Dezann Romain from Brownsville, Brooklyn has died from coronavirus complications. Romain ran Brooklyn Democracy Academy, is one of the city’s first public school officials to succumb to the epidemic, the New York Post reported.
She was only 36 years old.
“It is with profound sadness and overwhelming grief that we announce the passing of our sister, CSA member Dezann Romain, principal of Brooklyn Democracy Academy, due to complications from Coronavirus,” said in a statement on Monday.
“Our prayers are with her family and school community as we mourn alongside them. Please keep Principal Romain in your thoughts and continue to do everything possible to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe during this health crisis.”
Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza also offered his condolences and called for others in the Brooklyn community to support each other even more in the wake of the popular principal’s tragic death.
“We’re all experiencing a deep sense of confusion, uncertainty and sadness and it’s more important than ever to provide support to one another. We’ll be there for the students and staff through whatever means necessary during this impossibly difficult time,” he said.
According to Chalkbeat, Romain worked hard to make the school part of the “fabric of the community,” “never pitied her students” and was a “dedicated professional” educator.
“She gave her entire self to that community, and it did not matter how incredibly complex a problem was,” Courtney Winkfield, one of Romain’s mentors told the website. “She was always rolling her sleeves up to do whatever she could to solve it.”
“She never pitied her students. She never second-guessed what she was there to do,” he said. “She took every kid as her mission.”
This coronavirus is very serious people. It’s not a joke. Please be safe.
