On Saturday, August 22nd, family, friends, employees, co-workers, along with current and former North Division students of Milwaukee County, filled New Covenant Church with grief, depression, and sadness for the passing of a father, friend, fraternity brother, Deacon, husband, principal, and security supervisor, all known as Mr. Keith Carrington. Hundreds of cars and people filled the parking lot and seats at New Testament Church, 10201 W. Bradley Road, during the 10:00 am visiting hour, and 11:00 am funeral service.
A change in his health leads to his departure at 48 years. Mr. Carrington wore a lot of hats. He worked at Milwaukee World Festival for a short time in the Marcus Amphitheater as a Security Personnel. He soon became a lead Supervisor for Event Security at Fiserv Forum. Carrington ensured the patrons were safe for five years. He started working for Milwaukee Public Schools in North Division, a smaller school called the Village, in 1997. After the Village, he transitioned to become a special-education teacher; years later, at Roosevelt University, he was an Assistant Principal. Soon after a principal at Sixthy-Fifth school, and finally a Principal at North Division High School during his last years in office.
When Mr. Carrington was not working at Fiserv Forum, he continued to serve as a principal at North Division High School, where his staff and students admired and honored him.
Mr. Carrington did not know he was grooming Mr. McCord, who transferred from Vincent High School four to five years ago into being his predecessor.
Mr. Carrington’s work ethic and integrity were the highest. In a staff meeting, he reminded his employees not to come to work like they just got out of bed. Not only did he care about looking successful, but he focused on being successful. He wanted the youth to get the best education possible to work and earn a living. Being homeless or unemployed was not an option.
Mr. Carrington was not just a worker at North Division and Fiserv Forum; he also served at his church, where his Dad, James H. Carrington, Sr., was the local pastor at Light House Gospel Chapel, while Mr. Keith Allen Carrington served on the Deacon Board. As a Deacon, Mr. Carrington volunteered and proclaimed Jesus to patrons at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and Guest House.
His colleagues quoted in love and respect for his passing:
Monique Parks, M.S., an Administrator for Milwaukee Public Schools, quoted,
“Such a good guy! He will be greatly missed!”
While his fraternity brother posted,
CEO and Executive Director of WHED
“He was more than just my fraternity brother. Keith Carrington demonstrated brotherhood and servant leadership in myriad ways. I’m honored to have had the pleasure of knowing and learning from him.”
The community quoted,
Social Development Commission (SDC)
“On behalf of SDC’s staff and Board of Commissioners, we offer our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of North Division High School Principal Keith Carrington. Many of us had the pleasure of working with Mr. Carrington. The community and students will miss him”.
Suppose one goes to North Division, Milwaukee World Festival, Fiserv Forum, New Covenant, or a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. when one hears the name, Mr. Keith Carrington. In that case, one will remember his character, closeness, and commitment to helping the youth. Although he is gone, Mr. Carrington will consistently be recognizable for his small or significant accomplishments and acts of kindness.
Please keep his wife, Dr. Tanzanique Carrington, and daughter, Cairee, in your prayers during their time of mourning.
Reporter Jude 