McCoy, Rhody

Dr. Rhody A. McCoy (c. 1922–2020) was a prominent African-American educator and advocate for community control of public schools whose leadership in the turbulent Ocean Hill-Brownsville decentralization movement made him a central figure in New York City’s School Wars of the late 1960s. Born in Washington, D.C., McCoy was a World War II veteran and a product of Dunbar High School. He earned a B.S. from Howard University, an M.A. in education from New York University, and an Ed.D. from the University of Massachusetts. McCoy began his professional career in the New York City public schools and became known for challenging discriminatory practices, including removing stigmatizing labels that hindered Black students’ academic progress. As Unit Administrator of the Ocean Hill-Brownsville community control district in Brooklyn, he championed local decision-making in hiring and curriculum — efforts that ignited widespread conflict with the United Federation of Teachers and led to prolonged strikes in 1968. His role in these events highlighted broader debates over race, labor, and educational reform in urban America. Beyond New York, McCoy held leadership and teaching positions at institutions such as the University of Massachusetts, University of San Francisco, and the University of the District of Columbia, and he played a part in founding UDC. In retirement he engaged in community development and pursued personal passions, including athletics and horse breeding. McCoy passed away at age 97 in 2020, leaving a legacy tied to civil rights and transformative urban education. In November 1968, Rhody came to Englewood to participate in a conferece titled "Does Education Need a Revolution." After the panel presentations, the conference held 12 workshops dealing with a variety of issues related to race, ethnicity and education. The conference was sponsored by a number of Englewood's civic and educational institutions. 

"Blast from the Past," WGBH, Barbara Murray-Barrow, Creator.

March 27, 1975

Public Domain