African American teachers honored at inaugural luncheon

: Ruben Hernandez, (standing) and Reuben K. Harpole helped to celebrate 13 African American teachers at a luncheon, many of whom go back to the 1930’s who were the first of several groups of educators that will be honored once a month with a luncheon. The inaugural luncheon was held last weekend on July 17, at Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. This event and the others to follow is sponsored by the Historic African American Teachers (HAAT) of MPS. Hernandez’s deceased wife, Kathryn was a MPS Spanish interpreter for years and one of the five scholarships that will be presented is in her name. Harpole is credited with helping to begin these events by encouraging HAAT to do something more for the many African American teaching pioneers after he read an article in The Journal Sentinel that was about John Outlaw, who was honored in November. The honorees for the inaugural luncheon were: Ruby Young, Lucinda Gordon, Frances Starms, Beulah Howard, Willie Mae King, Avery Goodrich, Leroy Freeman, Voncile Anderson, Josey Gray, Nandonna North, Wilma Dixon, and Annie Beamon. Special recognition was given to Millie Mae Frances White, the first African American teacher hired by Milwaukee Public Schools. (Photo by Reynaldo Hernandez)