Black History Month is a time of reflection, celebration, and recognition—a moment to honor the rich heritage, struggles, and achievements of Black individuals who have shaped history and continue to influence the present. It is a time to acknowledge the sacrifices made, the barriers broken, and the legacies built by those who have paved the way. In the School District of Lancaster, this month is not only about history but also about uplifting the voices and stories of those who make a difference in our community every day.
One such voice is that of Ada Corbin, a dedicated and compassionate presence in the district for 17 years. As a child accounting technician in the enrollment department, Ada ensures that every student who enters the district is welcomed with care, dignity, and respect. But her story is about more than just the work she does, it is a reflection of resilience, dedication, and the quiet strength that shapes communities in lasting ways.
Born and raised in Lancaster, Ada has witnessed the evolution of her city through generations. Her roots run deep, not just in the streets she walked as a child, but in the values instilled in her by the remarkable women who raised her. Her grandmother, Mazie, her mother, and her aunt taught her the importance of perseverance, compassion, and standing tall in her identity. They showed her that true strength is not just about enduring hardships, but about reaching back and lifting others along the way.
A Journey Rooted in Care and Commitment
Ada’s journey into education was not a planned one, but rather a path paved by necessity and love. As a young mother, she worked in the Head Start program for 12 years, a decision that allowed her to balance raising her daughters while providing for them. When she joined SDoL, she started as a one-on-one aide, dedicated to helping a single student navigate the school day with support and encouragement.
The bond she formed with that student lasted long after he moved on, showcasing the depth of her care. Even now, she sees him, now an adult, out in the world, a reminder of how small acts of kindness and patience can shape lives.
Her role within the district has evolved over the years. Moving from a paraeducator in an autistic support classroom to an administrative role in enrollment, Ada has embraced each opportunity with dedication. She is more than an employee—she is a guide, a mentor, and a familiar face of comfort for families navigating the often-overwhelming process of school enrollment.
The Changing Landscape of SDoL and the Power of Representation
As an alumna of the district, having graduated in 1986, Ada has seen firsthand how the district has transformed. She recalls her time as a student in the Black History Club, a space where African American students gathered to celebrate their heritage, learn about Black leaders, and sing gospel songs together. Today, organizations like the Black Student Union continue that legacy, but in a more structured and formal way.
For Ada, Black History Month is not just about remembering the past, it is about ensuring that Black voices and stories remain woven into the fabric of the present and future. She teaches her grandchildren about figures like Harriet Tubman, challenging them to think beyond what is taught in textbooks. She ensures that they understand the contributions of Black leaders, activists, and visionaries who paved the way.
At the same time, she recognizes the ongoing struggles that exist. Racism, bias, and inequity still persist, and while Lancaster has made strides, there is always more work to be done. But Ada refuses to let obstacles define her.
“I am dripping melanin and honey. I am Black without apology,” she says, a phrase that sits boldly on her desk as a declaration of self-love and pride.
A Legacy of Strength and Purpose
As a Black woman in the district, Ada has found herself in positions where her voice is needed, whether as an advocate for students, a mentor to new employees, or a leader in her union. Her presence is a statement of resilience, and her impact is undeniable. She is sought after for representation because people trust her to stand up, to speak out, and to fight for what is right.
Her journey has not been without its struggles. She worked two jobs for much of her life to ensure her daughters had everything they needed. She balanced work, motherhood, and advocacy, often sacrificing personal time to provide for her family. But now, as a grandmother, she is learning to slow down, to make intentional choices that allow her to pour into her grandchildren the same love, wisdom, and strength that her grandmother once poured into her.
When asked about the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Ada is clear: she wants to be known for her strength. She wants people to remember her as someone who got the job done, who made a difference, who stood firm in her identity and beliefs. And to the young Black and Brown students navigating their own paths, she offers this advice:
“If you have a vision, go for it. There will always be someone to help you. And if you don’t find that person right away, keep looking. But through it all, keep God next to you.”
Celebrating Ada Corbin
This Black History Month, we celebrate Ada Corbin, not just for the work she does, but for the life she has lived, the community she has built, and the strength she embodies. Her story is a reflection of the power of perseverance, the importance of education, and the beauty of standing tall in one’s truth.
Ada is not just a part of SDoL, she is a pillar within it, shaping the district with every student she enrolls, every connection she fosters, and every story she tells. Her journey is a reminder that impact is not always loud or grand, but found in the everyday moments of kindness, advocacy, and dedication to making the world a better place.