She helped transform a segregation wall in South Miami to a unifying work of art
Many times, people who have worked hard to leave their mark on our community pass away and except for family and close friends, their dying goes unnoticed, or with little fanfare.
Gail Coachman Alexander was such a person. A lifelong teacher, artist and mentor to many, she died on Jan. 19. She was 73.
Gail, a native Miamian, was born Sept. 9, 1951, to Ollie Mae Sharpe Coachman Yaeger and Chester Coachman Sr. She attended Dade-County public schools where she became known for her creativity and love of art.
Alexander graduated from Miami Central High School and later graduated from Bethune-Cookman College (now university), with a bachelor’s degree in education. At Bethune-Cookman, she met and married Robert Alexander and they had a son, Khary.
Alexander not only nurtured her son, but all of the students she met over a lifetime of teaching.
She was so passionate about art and education and the well-being of the children entrusted to her care that she dedicated 36 years to teaching at Allapattah Middle School. She was named “Teacher of the Year” for District 2 four times during her career.
For years, Alexander helped underserved students prepare for college through the Upward Bound program, where her vibrant personality and firm yet nurturing demeanor made a lasting impact.
Alexander was a highly respected magnet lead teacher and advised many new teachers entering the school system.
But she knew it took more than books to educate children. So, she became sponsor of the Allappattah Middle School Drill Team, making sure the team participated in annual local parades.
She was a member of the Universal Truth Center for Better Living for more than two decades, where she was known for her authenticity, warmth and vivacious personality.
“She was a bright light and genuine soul, who lived life unapologetically and to the fullest,” her son said. “Her big smile and contagious laugh will be cherished by all who knew and loved her. She was truly a larger-than-life pillar of the community. And she doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”
As she entered the last years of her teaching career, she enrolled in a glass-firing art class at the University of Miami, where she became skilled at another art form.
“She purchased a firing kiln and began creating beautiful glass pieces of art, which she displayed at various art shows and exhibits throughout Miami. She became Miami’s premier Black female glass artist,” Khary said proudly.
After retiring, Alexander began mentoring aspiring artists and orchestrating local art initiatives. One such project was transforming a wall in South Miami after the death of George Floyd in May 2020.
She and five other women, including Dr. Anna Price, a former mayor of South Miami, redesigned a wall that was used to divide Black residents from white ones in South Miami. They named it the Unity Wall.
Alexander was the lead artist and the project’s organizer. She rallied community support across all backgrounds and ages to paint a mural on the wall featuring prominent Black residents and Black-owned businesses in the history of South Miami.
“My sister was an amazing blessing to us all,” said Ivan Yaeger, a South Florida inventor and educator. “She selflessly devoted her artistic talent to bringing education, inspiration and beauty to the world. We are all enriched by Gail’s love and vision.”
In addition to her parents, Alexander is preceded in death by her sisters Louise Torres and Irene Watson. She is survived by son Khary Alexander Sr. (Tilicia); grandsons Khary Jr. (Jaslyn), Aaron Daniels and Jaylen Alexander; brothers Gary Coachman, Chester Coachman Jr. (Tammy), Bradford Coachman (Cassandra), Neal Yaeger and Ivan Yaeger; sisters Connie Bradwell, Sheena Coachman, and six great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and longtime friend Dr. Anna Price. Funeral services were held.
New pastor at Mount Tabor
A warm welcome to the Rev. De’Andre D. Burgs, the newly installed pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church, one of Miami-Dade’s oldest Black churches.
The installation was celebrated with a Pastoral Brunch at the Rusty Pelican, followed by worship and installation services on Jan. 12, at the church, 10500 NW Seventh Ave. He was installed just in time to commemorate the church’s 124th anniversary, which is being celebrated on Sunday, Feb. 9.
Burgs is a doctoral candidate in Christian Education and Ministry Leadership. He and his wife, the Rev. Dr. Shawn Burgs, are the parents of three, Christian, Carson and Carli.