Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission to Host Third Black Educator Excellence Awards on Oct. 27

10/26/2026

The Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission will host the Third Annual Black Educator Excellence Awards on Tuesday, October 27, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 175 E. 2nd St. The ceremony is free for the public to attend.

The awards are named after Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly, a retired educator and administrator who worked at Tulsa Public Schools for 39 years. Individuals were nominated by their peers and selected by the commission’s education committee in recognition of their outstanding contributions as educators, their dedication to the Tulsa community, and their leadership in Tulsa.

“Education plays a vital role in shaping the lives and futures of our young people,” said Brian Humphrey, Chair of the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs 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.”

This year’s award categories and honorees include:

• Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly Difference Maker Award: Darick C. Morton, Excellence Academy
  Recognizes a male educator whose service has made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the school community.
• Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly Outstanding New Educator Award: Onaydi Zelaya, KIPP Tulsa University Prep High School
  Honors an educator who demonstrates exceptional promise and effectiveness in their first two years of service.
• Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly Trailblazer Award: Dr. Ebony Johnson, Tulsa Public Schools
  Celebrates a veteran educator whose decades of service have left a legacy and inspired future generations in education.
• Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly Guiding Light Award: Traci Manuel, Tulsa Public Schools
  Recognizes an educational leader whose vision and leadership have positively influenced schools and communities.
• Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly Excellence in Education Award: Ericka Ware, Tulsa Legacy Charter School
  Honors an educator whose significant academic or instructional contributions have advanced student learning and exemplified educational excellence.

Mayor Monroe Nichols, Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper, Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly, and Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson will be guest speakers at the ceremony.

A recording of the ceremony will be available on Tulsa Government Access Television (TGOV) at www.tgovonline.org under the title “African American Affairs Commission.”