GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- The teaching academy within historic Innovation Central High School is now named the Hattie Beverly Academy of Teaching, Learning, & Social Justice.
Beverly became the first African American teacher at Grand Rapids Public Schools in 1899. She taught at Congress Elementary. Beverly was a GRPS alumnus, graduating in 1895 from what is now Innovation Central High School.
“Today, the past meets the present, as we honor the education, life, and legacy of Hattie Jeannette Beverly, one of Central High School's most distinguished alumni, one of the City of Grand Rapids' most distinguished citizens, and our city's first African American teacher,” Innovation Central High School Principal Derrick Martin said at the naming ceremony.
The Beverly Family moved to Grand Rapids in the 1870s. John Beverly, Hattie's father, was one of the first black business owners in Grand Rapids, operating a butcher shop. While in high school she majored in Preparatory English. She would then enroll in the teacher cadet training program, finishing her training in 1899.
“At that time, the city school board had a choice to make - whether or not to hire the city's first African American teacher,” Martin explained. “Some citizens expressed concerns over an African American teacher teaching mostly white children. Thankfully, her persistence and determination and reasonable voices prevailed, and in 1899, Hattie Beverly was hired.”
"She was a pioneer, breaking barriers at a time when opportunities for Black educators were scarce," Board of Education Vice President Aarie Wade said. "Her courage and resilience paved the way for future generations."
State Representative Kristian Grant, a former Board of Education member, also spoke during the event.
“GRPS has a long history of legacy builders,” Rep. Grant told scholars in the Hattie Beverly Academy of Teaching, Learning, and Social Justice. “As I look at you right now, I see the next generation of history makers in front of me.”
“I want to speak directly to our students,” Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby told attendees. “Many of you are planning on following in Hattie Beverly's footsteps, using your career to educate and inspire others. Keep going. Your future students need you."
"All of us unite under the umbrella that schools are the center of effective and lasting social change, to better our society through an educated and compassionate populous, and to bring about a better country and better world," Innovation Central Senior Barrett Vernon said.
"In our classes they learn about themselves, they are discovering what they are capable of," explained Lisa Orban, the lead teacher of the Hattie Beverly Academy of Teaching, Learning, and Social Justice. "They relish in the sharing of their ideas and understanding their strengths."
Dr. Roby also read a letter from the family of Beverly.
Good morning, on behalf of Hattie Beverly’s extended family, we regret that we are not present for today’s celebration.
Hattie Beverly had one child, whom she named Ethel after her sister, because Hattie loved that name. Early during her teaching career Hattie developed tuberculous and could not continue to raise Ethel beyond 5 years old. Hattie asked her neighbor and friend, Anna Leftage, to raise her only child. Anna moved with Ethel to New York, where she formally adopted her.
Ethel, after high school, married Hugh Morse and had one child, Oliver. Oliver, like his grandmother whom he never met, loved learning and sharing. He pursued a legal education earning four legal degrees, including a Doctoral of Juridical Science, the highest degree in law.
Following in his grandmother's footsteps, he went into teaching, becoming a professor for Howard University School of Law. He inspired students to learn the law and achieve success. Oliver would be very proud of his grandmother and the academy named after her.
Your commitment to celebrating the history of trailblazers like Hattie ensures that future generations understand the importance of resilience and representation. We are grateful to see her memory live on in the hearts of students, educators, and the entire Grand Rapids community.
Mildred Morse, JD
Wife of Oliver Morse
