Cheryl Brown Henderson

Daughter of Lead Plaintiff, Brown v Board of Education, Civil Rights & Education Advocate

Cheryl Brown Henderson

Daughter of Lead Plaintiff, Brown v Board of Education, Civil Rights & Education Advocate

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Biography

One of the three daughters of the late Rev. Oliver L. Brown who in the fall of 1950 along with 12 other parents in Topeka, Kansas, led by attorneys for the NAACP, filed suit on behalf of their children against the local Board of Education. Their case joined with cases from Delaware, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and on May 17, 1954, became known as the landmark decision; Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. This case was legally named for Oliver Brown, i.e., Oliver L. Brown et. al. vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, KS. et. al. Brown died in 1961 before knowing the impact this case would have on the nation.

Cheryl is the Founding President of The Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research, and owner of Brown & Associates, educational consulting firm. She has extensive background in education, business and civic leadership, having served on and chaired various local, state and national Boards. In addition, she has two decades of experience in political advocacy, public policy implementation and federal legislative development.

Her education includes a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Minor in Mathematics from Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas, a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Washburn University and an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of South Florida. She is the recipient of various awards and recognition for work in education and community service; presentations at numerous conferences, conventions and universities; and for her work with Congress and the National Park Service to preserve sites associated with the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling of 1954.

In 1988 she founded the Brown Foundation. Since its establishment, the Foundation has provided scholarships to more than 100 minority students, presented awards to local, state and national leaders, established libraries for children in low income communities, developed curriculum on Brown for educators across the country, created traveling exhibits on and a web site on Brown, and sponsored programs on diversity and educational issues, for thousands of people. In 1990, under her leadership the Foundation successfully worked with the U.S. Congress to establish the Brown v. Board of Education National Park in Topeka, which opened in May of 2004. In 2001 under her leadership the Foundation successfully worked with the U.S. Congress to establish the Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary Presidential Commission, which served to provide a Federal presence in the 2004 anniversary of the Brown decision.

She has been a invited to the White House on seven occasions - In January 1994, May 1995, May 2003, June 2004, February 2005, June 2005, and May 2014, she was one of a group of individuals invited to receptions and dinner at the White House, (listed chronologically) in honor of Dr. King and the Children of Civil Rights Movement, the 75th Anniversary, U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau, 49th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act., African American History Month, African American Gospel Music Month and the 60th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education.

Speech Topics

Brown v. The Board of Education: The Legacy Continues

Testimonials

"Cheryl Brown Henderson was just the kind of speaker we were looking for as a keynote speaker for our kickoff to Black History month at our church."

- Wayne Presbyterian Church

"The program was scholarly and illuminating beyond words. Please convey our deepest thanks to Cheryl. She delivered a powerful and personal story that left us all feeling much more informed on this significant topic."

- Sandra Day O'Connor Institute For American Democracy

“We are still reeling from the Kick off day and Mrs. Brown Henderson's speech. I have heard many people talk about how impactful she was and the network heads seem pleased as well. All I have is praise thus far. Thanks again for EVERYTHING.”

- Compass

"What an amazing day yesterday! CBH is the bomb! The students, faculty and community members all loved her and I have heard all day how they wish she could have talked for two more hours…she really is an amazing lady. Thanks for taking this rookie through the paces and for all of your help and assistance in making this dream of mine come true."

- University of Wisconsin - Platteville

"Ms. Henderson was a dynamic and engaging speaker with a powerful message. She is a lovely person who took the time to take pictures with attendees and continued to interact with people at the reception afterwards. We have had nothing but positive feedback and I couldn't be happier. Thank you so much for connecting us with such a talent!"

- Community Relations Manager, City of Champaign

"The presentation for Brown vs. Board was not only informative, but very well executed. I have studied this historical case in the past, but Mrs. Henderson put a very personal twist on the matter, which really brought the case to life."

- Rivier College

"Dr. Brown Henderson's address was very well received. All of the logistics worked very well and everything took place seamlessly. I especially appreciated Dr. Brown Henderson's willingness to participate in the informal post-address meeting. I felt APB handled all the details extremely well."

- Missouri Charter Public School Association