TOLEDO, Ohio — Crystal Ellis, the first Black superintendent of Toledo Public Schools and the first Black man to play basketball at Bowling Green State University, has died. He was 91.
"He was consistent about seeing the best in others and pulling out of others what they may not even have known what they possessed on the inside of themselves," said TPS Board of Education President Randall Parker.
Parker advocated earlier this year to make the first Friday of every February "Crystal Ellis Day" in the district, which is something TPS Superintendent Romules Durant is happy Ellis got to experience.
"We're sad, but at the same time, we're also at peace in knowing that he understood how much we appreciated him and we allowed that to be felt during his final years," Durant said.
Ellis was superintendent of TPS from 1990 to 1996. Some local Black education leaders see his tenure as part of the reason for them pursuing their careers in the field.
John Jones, president of education-focused nonprofit Hope Toledo, said Ellis "was the shining example in our community and our schools on a regular basis on what that looks like."
A statement from the TPS Board of Education and Durant spoke highly of Ellis' impact on the school district and its students:
"Mr. Crystal Ellis was the first African American Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools and during his tenure, he set high standards and expectations for students and staff members. He was a mentor and a friend to many. Dr. Ellis saw the potential in every student and worked to help them become someone others liked and respected. He will be truly missed, but his legend will live on across our district as he was loved and revered by all who knew him. Our hearts and prayers are with his family."
Ellis was hired by TPS in 1969 and served as the principal of the former Hamilton Elementary School — now Leverette Elementary School — and a basketball coach at Libbey High School, according to a social media post from the school district.
Ellis also served a brief tenure as TPS' acting chief of staff in 2006, according to the district.
Aside from the annual day recognizing his impact on the district, Ellis is also honored through the Crystal Ellis Center on the DeVilbiss High School campus.
Ellis didn't just educate in the walls of a school building, though, as he also taught community swimming lessons, Durant said.
Nearly two decades before Ellis became a pioneer among Black educators in Toledo, he was blazing trails about 20 miles south of the Glass City when he made history as the first Black man to play basketball at BGSU.
He took to the court in 1951 under then-head coach Harold Anderson, who urged Ellis to become a Falcon when he saw him play in a high school state tournament, according to BGSU.
BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers sent WTOL 11 a statement about Ellis' impact on the university and the community:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bowling Green State University alumnus Crystal Ellis '53, '75, '93. Dr. Ellis was a pioneer throughout his life and career, and as a leader in K-12 education, he created immeasurable public good and impact in our region and state. As one of our most prominent alumni with numerous BGSU Hall of Fame recognitions, he was steadfast in his support of his alma mater and our students. Dr. Ellis leaves a lasting legacy at our university and in all the communities he served."
Ellis, who was also inspired to become a Falcon by fellow Anderson protégé Charlie Share, led the BGSU men's basketball team in rebounding, served as team captain and was voted most valuable player, according to the university.
He graduated from BGSU in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in education (he later went back to BGSU to earn a master's and a doctorate in education) and was inducted into the university's athletic hall of fame in 1971.
Ellis' cause of death has not been revealed.
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