Geoffrey Canada
| Geoffrey Canada | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
January 13, 1952 (age 65) Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater |
Bowdoin College Harvard University |
| Occupation | President of the Harlem Children's Zone social activist author educator |
Geoffrey Canada (born January 13, 1952) is an American educator, social activist and author. Since 1990, Canada has been president of the Harlem Children's Zone in Harlem, New York, an organization that states its goal is to increase high school and college graduation rates among students in Harlem. Canada serves as the chairman of Children's Defense Fund's board of directors. He was a member of the board of directors of The After-School Corporation, a nonprofit organization that aims to expand educational opportunities for all students.
Canada was born in the South Bronx, the third of four sons born to Mary Elizabeth Canada (née Williams), a substance abuse counselor, and McAlister Canada. The marriage of his parents ended in 1956. Thereafter, he was raised by his mother. His father played little part in the life of his children and did not contribute to their financial support. Canada was raised among "abandoned houses, crime, violence and an all-encompassing sense of chaos and disorder". At an early age, he understood his life's calling.
When Canada was in his mid-teens, his mother sent him to live with her parents in Wyandanch, New York. He attended Wyandanch Memorial High School and during his senior year, won a scholarship from the Fraternal Order of Masons.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology from Bowdoin College, from which he was graduated in 1974, and a master's degree in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Canada is the middle of 3 brothers, one of whom is Derrick Canada, a former Harlem Globetrotters Player.
Starting as president in 1990, Canada began working with the Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families, which would evolve into the Harlem Children's Zone. Unsatisfied with the scope of Rheedlen, during the 1990s Canada transformed the organization into a center that actively would follow the academic careers of youths in a 24-block-area of Harlem. Following the success of the original model, the area of focus now has grown to 97 blocks. In addition to serving as president, Canada was also CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone until July 2014, when the position went to chief operating officer, Anne Williams-Isom.
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