Celebrating Women’s History Month: The Legacy of Barbara Howell

​As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the remarkable legacy of Barbara Howell, a visionary leader in early childhood education. In 1967, Jean Gordon made a momentous decision by appointing Barbara Howell as the first director of the Tri-County Head Start program. Barbara dedicated nearly 30 years of her life to ensuring that every child had the chance to succeed, laying the groundwork for today's community initiatives.

​The Tri-County Head Start program began in 1966 at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Urbana under the leadership of Pastor Wesley Matthews. A year later, in 1967, Jean Gordon, the head of the Tri-County Community Action Agency, made a momentous decision by appointing

Barbara Howell as the very first director of the Tri-County Head Start program. Head Start provided comprehensive support, including early learning, health and nutrition services, and family engagement. Barbara's leadership ensured that children received medical screenings, developmental assessments, and a nurturing environment to prepare them for school.

​Under Barbara's guidance, the program expanded, securing funding to open a second center in 1985 and championing staff training to maintain high-quality education. Her work in Shelby, Champaign, and Logan Counties transformed young lives and strengthened the community. Barbara believed that every child, regardless of background, deserved a strong foundation, and her dedication to education, compassion, and unwavering commitment left a lasting impact.

Even after Barbara's retirement in 1995, the foundation she built remained strong. The Tri-County Head Start program continued to thrive, expanding full-day programs and strengthening partnerships with local schools. Barbara Howell passed away on February 13, 1998, but her legacy grew stronger. In tribute to her decades of service, Urbana's Market Street Park was renamed Barbara Howell Park, a lasting symbol of her impact on the community.
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Barbara Howell's legacy extends beyond education. It lives on in the park that bears her name, in the families she uplifted, and in the community she inspired. Her work is not just history—it is a call to action. As we celebrate her legacy, we recognize that when we stand together, we can build a future as bright as the past we honor.