The purpose of Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators (HABSE) is to help facilitate the education of all students, with a focus on African American students. They strive to establish a coalition of educators and community supporters who not only support the educational process but also help enhance the instructional initiatives that are directly geared to closing the achievement gap for African American students in Hillsborough County. Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators is an affiliate of National Alliance of Black School Educators.

HABSE was founded by Dr. Sam Horton. His passion for education and his community inspired him to establish a local chapter of the National Alliance of Black School Educators. He joined forces with other founding members to mentor and encourage black educators in hope of broadening the pool of talented educators. Dr. Horton served as president of the local chapter, of HABSE for 16 years.

In addition, Dr. Horton encouraged many local youths to participate in national academic and arts driven competitions, exposing these youth to top universities, colleges, and scholarship opportunities. He established an annual recognition program to honor high achieving African American graduating seniors for their outstanding academic successes. This awards program, now known as the HABSE African American Achievers Awards Ceremony has been in existence since 1992. Under Dr. Horton’s leadership and guidance, thousands of students have been encouraged to reach their full potential, honored for their academic accomplishments, and given financial assistance to pursue their post-academic goals. To date, HABSE has awarded $75,000 in scholarships and awards.

In 2016, in partnership with NABSE, HABSE hosted 44th Annual NABSE conference in Tampa, FL. In 2021, Nicole Golden, First Vice President was recognized as the NABSE Mary McLeod Bethune Teacher of the Year. The local chapter of HABSE continues to contribute to National Initiatives & serves on the boards of varies National Committees.

The Executive Team consist of Officers & Advisory Board Members

• Nicole A. Golden
• Keensha Parham
• Andrea Beverly
• Rebecca Smith
• Earlishia Oates
• Eric J. Graham
• JC Richardson
• Gelene Janvier
• Mary Dance
• Mesha L. Stubbs
• Anderson Ross
• Elizabeth Davis Brown
• Mykasia Carey-Williams

Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators is an asset and a Community Champion.   The organization was nominated as a City of Tampa Black History Committee Community Honoree of Distinction because of their work to promote closing the achievement gap for students of color in Hillsborough County.