Friday, September 26

OKLAHOMA AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATORS HALL OF FAME, INC.

By Dr. Donnie L. Nero Sr. and Shirley A. Ballard Nero

Come celebrate and honor the outstanding achievements of African American educators in Oklahoma at our Hall of Fame event!

Date and time

Location

Grand Casino Hotel & Resort

777 Grand Casino Boulevard Shawnee, OK 74804

Lineup

Good to know

Highlights

3 hours, 30 minutes
ALL AGES
In person
Free venue parking
Doors at 6:00 PM

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Welcome to the OKLAHOMA AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATORS HALL OF FAME, INC. event! Join us for a special evening at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort as we celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding African American educators in Oklahoma. This in-person event will honor those who have made significant contributions to the field of education. Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired by the incredible work of these educators. Get ready for a night of recognition, appreciation, and community support!

Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame, Inc.

Dr. Donnie L. Nero, Sr., President of the Oklahoma African American Educators, Inc. Hall of Fame, along with the Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the Fourteenth 2025 Hall of Fame inductees.

The inductees are Ms. Tobytha Battle, Luther, Oklahoma; Mrs. Georgiann Seals Belton, Boynton, Oklahoma; Dr. John K. Coleman, Boley, Oklahoma; Mrs. Carolyn Gay Harris, Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. Andrea M. Luster, Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Dr. Anthony Lynn Marshall, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dr. Jolly Henderson Meadows, Idabel, Oklahoma; Dr. Markus S. Smith, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Dr. Melvin B. Tolson, Langston, Oklahoma; and Dr. Sandra D. Thompson, Ponca City, Oklahoma.

The E.M. “Nat” Watson, Jr. Scholarship recipients—Eric Harding (Owasso High School), Mercades Lopez (Idabel High School), and Zakavian Threadgill (Haworth High School), all from Oklahoma—will be recognized during the ceremony.

The Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame, Inc. motto is “WITHHOLD NOT GOOD FROM THEM TO WHOM IT IS DUE, WHEN IT IS IN THE POWER OF THINE HAND TO DO IT” (Proverbs 3:27). The 2025 inductees represent a cross-section of the state, have demonstrated stellar performance in the field of education, and have amassed over 300 years in the profession.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I park, and is there a charge?

Complimentary parking is available at the North entrance of the Grand Casino Ballroom, situated on the north side of the resort. Please note that valet parking services are not offered.

Will there be a hotel room block for guests?

A block of rooms has been reserved for September 25–26, 2025, for guests who wish to stay over the weekend. To make a reservation, please call 405-964-7777 and reference CODE OAAE HOF BANQUET 2025. Room rates are $110.00 plus tax per night for either a king or double standard accommodation. As only

What's tonight's menu?

The menu for the evening is Salad, Bread, Tea, Marinated Beef Tenderloin & Herb Roasted Chicken, Country Style Green Beans/Roasted Red Potatoes/Cognac Demi/Parmesan Roasted Tomato, Seasonal Bundt Cake, Chocolate Mousse,

What can I expect at the ceremony ?

Pre-event activities start at 6:00 p.m., including Taylor-Made Jazz, a photoshoot, and a meet-and-greet.

Could you please direct me to where I might locate a message from the president of the organization?

President Dr. Donnie L. Nero Sr. on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=oklahoma+african+american+hall+of+fame OR visit www.oaaehof.org

May I request a refund for my ticket?

All ticket sales are final and tickets are not eligible for refunds.

May I ask when the deadline is for purchasing tickets?

Tickets may be purchased until September 19, 2025.

Is there an alternative method for purchasing tickets?

Send a check or purchase order to the OAAE HOF address. Businesses and non-profits may also request a purchase order. You may mail a check or money order to OAAE HOF, C/O Induction Ceremony, 421 West Main Street, Clearview, Oklahoma 74880

If I am unable to attend and would like to make a donation, where should I send my contribution?

You may make a donation to the OAAE HOF by sending to

I'm interested in sponsoring your organization. What is the cost of a sponsor table?

Sponsor tables cost $1,000 for four seats or $2,000 for eight. President's tables are $3,000 and above.

Are event photos available for purchase?

Yes, photos of the event are available for purchase after the event.

HOW MANY SEATS ARE IN EACH TIER?

RESERVED TABLES TIER #1 INCLUEDS 8 SEATS FOR $880 RESERVED TABLES TIER #2 INCLUDES 4 SEATS FOR $440 OPEN SEATING TIER # 3 - $100 PER PERSON

Organized by

Dr. Donnie L. Nero Sr. and Shirley A. Ballard Nero

Dr. Donnie L. and Shirley A. Nero

Dr. Donnie L. and Shirley A. Nero are the founders of the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame, Inc. Established in 2010, their vision was to create an institution that recognizes and honors the significant contributions of African American educators in Oklahoma. With a deep commitment to education and community service, they have dedicated their lives to celebrating the achievements of educators, preserving their history, and inspiring future generations. Their leadership and passion have been instrumental in the success and growth of the Hall of Fame.

From $108.55

Sep 26 · 7:00 PM CDT