Kathleen Wright

Photograph

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History Fort Lauderdale

Kathleen Wright 1935-1985: History Fort Lauderdale Photograph Collection
Kathleen Wright 1935-1985

History Fort Lauderdale Photograph Collection

Name/Title

Kathleen Wright

Tags

Women's History, Kathleen Wright, Black History

Photograph Details

Subject Person or Organization

Kathleen Wright

Collection

Women's History, History Fort Lauderdale Photograph Collection

Cataloged By

Emeri Cejka

Category

photographs

Acquisition

Source (if not Accessioned)

Broward County School Board

General Notes

Note Type

Historical Note

Note

Kathleen Wright 1935-1985 Civic leader and educator, Kathleen Wright taught at Dillard High School as well as Nova University. Kathleen received her Doctorate in Education Administration from FAU. The Social Studies Department Head of Dillard, Kathleen was also the first African American to be Chairman of the Broward County School Board in addition to her classroom responsibilities. Duel responsibilities which would lead to her challenging Florida law barring government employees from serving in elected positions. A challenge her and husband, attorney Zebedee Wright, would win. A member of the School Board for eight years, Kathleen Wright was the first African American elected to a countywide office in Broward. A proponent for the renovation of Walker Elementary School, Kathleen recalled her own education within the school and the first realization of the inequity found in the Broward County school system. Remembered for her “common sense” approach to issues as well as her optimism, Kathleen served during a turbulent era in Broward County school history. Desegregation, school construction, and major curriculum changes are part of her legacy.

Created By

eandrews@historyfortlauderdale.org

Create Date

November 29, 2023

Updated By

eandrews@historyfortlauderdale.org

Update Date

December 20, 2023