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Beloved and devoted Brother, Uncle, Friend, Community Activist and Mentor passed away on May 28,2020. He attended and received degrees from Howard University, Tufts University, Boston University and Harvard University.
George joined the Boston Public Schools as an elementary teacher. In his typical fashion, he was the consummate professional who immersed himself in his job. He came to school every day extremely prepared with passion and enthusiasm that excited his students to want to learn. His good nature and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty earned him the respect and admiration of all of his colleagues.
When African American parents sued the Boston Public Schools in federal court and won a verdict to integrate all schools in order to give every student equal opportunity to a good education. The BPS created a new Department of Implementation that was responsible for compliance with the court order and George was promoted to formulate the policy and procedures of this department. George worked in this department for several years helping to guide the 15,000 senior administrators, principals and teachers in the BPS.
George left the BPS to assume a senior position with the Boston Housing Authority which was experiencing at the time similar issues of discrimination. Once again George impressed housing officials and tenants with his highly honed skills, intellect, problem-solving capacity and compassion. He stayed at the BHA for several years followed by a brief career in the hi tech industry at the Miter Corporation. However, George was asked to return to the BPS in 1986 to assume another senior position in the Office of Human Capital. He subsequently served as Director of the Center for Leadership Development as well as in several other capacities in the Office of Human Capital. George was a driving force behind efforts promoting employment of black teachers and providing greater opportunities for excellence in education for students of color. After a career of distinction, George retired in 2014. Being an extremely humble man, he refused to permit a retirement party in his honor. However, even in retirement George has stayed active with BPS. He volunteered at the Nathan Hale School five days a week/ five hours a day helping 4th and 5th grade students.
Throughout George's professional career he received several awards and commendations for his outstanding service to the many people and institutions of Boston he served including: Black Educators’ Alliance of Massachusetts, NAACP, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, Boston Network for Black Student Achievement, Roxbury Multi-Service Center, Boston Day and Evening Academy, Boston Schools Parent Council and numerous other organizations. George is remembered by his peers as a man of unwavering conviction, integrity, courage, compassion, strength, love, intellect, and of strong morals. He was dynamic, humble, gentle, honest, caring, dependable, a high achiever, prolific writer, quiet but forceful so that when he spoke, everyone listened. He was an incredible man who touched so many lives in so many ways. We are all better people because of him. We are all blessed that God gave us this time with our beloved George that we shall forever cherish.
He leaves behind to mourn his passing his siblings David Cox of Charlottesville, VA, Sybil “Tina” Walker of Boston MA, Leslie Cox of Halthorpe, MD and Steven Cox of Fall River, MA Nephews, Craig Walker of Boston, MA, Brian Walker of Hyde Park, MA, Joey Cox of Halthrope, MD, Alberto Cox of Halthorpe, MD and his Niece Irma Cox of Boston, MA. As well as a host of other family, friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers and for those interested in supporting the work to which George dedicated so much of his time and effort, Memorial Donations can be made to the following charitable organizations :
Black Educators Alliance of Massachusetts -beaminfo.org
Massachusetts Foundation for Teaching and Learning /Journey into Education and Teaching - jetintoteaching.org
Tufts Leadership & Diversity Internship - Go.tufts.edu/brucegriffey
Nathan Hale School - [email protected]
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