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The Rhode Island Foundation honored Jo Eva Gaines with its 2026 Black History Month Award in recognition of her role as a trailblazer for Black educators and students.

“Jo Eva Gaines is a pioneering figure in the world of public education. At a time when there were few Black educators, she was a role model and someone who opened doors for generations to come after her,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

In addition to serving as a classroom teacher and as Director of Guidance for Middletown Public Schools, she was a member of the Newport School Committee and the R.I. Association of School Committees and serves on the R.I. Board of Education.

“I am so honored to have been chosen to receive this award. I have always been a promoter of collaboration. If I have been successful, collaboration is the key. No one can accomplish anything worthwhile alone. Someone else has to share your belief and commitment. I have done nothing alone,” said Gaines.

In the community, Gaines is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Women’s Newport League and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and an Alumnae member of Links Inc.

In addition, she served the Board of Directors of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, the R.I. Commission on Women, Big Sisters R.I., several advisory boards for education evaluation and funding and the R.I. School Building Task Force led by U.S. Rep. and former General Treasurer Seth Magaziner.

Her honors and awards include the NAACP Outstanding Educator Award, the R.I. Association of School Committee’s Howard Kay Award for Outstanding School Committee Service and the R.I. School Superintendents’ Association’s Paul Crowley Award.

Gaines received a B.A. in Education from Salve Regina University; an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from Providence College; and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Career Counseling/Secondary Administration from Bridgewater State College. She has four children and two grandsons, and was married for 63 years to the late Paul L. Gaines Sr.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, together with neighbors and partners, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts.