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Leon Henderson: St. Louis Educator, Administrator Who Was 30-Year Archetype of Excellence at Urban Private High School  (August 4, 1947-January 3, 2016)

1/4/2016

21 Comments

 
PictureLeon Henderson, President of Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory (CRCP), and I shown on February 28, 2014. I was the keynote speaker at CRCP’s third annual “Celebrating Success in Urban Education” Gala at Kemoll’s Restaurant in St. Louis. Mr. Henderson, as he was affectionately called, was my leadership teacher (Class of 85: “All the way live in 85!”)
 Only about 2 percent of the nation’s teachers are Black men, according to the U.S. Department of Education. For the thousands of Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory (CRCP) students whose lives were touched and transformed at the private Catholic high school, Leon Henderson was that rare jewel. Lovingly referred to as Mr. Henderson or “Hen,” the longtime educator worked tirelessly to dedicate his life toward teaching students in north St. Louis.

Most recently having the title President Emeritus, for three decades the Ohio native held positions as an educator and administrator. Many recall his days in the classroom as a leadership teacher, but his exemplary guidance beyond the confined walls with lessons about life and valuing one’s heritage were paramount.

His mere presence was a blessing to all he came into contact with because he represented hope and possibility. During a time when there were so few African-American male teachers and role models at Catholic high schools in urban communities, it was life affirming to see a strong presence, strolling the hallowed halls on Thekla Ave. Though Henderson’s address changed when the school made history by building a $32 million new campus on Spring Ave. in 2003, everything about him remained the same. He was a faith-filled man with a sharp wit for comedy.  He had the uncanny ability to make his students learn and laugh because, above all else, most can attest that his fun-loving personality was incredibly infectious. He was more than an educator for any student who came into that building; he was a father figure, who directed us with his tough love.

Possessing sociology degrees from Xavier University (Cincinnati) and St. Louis’ Washington University, Henderson was a master when it came to interacting with others. A man of action, he did not simply tell you how much he loved being Black but he showed it every day of his life. When the new campus was built, he made certain the art and statues adorning the hallways were by, for, or about African Americans. Paintings and religious figures, including Black Jesus and the Stations of the Cross, were prominently displayed throughout the building.  He told me it was important to instill racial pride in students by allowing them to see themselves reflected in their environment. Henderson even invited renowned scholar, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, author of the national bestseller Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys, to visit the high school and speak with students. Not only was Henderson proactive about mentoring his own, but he was equally passionate about providing guidance to those who attended schools without African-American leaders.

I was invited to be the keynote speaker at a benefit gala for CRCP in 2014. Prior to the evening’s festivities, Henderson made it a point to have me address the student body earlier in the day before personally driving me to the television station to conduct two interviews about the event.

“I never wear this blazer much but for some reason, something told me to put it on this morning,” Henderson told me as we got out of his car to head into the television network's lobby. Once there, we bumped into St. Louis Post-Dispatch pop music critic Kevin C. Johnson. He told Henderson how he had a few close friends who graduated from CRCP and often spoke about him. “It’s nice to finally meet you,” said Johnson as he shook Henderson’s hand. Johnson then asked, “So, you’re both here for interviews?” Henderson said, “No. I just drove her here. She is scheduled to be interviewed.” Without missing a beat, Johnson said, “But you’re the president! They should talk to you as well!” True to his laid back style and calm demeanor, Henderson shrugged it off. Before we knew it, Johnson made a mad dash back into the studio. A short while later he returned and we were informed that Henderson would be joining me for the second interview. Henderson looked surprised. With a smile, he told me, “In all the years that I’ve been at Ritter, we have not received this much coverage for an event and I have never been on television to talk about the school. Thank you.” I was in disbelief yet profoundly proud that we would share this platform to talk about CRCP together. That interview was definitely a crowning moment for us both. He was happy and so was I, but little did either of us know that this appointed time would signal his swan song.

We talked a few months after the gala and he rocked my world by revealing that he was leaving the school but would serve as emeritus. It was bittersweet for him yet he candidly told me, “I’m no spring chicken. I can’t do this forever.” His greatest concern was for the young men at the school. “They see strong female role models in education all the time,” he told me. “They need to see more faces that look like them in leadership positions to show them how to be a man and how to survive as a Black male in this society. That is so important. That is my hope.”

