Gertrude Maretta Paul blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Gertrude Maretta Paul. Born in St. Kitts, she came to England in 1956. She taught at Cowper Street School and in 1976 she was appointed here (then called Elmhurst Middle School) as the city's first black head teacher. She was one of the founders of the West Indian Carnival and a Commissioner for Racial Equality. 1934-1992 Recorded plaque organisation: Leeds Civic Trust.

Gertrude Maretta Paul, born in St. Kitts, became England’s first black headteacher in 1976, significantly contributing to educational diversity and equality; she was also instrumental in founding the West Indian Carnival and served as a Commissioner for Racial Equality, advocating for racial justice.