Vivian D. Adams, an educational professional, accomplished and contributed extensively to providing educational opportunities for the citizenry of East St. Louis, Illinois District 189, died May 12, 2014. Vivian developed Project Speak and the Early Childhood Education programs that successfully impacted the educational growth of District 189 students. Vivian, the first black woman named as Administrative Assistant in District 189, successfully wrote over $50 million dollars for district programs and was recognized by First Lady Bird Johnson, First Lady Hillary Clinton and Mrs. Tipper Gore. The Vivian D. Adams Early Childhood Center was established in her honor.
Vivian was born November 8, 1932 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the union of Fairview Edna Dameron and Horace Adams. From this union, one boy and three sets of fraternal twin girls were born. Vivian, a life-long member of St. Luke A.M.E. Church, received her education in the East St. Louis Public Schools, graduated from Lincoln Senior High School, June 1949, received her Bachelor’s from the University and Master’s Degree from Southern Illinois University.
Other noteworthy accomplishments were: Vivian challenged the National School Lunch Program to ascertain lunch for all Illinois students kindergarten (full day) through 12 grade; established its Title III Reading Program, the Speech and Hearing Mobile Laboratory in the Arts; Charter member of National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Urban League Guild, The Links, Incorporated, Gateway (Bi-State) Chapter; NAACP 189 Membership Chair, founder of Women Organized for Community Survival; named a Globe Democrat Woman of Achievement, named in 1963, one of the best dressed Negro women in the country; past president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Alpha Nu Chapter; Co-Founder, 1967 Martin Luther King Commemorative program; Co-Chair Fund Raising Committee for UNCF and Jackie Joyner Kersee, and a member of the White House Historical Association.
