Making a Difference: Dr. Patricia Payne

Each summer, as we learn about community, we have an opportunity to meet some of our community leaders who are making a difference. Last week, we were honored to have Dr. Pat Payne visit with our campers.

"Teaching is my passion, purpose, and destiny -          

Dr. Patricia Payne

CHILDHOOD

A young Patricia (left) with her family.

As a young child, Dr. Payne had a dog, named Skippy. The oldest of four children, the chore she hated the most was cleaning the bathroom, but she loved playing Monopoly and playing with her dolls - dolls that were black - just like her. Fried chicken, strawberry shortcake and apple pie are her favorite foods to eat. She was involved with her church, along with Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Campfire Girls. She also enjoyed going to the library to learn more about black history.  

Dr. Payne graduated from Shortridge High School in 1957. Her least favorite subject was History. She found it hard to relate to because "it was never about anyone who looked like me."

Following in her mother's footsteps, Mrs. Payne knew at a young age that she wanted to become a teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University (1962), Bloomington, and a Master's in Education at IUPUI (1975). She also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Martin University.

CAREER IN EDUCATION
Mrs. Payne taught 2nd grade in IPS for 25 years. As a teacher of mostly African American students, she grew frustrated with the lack of diversity in the curriculum. She and a few other teachers began a movement. They wanted educational resources that reflected people of color, and shared their concerns with the school leadership. They were successful and IPS began to make changes.

Our campers were excited to meet Dr. Payne (center)!

As the school district began taking steps to address the ethnic diversity of its student population, the Superintendent of IPS called Patricia out of the classroom in 1987 to design and direct the office of Multicultural Education. This special assignment moved her passion for teaching to another level. Mrs. Payne’s main responsibility was to hold Professional Development workshops to “help teachers raise their expectation of Black children and teach them as if they know they can learn, and learn well.”

Some of the programs include the Infusion Conference of Cultural and History into the Curriculum; the Multicultural Festival; an annual televised tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King; and “Spirit of Freedom” at Crown Hill, an interactive history program that celebrates African Americans in the Civil War for 5th grade students. These programs have been going on for about the last 30 years.

After 52 years of service Patricia retired from IPS in 2014. She was rehired and now serves as an administrator on Special Assignment, Racial Equity.

LIFE LONG LEARNING
Mrs. Payne has traveled the world learning all she can about different cultures, especially African cultures. She has traveled and studied in Nigeria, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, and Brazil. 

SAVE THE DATE - 9/20/16: "Making a Difference: Celebrating Our Community" Awards Dinner







 

Week 4: Honor

In the spirit of Independence Day, this week's theme describes a character trait that focuses around honesty, integrity and respect:

Our campers celebrated "Spirit Week" with an exciting field trip to the Crispus Attucks Museum and High School!  Crispus Attucks was considered the first killed in the American Revolution. He is remembered as a martyr for American oppression and “the first to defy, the first to die.”

When Crispus Attucks High School opened in 1927, it was the only public high school designated for Indianapolis' black student population until integration began in 1967. For decades, the photos of all their graduates are immortalized in the school hallways. Many of our campers and teachers founds parents, grandparents, and other family members that attended the high school. One of our teachers, Mrs. G, our Powerful Antelopes (K - 1st) Instructor tells us how she first found the pictures of her family on the wall.

"The first time I saw the pictures, I was in 6th grade. My mom, dad, aunts, and uncles all went there. My preacher went there too, but he wasn't a traditional student. He worked on a railroad, stayed at a boarding house and went to school 3 days a week."

We also learned that the original faculty consisted of highly educated teachers - all had at least a Masters Degree and some held PhD's.  While they were able to attend colleges and universities, they were not yet able to teach at the collegiate level.  

Due to segregation, these quality teachers were restricted to teaching on the high school level. On the bright side, students left Crispus Attucks High School with valuable college-level education. 

Today, the Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School includes a college prep program for students pursuing careers in the science or medical fields.

Posing in front of the main entrance.  The school was also known for its Gothic/Tudor architecture.  

Mrs. Ellen, our Brainy Badgers (2nd - 3rd) Instructor, created a scavenger hunt for her class. Every time they saw the word "Attucks", they would tally up the numbers and use them in a math game. She was thrilled that the kids enjoyed the experience and connected with the history of our community. 

Jordan R., points to the retired basketball jersey of his uncle, Willie Gardner #13.  

Go Tigers!

Posted by Raechel Amey