Farewell to Dwayne Crompton, Kansas City’s great champion of early childhood education
Recently, Dwayne Anthony Crompton, a monument to humanity, stepped into eternity, leaving a living legacy of love and devotion for millions of children and families in Kansas City and around the nation. Known nationally as the “czar of early childhood education,” Crompton served for more than 30 years as executive director of KCMC Child Development Corporation, a multi-faceted child development agency established in 1970 under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society initiative.
Under Crompton’s leadership, KCMC administered the federal Head Start program in the greater Kansas City area to tens of thousands of boys and girls, operated several child development centers, and spearheaded many other innovative education and nutrition programs targeting inner-city families and communities. KCMC was recognized as one of the most successful early childhood education agencies in America, demonstrating the power of Head Start to transform lives and reshape our country for the better.
On the national stage, Crompton led several of America’s most prestigious early childhood institutions. His historic influence on the expansion of quality early childhood programs was felt all across the country. His work has resulted in revolutionary policies and practices directly enhancing the lives of all children. His leadership on teacher accreditation alone resulted in the development of hundreds of thousands of well-trained preschool teachers and administrators.
I had the honor and privilege to work as Crompton’s personal secretary for 25 years. A combination writer, researcher and adviser, I witnessed firsthand his genius, his compassion and his unflinching commitment to improving the lives of poor children. As a policy expert, Crompton was expected — and understood his obligation — to be a voice for the voiceless. He often wrote inspiring essays (many here in The Star), delivered passionate speeches and once testified to the U.S. House of Representatives.
I also aided him in his voluminous personal correspondence, where he expressed his heartfelt care and concern for hundreds of friends, relatives and colleagues. As his personal scribe, I merely polished his words to reveal the depth of his wisdom. His life inspired me, made me a better man and taught me that words alone were never enough.
Over these past few days, many of America’s preeminent leaders have added their voices to the chorus of adulation, admiration and awe for Dwayne Crompton. They described not only a dreamer, but a doer, a man with an indomitable spirit and a boundless heart.
Speaking of hearts, many are not aware that Crompton received a heart transplant in 2005 thanks to the generous donation from the family of a young man who died in a tragic accident. That tremendous act of kindness gave this great man 17 more years of service. In many ways, it symbolizes Crompton’s life — a life of giving, a life of sacrifice and an undying devotion to others. He remained an ardent supporter of organ donation, particularly in the Black community, where the need for organs is dire.
For decades, Crompton spoke out for those who had few champions. This time, I speak for the children’s champion, since he made it a strict practice never to sing his own praise. The Chinese philosopher Mencius said, “The great man is he who does not lose his child’s heart.” In spite of all his great accomplishments, powerful friends and universal accolades, Mr. C had the heart of a child: playful, helpful, curious, friendly and full of joy. He loved children, which means he loved all of us. He started his career teaching little children and wanted every child to have a fair chance in life, a head start, a life worth living. He so loved and cherished his family, especially his adoring wife Freda, and overflowed with pride for his sons and grands. His friends say he was an amazing playmate and gave the best parties. And he could cook too, on top of the rest. I will miss him.