CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Clayton County educator who made history as one of the first black teachers at what had been a whites-only school died last week after what the district described as a "hard-fought battle with the coronavirus."
George McKiben was 76. Clayton County Public Schools announced his death Tuesday, on what would have been his 77th birthday.
McKibben began his career in the district in 1967, and was credited with helping to "open doors that substantially eased the acceptance of black students and teachers in what had been white-only schools in the county," according the district.
He taught at Jonesboro Junior High School for 11 years and assisted in opening Mundy's Mill Middle School, the district said on Facebook.
If you went to Mundy's Mill and ever passed by the drawing of the Razorback mascot in the hallways, you were staring at McKibben's artwork.
The district said that in 2018, he was recognized for his "impact on the district and community of Clayton County."
"On behalf of the Clayton County Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Beasley and the Clayton County Public School System, we offer our deepest condolences to the McKibben family," the district said. "We wish you all strength during this most difficult time."
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