Dr. Tiffany Anderson
Dear Members of the Brown Family:
The Topeka Public School District extends our deepest condolences to your family. Your family has been a tower of strength whose early vision allowed young Linda Brown to wake up the heart of the nation and expose the injustice of segregation. A courageous spirit reflected in a 9 year old student reminds us all that transformation is possible and it is only when we look at life through the innocent eyes of a child can we truly see love that sees no barriers. The legacy of Linda Brown will forever live on in the hearts, minds and spirit of our students who will continue to learn about her work and the work your family continues to do to uplift the marginalized.
As the first black, female superintendent in Topeka finishing my second year, I was inspired by Mrs. Brown and the entire family. Mrs. Brown was the first person I met Sunday April 10th at St. Marks AME Church. As I listened to her play the piano at church, I was struck by her quiet, graceful disposition that could be immediately viewed. A humble spirit that quietly carried out the task she needed to do to serve the church and others she blessed as we listened to the music that filled the church. It allowed for me to see Christ reflected in her from the very first time I met her in 2016. Linda Brown continues to be a blessing to us all! Thank you for sharing Mrs. Brown with us, we are blessed and forever transformed by a woman who changed the nation. As a result of Linda Brown and your entire family, we now have diversity reflected in every aspect of the district with our student population and staff. If granted permission from the family, we would like to place a brick with her name on it at the walkway of the School Board building.
We celebrate the many accomplishments and memories of a peaceful, courageous warrior, Mrs. Linda Brown. Personally, I extend prayers to you as Mrs. Linda Brown transitions to everlasting life, may you be comforted as she begins her peaceful rest with God with the welcoming words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Respectfully Submitted by Topeka Public Schools, Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson
Thursday April 5, 2018 at 8:12 am