African American Education Archives and History Program

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African American Education Archives and History Program

The African American Education Archives and History Program began in February 2002. Inductees will be both historical and contemporary figures. Mrs.

AAEAHP serves to preserve the history of the African American education experience in Dallas County so that contemporary society can study the lessons learned through the struggles and triumphs of African American educators, students and the community. The mission is to collect and maintain a repository of artifacts, documents, and visual images that record the African American education experienc

e in Dallas County. It is important to preserve this history so that contemporary society can study the lessons learned through the struggles and triumphs of African American educators, students and the community. Components of AAEAHP include:
The AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATION HALL OF FAME component identifies and recognizes educators and others who have made positive and outstanding contributions to the educational experiences of African Americans in Dallas County. Bobbie Lang served as the first chair of the event. The ARCHIVES & HISTORY component focuses on collecting artifacts to be included in media presentations, and chronicles the history of the education of African American students and educators who served in Dallas County. CURRICULUM MODULES AND MULTIMEDIA EXHIBITS COMPONENTS are being developed for use in schools and to share with the community. Permanent displays are available for public viewing at the African American Museum. The ORAL HISTORY component seeks to collect the voices of individuals who impacted or were impacted by the Dallas County education experience that breached the walls of ignorance and opened pathways to success. The hope is to preserve the experiences of those who transitioned from segregated schools to desegregated schools to benefit from the lessons learned. The preservation of these profiles allows the lessons learned to be celebrated.

06/02/2026

🌟 Hall of Fame Highlight 🌟
Established to honor excellence and leadership, the African American Education Archives and History Program’s Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have shaped African American education in Dallas County since 1902. Join us in the weeks ahead as we highlight their contributions and enduring influence on our community.

✨2005 Inductee | Dr. Joseph L. Atkins

An inductee into the African American Education Archives and History Program Hall of Fame in 2005, Joseph Atkins, a Dallas native, became a catalyst for change whose courage helped open the doors of higher education to thousands of Black students who followed in his footsteps.

After graduating from Lincoln High School in June 1954, Atkins applied for admission to the University of North Texas but was denied entry because of segregation. His determination to challenge this injustice sparked a landmark civil rights lawsuit that led a federal court to order the university to end its segregationist policies. As a result of his efforts, the University of North Texas became one of the first colleges and universities in the South to desegregate.

Unable to attend UNT at the time, Atkins earned a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from the University of Texas at El Paso. In 1967, he returned to the University of North Texas to earn a Master of Education degree.

In December 2004, the University of North Texas concluded its yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of desegregation by honoring Atkins as a “barrier-breaking alumnus” and awarding him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Atkins’ trailblazing legacy extended far beyond higher education. From 1963 to 1974, he taught at James Madison High School and North Dallas High School, where he inspired generations of students to become engaged, well-rounded citizens and helped prepare many for college and future success. His commitment to education, equality, and opportunity continues to leave a lasting impact on the Dallas community and beyond.

📍 Come visit the Educators Hall of Fame exhibit at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas — open Tuesday–Saturday.

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Their courage and service will never be forgotten.

05/19/2026

🌟 Hall of Fame Highlight 🌟
Established to honor excellence and leadership, the African American Education Archives and History Program’s Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have shaped African American education in Dallas County since 1902. Join us in the weeks ahead as we highlight their contributions and enduring influence on our community.

✨2005 Inductee | Dr. Caesar F. Toles

An African American Education Archives and History Program Hall of Fame inductee (2005), Dr. Caesar Toles was born on a farm near Calvert, Texas. He distinguished himself early in life, graduating as valedictorian of his high school class in 1929. He went on to attend Bishop College, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1933.

Dr. Toles continued his academic journey at Iowa State University of Science and Technology in 1934, where he maintained a straight “A” average in psychology and teacher education. In 1945, he enrolled at the University of Michigan, earning a Master of Arts degree in 1947 and completing his Doctor of Philosophy in 1953.

His professional career began in 1933 as a science teacher at Carthage High School in Carthage, Texas. After relocating to Dallas, he taught science at Booker T. Washington High School from 1936 to 1955. He later served as principal of Joseph J. Rhoads Elementary School from 1955 until 1967.

Dr. Toles also made significant contributions to higher education, serving as a professor of education at Bishop College, a visiting professor at the University of Michigan, a professor of educational philosophy and history at Southern Methodist University, and a professor of education at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

Learn more about his impact: https://vimeo.com/866564553

📍 Come visit the Educators Hall of Fame exhibit at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas — open Tuesday–Saturday.

