learn about our history

About Us

01

Mission

The mission of the South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators (SCABSE) is to ensure a high quality education for all children, particularly for African-American children by establishing coalitions, providing forums, facilitating the placement of African-American professionals, and influencing public policy.

02

Vision

Since its beginning, SCABSE has significantly increased its membership and has been able to generate the support of the business community as well as educational and governmental leaders throughout South Carolina.

Through strong leadership and commitment, the Alliance will continue to be a voice for advocating quality education for our children, recruiting, and training of African-American teachers, and providing a forum for sharing knowledge related to educational issues affecting South Carolina’s African Americans. Granted incorporation status in October 1990, SCABSE is the foundation that provides a vision for all persons who are interested in the education of African-American youth.

03

Goals

To improve the academic achievement of all children.
To recruit persons to education as a career.
To share ideas about effective educational programs and techniques.
To distribute information about career opportunities.
To influence public policy as it relates to educational issues.

NABSE

National Alliance of Black School Educators

SCABSE supports the philosophy that is espoused by the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE). NABSE affirms the inherent worth, dignity and educability of black people. NABSE challenges forces which obstruct the achievement, development, and educational opportunities of youth and adults. Black children throughout the United States encounter problems that are directly related to their minority group status. It is the mission of NABSE to enhance and facilitate their education.

Empowering educational excellence through equity.

South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators.

When someone with passion and commitment creates and builds a strong association or organization, its members and society benefit. Such organizations are formed in response to a great social need, perceived injustice, or emotional response to improving the human condition. The founders of such an organization or association – the voices that move mountains of paperwork and red tape, convinces supporters and donors to contribute start-up resources – are the same people who inspire others to serve as volunteers and staff, and rise to meet each new day with a fervent passion to establish a better way.

Salute to Our Founders

Sparked with such fervor and passion in 1988 after attending his second National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) conference, and being astounded and fascinated by the relevance of the workshops, the pedigree of the speakers and the work ethic of the conferees, Lemeul Stephens began to discuss with a few of his colleagues the need for a South Carolina Affiliate to NABSE. As a result of such collegial discussion, the inception of SCABSE began to materialize. During the summer of 1989 Lemeul was granted permission by his office director, at the South Carolina Department of Education, to pitch the formation of an affiliate at the State Superintendent’s Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. From this presentation and from a few other interested colleagues, a core group was formed and began to meet at the Department of Education. The heart of this group was comprised of the following persons; Alfred Butler (Deceased), Freddie Davy (Deceased), Bettye Lesane, Gwen Smith, Joseph Watson, Joseph Rice, Odell Stuckey, and William Gunn.

After completing the NABSE application and filing with the South Carolina Secretary of State, the South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators was incorporated December 20, 1990. The following persons met the conditions established by the core group and are duly acknowledged as CHARTER members of SCABSE: Lemeul Stephens, President; Odell Stuckey-Vice President; Betty Lesane, Recording Secretary; Gwen Smith, Corresponding Secretary; Joe Rice-Treasurer and Margie Pearson-Jackson (Deceased), Historian and Parliamentarian. At-Large members included, Vivian Brackett, Al Butler (Deceased), Freddye Davy (Deceased), William Gunn, Betty Gunter, Marjorie McIver, Pat Phillips, Aretha Pigford, Wallace Richardson, Jackie Stanley, Malinda Taylor, Joe Watson and Steve Wilson.

Since it’s beginning, SCABSE has significantly increased its membership and has been able to generate the support of the business community as well as educational and governmental leaders throughout South Carolina and some parts of North Carolina and Georgia.

SCABSE continues to serve as a foundation that provides a vision for all persons who are interested in the education of African-American youth. The organization is committed to the recruiting and training of teachers, administrators and educational support personnel. SCABSE is also committed to providing a forum for sharing knowledge related to educational issues affecting South Carolina’s African-Americans. Because of the vision and dedication of its founders, the strong leadership, commitment and devotion of its officers (past and present) and its members, SCABSE continues to rally for causes that improve and equalize educational quality. These causes are championed via the annual SCABSE Winter Conference, the Satellite Alliances, workshops, and professional development opportunities.

With utmost gratitude, The South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators applaud it founders for their passion and vision for realizing the need to organize a group of dedicated professionals committed to being advocates for quality education for all children in South Carolina, especially its youth. Your generosity, perseverance, continued support and guidance are duly noted and we “SALUTE” you.

Past Presidents

1990 – 1992 Mr. Lemuel Stephens
1992 – 1994 Dr. Odell Stuckey
1994 – 1996 Dr. Aretha Pigford
1996 – 1998 Dr. Sanita Savage Frazier
1998 – 2000 Dr. Jerlean P. Holmes
2000 – 2001 Dr. Secaida Howell
2001 – 2004 Dr. Zona W. Jefferson
2004 – 2006 Dr. Teresa L. Pope
2006 – 2008 Mr. Al Butler
2008 – 2010 Ms. Bertha M. Timmons
2010 – 2012 Dr. Johnelle Sherald
2012 – 2014 Mr. Nathaniel Haynes, Jr.
2014 – 2016 Mrs. Marlene Williams
2016 – 2018 Mrs. Janette Williams
2018 – 2020 Dr. Myrtis Brightharp-Walker
2020 – 2022 Dr. Liana Calloway
2022 – 2024 Dr. Reggie Wicker