Tell Them We are Rising

Ruth Wright Hayre, a pioneering African-American educator, took a "leap of faith" and personally guaranteed students from Philadelphia's grittiest neighbourhoods a chance to go to college. This is the story of the family and traditions that inspired that gift and the journey that took 116 boys and girls through six years of public school life on the wings of one woman's passion for learning. Here, in Hayre's own words, is a personal account of her determination to make a real difference in their lives. Born into a family that had prized learning since the days of slavery, Hayre never doubted that value of education. As a teacher, Principal, administrator, college professor, and finally as a member and president of the Philadelphia Board of Education, she was always a fearless warrior for social progress. Just before she turned 80, Hayre took on her greatest challenge: the "Tell Them We Are Rising Program". Hayre's deal with her risers was simple: graduate from high school and she'd pay their college tuition. This book chronicles Hayre's experiences.