The Silk Stocking Sisters

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. Today, we welcome Rosa E. Blackwell, a retired educator and former Superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools, who dedicated 36 years to transforming education and uplifting communities. Ms. Blackwell shares her personal journey growing up in Cincinnati, shaped by a foundation of faith, family, and work ethic. Influenced by teachers who held high expectations and showed respect for all students, she made it her mission to ensure every child, regardless of background, had access to quality education.

Ms. Blackwell highlights the critical role adults play in shaping the lives of young people, emphasizing that excuses should never be the reason children fall victim to low expectations. Her commitment to excellence and community empowerment is evident as she speaks passionately about the need to hold all students to high standards.

Our host, Dr. Canada and Ms. Blackwell reflect on their contrasting academic experiences: Dr. Canada’s shaped by desegregation and Ms. Blackwell’s by segregation. This comparison opens a deeper conversation about the level of support students receive in different educational environments and the effects of systemic inequities. Ms. Blackwell discusses the integration of Cincinnati’s school system. She shares her insights on the ongoing challenges of training teachers and administrators to effectively educate students across diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.