Who We Are

Learn about the mission and history of Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators

The purpose of HABSE is to help facilitate the education of all students, with a focus on students of African descent, and strive to establish a coalition of educators and community supporters who will support the educational process.

Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators is an affiliate of National Alliance of Black School Educators. The purpose of the Alliance is to advocate and facilitate the education of students, to establish a coalition of educators and others directly or indirectly involved in the educational process.

As we enter the 21st century, NABSE officers, members, and affiliates have pledged themselves to continue serving as advocates for African-American children who have been poorly served in the past.

They further pledge themselves to ensure that African-American students are effectively educated in the present and are accorded priority for the future, and to lead the way through the creation of a concrete model that demonstrates the goals of academic and cultural excellence set forth so clearly in Saving the African-American Child.

We work to remove barriers that obstruct the achievement, development, and educational opporutnities to prepare and support all students, with a focus on black students and the adults who serve them.

*We are endorsed by Hillsborough County Public Schools.*

our history

Dr. Sam Horton led an exemplar life of leadership. 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, Hillsborough Alliance of Black School Educators (HABSE) for 16 years.

In addition, Dr. Horton encouraged many local youth 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.

The purpose of HABSE is to help facilitate the education of all students, with a focus on black students. We strive to establish a coalition of educators and community supporters who will 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.

HABSE's Mission

Advocate for the education of all students in Hillsborough County Public Schools, particularly Black students, and to establish the alliance of educators which includes those directly or indirectly involved in the educational process.

Exchange of Ideas

Create a forum for the exchange of ideas and strategies to improve the success rate of African-American students in the K-12 public education system (particularly addressing the high suspension rates and closing the achievement gap).

Support Students

Develop and cultivate a support system that improves academic achievement, provides opportunities for career exploration and college experiences, student development, and scholarships.

Support Educators

Develop and cultivate a support system for educators to share resources, engage in rich dialogue, and identify best practices to be implemented in classrooms.

Professional Development

Facilitate professional development programs that strengthen the skills of teachers, principals, specialists, superintendents, and school board members.

Recognize Success

Recognize and celebrate student, teacher, and administrator achievements throughout the year and at the HABSE Achievers Awards Ceremony.

Make a Difference by Donating

Your donation to HABSE is the fuel that keeps our programs, initiatives, activities, and student awards thriving.
Every donation helps us equip educators and impact students.