Around the Schools
Seattle HistoryMakers encourage Garfield students to commit to education, excellence
Two African American leaders spoke Sept. 23 to an assembly of Garfield High School students – recounting the roles they played in Seattle’s history and encouraging the students to commit to education and excellence in their lives.
Educational leader Carver Gayton, Emeritus Founding Executive Director of the Northwest African American Museum, and political activist Aaron Dixon spoke to the students as part of the “Back to School with the HistoryMakers (PowerPoint slide)” project.
Gayton and Dixon joined speakers at hundreds of schools across the United Sates on Sept. 23 as part of the HistoryMakers’ program to have African American leaders tell their stories and motivate the students. One of the goals of the program is to raise awareness of accomplished African Americans in their local community.
Carver Gayton
Gayton attended Seattle Public Schools at Madrona Grade School, Meany Junior High School and Garfield High School. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1960 on a football scholarship and was instrumental in helping the university win two Rose Bowls.
During his career, Gayton became known for several “first” accomplishments in Washington state. He was the first black F.B.I. agent from the state; he was the first full-time black coach for the University of Washington; and as UW’s Director of Affirmative Action programs, he established the first affirmative action program by an institution of higher learning in the state.
Gayton credited a teacher at Meany Junior High for motivating him and pushing him to achieve academically and athletically. He passed on similar advice to the students: “Whether your interest is in music, poetry, politics … commit yourself to it and maintain that commitment,” he said.
Carver Gayton's Biography
Aaron Dixon
Dixon was born in Chicago and moved to Seattle in 1958 with his family. In 1963, he became one of the first African Americans to integrate the Seattle school system by attending Queen Anne High School. He later attended Garfield High and graduated in 1967.
Dixon described his school years as “unfocused” but turned that around after a high school counselor looked at his grades and announced that he was not college material. “That made me angry and I said to myself, ‘I’m going to show her,’” he said. Dixon renewed his commitment to schoolwork and graduated on time with his classmates.
Dixon attended the University of Washington in 1967, where he became actively involved in politics. He was involved with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee and was a founding member of the Seattle Area Black Student Union. In 1968, he helped to establish the Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party. The Green Party nominated Dixon for U.S. Senate in 2006.
Although the Black Panther Party was known for its militant movement and protests, Dixon said the organization also developed programs that helped the community, including free breakfast for schoolchildren, free medical clinics and free legal aid. Many similar programs are still in existence today.
In 2002, Dixon also founded the non-profit organization, Central House, to provide transitional housing for homeless young adults. Central House currently contains a youth leadership project that teaches youth to think positively, graduate high school and to control their destinies. Following his campaign for U.S. Senate, Dixon organized the Center for Social Justice based out of the Seattle Central District.
“The future of the world is in the hands of young people. It’s in your hands,” Dixon told the students.
Aaron Dixon's biography
Story and photos
Robert Teodosio/Seattle Public Schools