This Black History Month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of African Americans who have shaped the world of childcare and child welfare. Many of these individuals fought hard to achieve success in their own lives, and they chose to give back to future generations, ensuring that children and families would have opportunities to thrive. These trailblazers dedicated their lives to ensuring the safety, education, and well-being of children, paving the way for systems and practices that continue to protect and support families today.
Father George Clements
Father George Clements founded One Church One Child in Illinois in 1980 to address gaps in recruitment of adoptive and foster families in the African American community. The program is based on the idea that it is achievable to find one family in every participating church to adopt one child. OCOC programs have operated in at least 32 states.
Curtis King
In 1977, Curtis King founded the Junior Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas to directly involve young and aspiring artists and scholars. The institution was later rebranded as The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. This EMMY award-winning program is now a permanent downtown Dallas landmark in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and remains committed to providing the best possible education, via the arts, to every student who walks through its doors.
Mary Church Terrell
As one of the first African American women to earn a college degree, Mary Church Terrell was a staunch advocate for equal rights and education. She worked tirelessly to address issues of poverty and inequality, educating students and supporting programs that provided support to African American children. Her leadership within the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) helped improve childcare and education for countless families. Terrell was the first African American woman to serve on the Washington, D.C. Board of Education where she worked to improve the standards for students and teachers.
Frederick Douglass
While primarily known for his work as an abolitionist, Frederick Douglass was also an advocate for children’s rights. Douglass believed in the transformative power of education and often spoke about the importance of providing opportunities for all children, regardless of race or background. His writings and speeches remain a source of inspiration for those working in child welfare today. He famously said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
Fannie Barrier Williams
Fannie Barrier Williams dedicated her life to improving opportunities for African American women and children and built bridges across racial lines. She helped start a home for girls in Chicago, a center where people could live together, no matter the color of their skin. She and her husband helped to create a hospital where everyone was welcome. Fannie Barrier Williams worked to change the laws so that everyone could belong – and would belong – no matter what.
Fannie C. Williams
Fannie C. Williams was a Black educator who spent the bulk of her career in New Orleans public schools, teaching students as well as training teachers. She worked for the holistic development of children which included mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. Ms. Williams put in place many services that are common in today’s schools, including a health program that culminated with Child Health Day. President Herbert Hoover sought Williams' input on the Conference on Child Health and Protection, and she attended President Harry S. Truman’s Midcentury White House Conference on Children and Youth.
Mother Hale
Clara Hale, affectionately known as "Mother Hale," founded the Hale House Center in Harlem. This organization became a safe haven for children in need, including those born to mothers struggling with addiction. Her unwavering commitment to providing love and care to vulnerable children made her a hero in the field of child welfare, inspiring generations of caregivers and advocates.
The Legacy Continues
The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” reflects on the pivotal role Black Americans have played in shaping our nation. Their contributions to childcare, education, and advocacy are part of a broader legacy of labor that has profoundly impacted society.
The efforts of these trailblazers remind us of the importance of advocacy, education, and compassion in the lives of children. Their legacies continue to inspire, showing us that one person’s dedication can change countless lives.
As we honor these pioneers this Black History Month, let us reflect on their contributions and recommit to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
