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AAEAHP Announces Education Hall of Fame Class of 2027
AAEAHP President Lincoln Butler, Sr. announced on September 1 that 10 outstanding individuals have been selected for induction into the AAEAHP Education Hall of Fame Class of 2027: Dr. Vern L. Alexander, Douglas Baskin, Fred Davis, III, Richard H. Davis, Dr. Alton L. Frailey, Dr. Donna Freeling-Blackburn, Ollie M. Gilstrap, Stephanie A. Hawthorne, Dr. Patricia G. Lewis and Dr. Alfred L. Roberts, Sr.
The honorees will be recognized during the annual Bobbie L. Lang Hall of Fame Luncheon, where AAEAHP will celebrate their service, leadership, and lasting contributions to education. Special awards will also be presented to Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, who will receive the Trailblazer Award, and Dr. Michael Sorrell, who will receive the prestigious Presidential Award.
The luncheon will be held at noon on Saturday, April 10, 2027, at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, 2222 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas. Tickets will go on sale soon, and supporters are encouraged to watch AAEAHP’s Facebook page and website for the official announcement. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities will also be available for purchase to support the honorees and the event.
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North Texas Giving Day: Help Preserve the Legacy of African American Education
North Texas Giving Day is September 17, and giving is open now. The African American Education Archives and History Program invites the community to help preserve the rich and important history of African American education in Dallas County.
Every gift supports our mission to collect, safeguard, and share the artifacts, documents, photographs, images, and personal stories that illuminate the experiences, achievements, and contributions of African American educators, students, families, and communities. These materials help ensure that future generations can learn from the past, understand the present, and carry this legacy forward.
By making an early gift now through September 17, you can help turn these important projects into reality. Together, we can preserve powerful stories, expand educational opportunities, and create lasting impact for our community.
Give today and support the African American Education Archives and History Program on North Texas Giving Day.
https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/African-American-Education-Archives-And-History-Program
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Free Throw Challenge Set for November 7
The African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) invites the community to lace up, cheer on participants, and support local students at its upcoming Free Throw Challenge on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The event will be held from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Chris Dyer Gym at DeSoto High School.
This high-energy fundraiser will bring together basketball, music, and community spirit for a morning of fun with a meaningful purpose. Proceeds from the Free Throw Challenge will help support AAEAHP student scholarships, the Sankofa Children’s Center, the TEACH Project, and other initiatives that advance educational excellence and opportunity.
Community members can take part as shooters, attend as supporters, or help make the event possible through sponsorship. Participation details will be posted soon on AAEAHP’s website and Facebook page.
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UNT Portal Project: Preserving History in the Cloud
AAEAHP has partnered with the University of North Texas’ Portal to Texas History project to preserve and share Education Hall of Fame videos and other oral histories through cloud-based access.
Jacob Mangum of UNT is leading the effort to upload the videos, making these important stories easier for the public to search, view, and enjoy at any time.
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AAEAHP Welcomes New Members at Successful Orientation Seminar
Kudos to Carolyn Thompson, Team Lead for the AAEAHP Orientation Seminar for new members and volunteers, for leading another successful event recently. The seminar offered a welcoming opportunity for new members to learn more about AAEAHP, connect with longtime members, and discover meaningful ways to get involved.
Thank you as well to the many AAEAHP members who participated as presenters and helped make the seminar informative, engaging, and encouraging for all who attended. Most of all, we extend our gratitude to the new members who came ready to learn, ask questions, and sign up to serve on various committees. We are excited to have you involved and look forward to the great work ahead.
Interested in becoming a member of AAEAHP? Contact Membership Chair Thelma Kelly at tkellylou@aol.com to learn how you can join, get connected, and serve alongside other dedicated members.
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Chick-fil-A Supports TEACH Project
Several AAEAHP members visited Chick-fil-A DeSoto on Belt Line Road to present a Certificate of Appreciation plaque to owners/operators James and Azucena Pruitt in recognition of their generous support of our TEACH Project over the past year.
