(DALLAS, TX) – Ten outstanding educators will be honored by the African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) by being inducted into its Educators’ Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony/luncheon is set for Noon, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, 2222 North Stemmons Frwy. AAEAHP is honoring also Presidential Awardees — State Senator Royce West and Curtis King, President and Founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters.
Serving as Honorary Chair Sponsor for the event is the Credit Union of Texas, Troy Mathieu, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Educators being inducted into the Hall of Fame are:
- Dr. Helen Benjamin
- Cassandra Black
- Robert Edison
- Dr. Levatta Levels
- Dr. Larry Lewis
- Bertric Manning
- The Late Dr. Charles Matthews
- Dora Wesley Morris
- Cheryl Smith
- Norma Wright
The Educators’ Hall of Fame identifies and recognizes educators and others for outstanding contributions to the educational experiences of African Americans in Dallas County. Inductees are historical and contemporary. Over the past 20 years, 183 individuals have been inducted into the AAEAHP Hall of Fame and 38 special awards have been presented recognizing outstanding members of the community.
When asked about being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Dr. Levatta Levels had this to say: I’m honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame by the African American Education Archives and History Program. As a product of the Dallas ISD, it’s personal, deeply meaningful, and symbolizes recognition of my contributions and impact on the field of education, along with my fellow inductees. It’s not just an individual achievement, but a reflection of a commitment to uplifting my community, preserving its legacy, and inspiring future generations.”
The Class of 2025 will join such Dallas icons as Dr. Emmett Conrad, Kathlyn J. Gilliam, Yvonne A. Ewell, Sam Tasby, Dr. Marvin E. Edwards, Curtistene Smith McCowan, Pastor Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., Rev. C.B.T. Smith, Thomas G. Jones and others in the Hall of Fame photographic exhibit at the African American Museum Dallas, 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75210.
In addition to celebrating the honorees, scholarships will be awarded to high school and continuing college students. AAEAHP has awarded more than $75,000 since 2015 to students from Dallas County to help them attend college and become educators. You can make a donation to the scholarship fund via the website: www.aaeahp.org.
If you would like to attend the event, a limited number of tickets are still available on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are $100 per person.
In addition, you may acknowledge one or more individuals (living or deceased) in the souvenir program booklet (In Honor/In Memory) who influenced your pursuit of education for $25 per name. The deadline to make these purchases is March 3, 2025. Make checks or money orders payable to: AAEAHP, and mail to P.O. Box 411091, Dallas, TX 75241, or you may make your purchases online at www.aaeahp.org. AAEAHP is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is tax deductible.
You may also support this event by purchasing a sponsorship or an advertisement in the souvenir program. For more information about the induction ceremony and luncheon, check out our website at www.aaeahp.org.
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ABOUT THE HONOREES
EDUCATORS’ HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
HELEN BENJAMIN
For 45 years, Helen dedicated herself to uplifting students, just as she had been uplifted throughout her life as a student, teacher and leader in Louisiana, Texas, and California, respectively. In Dallas, she taught English at Sunset and Hillcrest High Schools before becoming an assistant professor and department chair at Bishop College and later a division chair at Cedar Valley College. She then moved to California’s Contra Costa Community College District, where over 25 years, she held six roles—including college president, vice chancellor for educational affairs, and chancellor. With each position, Helen deepened her impact, committed to empowering others and creating transformative educational experiences.
CASSANDRA L. BLACK
Cassandra’s entire career in education was in Dallas ISD. She started as a classroom teacher, and later served as English Department Chairperson and Teacher of the Year at North Dallas High School. After a promotion to Director of Certification/Employee Relations, she ensured that only qualified teachers and Administrators were hired, and the District met all No Child Left Behind requirements. Her efforts led to the District being “Recognized” by the Texas Education Agency. She is a Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and the 31st National President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Annually, a deserving NPHC/Divine 9 Undergraduate Sorority member is awarded the Cassandra L. Black Scholarship.
ROBERT EDISON
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky with my parents Luther and Nola Edison and my four siblings. I spent 44 years working with students and teachers in the Dallas ISD. Although, I became the Dallas ISD Director for Social Studies Department, my major accomplishments took place in the classroom. I am proud of the students who I had the opportunity to influence over the years. They made it possible for me to become the Dallas Teacher of the Year in 1992 and Region 10 Teacher of the Year. I believe a teacher who ceases to learn should cease to teach and teachers of minority students should have a pedagogy that liberates them.
LEVATTA L. LEVELS
Dr. Levatta L. Levels is a seasoned educator with 35+ years of experience as a teacher, principal, executive director, and superintendent. In DeSoto ISD, she led key initiatives including rezoning for enrollment growth, districtwide standardized dress, selective enrollment, middle school magnet programs, and districtwide behavior programs. She helped create the ReJuv program, helping overaged students graduate with a high school diploma. She was inducted into the DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor, received the NAACP Juanita Craft Award, and recognition from her alma maters Skyline High School and the University of North Texas. She is a leader in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a Student Conduct Officer and field supervisor at two DFW universities.
LARRY D. LEWIS, Ph.D.
Dr. Lewis is unwavering in his commitment to impacting and transforming the lives of students and families. As a situational leader, his laser focus on every student reading on or above grade level at every grade level has been the hallmark of his success. Dr. Lewis has served at all levels of K-12 education as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, area superintendent and superintendent. As a scholar in the Urban Superintendents Program at Harvard University, Dr. Lewis learned strategies that served and supported his principals in leading their campuses to recognized/exemplary ratings by the Texas Education Agency, as well as the Malcolm Baldridge Award, Texas Blue Ribbon and National Blue Ribbon Schools.
