Legacy Calls Us

  This past Friday, (09/12/25), I had the pleasure of interviewing the new CCSU Dean of Education, Dr. John Barile on my radio show Readman: Truth to Power 103.5 FM New Haven. He is (to my knowledge) the first dean at Central to openly challenge this idea that top down mandates/high states testing improve learning. John writes, in his recently released book Leading From The Core, how these top down reforms have harmed teachers, students, and school morale.

In a few weeks time we plan to meet up again, this time my plan is to share (with the newest dean), Central Connecticut State University's most esteemed graduate of 1853 Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett; the first Black graduate of any Connecticut College. At that time, down in New Haven at Yale University, they did admit their first Black student, who was not permitted speak in the classroom, or participate in any classroom discussions. And he could not graduate. Similarly, here at Trinity College in Hartford, the first black student could attend classes, but he could not register, or graduate. And yes, here in New Britain at Central Connecticut State University, Bassett was given full status, and equal rights as any other student. Bassett graduated head of his class. Later he then went on to become one of the most significant Black American historic figures of the 19th Century. Bassett was one of the most innovative educators of his time. He was America’s first Black diplomat, known as the Hero of Hispaniola. He was a major leader of recruiting Black soldiers into the Union Army.

The new dean at Central, Dean Barile, is rooted in personal narratives. He is a bottom up visionary builder, and just like me... has a love of history. My plan, when we meet in October (as a proud member of the original Bassett Community) is to share with John what I see as the benefit of stronger connections between the Bassett Legacy and The School Eduction at large. My ultimate goal is to ensure that Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett has a place in that new vision Dr. Barile is building. Legacy is easily lost in an era where Black History is being buried. The members of the Basset Community will not go gentle in that night. Read about the legacy of Don Carlos Bassett > https://afsa.org/ebenezer-bassett-legacy-americas-first-african-american-diplomat?fbclid=IwY2xjawMz5hVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHpaWQLKfGsQEShX0rvYgOwItPvyrVAc4ckOW1aR_4-lYid407w49Nr99wm2e_aem_UTx7JIg4rWx5uwIL60Lykg  

Christopher Teal, Author of "The Hero of Hispaniola" & Brayan Anderson Great Grand Nephew of Ebenezer Bassett. 

Picture of the Bassett Community on the end of their 10 year battle to name a university building at Central Connecticut State University, (Bassett Alumni) 

If you like to listen to the tune that inspired my morning walk today it is One Last Time from Hamilton > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPgDZBADR3Y <

I am a Professor Emeritus retired and active member of the Basett Community determine to help preserve the Legacy of Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett,