The Daily Challenge, NYC's only Black Daily, in today's edition reports the passing of Frank N. Mickens, long time Principal of Boys and Girls High School, the Pride of Bed Stuy, author, activist and fighter for equal opportunity in education. Mr. Mickens reportedly passed away in his sleep Thursday morning. Mr. Mickens began teaching in 1968, becoming principal of Boys and Girls HS in 1985. He retired from the NYC Department of Education in 2004.
Mr. Mickens was known as a no-nonsense disciplinarian, as witnessed in the photo above as he patrolled the halls, here with a walkie talkie, often with a bullhorn. He showed that by getting kids to respect him, themselves, and each other, it was possible to turn a problem-plagued school around. He fought for school improvement and school funds, and many scholarships and incentives were made available to his students. Under Mr. Micken's tenure, the school had 85%+ college bound graduates.
Brooklyn Beat had the privilege of walking the halls with Mr. Mickens during a couple of visits to Boys and Girls, and it was clear, that as much as he accomplished school improvement by being a strong administrator, he loved his students and they loved him. Nothing escaped Frank's attention, in the halls, in the classrooms, or outside of the building.
At times controversial as he tangled for funds for his school and community with the NYC Board of Ed, I found him a funny, sometimes jovial and blusterous, but at the same time thoughtful, charismatic, and dedicated professional. Frank was one of a kind.
Mr. Mickens wrote "It Doesn't Have To Be This Way: How To Create A Positive
Environment In Our Schools." In it he discusses "No matter who you are, you want the same things for your kid. Whether you're in Buffalo or Brooklyn, you want a good academic and a safe environment for your kid."
More details here: http://www.bickley.com/mickens.html