Governor Roy Cooper on Feb. 11 honored Black History Month by recognizing African American education leaders from across the state for their many accomplishments.

Among those singled out was Oliver Holley, superintendent of Tyrrell County Schools and a trustee of the North Carolina Teacher and State Employee Retirement Commission.

“Today we recognize and celebrate North Carolina’s African American leaders in education, and I am grateful for their contributions to our state,” said Gov. Cooper. “Their leadership is particularly important right now as we work to improve diversity in the teaching profession to help our students succeed.”

On returning home, Holley said to Tyrrell residents, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Superintendent.”

Earlier this month, Governor Cooper proclaimed February as Black History Month in North Carolina.

The recognition event was hosted by the N.C. African American Heritage Commission and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Attendees included Susi H. Hamilton, Secretary, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; Dr. Valerie Ann Johnson, Chair, N.C. African American Heritage Commission; and Tracey Burns, Asst. Secretary for Diversity and Cultural Inclusion, DNCR.

Last December Gov. Cooper announced Executive Order No. 113, which established a Task Force focused on equity and inclusion in education. At the DRIVE Summit (Developing a Representative and Inclusive Vision for Education), Governor Cooper highlighted the importance of having a diverse teacher workforce and the positive impacts on students’ performance in the classroom.