents who come and go every four to eight years during each presidential term have probably never heard of him. What is important to share with you is that Vincent Reed was a man who through education, determination, compassion and ability survived the world of Jim Crow. He was a strong catalyst for change, a well-respected visionary who earned support from the public and his professional peers. Vincent Reed led students, teachers, parents and the community through the daunting challenges of desegregation, assuring his students of high-quality public education regardless of race, color or creed. He was my high school principal, and he helped this Black child make it through!
Vincent Reed is a D.C. hero, never to be forgotten, at least not by me and the thousands of students who walked the path he cut through the briar patches across town decades ago. Thank you Vincent Reed. Your star shines the brightest.
Angie Whitehurst is a Street Sense vendor.
