By Rosemond Sarpong Owens
As part of Women’s History Month, it is important to recognize not only Black women in U.S. history, but those who have made history here in Minnesota such as Nellie Griswold Frances, Nellie Stone Johnson, and Dr. Artika Tyner. As important as it is for adults to know, it is imperative for our children. Education will always be a priority in the Black community, and Rosemond Sarpong Owens makes it so in her children’s book The Extraordinary Educator: Dr. Delores Henderson.
Delores Williams Henderson was born in Carrollton, Ohio. At an early age, her parents knew she was “destined for greatness.” She loved the clarinet and excelled as a student. She graduated from Sandy Valley High School at 15 and received a B.S. degree in education from Wilberforce University in three years. She is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
She hit the ground running as an educator, first in Ohio, and then in St. Paul, where she and high school sweetheart Roy Henderson were married and put down roots. Her commitment to letting children know that each child was special and speaking positivity went a long way in improving the quality of life and education for children in Minnesota.
The loving, supportive family Henderson grew up in was passed on to her own family in husband Roy and daughter Mercedes. Mercedes, in turn, became successful in her own right, paying it forward.
Never let it be said that one person can’t make a difference in the lives of many, for Dr. Henderson’s work is exemplary. Be it teacher, instructor, principal, administrator, or school superintendent, her advocacy and care for the best for children is a beacon that has shone brightly over the years.
Even in retirement and receiving well deserved accolades, Dr. Henderson’s gift keeps on giving. She has founded a non-profit organization, D.E.L.O.R.E.S. WORKS, Inc. to support education and empower underrepresented students, as well as mentoring students.
It is important to give people their flowers while they are here, and Sarpong Owens does it beautifully. What better way to touch the children this extraordinary woman loved than in a children’s book? Thank you, Rosemond Sarpong Owens, for sharing Dr. Henderson’s story.