Jason Merritt had no problems conveying how much Henderson meant to him.  “I remember as a freshman that only three of us males out of maybe 30 or so had a passing grade to start the year,” explained Merritt, a 1998 graduate of CRCP. “He called us all to a room and said, ‘Not on my watch will I see you all throw your lives away. Life is not a game.’ Some words were kind while other words were more stern. Some of us listened and some of us did not. I will never forget that day. To show the leadership and compassion he expressed was like no other. To Mr. Leon Henderson, I THANK YOU for saving me that day, because I was one of those kids who was in danger of failing by playing around. But, I listened. I realized how you and others truly cared.”

Last year former students and colleagues gathered for a prayer service in St. Louis at Henderson’s church, St. Alphonsus "Rock" Liguori Catholic Church. During this time his battle with a progressive neurodegenerative disease, ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, which affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, was publicly disclosed. A few weeks later he moved to Louisiana to be with his family. He spent his last days there and at one point he was in a skilled-care facility, unable to talk. Quite difficult for any of us to fathom silence from the man who could make people laugh until they cried. It seems pretty unfair for silence to swallow a man whose words of wisdom inspired, encouraged and motivated the masses in and out of classrooms.

Folks, this is the news flash. None of us are here forever. The mind is powerful and we must remember this stalwart man at his best. I am sure that is what he would want from us. Yes. Leon Henderson is gone physically but his spirit will never die as long as there is a CRCP student alive in this world who remembers his name. We are whole, we are better and we are leaders because of him. He showed us how to dream, how to open our eyes and how to dare go after it. We are family, forever bonded as “Ritter Critters,” because of him. We are lions and we roar.

A painting with the saying “Miles Christi Sum,” which means I am a soldier of Christ, covers the wall at CRCP. On it is an image of Jesus hanging on the cross with a roaring lion behind him. Following a personal tour of the school, Henderson looked at the picture and told me, “Even on the battlefield, the lion will protect you.” I believe this courageous educator did this for every student he touched. He is with us in our minds and in our hearts. We are tasting tears, but when they dry and morning comes, each day thank Mr. Henderson, “Hen,” for being in our lives and for being a soldier in that 2 percent.

DocM.A.C. signing off. Keep the faith and always trust the process. #OnwardUpward

Note: A public memorial service will take place at the CRCP gym on Saturday, March 5, at 2:00 p.m. Let's show up and show out for his honor.




21 Comments
Michael Blackshear
1/5/2016 12:44:56 am

Thanks!

Reply
Rhonda Tolliver(Hubbert)
1/5/2016 06:34:05 am

He would be proud of your kind words. Love you for this. We are CRCP for life

Reply
Natasha (Jones) Harris link
1/5/2016 06:44:14 am

Profound Truth. There is not enough to say about this man, Mr. Henderson. His role in my life as an educator, mentor, and father figure. Ever lasting love to Henderson, an example of the adage "It takes a village..." A man who made a great impact on many.

Reply
LaGrone
1/5/2016 06:54:04 am

This is a beautiful article. I can relate to a lot things you wrote in here. Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, never would have heard or hear him speak if it where not for Hen.

Reply
Lionel Phillips
1/5/2016 06:55:05 am

Outstanding article. Leon Henderson was a great man and a brother from another Mother, though I think secretively, my Mother adopted him as her 5th son. R.I.P. Brother Leon. You will be missed.

Reply
Tonya Farr
1/5/2016 06:59:32 am

What a beautiful and well written tribute to this great and wonderful man. He was a glorious Lion- a true leader of the pride. I am so proud to say that I knew him, learned from him, and got to experience him as a friend, mentor and educator. The lessons that he taught are life long lessons. He did not bite his tongue nor did he clamor under adversity. He was a father figure to all that were willing to accept his love and leadership. He will be truly missed.

Reply
LaTonya Reed
1/5/2016 07:07:45 am

Thank you for this article!! Beautifully written!! Mr. Henderson was THE BEST! He will be sorely missed.

Reply
Christopher Redding
1/5/2016 07:15:08 am

Wonderful just wonderful. Thank you my Sista.

