MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.
Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Cedric Allen Cunningham
Cedric Allen CunninghamSebastian Restrepo
Age: 53
Community: Springfield
His Story: A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Cedric Allen Cunningham is a 20-year veteran educator at Springfield Central High School where he chairs the world languages department and oversees numerous student clubs and organizations.
Cunningham, a self-described “very proud Southern gentleman” of African American and Native American heritage, originally thought he might become a diplomat or an ambassador growing up and live abroad, always having a passion for learning about other languages, cultures, customs, traditions and more. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling around the world.
As an educator, he incorporates his passion for greater cultural comprehension in his curriculum, teaching French and German language in Springfield public schools as well as AP African American studies. Cunningham, a “life-long-learner” in his words, encourages his students to get involved in student organizations and take time to travel and see the world in order to expand their horizons.
In addition to his 12-year tenure as the department chair for modern world languages, Cunningham also advises Central’s National Honor Society and is a co-advisor for the Black Student Union, the Mental Health Club and the high school’s Diversity Inclusion and Racial Equity Club.
For the past eight years, Cunningham has played an active role in the Springfield Education Association, a local teachers union, and serves as a representative for both the Massachusetts Teachers Association’s board of directors and the group’s executive committee.
“With the union I volunteer numerous hours to help the betterment of our schools for both students and educators,” Cunningham said. He also serves on several committees here such as the MTA-ALANA, a grass roots organization representing African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans.
Cunningham said his leadership style is one that encourages openness. He said in leading his department at Central he hones in on its potentials and strengths and always looks to elevate his team. In turn, through individual and collaborative work, he said he receives positive feedback from his colleagues for his efforts and for supporting a healthy and friendly work environment.
In his words: “The more transparent I am when I make decisions, the more understanding and commitment I can expect from my team. This creates a good team atmosphere.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
