African American Education Archives and History Program News

Retired Educators Continue Their Work of Service at Annual Retreat

Retirement has not slowed the commitment of a dedicated group of educators who continue to recognize, uplift, and inspire others through service. The African American Education Archives and History Program, now entering its 25th year, held its annual retreat June 9, bringing together retired educators and community supporters to strengthen the organization’s ongoing work. The retreat focused on efforts to honor outstanding educators and students, preserve important historical archives, and celebrate the legacy of African American education.

The gathering also provided an opportunity to recognize individuals whose contributions have advanced the organization’s mission throughout the year. Dr. Larry Lewis, a 2025 Hall of Fame honoree, was recognized for spearheading a successful Free Throw event that raised $25,000 for the organization. Ms. Kathryn Mitchell, a member of the Class of 2017, was honored as the namesake of the Kathryn Mitchell Community Service Award. The award will be presented annually to a student in the TEACH Project. This year’s recipient is Jeremiah Bivens, a 2026 graduate of DeSoto High School.

Nominations Open for the 2027 Education Hall of Fame

AAEAHP President Lincoln Butler, Sr. (HOF 2012) encourages the public to submit nominations for the 2027 AAEAHP Education Hall of Fame! Help honor outstanding educators and community leaders whose service has significantly enriched the educational experience of African Americans in Dallas County from 1902 to the present. Nominees may include retired teachers, administrators, mentors, school board members, PTA supporters, civil rights advocates, support staff, and leaders of community or professional organizations dedicated to improving education. Eligible educators must have served at least 15 years and be retired three years from full-time work; non-educators must have completed at least three years of service and be retired three years from a specific educational endeavor. Celebrate those who advanced learning, inspired others, and strengthened our community. Submit nominations by Saturday, July 18, 2026. Complete an application online or download a hard copy at: https://aaeahp.org/hall-of-fame/submit-a-nomination/

Roy Hargrove Summer Jazz Camp Celebrates Legacy, Learning, and the Future of Jazz

The sound of jazz filled the campus of Roosevelt High School as talented students from across Dallas ISD gathered for the Roy Hargrove Summer Jazz Camp, a weeklong program dedicated to developing the next generation of young musicians. For S. Dean Hill, Roy Hargrove’s first band teacher and a member of the AAEAHP Hall of Fame Class of 2023, the camp’s renaming carries deep personal meaning. “As Roy Hargrove’s first band teacher, it was an absolute honor and privilege to officially rename the Dallas ISD summer jazz camp in his memory,” Hill said.

The Roy Hargrove Summer Jazz Camp brings together some of Dallas ISD’s top jazz educators to work with promising young musicians from Dallas ISD. This year’s camp was hosted at Roosevelt High School, where students spent the week sharpening their skills, expanding their musical knowledge, and experiencing the power of jazz in a collaborative setting.

The camp also featured a Spotlight Artist Series, giving students the opportunity to learn directly from some of Dallas’s finest young professional musicians. These guest artists performed for students and shared stories about their personal and professional journeys.

A special moment during the week was a visit from Roy Hargrove’s mother, Ms. Jackie Hargrove, and his wife, Mrs. Aida Brandes-Hargrove. Their presence made the camp especially meaningful, and Mrs. Brandes-Hargrove provided the band with several charts from Roy’s big band library, giving students a direct connection to his remarkable musical legacy.

Camp organizers also expressed gratitude to Mr. Kermit Gray, Roosevelt High School Band Director, for hosting the program and helping create an inspiring environment for students and educators alike.

Building Named to Honor the Prices

Congratulations to Dr. Charmaine and Robert Price on the official dedication of a building named in their honor—Charmaine & Robert Price Career Institute South. Their leadership, generosity, and vision have made a lasting impact on our community, and this recognition celebrates the many ways they have invested their hearts into expanding opportunity for students and families. Robert Price is an AAEAHP Hall of Famer 2006. Located at 4949 Village Fair Dr., the state-of-the-art campus gives high school students access to career-focused educational pathways in high-demand fields, including aviation, cybersecurity, and construction.

Hall of Famers Receive NCNW Honors

The National Council of Negro Women recently honored two AAEAHP Hall of Famers during its 12th Texas State Unity Conference. The Bethune-Height Recognition Program presented Shirley Ison-Newsome (HOF 2017) with the 2026 Outstanding Service Award for Education in recognition of her distinguished service and contributions to the field. Ison-Newsome and Dr. LeVatta Levels (HOF 2025) were also recognized as 2026 NCNW Bethune Achievers. Dr. Levels further contributed to the program by serving as an awards presenter.

AAEAHP Celebrates Hall of Famers Kathryn Mitchell and Dr. Donnie L. Breedlove

AAEAHP proudly congratulates our own Mrs. Kathryn Mitchell, a 2017 inductee into the AAEAHP Education Hall of Fame, on her recent recognition as an Icon by the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. This distinguished honor celebrates Mrs. Mitchell’s enduring leadership, service, and contributions to education and the community.

In May, fellow Hall of Famer Dr. Donnie L. Breedlove was honored at a special celebration brunch hosted by her Alpha Kappa Alpha sisters. The event marked Dr. Breedlove’s remarkable 75 years as an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman and recognized her lasting impact in education and throughout the greater Dallas community. AAEAHP joins family, friends, colleagues, and community members in celebrating these outstanding women whose achievements continue to inspire generations of educators and leaders. Pictured with Dr. Breedlove are Hall of Famers Marian Willard (2026) and Shirley Ison-Newsome (2017).

And the honors just keep coming. During the May banquet of the Dallas Retired Teachers Association, Mrs. Kathryn Mitchell and Dr. Donnie Breedlove were honored as the two oldest members of the organization.

Melvin D. Traylor

A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Student Success

2011 Hall of Famer Melvin Traylor

Melvin D. Traylor built a remarkable 36-year career in the Dallas Independent School District by combining the heart of an educator with the vision of an innovator. A teacher, principal, and district administrator, Traylor devoted his work to opening doors for students and strengthening the schools that served them.

Recognized in 2011 as a Hall of Fame recipient by the African American Education Archives and History Program, Traylor is remembered for turning creative ideas into practical solutions. One notable story credits him with persuading the superintendent to allow principals at low-performing campuses to have first choice of the most talented teaching candidates when filling vacancies. The idea reflected Traylor’s belief that students facing the greatest challenges deserved access to the strongest educators.

His forward-thinking approach also helped shape district practices still familiar today. Traylor implemented DISD’s first student identification badges, a safety and accountability measure that has since become common across the district’s secondary schools.

As a principal, Traylor focused especially on students at risk of falling short of graduation requirements. Through his I. C. U. program, seniors who struggled with test scores received targeted support, extra care, and the encouragement they needed to succeed. The program helped students pass their exams and graduate from high school, reinforcing Traylor’s commitment to never giving up on young people.

In recognition of his service and lasting influence, the DISD Board of Trustees named the Melvin Traylor Auditorium at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in his honor. The tribute stands as a reminder of his dedication to students, schools, and the Dallas community.

Traylor has served as Treasurer of AAEAHP for more than a decade and currently leads the organization’s evaluation revamp efforts. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, and a Master of Administrative Leadership from the University of North Texas in Denton.

About AAEAHP

Founded in 2002, the AAEAHP’s mission is to raise awareness of the African American educational experience in Dallas County by collecting and preserving archives, recognizing outstanding individuals, supporting students and young educators.

The African American Education Archives & History Program is a 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization.

Learn more about us at aaeahp.org