This post is part of an ongoing Black History Month series written by Marcus Harden, a pillar of the South Seattle community and a truly unsung hero, as he honors the living legacy of Black history in his neighborhood and beyond, and recognizes the people who are shaping the future.

By Marcus Harden

#BlackHistoryToday3

Malcolm X once said, “the most disrespected person in America is the Black woman.” That quote always resonated with me as I know so many STRONG, POWERFUL, BEAUTIFUL Black women.

I’ve been blessed to have my formative adult years, profesionally specifically to be led by Black women. My first in education is a national and Seattle treasure, Princess (should be Queen) Princess Shareef.

To this very day I often tell a story of her pulling me into her office and having this what at the time felt like a random conversation on who and what I needed to be to grow in this profession and passion, then sharing her journey and professional vision with me. At 22 years old I didn’t grasp it. Fifteen-plus years later I not only remember it, but model, mimic and retell her wisdom to others now.

She has shaped THOUSANDS of young lives in this city and beyond, with grace and humility, and still serves to this day. She is a Shero of the most epic proportions and the only thing she doesn’t do well is actually retire!😂

That said, she’s taught me and many more that when your profession is your passion and purpose, there is no retirement. Which is why Princess Shareef is Black history, today.