Dr. Maxine Mimm, credit Susan Fried.
Dr. Maxine (Buie) Mimms was a most notable individual who touched more lives than we may ever know. When someone of her gravity and reach transitions, the stories of how she showed up for folks are plentiful. She loomed larger than life and wondrous in her ability to seemingly be everywhere, all the time, for everyone.
Dr. Mimms was the first Black teacher I ever saw. In elementary school, she showed up at Colman School, where I attended, as a substitute, and the vision of her transformed my life. I will never forget hearing that “a Black lady” was teaching, and joining other student disbelievers by running to the portable between classes to catch a glance. There she was, sitting behind her desk, which was visible from the open portable door. Her light tan skirt suit, brown high heels, and her perfectly coiffed hair were seared into my memory. She was a vision. Beautiful, approachable, but ever stern and likely aware that most of us had never seen a Black person in a position of that kind of educational authority. There would be others, but Ms. Mimms was my first!
Like so many others, Dr. Mimms showed up for me throughout my life and career. Her embrace of my daughter Jazmyn was an even greater honor. When an opportunity arose, I wanted to show up for her!
When artist Adam Jabari was working out the final images for the exterior panels at Midtown Square, he asked if I had any recommendations for an image of an elder. It was a no-brainer – "Dr. Maxine Mimms," I said, but only if she would give us permission. A couple of phone calls later, Dr. Mimms said yes, but was still incredulous that she would be asked to have her image adorn a building in the heart of the historic Black community.
Today, there is a lasting image of the beloved Dr. Mimms, and even though I did not know at the time that ARTE NOIR would be situated directly below the image, it is fitting. She continues to show up for us.
Her lasting impact will never fade from our hearts and memory. More about the life of Maxine Mimms and details of her March 8th memorial can be found here.
Dr. Mimms watches over us from above. Photo of Midtown Square panel by Jesse Young. Art by Adam Jabari.
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