Reply
Germiya Clark
1/5/2016 08:12:31 am

Thank you for this. As I read it tears feel down my face, but to constantly see day in and day out that this man didn't just touch me is amazing. All the love that is being shown I just hope and pray he feels it and knows how much he will be missed. 😔😔

Reply
Jaques Clinton
1/5/2016 10:50:09 am

Wow! It is amazing to see all of the comments made about one person. I was blessed with the opportunity to experience Mr. Henderson's spririt during his last few years at Cardinal Ritter. In the few short year's that I knew him I can honeslty say that he was an incredible man. I remember how we would always compliment how I dressed & how I spoke so eloquently. I remember the talks we would have about life and when he would come see me act in the school commons area. In essence, I am here to say that the beauty in death ia that the person never dies. As a Ritter Family we have to remember the legacy of Mr. Henderson! He will never truly die as long as we keep his memory in our hearts & spirits. I love you Ritter Family💘!
Sinceley,

Jaques Clinton "15

Reply
April Brown
1/5/2016 11:01:42 am

Beautiful

Reply
Minnie Moore
1/5/2016 11:11:04 am

I met Leon when we were both still very young people in St. Louis. Even then, he was driven by the desire to teach and he never wavered from teaching and helping others. Thank you for your loving and kind words..I will miss you my friend. I did not know then that, I was in the presence of greatness

Reply
Anthony Merrill
1/5/2016 03:09:09 pm

Wonderful piece. We truly are a village that passes on the knowledge of those that have helped and guided us along the way . #RipHen #CRCP

Reply
Susan meyet
1/5/2016 03:22:52 pm

One of the most important parts of Mr. Henderson's life, after his beloved CRCP, was being a "soldier of Christ." He did this by example and words. Thank you so much for this moving tribute that includes it.

Reply
Venus D.Spain
1/5/2016 07:06:58 pm

This is truly a beautiful article. Well written Margena I can proudly say that as a Ritter Alum, Mr. Henderson had a profound affect on my life. It is because of him and other educators at Ritter that I am Blessed to now be a Ritter educator for 15 years.

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Rachelle Wren-Johnson
1/5/2016 08:45:56 pm

He touched us in away that struck like lighting and sounded in our hearts like thunder. A great man, a great teacher, a great leader, a great friend, and a beautiful person, and yes his spirit will carry on in each one of us. I thank him for the private talks and the laughter. He will be missed dearly.....

Reply
Felicia Wilson
1/5/2016 09:00:27 pm

Mr Henderson was a wonderful, intelligent and inspiring man. He was my Leadership teacher and no words can express how much he touched my life!! He will be truly missed!!

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Gloria L. Taylor link
1/6/2016 11:01:36 am

Outstanding characterization of this remarkable servant of the Lord! We date back to the days when the school was located on Thekla. While meeting him at St. Alphonsus "Rock" Church years ago, I can attest that he not only was a remarkable administrator and educator that always focused on African American issues, but made time to assist not-for-profits like the one I head, Community Women Against Hardship. He facilitated in the earlier days many workshops for our youth who resided in many of St. Louis' distressed neighborhoods. I had made many requests of him, and he always found the time to participate - even serving on our board. He leaves quite a legacy to promote excellence of education to ensure quality leadership for tomorrow.

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Melissa Smith Haley
1/6/2016 06:37:49 pm

Extremely well written by my CRCP editor and chief Sis. Christian. GROWING UP CARDINAL RITTER is a privilege and honor. The Legacy of Leon Henderson is alive and well. I am extremely grateful for his unselfish commitment to us.

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Milocka Spain Childs
1/7/2016 07:53:03 am

Mr. Leon Henderson will always be the Beautiful African Lion of Cardinal Ritter College Prep. The protector and defender of his pride, his roars will forever be heard.

Reply
Mike Richardson
1/7/2016 05:03:22 pm

Margena, this tribute was beautifully written and I think that you speak for all of us who are basically lost for words. Mr. H came to Ritter in 1980 a year after we opened and he hit the ground running. His unique style of teaching and capturing the young minds made everyone want to be in his presence. Somebody said it best when they said that the great ones live forever through us. Rest in piece my brother and we will pass the torch. I hope that Ritter establishes some type of Memoriam in his honor. I'm sure that all of would be willing to donate.

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    I am Dr. Margena A. Christian aka DocM.A.C. Some folks feel my way with words, so I thought I would drop a few random "soul lessons" with a little bit of this and a whole lot of that. Keep the faith and always trust the process.
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