MEET CAROLINE

A brave change-maker with a history of positively impacting society in the USA and around the world.

Born and raised in segregated New Orleans, Louisiana in a Catholic household, Caroline Hunter was exposed to volunteerism at an early age. Caroline graduated from Xavier University Preparatory High School before continuing on to Xavier University of Louisiana, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1968.

Early Career

1960s-1970s

Working in Cambridge for Polaroid Corporation as a Research Bench Chemist, Caroline’s volunteerism in the Greater Boston Area started at the Roxbury Multi-Service Center where she expanded middle school students’ science knowledge and encouraged them to consider science careers. Through Polaroid, she participated in the Boston Youth Motivation Program, visiting several Boston Public Schools to talk to them about her work at Polaroid and expose them to their career opportunities. Caroline discovered her love of teaching when volunteering to tutor adults who did not have high school diplomas who worked at Polaroid’s Inner City Training Facility in Roxbury; she was eventually trained and certified by Brandeis University to teach GED classes.

Anti-Apartheid Activist and History Maker

Early 1970s

In the early 1970s while working as a research scientist for Polaroid Corporation, Caroline co-founded the Polaroid Revolutionary Workers Movement with Ken Williams, her late husband. Together, they co-organized a grassroots boycott against Polaroid Corporation for its involvement in Apartheid in South Africa.

Experienced Educator

Late 1970s

In the late 1970s, Caroline started substitute teaching at Cambridge Rindge & Latin. She was subsequently hired as a Chapter One Math Teacher at the Group School, CRLS’ alternative school. Over the course of Caroline’s 34-year career at CRLS, she held several positions, taught several different math courses, and taught several specialized course offerings. Caroline taught the inaugural AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) class and her AVID seniors had a 93% college enrollment and success rate!

  • CRLS Assistant Principal
  • Student Service Center
  • Student Government Advisor
  • Student Service Center Coordinator
  • Math Teacher: College Algebra, SAT Prep
  • Advancement Via Individual Development (AVID) Teacher
  • Mediation for Success Instructor
  • Advisor: Black Student Union, MASS Pep, Minority Student Achievement Network (MSAN)

Leadership

1980s-Present

Caroline with Nelson and Winnie Mandela, June 23, 1990

Caroline’s leadership skills have been demonstrated in her various roles as the leader and organizer of several organizations. Caroline co-wrote the Concerned Black Staff (CBS) Report of Minority Student Data Report of Achievement (1985-86), which was the first statistical report on the achievement gap at CRLS. The CBS recommendations to address the educational disparities at CRLS were voted by the School Committee and adopted, and implemented, by the district.

  • Concerned Black Staff (CBS)
  • Co-Founder, Benjamin Banneker Charter School
  • Co-Founder, Ken Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund

Awards

Career Achievements

Caroline as a guest speaker in Dionne Campbell’s Black History class, CRLS, Oct 2016

Caroline’s leadership skills and contributions to improve the quality of education at CRLS and the Cambridge Public Schools has been acknowledged by local, state, and national organizations.

  • National Education Association Rosa Parks Memorial Award
  • Cambridge NAACP Education Award
  • MASS Teachers Association Louise Gaskins Civil Rights
  • Dr. Effie Jones Humanitarian Award, School Superintendents Association

Click here to view Caroline Hunter’s full resume.

What Others Are Saying

Ms. Hunter has been present in my life for as long as I can remember. She has inspired me not only by her teaching but also through her service to people in many Boston and Cambridge communities to stand up and be counted. I’ve learned from her that life is not a spectator sport and that I should always seek opportunities to serve others and in any way I can.

Schuyler, Mentee

When Caroline mentored me as a member of the school committee in 1998 and 1999 I asked her to run because everything she taught me I wanted to make the full and fabulous impact on our city’s children and families and now it’s happening! 25 year old dreams come true! Let’s celebrate a life of contribution and activism with our number 1 vote. We are number 1 for her. Now she can be number 1 for us!

Noah, Former Student

Caroline is passionate about education, human rights, civic engagement and social Justice. She is a true leader; inspirational, collaborative, positive, honest and a creative problem solver. I’ve worked alongside her on several social justice issues and her energy, commitment and organizational skill set sets a tone for success. Caroline cares deeply about the lives, education and mental health of students and their families. She is an essential asset to Cambridge schools!

Amy Cody, Friend and Fellow Activist

Freshman year of high school Caroline Hunter helped me rediscover the joy of learning math by providing a supportive environment, in addition to being kind and compassionate.

Cid Hoffeld, Former Student

For kids from certain backgrounds with certain demographics, the odds are often stacked against them having a life that fulfills their highest potential. The difference is often a single amazing educator who sees what no one else sees and will do what no one else does to help ensure that you beat those odds. Caroline Hunter was that educator for me and has been for hundreds of other students not only in a hands-on way but also from the position of policy and community leadership. She *is* the person we want on the school committee. She should be everyone’s number one vote!

Ebony Bridwell, Herbert A. Simon Professor of Education, Management and Organizational Behavior - Harvard University

I’m a lifelong Cambridge resident and I’ve known Caroline my whole life! A tireless activist, kind and warm person and an excellent mother, she is an incredible human who very much embodies the spirit of the City of Cambridge. She is a huge asset to our community and we are all lucky to have her work so hard for us!

Sarah Kensley, Friend