What makes someone a pioneer? Do they have to be the first in their field to do something — like being the first black man in space, the first black man to play in the Major Leagues, or even the first black president? Are they trendsetters who are capable of revolutionizing an industry similar to what Micheal Jackson did for music and Micheal Jordan did for basketball? I want to share a story of a pioneer whose name is not in the index of U.S. history books but what she was a part of definitely is. Her name is Dorothy Jean (Fitzgerald) Brown.
As a young school girl in Topeka, Kansas, Fitzgerald, along with her cousin, Jean Williams, would make a daily trip across town to the all-black school because the school down the street from her home was all white. Years later, they shared their experience with their uncle, Attorney Charles Bledsoe, and these girls became the catalyst for what would become the legendary Brown vs. Board of Education lawsuit. Although these two women were college graduates by the time of the 1954 Supreme Court decision that struck down the concept of separate-but-equal segregated public schools, they were truly pioneers in their own right. As a senior at Topeka High School, Fitzgerald was the first black to be a member of the Glee Club and was also the first black soloist at the 1945 THS commencement.
Fitzgerald eventually moved to Vallejo, CA, were she taught elementary school. As a teacher, Fitzgerald had the opportunity to educate children of all colors under one roof, something that was not even thought of when she was a young girl. She even taught my mother and many of my mom’s siblings. Ironically, none of them knew of Fitzgerald’s journey and the influence she had already had on their lives. It was not until Mrs. Dorothy Jean Fitzgerald Brown passed away April 27th, 2010, that my family and many others in the Vallejo community became aware of this woman’s significance in U.S. history and education. You always hear people who have accomplished great things acknowledge those before them who helped “paved the way,” and historically for blacks, this meant enduring discrimination, bigotry, and unimaginable levels of racism just so there could be equality and fairness across the board. Mrs. Dorothy Jean Fitzgerald Brown definitely paved the way for all children, and her legacy in education and life shall not be forgotten.
Photo source: printed pamphlet
