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17 ‘legends’ part of initial inductees of El Paso Black Hall of Fame event [1]
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Date: 2025-02-26
The goals of the inaugural El Paso Black Hall of Fame ceremony are to remind people of the legacies and accomplishments of those inspirational inductees, and promote pride and growth among the city’s Black population, organizers said.
From top right: Retired educator and administrator Lillian Crouch; El Paso City Manager Dionne Mack; and civil rights advocates Ouisa D. Davis and Johnnie M. Washington.
The celebration, which will include speakers, music and a catered meal, starts at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive. The event is being organized by Monica Tucker, founder/owner of MOCHA Enterprises, publisher of Black El Paso Voice.
The initial class of 17 is made up of representatives from the fields of law, business, music, athletics, government, politics, religion, civil rights, education and law enforcement. The common thread among the honorees is their love of El Paso, and their ability to succeed.
The inaugural class includes businessman and newly installed El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, El Paso City Manager Dionne Mack, retired educator and administrator Lillian Crouch, and civil rights advocates Ouisa D. Davis and Johnnie M. Washington.
“These are living legends who have done important things and impacted the community,” Tucker said. “This (event) had to set the standard.”
Another inductee is Billy Townes, a multi-talented composer and keyboardist known nationally for his funky contemporary jazz style. He said he was honored to be part of the initial class. The native of New York City who grew up in a military family in El Paso has been producing records since 1988.
Billy Townes
“As I look around, I am simply humbled as I realize I am entering with some of El Paso’s brilliant and historic citizens with immense talent, skill and leadership that has prospered here in the Southwest,” he said as part of an email interview.
Zina Silva, one of two executive assistant chiefs in the El Paso Police Department, is another of the inductees. She holds the second highest rank under the chief of police, and is the first female to earn that title. At 30 years, Silva also is the longest serving female of color in department history.
Chief Zina Silva
She said her inclusion in the El Paso Black Hall of Fame means that her accomplishments matter, but more importantly that others will be aware of the hard work behind her success. It will alert other women of color that similar opportunities are available to them.
“When your work is recognized, something that you already love doing, the reward is simply in the acknowledgement,” Silva wrote as part of an email interview.
The other initial inductees are:
Marian Bennett , retired educator and coach
, retired educator and coach Cheree Coleman , prominent businesswoman and community activist
, prominent businesswoman and community activist Edward Greer , one of the Army’s first Black general officers who retired as a major general. He died Jan. 29.
, one of the Army’s first Black general officers who retired as a major general. He died Jan. 29. Frances Hills , retired supervisory mathematician/systems analyst at Fort Bliss and community volunteer
, retired supervisory mathematician/systems analyst at Fort Bliss and community volunteer Cynthia D. Horton , a leader in business, mentorship and community
, a leader in business, mentorship and community Aaron Jones , NFL player, supporter of youth initiatives and community philanthropist
, NFL player, supporter of youth initiatives and community philanthropist Alvin Jones , former NFL player, supporter of youth initiatives and community philanthropist
, former NFL player, supporter of youth initiatives and community philanthropist Juan O. Lawson , the first Black professor at the University of Texas at El Paso and an esteemed faith leader
, the first Black professor at the University of Texas at El Paso and an esteemed faith leader Dana Pittard , retired Army major general who was the first Black commanding general at Fort Bliss
, retired Army major general who was the first Black commanding general at Fort Bliss Cephus “Dusty” Rhodes, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and city official
Tucker, the lead organizer, said most if not all of the honorees basically echoed Townes’ and Silva’s reaction. She said future induction ceremonies will allow for nominations and the selection of no more than eight inductees.
Monica Tucker, founder of Black El Paso Voice, a print and digital publication that highlights news that affects the Black community, has established a Black Hall of Fame. The initial class will be inducted Saturday. (Daniel Perez / El Paso Matters)
For Tucker, a native of Aurora, Illinois, the event was 20 years in the making. The woman married a soldier after her high school graduation. Their duty stations spanned the country, to include a stop at Fort Bliss in 1996. Her inquisitive spirit and can-do attitude led her to volunteer for many assignments.
On post, her credits included being mayor of her housing unit and editor of a neighborhood newsletter. Off post, she started a music publication, and hosted a public access television show. Her magazine, Black El Paso Voice, became a website and later a blog.
The married mother of two adult children said she discussed her El Paso Black Hall of Fame idea with the late Maceo Dailey, founder and director of UTEP’s African American Studies program. She said his death in 2015 along with the deaths of other supporters and family made her lose focus.
See Also Books with El Paso ties you can read for Black History Month Books written or discovered by UTEP Professor Maceo C. Dailey Jr. offer a way to learn more about Black history in the Borderland
Tucker said a successful Juneteenth celebration she organized in 2023 reenergized her desire to make her Hall of Fame dream a reality. She said the event is the result of sponsors such as Raiz Federal Credit Union and El Paso Electric, and the help of a small but dedicated group of volunteers.
While the event highlights El Paso’s Black history, it also shines a guiding light to the future, according to Tanya Berry, an event volunteer. She said that she looked forward to meeting these “trailblazers” who she probably would not have met otherwise.
“I like to hear all the amazing work others are doing,” said Berry, an El Paso-based program director with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
From the archives El Paso Black history through the eyes of Leona Ford Washington Leona Ford Washington spent years scouring junk sales, garage sales and estate sales looking for glimpses into El Paso’s Black history.
The evening also will include tributes to deceased black leaders who continue to inspire the community.
Besides Greer, posthumous honors will go to such groundbreakers as Dailey and Leona Ford Washington, teacher, newspaper publisher and founder of the McCall Neighborhood Center; Jethro L. Hills, El Paso’s first black city representative; Dr. Lawrence Nixon, physician and voting rights advocate; Mary Webb, who established El Paso’s first black recreation center; and Thelma White, the woman whose court case helped desegregate Texas Western College, now UTEP, to name a few.
From the archives The rich history of El Paso’s African American community Each February, El Pasoans participate in Black History Month events like parades, art events, and much more. But many don’t know the long and rich history of El Paso’s African American community. From Buffalo Soldiers to civil rights leaders, African Americans have contributed a great deal to shaping the community of El Paso, despite only…
Tucker said she hopes that these activities will generate proceeds that will support her Project 2030. The main goal of the project is to create and maintain a space for El Paso’s Black community that will be part museum, study hall, and gathering space where people can discuss culture, important topics and learn domestic and personal finance skills.
She said her hope is that her idea will complement existing centers and museums that generate interest in the city’s black community.
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https://elpasomatters.org/2025/02/26/el-paso-black-hall-of-fame-monica-tucker-black-history-month/
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