Who’s Who In Black Dallas Inaugural edition featuring over 250 people from various walks of life, was unveiled before an overflow crowd at a reception and program recently at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters Dallas Convention Center Theatre Complex.
The first to be of an annual publication, Who’s Who In Black Dallas paid tribute to African Americans in the City of Dallas who have made a positive impact. Providing inspiring story, biographies and photos, the historic edition celebrated the success and contributions of African Americans who have become the backbone of the Dallas community.
“We are excited to have the City of Dallas join our family of cities where African Americans stories are told and contributors featured,” said Hiram Jackson, president and chief executive officer of Real Times Media, the parent company of Who’s Who Publishing. Who’s Who Publishing has published similar editions in over 25 cities including New York, Atlanta, Detroit, Cleveland, Houston, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Columbus and Alabama among others.
The introduction of the Dallas publication was done by Tom Joyner, host of The Tom Joyner Morning Show and the foreword by long time lawyer and civic leader H. Ron White, managing partner for White & Wiggins, LLC.
The Dallas premiere issue featured individuals in categories of Living Legends, Interesting Personalities, Most Influential, Corporate Brass, Counselors at Law, Medical Professionals, Academia, Entrepreneurs, Media Professionals, Community Leaders and Professionals. Those featured in three areas were:
- Living Legends:
Eddie Bernice Johnson, US Congresswoman
Helen Giddings, Texas House of Representative
Dr. Beverly Mitchell Brooks, President, Urban League of Greater Dallas
Ann Williams, Founder, Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Dr. Harry Robinson, President, African American Museum
Richard Knight, Managing Partner, Pegasus Texas Holdings
Clarice Tinsley, News Anchor, Fox 4
Roland Parrish, Owner, Parrish McDonald’s Restaurants
Dr. Eddie Lane, Pastor, Bibleway Bible Church
Dr. Wright Lassiter, Chancellor, Dallas County Community College District
- Interesting Personalities:
David Campbell, Vice President, Safety, Security and Environmental, American Airlines
Hattie Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Hattie Hill Enterprises
Terrance Henderson, Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, Comerica Bank
Gail Warrior, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Warrior Group
Cheryl Alston, Executive Director of City of Dallas Public Employee Fund
YaLonda Lockett, Regional Sales Manager for Reliant Energy
Margo Posey, President of DFW Minority Supplier Development Council
Ken Carter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Focus Communications
- Most Influential
Tennell Atkins, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, City of Dallas
Dr. Lew Blackburn, President, Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees
David Brown, Chief of Police, Dallas Police Department
Phyllis Lister Brown, Judge, Dallas Municipal Court
Dwaine Caraway, Dallas City Council Member
Stefani Carter, Texas House of Representative
Carolyn Davis, Dallas City Council Member
Levi Davis, Investment Banker, Siebert Brandford Shank & Co
Terrell Davis, Attorney
Yvonne Davis, Texas House of Representative
Robert Evans, Assistant Manager, Dallas Central Appraisal District
Ociello Gibson, Miss Black USA
Paul Griffin, Vice President, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, Senior Pastor, Friendship West Baptist Church
Sonya Hoskins, Attorney
Bishop TD Jakes, Senior Pastor, The Potters House
Curtis King, Founder & President, Black Academy of Arts and Letters
Sam Lindsay, Judge, Northern District of Texas
Eric Moye, Judge, 14th Civil District Court
Valencia Nash, Justice of the Peace
Tonya Parker, Judge, 116th Civil District Court
John Ellis Price, President, University of North Texas at Dallas
Carl Sherman, Mayor, City of Desoto
Michael Sorrell, President, Paul Quinn College
Brenda Thompson, Judge, Probate Court of Dallas County
Victor Vital, Attorney
James Washington, Publisher, The Dallas Weekly
Craig Watkins, Dallas County District Attorney
Royce West, Texas State Senator
Ernest White, Judge, 194th Judicial District Court
H. Ron White, Attorney
Dr. Jennifer Wimbish, President, Cedar Valley College
Carolyn Wright, Chief Justice, 5th District Court of Appeals
Who’s Who Publishing Company was founded in 1989 and highlights the achievements of African Americans and other minority groups across the country through its brand of Who’s Who signature publications. Who’s Who Publishing is a subsidiary of Real Times Media, a leading source of African-American related news, entertainment and lifestyle information.
I’m blown away of all the black professionals. Who knew we had a conglomerate of rich, smart people out there. You only hear about the ones committing crimes or carrying a ball. I was ashamed to be black as I grew up and I still have some childhood issues I’m working on . but it is great to see black people doing something productive with their lives. I can say I’m proud to be black. No apology needed anymore!!!!
My Black is So Beautiful!….So Excited to see this. No matter where you go there are always outstanding African Americans “Making It Happen”I I seek just that enviroment. I just relocated back to Dallas from Atlanta,Ga. Texas have grown alot in many ways. Its a breath of fresh air to know that Im able to have motivation as I venture into my entrepreneurship her in the Dallas and surrounding area.
Several of the guys on this list are in the 100 Black Men of Greater Dallas / Ft. Worth.