History Makers

  • Douglas School was the only school that African Americans could attend, prior to desegregation.  Mr. Edwin  Mangram was the long-time, dedicated principal.  There were numerous graduates from Douglas School who have made significant contributions to the El Paso community and to our Country.
  • Wayne Thornton started the UTEP  Lady Miners Basketball Team & wrote a column for the El Paso Times for many years.
  • Natasha Lacy played in the WNBA for the New York Liberty Basketball team.  She is a graduate of Montwood High School & UTEP.
  • Kayla Thornton plays in the WNBA for the Dallas Wings.  She is a graduate of Irvin High School & UTEP.
  • James Forbes played on the 1972 Olympic Basketball team.  He is a coach at Andres High School.
  • Aaron Jones attended Burges High School & UTEP and plays with the Green Bay Packers.
  • Alvin Jones was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens.  He established a foundation with his twin brother Aaron called “A&A All The Way”.
  • Ray Mickens played for the New York Jets & attended Andres High School.
  • Khalid attended Americas High School and is a Grammy-nominated recording artist.  He contributes generously to the El Paso community thru “The Great Khalid Foundation”.
  • Ron Stallworth is the author of the book (and movie) Black Klansman.
  • Michelle Hill-Sheffield is an Assistant District Attorney with the County of El Paso.
  • Dr. Nichole Linen is a Behavior Health Specialist for the Denver Broncos.  Prior to that, she provided clinical & sport psychology support to more than 500 student athletes & the entire athletic Dept. at Auburn University.  She graduated from Andress High School.
  • Maj. General Dana Pittard (Retired) is the former commanding general of Fort Bliss & is credited with improving relations between the base & the City, as well as overseeing the transformation of Ft. Bliss to a first-class military installation.
  • General Edward Greer moved up the ranks from Private to General and chose to retire in El Paso, where he & his wife, Jewell, have contributed greatly to the El Paso community.
  • Lieutenant Divenus E. (Tiny) Parker is the first African-American to earn the rank of Lieutenant in the El Paso Fire Department.
  • Cleola Berry is a long-time community activist and is the first African American to hold the position of Chairman Director of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce Women’s Department in 2000.
  • Kimberly Boswell Seymore has published her second book entitled “In Pursuit of Purpose” covering women empowerment.