Fresno Unified School District: District Will Unveil Sign Renaming Early Learning Center For LaVera Ethridge-Williams

Press release from the Fresno Unified School District:

2021-03-24

What: Early Learning Center is renamed for African American business pioneerWhen: Friday, March 26, 2021           2:30 p.m.Where: 1015 Fresno St. (93706)

The Fresno Unified Board of Education voted unanimously Oct. 21 to rename the Early Learning Center for LaVera Ethridge-Williams. District and community leaders will gather with family members of Mrs. Ethridge-Williams to officially unveil the new sign for the center.

Mrs. Ethridge-Williams, who passed away Dec. 21, was a longtime childcare center owner in Fresno. She was also known for her contributions to education and community service. In 1968, Mrs. Ethridge-Williams became the first African American woman to own and open a childcare center in West Fresno. La Vera’s Educational Center was the first in a chain of family owned and operated centers throughout Fresno. The center at Fresno and A streets now owned by Fresno Unified was originally one of Ethridge-Williams’ centers.

“Mrs. Ethridge-Williams was a business trailblazer in our community, and a much-loved advocate for children and for her community. We are pleased to recognize her legacy by renaming the Early Learning Center in her honor,” said Superintendent Bob Nelson.

21 3 24 1 Sign Unveiling at LaVera Williams Early-Learning Center 1Download

This press release was produced by the Fresno Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.