Here's an excerpt from DITHOB's obit on the legendary principal at Bed Stuy's Boys and Girls High School.
The Daily Challenge, NYC's only Black Daily, in today's edition reports
the passing of Frank N. Mickens, long time Principal of Boys and Girls
High School, the Pride of Bed Stuy, author, activist and fighter for
equal opportunity in education. Mr. Mickens reportedly passed away in
his sleep Thursday morning. Mr. Mickens began teaching in 1968,
becoming principal of Boys and Girls HS in 1985. He retired from the
NYC Department of Education in 2004.
the passing of Frank N. Mickens, long time Principal of Boys and Girls
High School, the Pride of Bed Stuy, author, activist and fighter for
equal opportunity in education. Mr. Mickens reportedly passed away in
his sleep Thursday morning. Mr. Mickens began teaching in 1968,
becoming principal of Boys and Girls HS in 1985. He retired from the
NYC Department of Education in 2004.
Mr. Mickens was known as a no-nonsense disciplinarian, as witnessed in
the photo above as he patrolled the halls, here with a walkie talkie,
often with a bullhorn. He showed that by getting kids to respect him,
themselves, and each other, it was possible to turn a problem-plagued
school around. He fought for school improvement and school funds, and
many scholarships and incentives were made available to his students.
Under Mr. Micken's tenure, the school had 85%+ college bround
graduates.
Being a Boys High alumni(class of 73)I used to be the B ball manager for Mr. Mickens. Is is with heartfelt sorrow that I happened to only find out of his passing by looking for Ernie Douse and Rashid Walker. I reminise about his personal tragedy in losing his son Trevor and seeing how he still managed to instill a sense of pride in the students he was responsible for. May God continue to grant you peace in the hereafter.
Jacob Archer
1971 – 1973
I’m trying to get info about ernie douse basketball player ex LIU, I was his team buddy when he played in argentine (Lanus) in 70′ and 8o’s, please I wish contact him Help me. Thanks a lot
mr.mickens was not only a good educator,but also
a excellent coach,[ONE OF THE BEST BASKETBALL COACH THAT LIVE,GOD BLESS YOU COACH MICKENS