Education

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The Quest for Education

Explore a brief history presented by the Smithsonian Institute of the journey to secure quality education for Black Americans post slavery in the South.

Highlights on the History of Schools

Separate But Not Equal:

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Rosenwald School Sites

Explore the work of Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington and their efforts to bring quality education to black children in the South during the early 1900's.

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Wiley H. Bates High School

The first and only High School for Black students in Anne Arundel County in 1932.

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Wiley H. Bates School Song: We Sing of Thee

Hear how Alumni of Bates celebrate the school they "love so well"

Desegregation in Annapolis Schools

Learn more about desegregation in Annapolis City Schools, such as the integration of Annapolis High School, with students from Wiley H. Bates High School.

Annapolis Watershed Moments: A Conversation with Valerie Mills Cooper

Take a journey with the daughter of Walter S. Mills, Principal and advocate for the rights of African American students and staff in Anne Arundel County

Eastport Elementary School

From 1918 until 1936, this building served as Eastport's school for African American children

Ralph J. Bunche School

Hear how this school named in honor of the first African American Nobel Peace Prize winner inspired its students and instilled a sense of community pride.

Click here to learn more about the school's story.

More to Explore:

School Communities

In 1952-1953, each elementary school in Anne Arundel County compiled a history of its school community. Research was conducted by 5th and 6th grade students, teachers, and residents. Read the fascinating stories of these insightful young people.

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Prominent Figures

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Sarah V. Jones

As the Supervisor of Colored Schools, this "leading lady" set the stage for progress and excellence for the teachers and students that she served

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Walter S. Mills

Learn about the principal who led Mills-Parole Elementary School for 46 years and his contributions to the livelihood of AACPS teachers and principals.

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Rachel Brown

Listen to the experience of the Glen Burnie resident who was one of the first black teachers at Tyler Heights Elementary School and who was appointed to the White House Conference on Children and Youth

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Phillip Brown

This former teacher and school administrator was instrumental in advocating for equal pay for black educators in Anne Arundel County

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George Fox

Learn about the controversial history of the first county superintendent to use the professional title of “Superintendent” and his role in shaping the future of AACPS

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Dr. Carol S. Parham

Take a glimpse into the impressions and impact of Anne Arundel County's first African American Superintendent of Schools

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Dr. Mark Bedell

Dr. Mark T. Bedell, the first African American male to serve as Superintendent for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, began his four-year term on July 1, 2022. He assumed the leadership of Maryland’s fourth largest school district after spending six years as Superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools.

Listen more to Dr. Bedell's perspective on the importance of local history.

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Explore the life of civil rights activist Marita Carrol and her dedication to the education of African American children of Anne Arundel County

Coming Soon!

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AACPS Black School Board members

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Irene Hebron

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