GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- In the summer of 1969, Nina Lewis-Sleet became the first black woman named to the Grand Rapids Board of Education. She was also one of just two women on the board at the time.
Lewis-Sleet replaced Paul I. Phillips who resigned to devote more time to his work as Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Urban League. While some may have thought Lewis-Sleet would quietly take her seat and serve out Phillips' term, they were in for a surprise.
She was a long-time child advocate, a former secretary at Henry School, and a PTA leader at both East Leonard and Northeast Junior High. As a Board member, she focused on children and the needs of underserved communities, and she lobbied for broader community input when reviewing board programs.
She was often the sole dissenting vote on an issue, a level of frustration that reached its peak in early 1970 when she walked out of a board meeting, telling colleagues they were ignoring children in need. She closed with the comment: "You have my address and phone number. Gentlemen, please call me."
Lewis-Sleet was called, and she did return, but she had already chosen not to run for re-election. Instead, she moved on to Grand Rapids Junior College (now Grand Rapids Community College) where she began a 30-year career as a counselor and mentor. She also became heavily involved in the GRCC Giants program, working behind the scenes to ensure its continued success.
She was honored with a Giant Among Giants Award in 2002. Lewis-Sleet and Sterling, her husband of 51 years, raised two children and gave hope to many more through weekend fostering. Her legacy is best described by her daughter, Kimberly Sleet-Deans, who said, "She taught me what it means to share."
Article by GF Korreck
Sources: "Mrs. Nina Sleet Will Succeed Phllips on GR School Board," The Grand Rapids Press, September 16, 1969, Page 1; "Nina Lewis-Sleet, first black woman appointed to Grand Rapids school board, dies at age 76," Kaitlin Shawgo, mlive, April 25, 2010; "City Schools to Sue State for $184,000," Paul Chaffee, March 3, 1970, Page 1
Image: Grand Rapids Press File photo
