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Welcome to the African American HOPE Plaza Virtual Museum — where stories, culture, and history come to life.

Honorable and Impactful Mentors & Teachers

Douglass High School

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Douglass High School | Courtesy of Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County
  • F.D. Moon- Principal from 1940-1961
  • Zelia Breaux- Head of Music Department, 1918-1948
  • Thelma R. Parks- Reading Specialist, and English Department Head, 1961-1971
  • Madame Katie James- French teacher, 1960s
  • Leah Wiley- English teacher, 1930s- 1940s
  • Lola Greer- Math teacher, 1960s
  • Willie Batson- Black History teacher, 1960s-1970s
  • E.U. Byrd- Chemistry and Physics teacher, 1940s
  • Bertram Watkins- History teacher, Councilor, 1940s
  • Wyatt F. Jeltz- Assistant principal, 1950-1972
  • Leroy Hicks- Vocal Music Director, 33 years
  • Opaline Deveraux Wadkins- Created a training program for Black nurses, 1949

Dunjee High School

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Dunjee High School | Courtesy of Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County
  • Clara Luper- Public Relations teacher, late 1950s
  • Nancy Randolph Davis- Home Economics teacher, 20 years
  • Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher- Social Studies and History teacher, 23 years
  • Doris Combs- English teacher, 1940s-1960s
  • Donald M. Edwards- Band director, teacher, assistant principal, principal, 1960s

Harry S. Truman Elementary School

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Courtesy of Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County
  • Thelma R. Parks- Classroom teacher, 1957-1961

Booker T. Washington High School

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Courtesy of Booker T. Washington High School
  • E.W. Woods- Principal from 1913-1948

John Marshall High School

Courtesy of Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County
  • Clara Luper- History and Public Relations teacher, 19 years

NW Classen High School

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Courtesy of Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County
  • Clara Luper- History and Public Relations teacher, 1968-1970

Dunbar Elementary School

  • Thelma R. Parks- Classroom teacher, 1953-1957

F.D. Moon Junior High School

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Entrance to F. D. Moon Middle School in former Douglass School building | Courtesy of Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County
  • Ruth M. Allen- English Teacher, 1960s

Millwood High School and Arts Academy

  • Ckai Dawson- Choir director, 2013-2021

Oklahoma City Public Schools District

  • Evelyn LaRue Pittman- Renowned music educator, composer, and choir director, taught music for the OKC district from 1935-1956