Wanda Robinson Bailey-Green, a teacher and political activist, died on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. She was 75.
She was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to the late Alma Bailey Anderson and James Omar Bailey on Sept. 21, 1944.
She graduated from Penn Hills High School in Pittsburgh. She was awarded a bachelor of arts from Cheyney University and later a master of arts degree in counseling at Antioch College. After her formal education, she made Philadelphia her home.
Her faith in Christ was foremost in her life. Whether teaching, mentoring or in regular conversations, her love for Christ was evident. She played an active role at her home church, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, serving as a trustee for nearly 15 years. She recruited and mentored new trustees as part of her responsibilities.
Bailey-Green was active in politics and helped to improve her community by seeking just policies and laws while working on the campaigns of several candidates. She contributed to many lives through her work in the political arena, including her late brother-in-law, state Sen. Hardy Williams, Mayor Wilson Goode and President Bill Clinton, and recently while working with Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams.
She taught English at Sayre Junior High School in Philadelphia and later worked for several years as a school counselor in Philadelphia. She received numerous awards and recognition during her time at the School District of Philadelphia. She later joined the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers union, working to represent, educate and help teachers understand their rights as union members.
Bailey-Green was a pioneer in the school choice movement, serving in several capacities. She was a founder and board member of the New Media Technology Charter School. She served on the board of West Oak Lane Charter School and on the board of Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) for over 10 years, including two years as board chairwoman. She served as board liaison for Renaissance Advantage Charter School, later renamed Hardy Williams Charter High School. She was a consultant for Families for Educational Options, Global Leadership Academy West & Southwest, and the Forum for a Better Pennsylvania.
She was a member since 1983 and also served on the board of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women-Pennsylvania Chapter. As the director of community outreach and community education for Eastern University, Bailey-Green played a significant role in the development of a new paralegal program. She was one of the founders of Women of Destiny, an organization that helps young women fulfill their purpose by creating a safe place for them to mature in their faith while developing friendships and making connections. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
“Common themes about her legacy are that she was ‘larger than life,’ referred to as ‘Queen of the City,’ a ‘giant’ and a ‘quiet, humble leader,’” said her family in a tribute. “Not wanting praise or recognition, she received joy from doing the work to help those around her.”
She married the late Ali Robinson and gave birth to a daughter.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Janlee Bailey.
She is survived by: her daughter, Kya; sisters, Arleen Joell (Robert), Tallulah Anderson and Trena Woodson; brother, Roderick Parker: nieces, Lindsay Freeman (Michael), Laura Joell, Kelly Woodson, Connie Parker and Lois Parker; nephews, Kyle Saxton, Byron and John; sister-friend, Kathleen Williams Greene (Herb); goddaughter, Sydney Bryson; grand-godchildren, Brielle, Ciara and Justin; and other family and friends.
Services were held on Jan. 7 at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, 230 West Coulter St.
Deborah L. Wilson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.