VIRGINIA RANDOLPH was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, during Reconstruction. She began her education at Baker School, the first public school for Black students in Richmond, then proceeded to Richmond Colored Normal School (now Armstrong HS), a “noted secondary school.” In particular, this school prepared students to be teachers.
Randolph began teaching at 16 years old. During her 59-year career, she: became the nation’s first Jeanes Supervising Industrial Teacher; founded the first Arbor Day program in the state; opened the Virginia Randolph Training School (later known as the Virginia Randolph Education Center), including opening dormitories for future teachers; and served on the Inter-Racial & Health Board for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Throughout her career, 57 of which were spent with Henrico County Public Schools, she sought to prepare young women with the academic and vocational skills necessary to be self-sufficient. She developed the first teacher in-service training for Black teachers, created community-based support groups such as the Willing Workers Club, and implemented school improvement leagues. All of these initiatives were designed to: instill pride in education; foster balance between mind, body, and spirit; and create a connection between students, families, and community. Randolph believed education was the key to making those connections.
Even though she never married, she took in over fifty children whose parents couldn’t care for them. Once again demonstrating how one person can make a difference—for the better—in the life of another.
Today, you can visit the Virginia Randolph Museum in Glen Allen, Virginia, to view artifacts of her life and career.
Follow the links below to learn more about this remarkable woman.