Dear Team DPS,
February is Black History Month. This year’s theme, A Century of Black History Commemorations, marks 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926. What began as an effort to ensure Black history was recognized and taught has grown into a century-long commitment to honoring the contributions, culture and impact of Black Americans.
One hundred years later, we are still celebrating those contributions and carrying that legacy forward. At DPS, we believe our work plays a role in cultivating the next generation of change agents. Our students are building on the foundation laid by so many Black leaders who came before them.
That legacy is woven throughout our district’s history. We see it in Jessie Whatley Maxwell, the first Black school principal in Colorado at Columbine Elementary. We see it in Omar D. Blair, the first African American to serve as President of the DPS Board of Education. We see it in Florida Pitt Waller, the first Black principal at Washington Park Elementary, a formerly all white school during desegregation. Her impact continues today through Florida Pitt Waller ECE 8, a school that proudly carries her name and legacy.
Our students, staff and community remind us that Black History Month is a time to pause, reflect and celebrate our shared accomplishments. At the same time, our values call us to something deeper. We do not reserve recognition, belonging or affirmation for a single month. Instead, we are committed to creating learning environments and experiences that honor our students, staff and families every day throughout the year.
Black history is DPS history. I invite you to join us in continuing this work as we honor the past, affirm the present and shape a future grounded in opportunity, dignity and belonging for all.
In collaboration,
Dr. Alex Marrero
Superintendent
