Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to recognize a long-time educator for her commitment and dedication to educating black students during a time in history when segregation existed. An early childhood center, currently under construction, will have the distinction of being known as the Adah Fulbright Early Childhood Center.
The daughter of a former slave, Adah Fulbright was born Dec. 1 1873. As a descendant of a pioneer Springfield family, Adah Fulbright’s legacy includes teaching elementary grades at both Lincoln schools as she educated generations of Springfield’s black children during her more than four decades of teaching for Springfield Public Schools.
Remembered for being dedicated to her students’ education, Fulbright founded the Literary Calm Chat Club in 1928 to promote fellowship among young female teachers interested in discussing the works of black authors. This club also provided books for black students who were not allowed to use the city public library.
Fulbright graduated from the fourth class of Lincoln High School in Springfield in 1891 and attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City. Fulbright retired from Springfield Public Schools at the end of the 1947-1948 school year at the age of 75. Adah Fulbright died Aug. 26, 1959 at the age of 85.
Part of the Proposition S 2019 bond projects, the Adah Fulbright Early Childhood Center will serve up to 250 preschool students when completed. The school will begin serving students Aug. 2020.
For more information on progress as promised related to the Proposition S bond projects, visit www.sps.org/progress.
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