Founder & PresidentDr. Ceola Davis Barnes
Ceola Davis Barnes is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, (formerly AM&N College), Pine Bluff, Arkansas. UAPB is one of the identified Historical Black Colleges located in the United States of America. Barnes has a long history of support to her alma mater since graduation. She is a Life Member and past president of the UAPB/National Alumni Association, a Dorothy Fiddmont New Millennium Leader, an active member of the UAPB Class of 70’ planning committee and a member of the UAPB Chicago Alumni Chapter.
Most recently, Barnes was inducted into the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 2022. Barnes is credited for being the conceptual founder and laid the foundation and structure for its execution during her presidency in 2006. This award was given in the Category of Education for her work while employed with the Chicago Public Schools and her post ministry work with the African-American Ladies’ Legacy Foundation. Barnes most recent award was given by National Sorority, Phi Delta Kappa Mu Chapter, the “Distinguish Professional Leadership Award for her work with African-American Ladies’ Legacy Foundation. The mission of the African-American Ladies’ Legacy Foundation’s is called TAP. The foundation strives to Teach, Appreciate, and Preserve the Lives and Legacies of African-American women wearing First Distinction Titles. This work is showcased on its intuitive, interactive website, www.aallfoundation.com.
Educational Credits
- Bachelors of Science Degree, Business Education; Major, English, Minor
- Masters of Arts: Urban Teacher Education; Governors State University
- Administrative Type 75, DePaul University
- Advance Course work: Computer Science Endorsement, Learning Disabilities Certificate (Over 60 hours of course work)
- DMin, United Theological Seminary
Work Experience
- Business Education and Special Education Teacher
- Curriculum Partner: DePaul University, Teacher Education (Dr. Barbara Radner)
- Quality Review, Quality Control Evaluation Coordinator, Corliss High School
- Special Education, Chairperson, Case Manager
- Assistant Principal, Curtis Elementary School
- Principalships: Mary Church Terrell and Jane A. Neil Elementary School
- Area 17, Management Support Director
Barnes received a myriad of awards while employed with CPS to include: Kathy Osterman, Outstanding Supervisory Award (awarded by CPS, CEO, Paul Vallas and the Honorable Mayor Richard M. Daley); Most Improved (Jane A. Neil Elementary school) 2004 ITBS Scores At/Above National Norms – 48.7 -58.9; U.S.; 7th Congressional District, Outstanding Educator Award; Phi Delta Kappa, Northeastern Illinois University, Educator of the Year Award; United Negro College Fund, Distinguished Service Award; CPS Region Four Office, Academic Olympics Certificate of Appreciation; Ark-Chi Golf Club, Women of the Year; and the establishment of the African American Living Legacy Museum (dedicated in her honor) at the Mary Church Terrell Elementary School where she served as a principal.
Post Career Teaching Ministry
Barnes received a Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership Development and Outreach (2013), from United Theological Seminary. It was while she was working on this degree, she was guided and directed to develop a non-profit charitable organization, the African-American Ladies’ Legacy Foundation. The African-American Ladies’ Legacy Foundation (www.aallfoundation.com) offered Barnes an opportunity to continue to learn while expanding her pedagogical skills as well as African American Women history research skills. Additionally, the website provides an optimal interactive teaching and learning experience depicting HerStories of Foremothers advancing through the current years.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Engagement
Barnes is a past two-term president of the Lambda Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., past Soror of the Year, the 2020 Golden Soror of the Year, a Life and Golden Member and have served in several positions through the years in her local chapter and at the Regional level.
Illinois Black Hall of Fame, latest credit
Barnes serves as the conceptual Founder and Executive Director of the Illinois Black Hall of Fame. The Mission of the Illinois Black Hall of Fame is Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future, and Inspiring the Future. Our theme for the event centers around the theme: Juneteenth, Celebration of Black Achievers. It is during this Juneteenth Celebration that we showcase Illinois most notables. The Illinois Black Hall of Fame physical location is housed at Governors State University, a must see on your museum list.
Barnes is a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Chicago Heights, IL. and is the proud mother of three children: Quin (Victor), Darnell Jr., and Durand (Nicole); three grandchildren: Victor Jr., Donovan, and Nyla; Mommy to Sylvette; and Godmother to Vivian and Martha. The AALLF Motto is: “EachOne, Reach One; EachOne, Teach One; Each One, Leave One .. A Legacy.
Jerryelyn Jones
Jerryelyn Jones is the Vice-President of Operations for the African American Ladies Legacy Foundation. As a retired educator and administrator for the Chicago Public Schools, she is well prepared to assist in maximizing the organization’s operating performance. She holds a master’s degree in Education Administration, that provided her an opportunity to serve over a decade as a Principal and Area Officer. As the Principal of the school, she managed large staff and budgets. She provided strategies and techniques to improve attendance and raise test scores. Her work as an Area officer, overseeing schools and principals, resulted in additional resources and funding for students in the schools under her leadership. After retirement, her education and training continued. She was trained as an Executive Leadership Coach. She currently works as a mentor and coach for first year educators. She looks forward to overseeing internal operations for the African American Ladies Legacy Foundation.
Ernestine Davis
Ernestine Davis is the Treasurer for the African American Ladies’ Legacy Foundation. She is a retired educator from the Chicago Public Schools where she served as Third Grade Department Chair and Curriculum Coordinator. Her tenure included: work as a classroom teacher, a Math Resource Coach, and a Mentor Teacher. As a math coach, Ernestine was responsible for assessing students’ mathematical skills, developing instructional strategies for students in need of additional support, and monitoring their progress over the course of the academic year. She also worked closely with classroom teachers to ensure that the curriculum met state standards and was consistent with the school’s mission. As a mentor, Ernestine met regularly with new teachers where she observed and co-taught lessons, as well as offered positive reflective feedback. Ernestine holds a Master of Arts in Education degree, a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision degree, and a Mathematics Endorsement.
Jaime Gille
Jaime A. Gill is the media producer for the African-American American Ladies’ Legacy Foundation. As a content creator, author, and a self-reflection enthusiast she is passionate about people recognizing the power of their own story, by learning about others. She is a sought-after speaker that leads workshops on personal development and leadership. She strives to deliver a message that will activate others to live their best life NOW. With over 25 years of media experience, Jaime has produced content for local and international broadcasts including NBC- Chicago, WGN, ABC, CBS, and The WORD Network. For her commitment to excellence in Media and technology, Jaime was recognized by the Top Ladies of Distinction – Lincoln Park Chicago, Illinois Chapter – with the Crown Jewel Award. She was also one of the inaugural women to be recognized by the Chi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity Inc., as a Woman of Distinction. Jaime’s name in French literally translates “to love” which is what she hopes to project through all her life’s work.
FOLLOW US