During Black History Month, we recognize Chalkboard Champion and veteran Selwyn Carrol, a middle school teacher and politician from Alaska. (Photo credit: Ian C. Hartmen)

I love to honor our nation’s African American educators all year round, but especially during Black History Month. Today I’d like to recognize Selwyn Carrol, a teacher and politician from Alaska.

Selwyn was born on Oct. 31, 1928, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, although he was raised in the state’s Jacksonville area. As a youngster, he attended Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville. As a young man, he served his country in the US Army. He was sent to Korea where he saw combat. Through the military he ended up in Alaska. There he attended the University of Alaska where he earned his Bachelor’s degree.

Before becoming an educator, Selwyn gained experience in a number of jobs. He worked as a social worker for the Alaska Department of Public Welfare. He was hired by the Alaska Department of Corrections as a supervisor of the youth detention center in the Alaska state jail. He also worked for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District as an attendance officer. It was in Fairbanks that he accepted his first teaching position as a middle school teacher.

In 1972, Selwyn was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives on the Republican ticket. He represented District 17, which served Fairbanks. He maintained this position from 1972 to 1974. While there, he served as the Chair of the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee, and he also served on the Labor and Management Committee.

Upon his retirement, Selwyn relocated to Hampton County, South Carolina. There he served as the county auditor. This Chalkboard Champion passed away on Dec. 21, 2010. He was 82 years old. He was interred at Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina.

To learn more about Selwyn Carrol, read his obituary published by The Augusta Chronicle.