Kelly Miller believed that education was not just a right worth fighting for, it was a power worth using. That conviction, his life and legacy continue to inspire us to pursue knowledge as a force for justice and change. Crocus Day 2026 is April 13 – the second Monday in April. On this occasion, we honor Kelly Miller, a mathematician, sociologist, professor and writer – and a pioneer in the academic study of Black life in America. Miller lived and worked at a time when higher education for...

The pursuit of equity in education does not end when access is granted. While securing entry is a huge milestone, the true value of education is its capacity to expand horizons, build resilience and create pathways toward a better future. Each April, in observance of Crocus Day, we choose a theme that resonates with our mission and highlights conversations we believe are important for the education sector. For 2026, our focus is on the power of education beyond access. Securing access to...

Margaret Hamilton’s intellectual rigor, perseverance and pioneering contributions to software engineering continue to serve as a beacon of innovation and excellence. Crocus Day 2025 is April 14 – the second Monday in April. This year, we recognize Margaret Hamilton, a distinguished software engineer whose work was instrumental in advancing space exploration and shaping the field of computing. As the lead software engineer for NASA’s Apollo program, Hamilton played a critical role in...