The African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) proudly announces the election of Lincoln Butler Sr. as its new President. Mr. Butler brings a wealth of
experience, vision, and commitment
to the organization’s ongoing mission of preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of African American education in Dallas County. In addition, the AAEAHP recognizes the distinguished leadership of Dr. Alfred L. Roberts Sr., who has led the organization since its inception in 2002, and has been named President Emeritus. In this honorary role, Dr. Roberts will continue to contribute his wisdom and guidance, ensuring the program’s enduring impact on future generations.
Butler is a retired principal and independent consultant. He is a published author of “My Journey” which shares his life story with candor, laughter and wisdom. He was inducted into the AAEAHP Hall of Fame in the Class of 2012. He is recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including Dallas ISD Principal of the Year for Area 5 and was recognized by the Dallas Foundation for several years for School Improvement Performance. He has served in several education positions including teacher, coordinator, director and elementary, middle and high school principal. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a M.Ed. from Lehman College, Bronx, New York. He received his Administrative Certification from ETSU, now East Texas A&M University- Commerce.
After serving as President of the African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) since it was founded in 2002, Dr. Alfred L. Roberts Sr. is stepping down and passing the leadership of the 23-year-old organization to Lincoln Butler Sr., formerly 1st Vice President. Roberts was at the forefront of the inception of the organization having facilitated its development with Dr. Harry Robinson Jr., Dr. Jesse Jai McNeil Jr., and other educators. Dr. Andrea Hilburn will step up to become 1st Vice President and Verna Mitchell will serve as 2nd Vice President. Other executive board members are Carolyn Thompson, Cassandra Black, Gwendolyn J. Brantley, Loretta Simon, Melvin Traylor, Dr. Robbie Pipkin, Eugene Young III, Patricia Ward and Dr. Thalia Matherson.
Roberts has dedicated a lifetime to education serving in various roles in the Dallas Independent School District as a teacher, principal and in central administration. Following his service in the Dallas ISD, Roberts served as Chair of the Division of Education at Paul Quinn College where he was later named Professor Emeritus. He also taught in Prairie View A&M University’s Graduate Extension Program in Dallas. He has served in many civic and professional roles including as a leader of the National Alliance of Black School Educators where he was the national president.
Under Roberts’ leadership the organization has experienced significant growth in carrying out its mission of raising awareness of the African American educational experience in Dallas County. He oversaw:
- The collection of 34 video interviews with civil rights icons in the Dallas area
- 61 collections for the archives housed at the African American Museum
- Inauguration of the highly successful Educators’ Hall of Fame which has honored and inducted 193 members since 2004.
- Partnership with the Credit Union of Texas as Honorary Chair for the 2025 Hall of Fame and collaboration on a digital exhibit for the Hall of Fame.
- The scholarship program developed in 2015 was named in his honor and has awarded $90,000 to graduating seniors and college students who are majoring in education.
- The development of the Sankofa Children’s Center that is housed at the African American Museum in partnership with the Museum and the Dallas Independent School District. Opening in the Fall of 2023 this center provides hands on living history for infusing African American history and culture for students in PreK-3rd Grade.
- The TEACH Project, an initiative to encourage students to become educators which provides students with information about education as a profession. This project is currently in the DeSoto ISD coordinated by Rachel Bolden and AAEAHP member Rai Cole Malone.
