Jamila Winder, Montgomery County’s first Black chair, recently visited students at Penn Wynne Elementary School for Black History Month, writes Madeleine Wright for CBS News Philadelphia.
“I’m proud to be the first, but it’s so important that in this moment, that kids that look like me see their selves in me,” she said.
In the cafeteria, Winder read Hidden Figures to students, telling the story of Black scientists who, despite the barriers of segregation, played a key role in shaping the nation’s history from the 1930s to the 1960s.
“My message to the kids is really just like, fast forward to today,” said Winder. “Anything is possible.”
Winder also spoke about her personal journey, explaining her dedication to public service began with lessons from her grandmother, who emphasized giving back, recounting the discrimination her family endured, and highlighting how far they have come despite those challenges.
“She would tell stories about how she would be called the N-word on the walk to the school,” said Winder. “And so to fast forward to this moment to have her granddaughter be sitting, leading the third largest county in Pennsylvania, it’s just really a moment that I’m grateful for.”
Read more about Jamila Winder’s visit to Penn Wynne Elementary in CBS News Philadelphia.
