News Summary
The Detroit Public Schools Community District is considering a proposal to rename a school the ‘Blackwell Institute’ in honor of the late educator Catherine C. Blackwell. This proposal, prompted by her niece during a board meeting, aligns with the school’s impending closure due to low enrollment. Community support is growing for this initiative as Blackwell’s legacy in education and civil rights continues to resonate. The board will engage community stakeholders to gauge sentiment on the proposed name change.
Detroit School Board Considers Renaming School to Honor Late Educator
The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) board is weighing a proposal to honor the late educator and historian Catherine C. Blackwell by renaming a school as the Blackwell Institute prepares for closure. The discussion came after a request from Blackwell’s niece, Alberta Carter, during a recent board meeting.
The Blackwell Institute, which currently has an enrollment of just 93 students, is scheduled to close following the 2025-26 school year as part of DPSCD’s strategy to phase out low-enrollment schools. District spokesperson Chrystal Wilson indicated that the exact timeline for the closure remains uncertain. Before the official closure, the school will stop accepting new students beyond the second grade, starting in the upcoming school year. By 2029-2030, this restriction will apply to students up to the seventh grade, and the last cohort of students will be transferred to nearby schools by the end of the 2030-31 school year.
Proposal for the Name Change
For a name change to occur, the request must come from a school board member, the district superintendent, the school’s student body, or community stakeholders. Should the board approve Carter’s request to rename the school in honor of Blackwell, the district would conduct community meetings and surveys to gather public sentiment regarding a new name. Early indications show support for this initiative from board president Corletta Vaughn and board member Angelique Peterson-Mayberry.
Legacy of Catherine C. Blackwell
Catherine C. Blackwell was a pioneering figure in both African and African-American studies, starting her teaching career with Detroit Public Schools in 1955. Over her lifetime, she was internationally recognized for her substantive contributions to the field of African history and culture, having traveled to Africa 61 times. In addition to her role in education, Blackwell was deeply involved in the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, where she served for eight terms after being appointed by Governor William Milliken. Her passion for education and cultural exchange led her to establish a travel company that specialized in organizing trips to Africa.
The DPSCD opened the Catherine C. Blackwell Institute of International Studies, Commerce and Technology in 1992 to honor her legacy. In recognition of her contributions, Blackwell was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993 and donated a significant collection of African art to local museums. She passed away from heart failure on February 1, 2014, at the age of 94.
Community Support for the Proposal
Support for honoring Catherine C. Blackwell continues to grow within the community. Julia Flagg, a volunteer focused on historical properties, has backed Carter’s proposal, emphasizing the far-reaching impact Blackwell had on education and community heritage. The potential renaming of the school could serve as a lasting tribute to an individual whose legacy in education and civil rights continues to inspire many.
The DPSCD board’s consideration of this proposal is indicative of the ongoing efforts to honor leading figures in education while addressing the district’s operational changes. As discussions evolve, the community’s input will play a crucial role in shaping the future name of the school.
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Additional Resources
- Eastern Echo: Remembering John W. Porter’s Legacy of Leadership
- Wikipedia: Catherine C. Blackwell
- Crain’s Detroit: Detroit Legacy Business Project Awards
- Google Search: Catherine C. Blackwell
- CBS News: Silver Springs Elementary Wins Legacy Award
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educators
- ClickOnDetroit: Detroit King High School Empowers Students
- Google News: Detroit Schools
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
