Elbert “Lou” Irvin
(1941-2000)

Elbert “Lou” Irvin, founder and President of the Greater New England Alliance of Black School Educators and Director of Multicultural Education for the Manchester Public Schools, passed away on October 6, 2000, following a brief illness, Friend, mentor, role model, advocate and educator: Mr. Irvin filled all these roles, completely. As a passionate and dedicated educator, Mr. Irvin devoted the last 20 years of his professional life to promoting diversity and enhancing multicultural education in Connecticut.

He organized a tour of historically black colleges and universities for high school students who were preparing for their college education, founded the Greater New England Alliance of Black School Educators, and initiated the Celebrating Your Commitment Conference to welcome newly employed minority teachers. Mr. Irvin touched many lives by helping students to reach their potential and realize their dreams. His high expectations and friendship caused many students to teach in Connecticut after their college education.

He envisioned the conference as a step toward establishing a statewide support network for new minority teachers. He rightly believed that increased minority teacher recruitment and retention activities would enhance the quality and standards of education for all children in Connecticut’s public schools.

The Connecticut State Department of Education and the Greater New England Alliance of Black School Educators dedicated the conference to Mr. Elbert ‘Lou” Irvin in memory of his contribution to diversity and multicultural education in Connecticut.