Tulsa, Oklahoma – On Tuesday evening, the City Council Chambers at Tulsa City Hall will host the third annual Black Educator Excellence Awards. The ceremony, organized by the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission, is free and open to the public, with an online stream available for those unable to attend in person.
About the Commission
The Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission is a volunteer advisory body appointed by the mayor. Its mission is to promote cooperation and unity among African American residents throughout the greater Tulsa area by advising the mayor and city council on matters that affect the community.
Award Categories Named for Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly
All five awards are named in honor of Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly, a retired educator and administrator who dedicated more than three decades to Tulsa Public Schools. Each award highlights a different facet of educational excellence:
- Difference Maker Award – Recognizes a male educator whose service has made a meaningful difference in students’ lives and the school community.
- Outstanding New Educator Award – Highlights an educator who shows the most promise within their first two years of service.
- Trailblazer Award – Honors a seasoned educator with a lasting legacy and impactful service.
- Guiding Light Award – Celebrates educators who have positively influenced their communities through leadership.
- Excellence in Education Award – Given to educators whose significant academic or instructional contributions have advanced student learning and exemplified educational excellence.
Nominees
The five nominees for this year’s awards are:
- Darick C. Morton, Excellence Academy – Difference Maker Award
- Onaydi Zelaya, KIPP Tulsa University Prep High School – Outstanding New Educator Award
- Dr. Ebony Johnson, Tulsa Public Schools – Trailblazer Award
- Traci Manuel, Tulsa Public Schools – Guiding Light Award
- Ericka Ware, Tulsa Legacy Charter School – Excellence in Education Award
Community Impact
“Education plays a vital role in shaping the lives and futures of our young people,” said Brian Humphrey, chair of the commission. “Each of our honorees represents a beacon of light in our community, illuminating pathways to opportunity, inspiring the next generation, and demonstrating the lasting impact of a dedicated educator.”
Event Details
The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and will feature remarks from Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols, City Councilor Vanessa Hall‑Harper, Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly herself, and Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson. After the awards, attendees will have a chance to network and celebrate the achievements of local educators.
For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will be streamed on the Tulsa Government Access Television (TGOV) website under the title “African American Affairs Commission.” The link will be posted on the city’s official site shortly before the event.
Why It Matters
Recognizing educators who excel in their profession reinforces the importance of strong, value‑centered teaching in our neighborhoods. By highlighting the contributions of Black educators, the awards also underscore the role of faith, family, and community in fostering an environment where children can thrive academically and morally.
The Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission hopes the ceremony will inspire other teachers, parents, and community leaders to continue investing in the future of Tulsa’s youth.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
