Blanche Lucille Lewis was preparing to retire after 40 years with the Tucson School District when this photograph was taken on May 24, 1977. When she began her teaching career here in 1937, the only elementary school that was open to black teachers or students was Dunbar Elementary School. Lewis remained at that school after the district's desegregation in 1951. She transferred to Roosevelt Elementary in 1961 and remained there until she retired. Lewis died in 1995 at the age of 83.

JOSE GALVEZ / ARIZONA DAILY STAR 1977