DALLAS, TX—On Saturday, April 11 at Noon, at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, the African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) will host a distinguished celebration honoring a group of remarkable individuals whose unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and extraordinary accomplishments have left an enduring mark on education, community service, and advocacy.
“We are looking forward to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of some very accomplished educators from our community,” said Lincoln Butler, Sr., AAEAHP President. The organization will pay tribute to influential icons from the community, state, and nation. Honorees include Emma Rodgers, recognized as a Trailblazer, and the Late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson alongside the Honorable Helen Giddings, both receiving the esteemed Presidential Award.
Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Michelle Lilly Briscoe, Rev. Armond W. Brown, The Late Ned Green, Wanda Huckaby, The Late Dr. Maude A. Small, Ethel Snowden, Dr. Candace E. Wicks, Marian A. Willard, La Ron Wilson, Dr. George Woodrow.
Other recognitions include the Outstanding Young Educator Timothy A. Minor, Jr., a teacher at Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School in the Dallas ISD; and two college students who will receive scholarships for their continuing education—
Daijah Brown, who is in her sophomore year at East Texas A& M University, and Yazmin Sanchez, a sophomore at the University of North Texas Dallas.
The 2026 inductees join a distinguished lineage of visionary educators whose influence extends well beyond the classroom. Some of the notable Hall of Fame members and distinguished community leaders associated with AAEAHP are: Dr. Yvonne A. Ewell, Kathlyn Gilliam, Dr. Marvin Edwards, Shirley Ison-Newsome, Pastor Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr., Honorable Thomas G. Jones, Cheryl Smith, Dr. Thalia Matherson, Dr. Larry Lewis, Lincoln Butler, Sr., Verna Mitchell, Dr.
Andrea Hilburn, Dr. Alfred L. Roberts, Sr., Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr., Senator Royce West, and Curtis King.
The African American Education Archives and History Program was founded to preserve and promote the rich legacy of African American educators. The AAEAHP is committed to chronicling stories, achievements, and milestones that have shaped Dallas County’s educational landscape. Through the Educators Hall of Fame, the program celebrates both individual accomplishments and the collective journey of African American educators whose work has uplifted generations.
For more information about the African American Education Archives and History Program, please visit our website at www.aaeahp.org.
B I O G R A P H I E S
Education Hall of Fame Inductees
MICHELLE LILLY BRISCOE
Michelle Lillie Briscoe is an educator with a diverse career spanning over 20 years. After earning a degree in Russian, Michelle taught in the Dallas Independent School District for 17 years, specializing in language and leadership innovation. She developed the Dallas ISD’s first elementary and middle school Russian program as a distance learning specialist and was distinguished as a Lone Star Emmy recipient. Later, as Dean of Administration/Vice Principal at A.W. Brown Fellowship Leadership Academy, she served as Director of Character Education. Michelle provided innovative and creative culturally responsive leadership for over 2200 students. She created an after-school reading program and developed a ground-breaking array of courses that enhanced the middle school curriculum.
REV. ARMOND W. BROWN
Armond W. Brown is the product of a Christian home where love and respect for oneself and others was fundamental. Those early values profoundly impacted his decision to later adopt a worldview that emphasizes proactivity and service to others. After graduating from Bishop College (Dallas) in 1976 with a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy, he married his college sweetheart (Paula). Together they have two accomplished children. This began the embarkation on a 50-year mission to bring universal understanding and peace. Along the way, he pastored four churches, organized a Stellar Award nominated recording choir, DFW Mass, and in 2000 founded an open enrollment charter school that equipped and inspired thousands of students to pursue excellence.
THE LATE NED GREEN
Ned Green began his educational journey with a band scholarship to Bishop College, later earning a Master’s Degree and Administrative Certificate from North Texas State University. He taught on the Navajo Indian Reservation from 1963-1968, then spent 37 years with the Dallas Independent School District, serving as teacher and administrator, including principal at William Brown Miller Elementary School until his retirement in 2020. Beyond education, Ned was active at Carver Heights Baptist Church as Deacon, Church School Director, Usher Board president, and honored as Man of the Year in 1996. Above all, he cherished his daughters Natalie and Camille, his grandchildren, and a great granddaughter.
WANDA HUCKABY
Wanda Huckaby acknowledged and embraced her call to serve for over 45 years in different educational and community service capacities. Her service began as a math teacher and quickly moved to an elementary school counselor, where she motivated students to be high achievers. Her next phase of service began in the following areas: School Administrator, Senior Director of a Charter School, and Texas Education Agency Lead Professional Service Provider for Region 10. During her tenure, numerous previously underperforming schools improved their performance on state assessments and have sustained or further enhanced these higher achievement ratings. She continues to mentor and coach Campus Administrators and Teachers who positively impact children’s lives.
THE LATE DR. MAUDE A. SMALL
Dr. Maude A. Small graduated from Booker T. Washington HS as Salutatorian in 1950 and received a scholarship to Wiley College from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Small graduated Summa Cum Laude in Mathematics. She taught at Madison HS, Sequoyah Junior HS, John Henry Brown Elementary and was Math Division Chair at Pearl C. Anderson. She obtained her Master’s Degree from NTSU in 1962. In 1970, Maude was moved to Skyline HS and became a guidance counselor. She obtained her Ed.D. from East Texas State University. In 1992, she began at Paul Quinn College, serving as Math Division Chair for two years. Dr. Small was named Who’s Who Among College and University Professors.