We are truly grateful for community partners who believe in our mission and help make a positive difference for our students, families, and schools. Thank you, James, Azucena, and the Chick-fil-A DeSoto team, for your continued commitment to service and community impact.
Representing the TEACH Project and AAEAHP at today’s presentation were Rai Malone, TEACH Chair; Patricia Ward, TEACH Co-Chair; Rachel Bolden, Campus Coordinator; and Lincoln Butler Sr., AAEAHP President. Chick-fil-A DeSoto is located at 616 W. Belt Line Rd., DeSoto, TX 75115.
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Celebrating Leadership, Advancing Inclusion
Dr. Candace Wicks recognized by the DART Board during Disabilities Month
Dr. Candace Wicks, Hall of Fame Class of 2026, was recently recognized by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board for her service and commitment to advancing accessibility, inclusion and equitable transportation across the community.
The recognition took place during the DART Board meeting on July 14 as part of Disabilities Month, a time dedicated to honoring the contributions, leadership and advocacy of people with disabilities and those working to remove barriers to access. Dr. Wicks was recognized alongside her fellow members of the DART Paratransit Access Advisory Group for their collective service and ongoing efforts to strengthen paratransit access, elevate rider voices and support a transportation system that better serves people of all abilities. This honor reflects the importance of community leadership in shaping more inclusive public services.
Through advocacy, collaboration and lived experience, Dr. Wicks and the advisory group continue to help advance meaningful conversations around accessibility, mobility and equity. Please join AAEAHP in congratulating Dr. Candace Wicks and the members of the DART Paratransit Access Advisory Group on this well-deserved recognition.
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AAEAHP Celebrates 25 Years of Preserving History, Honoring Educators, and Inspiring Future Generations
Community members, educators, families and friends are encouraged to join us for Founders Day on February 20, 2027, at the African American Museum. Verna Mitchell, Chair for the Event, has announced the theme which is "We Are They."
In 2027, the African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) will proudly celebrate 25 years of preserving, documenting, and sharing the rich legacy of African American educators and educational excellence. This milestone anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s impact, honor its founders and supporters, and invite the community to take part in the next chapter of its important work. The event will celebrate the vision, commitment, and leadership that have guided AAEAHP for a quarter century while highlighting the programs and initiatives that continue to connect history, education, and community service. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend.
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Mary Holland-Bolden
A Legacy of Educational Leadership
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2018 Hall of Famer Mary Holland-Bolden
An African American Education Archives and History Program Hall of Fame recipient, Mary Holland-Bolden built a remarkable career rooted in learning, leadership and service. Born in Terrell, Texas, and raised in Dallas, she began preparing for a life of achievement early. While still in high school, she earned barber and cosmetology licenses before continuing her education at Bishop College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education. Inspired by a lifelong commitment to learning, she later earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Texas Southern University in Houston.
Holland-Bolden began her teaching career in the Dallas Independent School District, serving nine years at Roger Q. Mills Elementary School and six years at James W. Fannin Elementary School. After 15 years in the classroom, she moved into campus leadership as assistant principal at Alex Sanger Elementary School. Six years later, she was selected as principal of T. C. Hassell Elementary School, where she promoted family engagement through programs such as “Coffee with Dads” and “Muffins with Moms.”
Throughout her career, Holland-Bolden believed strong schools depend on clear goals in four areas: staff attendance, student attendance, academic achievement and parent involvement. Her leadership extended to the successful opening of Pleasant Grove Elementary School and, after retirement, to consulting and interim leadership roles in DISD’s extended day program department. In all, she provided leadership to six campuses during a 41-year career.
Her accomplishments include recognition for exemplary performance by the Texas Education Agency and Dallas ISD, the Texas Successful Schools Award and Principal of the Year honors. Holland-Bolden’s legacy reflects a deep belief in education, community partnership and the lasting power of dedicated school leadership.
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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.
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The African American Education Archives & History Program is a 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization.
Learn more about us at aaeahp.org
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