TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
William Cofield 1939–2021 Kentucky Educator, State NAACP Leader, Civic Leader
By Kelly Smith and Aaron Williams
promising scholars to attend the institu- tion and Cooperative Extension. Cofield led the 2-3 Engineering program and assisted in programs that helped to es- tablish the Agricultural Degree program (The REAP Program). He also served as campus advisor for the N.A.A.C.P. College Chapter and the Kentucky State University Chapter, the Alpha Upsilon of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. At KSU, he also served as the Executive Director of Minority Affairs in the Transportation Department of Kentucky. When Cofield moved to Frankfort, KY, he joined the local N.A.A.C.P. chap- ter, where he would become a leader for the civil rights organization in the state for decades. Cofield led the N.A.A.C.P. statewide initiatives to establish voter registration drives, to give felons the right to vote, served as a strong advocate for Women's Rights, and bridged the gap for Latino leaders to join the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. Cofield served for many years as president of the Frankfort/Franklin County branch of the N.A.A.C.P. In addition, he was elected to the statewide presidency of N.A.A.C.P. and, in 1986, to the organi- zation's National Board of Directors. While leading the Kentucky N.A.A.C.P., Cofield spearheaded the expansion of chapters, registered numer- ous youth members, developed scholar- ship programs, and increased outreach to other minority groups. Cofield was instrumental in nominating more persons of color whose qualifications and contributions made them worthy recipients of the Kentucky Colonel Award- the highest title of honor given by the Governor of Kentucky and in ensuring the state honored a holiday for slain civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr.
Cofield spent 25 years on the Franklin County Board of Education. In addition to serving on the school board, Cofield served as president of the National Caucus of Black School Board Members in 2004. Additionally, he was a charter member of the Frankfort (KY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, leading the Chapter as Polemarch. Cofield served in numerous organizations and boards In 2014, Cofield was inducted into the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Hall of Fame, which recognizes "men and women who have made signif- icant contributions to Kentucky's prog- ress in areas of civil and human rights." In recognition of Cofield's service and leadership on the board of education, Franklin County's named its fourth high school, William Cofield High School, after him. In 2019, Kentucky State Uni- versity bestowed its Presidential Citation for Excellence to Cofield for his efforts to enrich the reputation and stature of the University. Cofield was a member of St. John A. M. E. Church located in Frankfort, KY. In addition to his parents, Brother William E. Cofield, Sr. was preceded in death by his son, William E. Cofield, Jr.; and brother, John H. Cofield, Sr. He is survived by his devoted wife, Virginia (née Clark) Cofield; daughter, Kemba Anika Cofield; grandson, William E. Co- field, III; and great-granddaughter, Acaia Cofield; brothers: Robert L. Cofield, Sr. and Allen Green; his aunt; and a host of relatives, close friends, and colleagues.
I n 1991, William E. Cofield was the first African American appoint- ed to the Franklin County Board of Education; he was elected three times. Longtime Kentucky State University (KSU) professor and state civil rights leader William E. Cofield, Sr. (Gamma Zeta 1959) entered the Chapter Invisible on August 8, 2021. William Eugene Cofield Sr. was born in LaGrange, GA, on August 28, 1939, and was the second child born to the late Henry L. and Rosie (née Wil- liams) Cofield. He attended LaGrange Public Schools and graduated from East Depot High School. He attended Fort Valley State College (now University) in Fort Val- ley, GA. He earned a B.S. degree in social studies concentrating in French Education and graduating summa cum laude. In addition to his frater- nal membership, Cofield was also a member of the campus's N.A.A.C.P. chapter and the Student Government Association. He later earned an M.S. degree in school administration from Tuskegee University and completed further graduate studies at the Ohio State University. Cofield began his professional career in education teaching So- cial Studies and French at Houston County High School in Perry, GA, and Central High School in Newnan, GA. He accepted a position on the faculty of Kentucky State University in Frankfort, KY, where he also worked as a career counselor and recruited
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