ETHEL SNOWDEN
Ethel Snowden dedicated 48 years cultivating learning for teachers and students. Serving as classroom teacher for 20 years in Lubbock and Dallas ISD, she taught Math for grades 4-6 and Gifted and Talented students. Named campus teacher of the year on three different occasions, Ethel also conducted Math workshops and wrote Math curriculum. She supervised student teachers and later became an Elementary Specialist in the Alternative Certification Program for 12 years training and monitoring interns for teacher certification. After retirement, Ethel spent 16 years part-time at Mountain View College as an Elementary Specialist for the Alternative Certification Program and Dallas ISD Gifted and Talented Pull-Out teacher program. Her life-long commitment has touched the lives of countless educators.
DR. CANDACE E. WICKS
Dr. Candace Elaine Wicks is the esteemed Dallas ISD Teacher of the Year 2007-2008. She is known for her relentless commitment to student success and creative teaching methods. Candace has been a passionate advocate for education for thirty years. She employed diverse teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles, ensuring that all her students felt valued and capable of achieving their goals. Now her priority is community service as a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Southwest Past Regional Director of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. She has turned a traumatic, life-changing experience into a tale of faith, hope, service, and accomplishment. Candace serves on the City of Dallas Commission on Disabilities, District 3. Wicks earned her Doctorate in Biblical Exposition from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, Georgia.
MARIAN A. WILLARD
Marian A. Willard spent 48 years as an educator, including 43 years dedicated to the Dallas Independent School District. She began her career as a teacher in Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, then later moved to Dallas and continued her career as a Physical Education teacher and coach. She began her college career at Tyler Junior College and continued her studies at East Texas A&M University (formerly East Texas State University) where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree. She later earned a Master of Science Degree in Physical Education, Health, and Dance. Marian retired as principal of the Great James Madison High School. Marian is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
LA RON E. WILSON
La Ron E. Wilson retired as a band director for Dallas ISD in 2014. He received his B.S. degree from Huston-Tillotson University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Prairie View University. During his thirty-seven years of service, he received numerous accolades. La Ron served as the Guest Conductor for the DISD-DMEA All City 6th Grade Concert Band in 2003 and 2012. He was inducted into the Dallas Metroplex Musicians’ Association in 2019. As Treasurer for the Pinkston HS Band Boosters, La Ron was instrumental in raising funds for their performance for the 2017 Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. La Ron was also a curriculum writer for the DISD band program.
DR. GEORGE WOODROW JR.
A phenomenal educational leader and trailblazer hailing from Orange, Texas. Dr. George Woodrow, Jr. served 33 years as principal of five schools and worked in the central office for Dallas ISD. An alumnus of the University of North Texas, he taught graduate courses in educational leadership for two decades. Woodrow authored and published three education books. One is a university textbook, The Pyramid Approach. He is the first Black assistant superintendent hired in Hinesville, Georgia; the first Black city councilman elected in Sunnyvale, Texas; the first Black quarterback at Kilgore College and UNT; and he is the first Black quarterback in Texas Junior College history. Woodrow was inducted into the Kilgore College Football Hall of Fame.
Special Awardees
Presidential Awardees
THE HONORABLE HELEN GIDDINGS
Helen Giddidings is a passionate advocate for equal education opportunities. She authored legislation creating the “Read to Succeed Program,” including a child-designed license plate benefiting Texas school libraries. She passed laws prohibiting 5-year-olds from being placed in alternative education and banning alcohol-related businesses near schools. Giddings championed a law requiring Texas high schoolers to receive CPR training, earning the “Heart of Honor” award from the American Heart Association. She founded the Academic Bridge Program at UT Dallas, supporting college access for underserved students. Her efforts resulted in increased funding for TSU and PVAM. The Helen Giddings Grant at TSU has supported over 7,000 students.
THE LATE CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON
Eddie Bernice Johnson, born December 3, 1934, in Waco, TX. Attended St. Mary’s College & Southern Methodist University. Married Lacy Kirk Johnson. Has one son, Dawrence Kirk Johnson. Throughout her distinguished career, Congresswoman Johnson shattered numerous glass ceilings beginning her career in healthcare where she became the first female African American Chief Psychiatric Nurse at Dallas’ VA Hospital. She was the first African American woman elected to any seat in Dallas and the first African American Dallasite to serve in Congress. She continued to have firsts as she entered politics where she served in the U.S. House for almost 30 years, retiring in 2023.
Trailblazer
EMMA S. RODGERS
Emma Rodgers is an award-winning bookseller who pioneered the blueprint for black bookstores in DFW. She laid the foundation for marketing and promoting books by emerging authors, helping to advance their careers. Emma curated collections of black books for schools, churches, and families to enrich their libraries. She continues to advise individuals and organizations on launching book clubs for youth and diverse groups. Additionally, Emma mentors niche bookstore startups and new voices in the industry. Her passion for reading will be remembered through various awards, a DISD library, a learning laboratory at BATC, a scholarship at TSU, the YouTube Storytime at Bedtime series, and in published books, such as “Prose to the People.”
Outstanding Young Educator
TIMOTHY A. MINOR, JR.
Timothy A. Minor, Jr., is a dedicated educator and leader. He currently teaches 6th and 7th Grade Reading at Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School in Dallas ISD, also serving as a TEI Expert who provides professional development. Timothy has previously been a Demonstration Teacher, Teacher Mentor, and Racial Equity Ambassador at Quintanilla Middle School, where he founded a Gaming Club to engage students. He also taught 8th Grade Reading at Lancaster Middle School and started another Gaming Club, showing his commitment to innovative student activities. Academically, Timothy holds a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy from Amberton University (2025), a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Texas at Dallas (2016), and an Associate of Science from Cedar Valley College (2014). He continues to inspire through his passion for education, leadership, and equity.
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