African American Education Archives and History Program

HALL OF FAME

Special to Texas Metro News

On April 12, Reverend Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III will serve as the emcee for the African American Education Archives and History Program Hall of Fame Luncheon, where 10 outstanding educators, along with two distinguished Presidential Awardees will be honored. Educator Inductees are: Dr. Helen Benjamin, Cassandra Black, Robert Edison, Dr. Levatta L. Levels, Dr. Larry Lewis, Bertric Manning, The Late Dr. Charles Matthews, Dora Wesley Morris, Cheryl Smith, and Norma Wright.

Presidential Awardees are: State Senator Royce West and TBAAL Founder and President Curtis King.

A past honoree, Dr. Haynes received the AAEAHP Hall of Fame Presidential Award in 2024.

The honorary chair is The Credit Union of Texas, Troy Mathieu, board chairman.

Raised in San Francisco, CA, Dr. Haynes pursued his education at Bishop College in Dallas, Texas before becoming the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, a role he has faithfully served in for 40 years.

Under his leadership, the church has grown to a congregation of 13,000 members and is widely recognized as a national hub for social justice.

Dr. Haynes earned his Ph.D. from Oxford University in Oxford, England, and is pursuing a second Ph.D. His expertise has led him to consult with the White House on various issues, further solidifying his reputation as a prophetic voice in ministry and advocacy.

A dynamic preacher and orator, he has received numerous awards and honors, including the Frederick D. Haynes III Walk of Justice, named in his honor by his church, and a school bearing his name on the Paul Quinn College campus. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he is married to entrepreneur Debra Peek-Haynes and is the proud father of their daughter, Abeni Jewel Haynes.

DR. HELEN BENJAMIN

For 45 years, Dr. Helen Benjamin 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.

Of this honor, Dr. Benjamin said: “I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition. Being included not only among this year’s inductees but also among those in the Hall of Fame who mentored and supported me as a young educator is a special honor.”

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

Robert Edison grew up in Louisville, Kentucky with his parents Luther and Nola Edison, and his four siblings. He spent 44 years working with students and teachers in the Dallas ISD. Although he became the Dallas ISD Director for Social Studies Department, his major accomplishments took place in the classroom. He is proud of the students who he’s had the opportunity to influence over the years. He would say they made it possible for him to become the Dallas Teacher of the Year in 1992 and Region 10 Teacher of the Year. He believes a teacher who ceases to learn should cease to teach and teachers of minority students should have a pedagogy that liberates them.

DR. 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 is a 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 spends her time developing programs to improve teaching techniques and enhance student achievement.

DR. CHARLES MATTHEWS

Dr. Charles Matthews dedicated his entire life to educating and influencing young people. He served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, deputy superintendent to general superintendent in the North Forest ISD and Wilmer-Hutchins ISD. 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 MORRIS

Dora Morris, who spent 48 passionate years educating young people, was an award-winning elementary school teacher in Dallas ISD for 31 years. She served as a general music teacher for the first 14 years. 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.

CHERYL SMITH

While enjoying an impressive career as a multi-media journalist, newspaper editor and radio talk show host, Cheryl Smith also spent more than 30 years in classrooms utilizing her journalism degree from FAMU and a business degree from Amberton University. She follows the mantra of another Hall of Famer, 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 for Shane Hefner, while winning several awards).

Having taught at UNT, TWU, Dallas College, and the DFW/ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop, this proud Golden-Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and 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. Additionally, she has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships, fellowships and internships.

NORMA BEASLEY WRIGHT

Norma Beasley Wright’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education. She 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.

Her role in the opening of the Thomas A. Edison Middle Learning Center and the transformation of Dr. Billy E. Dade Middle School stand as powerful testaments to her enduring impact.

Two Presidential Awardees are recognized for their exceptional contributions to the educational experiences of African Americans in Dallas County.

CURTIS KING

Curtis King is an American director, producer, and the founder and president of the nationally acclaimed Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL).

Often called “The King of Tributes,” King has created, directed, and produced numerous musical tributes, plays, concerts, and cultural events that uplift the African American community while enlightening broader audiences.

His extensive accolades span major cultural and entertainment organizations, as well as grassroots community and social service groups.

A native of Mississippi, King is the son of a teacher and an industrial farmer and one of three siblings. He graduated Cum Laude from Jackson State University with a B.A. in Speech and Communications and later earned a M.A. from Texas Christian University.

A devoted Christian, he is a member of First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park.

A world traveler and lifelong advocate for the arts, Curtis Lamar King has dedicated his career to preserving and advancing African American culture through artistic expression.

HON. ROYCE WEST

Today, we spotlight Presidential Award honoree Texas State Senator Royce West, whose dedication to education and community advocacy has had a lasting impact.

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.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!