Barbara Lett-Simmons

Former politician[7]

What is Barbara Lett-Simmons known for?

Barbara Lett-Simmons, a distinguished alumna of Battle Creek Central High School, was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on June 4, 1927. She made a significant impact on American politics and education throughout her career.

After graduating from Western Michigan University in 1949, she began her career as an elementary school teacher in Detroit, before moving to Washington D.C in 1962. There, she continued her teaching career in Montgomery County, Maryland up until 1965. Post her teaching career, she worked for the United Planning Organization, a community services and empowerment organization, and led initiatives for a District of Columbia poverty program. She used her public platform to host a local radio talk show and a cable television program, voicing her perspectives on various issues.

Lett-Simmons played a critical role in the District of Columbia's education system. She was elected to the District of Columbia board of education in 1973 and served until 1986. Her tenure was marked by her efforts to broaden opportunities for inner-city children, expand vocational training, and make schools more accountable to residents. She launched a piano competition for public school students and often advocated for racial inclusion within the city's education system.

As a politician, she was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention starting from the 1970s until her death in 2012. She attempted to become District of Columbia's nonvoting delegate in Congress in 1990, but was unsuccessful against Eleanor Holmes Norton. Furthermore, she is known for being a faithless elector in the 2000 United States presidential election where she abstained from voting in the Electoral College.

Barbara Lett-Simmons passed away on December 22, 2012 in Washington D.C, having left a lasting impact on her city and country.