David L. Acey, Sr. is an Assistant Professor of African American Rhetoric and Interracial Communication at the University of Memphis in the Department of Communication, Memphis, Tennessee. From 1979 to 1985 Acey was Director of African American Studies at the University and developed several Afrocentric courses currently taught in the department. His academic and professional life has been devoted to improving the quality of life for African Americans and others in the quest for achieving success in a global society.
Dr. Acey's focus has been to develop strategies to encourage participation in civic, public life and improve communication skills and race relations from a multi-cultural perspective. An understanding and an appreciation of one's tradition/heritage will increase respect and understanding for one's ethnicity. As a result of his continued commitment to improve communication between different ethnic groups, fostering respect and academic excellence, approximately 28 years ago, Dr. Acey organized and currently serves as Executive Director of the Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc., a non-profit organization. This organization sponsors year round activities and the Africa In April Cultural Awarenss Festival during the month of April designed to celebrate the arts, history, culture, and diversity of the African Diaspora.
Dr. Acey's focus has been to develop strategies to encourage participation in civic, public life and improve communication skills and race relations from a multi-cultural perspective. An understanding and an appreciation of one's tradition/heritage will increase respect and understanding for one's ethnicity. As a result of his continued commitment to improve communication between different ethnic groups, fostering respect and academic excellence, approximately 28 years ago, Dr. Acey organized and currently serves as Executive Director of the Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc., a non-profit organization. This organization sponsors year round activities and the Africa In April Cultural Awarenss Festival during the month of April designed to celebrate the arts, history, culture, and diversity of the African Diaspora.
Yvonne B. Acey, Associate Director
Yvonne B. Acey, a Northside High School instructor assigned to English, African-American Literature and Creative Writing, is a graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College (B.A., Humanities), with a Masters Degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation (University of Memphis). Additionally, Mrs. Acey has completed requirements in educational Administration and Supervision with 90 ninety hours in Doctoral Studies.
Mrs. Acey has been involved in Association projects, programs, activities and a delegate to conferences and conventions since 1988 locally, statewide, regionally, and nationally. This includes serving in numerous capacities as chair, committee member, resource, and participant professionally with MEA, TEA and NEA as follows: Association Representative, Central Area Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Minority Affairs, Public/Human Relations, Status of Women, Finance, Bargaining, National Teachers Day, Read Across America, Mentoring, PASS, M-PACE, ESP Steering Committee, MEASO, and Building & Grounds Facility Dedication. Additionally, Mrs. Acey serves as a member of the following committees- Building and Grounds, Finance and Budget, Constitution and Bylaws, M-PACE (Chair) Memphis Political Action for Education and liaison to state, city, county and Board of Education Commissioners.