DR. SOLOMON STINSON: The School Board nearly renamed its downtown headquarters after him, saying he was a highly respected figure in the Black community, revered as much as a mentor as a behind-the-scenes power broker. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLACK ARCHIVES HISTORY & RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Miami – Former Miami-Dade County School Board member Dr. Solomon Stinson who championed efforts for equality education for Black students and served as a mentor for generations of students who went on to become successful professionals, has died, according to MiamiDade County Public Schools.

Stinson died on August 8 at the age of 86.

Stinson served as deputy superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and was first elected to the school board in 1996 and served through 2010 when he retired.

He also served as chair of the school board from 1996-2010.

According to the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Stinson served 50 years with the school district after he earned his bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University.

Stinson earned his master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Iowa.

Stinson joined Miami-Dade County Public Schools in 1960 as an elementary teacher at Holmes Elementary School.

He became an administrative assistant at Holmes in 1966, assistant principal at Rainbow Park Elementary in 1968, and principal of North Glade Elementary School in 1970.

In 1977, Stinson was appointed area line director for elementary and secondary schools and served in that capacity in the south central and north area offices. In 1979, Stinson became assistant superintendent of Bureau of Business Management, area superintendent for the north central area in 1981, an associate superintendent for Bureau of School operations in 1986; and an senior associate superintendent of School Operations 1991.

He was promoted to deputy superintendent for School Operations, where he was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the 275 elementary, middle and senior high schools until he retired in July 1996.

The Miami-Dade County School Board nearly renamed its downtown headquarters after Stinson, saying was a highly respected figure in the Black community, revered as much as a mentor as a behind-the-scenes power broker.

Stinson has been an active member of many organizations such as the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America, Junior Achievement of Greater Miami, the Family Christian Association of America, serving as fundraising campaign chairman, the Board of Directors of Jobs for Miami, and the Board of Directors for Inroads/Miami, Inc.

In addition, Stinson is a life member of the Florida Congress of Parents and Teachers (PTA/ PTSA), chairperson of the Florida International University/M-DCPS Educational Administration Advisory Council, member of the Association of Haitian Educators of Dade, the Association of the American Hispanic Educators Association of Dade (AHEAD) and of the Dade County Youth Fair and Exposition Association.

Miami-Dade County School Board member Dr. Steve Gallon III told the South Florida Times Stinson provided leadership, service and dedication to not only the students and community but to countless educators and leaders throughout the nation.

"His courageous and compassionate, and often unapologetic commitment to intellect, inclusion, access, and equity for students and educators continues to serve as a role model to many of us," Gallon said. "His legacy will be one of a blueprint for standing, speaking, and advocating for underserved communities and for providing a voice to the voiceless. I have no words for the impact that he has had on my personal and professional life. He will be truly missed.”

But Stinson faced some serious charges in 2019 after he shot a man following an argument outside a Pembroke Pines movie theater and shot at the police as he fled the scene.

Stinson lost control of his car and crashed into some trees.

Police took him into custody.

The man suffered injuries but survived the shooting.

Stinson reportedly was suffering from Alzhemier’s disease at the time of the incident.

Prosecutors dropped three attempted murder charges, which could have sent him to prison for life.

In exchange, he pleaded guilty to several other counts and as part of the agreement, Stinson underwent house arrest for two years and on probation for eight years.