EDUCATORS
50 YEARS OF WORKING TOGETHER FOR ARKANSAS’S STUDENTS Hundreds of members and supporters of the Arkansas Education Association and the Arkansas Teachers Association celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the merger of the white and black educator associations at a gala in the Robinson Center in November. AEA formed in 1869 to advocate for the rights of white students and teachers. In 1898 the ATA was established to do the same for black students and teachers. Both organizations promoted teacher education and well-being, and both maintained state support and funding for public education. In 1969 the AEA and ATA joined to advocate as one.
Several longtime AEA and ATA members who were involved with the merger and who worked to ensure its success were recognized at the event, including Ms. Sammie Tollette, the first African American elected official in AEA, and Cora McHenry, AEA’s first African American Executive Director. Past President Sid Johnson, Ms. Mary Louise Williams and Ms. Annie Abrams, were also recognized and featured in a 15 minute documentary about the AEA/ATA merger which debuted at the event. The film is now available to watch online on AEA’s youtube channel: https://www.youtube. com/user/arkansaseducation AEA would like to extend special thanks to headlining sponsor Mitchell, Blackstock, Ivers & Sneddon, PLLC.
Past NEA President Reg Weaver gave the keynote speech, calling on educators to work together to ensure equitable education for every student.
aeaonline.org
WINTER 2020
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