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Hall of Fame Member Shirley Ison-Newsome on this incredible honor! The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees has officially renamed Harry Stone Montessori International Baccalaureate Academy to Shirley Ison-Newsome Montessori Academy, an International Baccalaureate World School. A 2017 Hall of Fame inductee, Ison-Newsome made a lasting impact as principal of Harry Stone Middle School, later overseeing Stone Montessori Academy as area superintendent and helping secure IB certification for grades 6–8 while preserving Montessori programming for PK–5. Her leadership also helped shape middle school education across the district through Dallas ISD’s Middle School Initiative. The Board also approved campus name changes honoring former Dallas City Councilwoman and activist Diane Ragsdale and former Dallas ISD administrator and community leader Hector Flores. What a powerful legacy of leadership, service, and dedication to students!

05/13/2026

And the trophy goes to...
What a joy it was to celebrate our outstanding AAEAHP Honorees as they proudly received their trophies of recognition!

We are thrilled to recognize our 10 Education Hall of Fame Inductees:
Michelle Lilly Briscoe, Rev. Armond W. Brown, The Late Ned Green (represented by his wife, Betty Green), Wanda Huckaby, The Late Dr. Maude A. Small (represented by her son, David A. Small), Ethel Snowden, Dr. Candace E. Wicks, Marian A. Willard, La Ron E. Wilson, and Dr. George Woodrow, Jr.

We also proudly honor our Outstanding Community Leaders:
The Late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (represented by her son, D. Kirk Johnson) and The Honorable Helen Giddings.

And we proudly celebrate our amazing Trailblazer:
Emma Rodgers.

Please join us in giving each of these extraordinary honorees one more well-deserved round of applause as we close out our Hall of Fame event coverage!

05/12/2026

🌟 Hall of Fame Highlight 🌟
Established to honor excellence and leadership, the African American Education Archives and History Program’s Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have shaped African American education in Dallas County since 1902. Join us in the weeks ahead as we highlight their contributions and enduring influence on our community.

✨2006 Inductee | Dr. Billy E. Dade

An African American Education Archives and History Program Hall of Fame recipient (2006), Dr. Dade was born in 1913 in the farming community of Mount Vernon, Texas. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, followed by a master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University, and later earned his Doctor of Education from the University of North Texas in Denton.

Dr. Dade was a defining figure in education within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), dedicating more than 50 years of service. His career began in a one-room school in Marshall, Texas, where he served as the sole teacher. He later taught mathematics at Julia C. Frazier Elementary School and both mathematics and Latin at Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas.

Throughout his career, Dr. Dade advanced into multiple leadership roles in DISD, serving as principal of Frederick Douglass, Paul L. Dunbar, John Henry Brown, and C.F. Carr Elementary Schools, as well as Pearl C. Anderson Middle School. Alongside his work in K–12 education, he also contributed to higher education as an adjunct instructor at El Centro College, Bishop College, Prairie View A&M University, and Paul Quinn College.

Recognized widely for his impact, Dr. Dade received numerous honors over his lifetime. He is remembered by thousands of former students, colleagues, and community members as an exceptional educator and enduring source of inspiration. In tribute to his legacy, the Dallas Independent School District named Billy Earl Dade Middle School in his honor.

Learn more about his impact: https://vimeo.com/866582025

📍 Come visit the Educators Hall of Fame exhibit at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas — open Tuesday–Saturday.

05/11/2026

We’re still buzzing from the success of our latest Hall of Fame event! A special thank-you to Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) for returning as our honorary sponsor for the second year in a row.
We’re especially grateful to Troy Mathieu, Board Chairman, for sharing greetings with our guests. We also appreciate the support and presence of Dr. Marelou Cisneros (Board Member) and Eddie Army (Chief Marketing & Engagement Officer).

Thank you, CUTX, for helping make this celebration unforgettable!

05/07/2026

Always great to see these faces in the place! We are all breathing a big sigh of relief following another successful AAEAHP Hall of Fame event. Here we are again at our monthly meeting working to continue refining and enhancing our programs and initiatives.

Thanks to the Southwest Transplant Alliance for providing information and materials regarding organ donation and useful swag items.

For more information about the AAEAHP, visit our website at www.aaeahp.org and continue to follow us on Facebook.

05/06/2026

AAEAHP says CONGRATULATIONS to our own Mrs. Kathryn Mitchell (AAEAHP Education Hall of Fame 2017) who was recently recognized as an Icon by the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc.

Address

Dallas, TX
75241

Telephone

+19722986980

Website

http://www.aaeahp.org/

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