The Silk Stocking Sisters

In this episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast, we are honored to welcome special guest Dr. Deidre B. Flowers, an education historian whose work centers on Black women’s education activism and their impact on American schooling. Dr. Flowers brings both research-based insight and personal experience to the conversation as we explore one of her publications, The School for Modern Times: Mildred Louise Johnson and the Founding of the Modern School of Harlem. Together, we uncover the story behind the Modern School of Harlem and the visionary leadership of Mildred Louise Johnson, whose commitment to academic excellence, Black identity, and community empowerment shaped generations of students.

Dr. Flowers reflects on her own journey, growing up as a student at the Modern School of Harlem and continuing her education at historically Black institutions. She shares the story of her mother’s migration from the South in search of greater opportunity and her intentional decision to provide her daughter with access to an education that could offer the opportunities she herself was denied. Throughout this episode, she highlights the vital role of family support in shaping educational success.

We discuss the historical significance and systemic barriers Black educators faced in the 20th century that led to the founding of independent institutions like the Modern School of Harlem in 1934. Dr. Flowers offers perspective on public versus private education, emphasizing how smaller class sizes and individualized attention can better support student growth.