BERTRIC LUETISSUR MANNING
Bertric Luetissur Manning, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher and community leader. She has dedicated her life to helping others and served as a classroom teacher in Dallas Independent School District. She was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” many times. She was the DFW Coordinator for the “No Child Left Behind” 2002 Achievement Academy. She has reached a pinnacle of success in church and Christian living. One of her treasures is a plaque to a Grade “A” Teacher Award for making school so super cool. During her retirement she spent time developing programs to improve teaching techniques and enhance student achievement.
CHARLES MATTHEWS
Dr. Charles Matthews has dedicated his entire life to Educating and Influencing young people all his life. He served as a Classroom Teacher, Assistant Principal, Deputy Superintendent to General Superintendent in the North Forest ISD and Wilmer-Hutchins ISD. He was the first Black Superintendent of Texas in 1991. As General Superintendent of WHISD he implemented and began the first three year old program for the State of Texas. He was an Innovator and Trailblazer in the field of Education.
DORA WESLEY MORRIS
Dora was an award-winning elementary school teacher in Dallas ISD for 31 years. She served as a General Music Teacher for the first fourteen. Afterwards, she became a Self-Contained/ Language Arts Teacher. Because of her accomplishments with the students, Dora also served as a Mentor to New Teachers, Trainer and Instructor in the Alternative Certification Program, Campus Instructional Leadership Team Member, Curriculum Writer, Staff Development Presenter, Member of the Campus Improvement Plan Committee, and District IV Workshop Presenter. Post Dallas ISD Retirement, she spent an additional 17 years in DeSoto ISD as a Part-time Reading Pull-Out Teacher. Dora spent 48 passionate years educating young people.
CHERYL SMITH
In classrooms, Cheryl follows the mantra of Dr. Napoleon B. Lewis, who said, “A teacher hasn’t taught if the student hasn’t learned.” She believes in also providing hard-knock life lessons like her FAMU professors did. In 1998, she headed the Paul Quinn College Communications Department; revitalizing the school newspaper, and starting an NABJ Chapter (Chapter of the Year finalist and Student Journalist of the Year honors, while winning several national awards). Having taught at UNT, TWU, Dallas College, and the DFW/ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop, the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Famer has been recognized by the Journalism Education Association and National Conference of Editorial Writers for her work with journalism students.
NORMA BEASLEY WRIGHT
Norma Beasley Wright has been a cornerstone of student support and well-being within Dallas ISD, consistently embodying the essence of a dedicated educator. her unwavering commitment fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment has made her the heartbeat of the school community. Recognized Dallas ISD Counselor of the year, her impact extends far beyond academic guidance; she championed student-centered initiatives that empower and uplift every child. Through her compassionate leadership, she has inspired countless students to reach their fullest potential, further cementing her legacy in Dallas ISD. The opening up of Thomas A. Edison Middle Learning Center and the transformation of the Dr. Billy E. Dade Middle School has solidified her career.
PRESIDENTIAL AWARDEES
TEXAS STATE SENATOR ROYCE WEST
The Honorable Royce West has dedicated his life to public service for more than 30+ years. Currently he serves in the Texas State Senate and serves in the 16th Legislative Session as Vice Chairman of Senate Transportation Committee and is a member of several Senate committees. He has worked to improve education in Texas and to increase the academic success of Texas students by providing the needed funding for schools, programs, students and teachers. A family man, Senator West is married to Carol and is the father of seven. He is active in his church, various civic organizations, the African American Museum, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. A native of Annapolis, Maryland, a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington (BA, MA) and the University of Houston (JD), Royce Barry West has made his mark in the Dallas Metroplex and the State of Texas by giving of himself as a public servant.
CURTIS KING
Curtis King is an American director, producer and the founder and president of the nationally acclaimed The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL). Founded on King’s dining room table with a $250 personal investment, the institution is one of America’s most beloved and renowned multi-disciplined art institutions whose mission is to foster, promote cultivate, perpetuate and preserve the arts and letters of the African, Caribbean and African American experience in the Fine, Literary, Performing, Visual, and Cinematic arts. Since the institution’s founding (July 17, 1977), under King’s leadership, TBAAL has generated over $150 million in revenue to support the venue capital campaigns and improvements, programming and operations. Located in downtown Dallas in the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, TBAAL attracts more than a quarter-of-a-million patrons and visitors annually.
Often called the “the King of Tributes,” Curtis has created, directed and produced scores of musical tributes, plays, concerts and other cultural events aimed at uplifting the African American community and enlightening non-African Americans. The recipient of numerous awards and honors which span the gamut of major cultural art and entertainment conglomerates to the trenches of the community and social service organizations. Professionally serving on many boards and holding membership in many organization, Curtis is a native of Mississippi, the son of a teacher and an industrial farmer, one of three siblings, he graduated Cum Laude from Jackson State University with a BA in Speech and Communications and a MA from Texas Christian University. A Christian, he is a member of First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park. A worldwide traveler, Curtis Lamar King has lived a life immersed in the arts and lifting up the African American experience in the arts.
PHOTOS MAY BE ACCESSED HERE:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zZiDPku8Zjm4JEEZPlR48Lg39VtvD6Mi?usp=share_link
Contact: Loretta Simon
Phone: 214.697.2813
Email: loretta.simon@yahoo.com
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ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATION ARCHIVES AND HISTORY PROGRAM
The African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) began in 2002 as a collaborative effort of local educators and the African American Museum. Our mission is to raise awareness of the African American experience in Dallas County, collect and preserve archives, recognize outstanding individuals, and support students and young educators. Components of the organization include educators’ hall of fame, oral history collection, archives and history, scholarships, children’s center at AA Museum, and digital interactive wall.
Learn more at www.aaeahp.org.
Facebook at Facebook.com/AAEAHP
