Black Male Educators Alliance (BMEA) held its inaugural gala which honored educators going above and beyond. The gala was held at Charles H. Wright Museum, recently, where it welcomed and gave special recognition to its honorees.
“This has been five years in the making,” said Curtis L. Lewis, Ph.D, Founder/CEO of Black Male Educators Alliance. “I think it’s great for us to honor those doing the work. They spend everyday with our children, helping mold our youth. This profession, I think often times is disrespected, so they deserve a night like this, so we wanted to make sure they get what they deserve.”
BMEA recognized D’Angelo Farmer as Transformative School Leader of the Year. Farmer is an elementary school principal at Bradford Academy and has instituted an environment of problem solving and promotion of strong character. His efforts has led to the reduction of poor behavior inside the school building.
Isaiah Williams and Desiree Fuller received the Transformative Teacher of the Year award.
Williams is described as the consummate transformative educator and exemplar of Black male educators, highly respected by students, parents, and colleagues. Fuller is recognized for her many sacrifices “outpouring of motherly love” she shows towards her students. Fuller is described as an instructor who gives students a safe space and knowledge relatable to real-world experience.
The Alliance awarded Alanna Hill as Student Change Agent of the Year. Hill a senior University Preparatory Academy High School. She’s also the President of the National Honors Society and Captain of the varsity cheer team.
The event also honored Tarence Wheeler as Community Change Agent of the Year. Wheeler serves as Director of Corporate & Community Affairs at River Rouge School District and serves as Founder and CEO of the Terence Wheeler Foundation. Wheeler has connected to students and their families, creating resources to fight non-academic barriers. His leadership has led to the assembly of a mobile food pantry that has distributed over 10 million meals to families in River Rouge and Southwest Detroit.
BMEA also honored Joseph E. Hines, Sr. with a Legacy Award and Marty Bulger with an Ambassador Award, both of whom represent the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
“Educators were an integral part of who I am today,” Dr. Lewis said. “I think it’s important that we are providing support and development and just overall love and care to the folks who are doing the work.”
Black Male Educators Alliance is a non-profit organization founded in 2017 with the goal of increasing the percentage of Black males in the classroom across Michigan. Its vision has now expanded which aims to liberate students, teachers, and school leaders while transforming school policies across the country in Black and Brown communities.
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