About Samuel & Margaret Crawford

Samuel Crawford, Sr., was born on June 28, 1937 in Columbia, TN. While in elementary school, he and his family moved to Black Bottom Detroit where he attended Duffield Elementary School and went on to graduate from Miller High School. Immediately after graduation, Samuel enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country for four years. He went on to pursue and gain an Operational Engineering certification, which was difficult for most Black men to obtain at that time, due to institutionalized racism. Nevertheless, he proceeded and obtained his Third Class Operational Engineering certification at the Operational Engineers Local 547 instructional school. He also attended Henry Ford Community College. In a short time, he received his First Class Operational Engineering certification and was employed by the Detroit Public Schools for 35 years before retiring in 1999. Samuel Crawford is known for being a dependable pillar in his family and community, offering love, support, and endless laughs to them all. 

Margaret Crawford was born April 18, 1937, in Pontiac, MI and at the age of 7, relocated with her family to Detroit, MI. Margaret attended Higginbotham Elementary School, where she excelled as a young scholar. She wrote for the school newspaper covering school and community events. Margaret attended Beaubien Junior High School and graduated from Mumford High School in 1955 with academic honors, and served as class Treasurer. During her high school years, Margaret's involvement in school government got the attention of many of her peers and staff, who often assigned her with tasks that required strong leadership skills that she so proficiently demonstrated. Margaret was also very athletic and was a member of a winning softball team coached by her grandfather, Oliver Mathis. Margaret had a deep passion for serving others, and a strong interest in social justice and community involvement. After high school graduation, she was accepted to Wayne State University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, a Human Resources degree at Concordia University, and a Master’s degree.

Her passion for serving others persuaded her to run and successfully win a seat on the Lincoln School board, a predominately white school district. Despite the issues of race and class, Margaret gained support from many local residents, both black and white, and in a later election year won the seat of school board president making her the first black and first female school board president in the Lincoln Consolidated Schools history. She served for 16 years on the school board, alongside her very dear friend, Mary S. Huggins. She later started her own non-profit organization, The Council for Black Student Achievement, which offered tutoring services and scholarships for students who were struggling academically and in need of extra support, advocacy, and assistance with college expenses. She partnered with other school districts, social and community agencies, and churches, to help support CBSA's efforts to serve children within the school district. Even in her later life, Margaret Crawford was known to advocate on behalf of students by meeting with school administrators and contributing to local newspapers, all with the support of her husband.

Together Forever:

Samuel & Margaret Crawford initially met shortly after Samuel’s return home from the Army and became instantly smitten with each other. They married in 1961 and have five children: Cheryl, Samuel Jr, Gary, Sara, and Adrienne, and a host of grandchildren. The two remained married until Margaret Crawford’s passing on May 6th, 2020. Samuel Crawford resides in Belleville, Michigan, and continues to be the light of his family. 

Throughout the years, the two have provided love, guidance, shelter, and support to children when they have needed it most. It is with great honor and pride that we continue being of service to others in their name and amplifying the importance that education can have on one’s life.