When Marceline “Marci” Catlett speaks at the University of Mary Washington next week, she plans to mention some of the people who made an impact on her. Namely, civil rights icon and late Mary Washington professor James Farmer.
“Learning about Black history from Dr. Farmer and others helped mold me and provided me with knowledge, self-worth and confidence,” said Catlett, who became the first Black superintendent of Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) in 2019.
Next Wednesday at 7 p.m., she will deliver UMW’s Black History Month keynote address, presented by the James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC) and the College of Education, in the University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. Participants may also register to attend virtually.
“We are honored and delighted to have Dr. Catlett speak to UMW students,” JFMC Director Marion Sanford said of the talk, part of a monthlong celebration featuring art exhibits, musical presentations and more. “She is an outstanding trailblazer, role model and leader in education and service in our community, and I know her presentation will be enlightening and inspiring for all.” Read more.