The African-American Teaching Fellows—a group addressing the achievement gap by increasing the numbers of African-American educators—will host the 4th annual John E. Baker Legacy dinner Friday.
Named for the first elected African-American member of the Albemarle County School Board, the Baker Legacy Dinner serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit and offers a chance to honor local African-American leaders who are committed to education.
“In 2014, AATF will provide over $40,000 of direct tuition support to students seeking teacher licensure, and our Fellows will work with over 1,300 students in the local schools,” said Ravenn Gethers, the group’s executive director. “Proceeds generated by the John E. Baker Legacy Dinner help make this possible.”
This year the African-American Teaching Fellows will honor two community members who exemplify Baker’s legacy.
Dr. Marcus L. Martin will receive the John E. Baker Legacy Award, and Pearl Early will receive the Community Education Award.
“Dr. Marcus Martin is one of the most influential and dedicated community leaders for diversity, equity and education since John Baker,” said Will Harvey, the Legacy Dinner’s Planning Committee co-chair. “He finds time to serve on multiple boards, provides resources to just about every minority group that requests them [and] he finds time to mentor many boys and girls of color as the founding Vice President of the 100 Black Men of Central Virginia.”
Source: Charlottesville Tomorrow | Tim Shea
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