ABOUT

David L. Acey, Sr. (M.A. Degree in Rhetoric) is a retired Assistant Professor of African American Rhetoric and Interracial Communication at The University of Memphis in the Department of Communication Arts. From 1979 to 1985, I was the creator, director, organizer, and instructor of the African American Studies Program, formerly referred to as the Black Studies Program at The University of Memphis. I also taught several departmental Afrocentric courses including African American Rhetoric, and Interracial Communication until my retirement in 2014.

I was instrumental in increasing student/university enrollment, retention, departmental major/minors, internships, the graduation rate of undergraduates, and graduates from the overall university student populations (regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, status, or classification) including encouragement to pursue matriculation beyond the master’s level.  

Prior to enrolling at The University of Memphis, I attended LeMoyne-Owen College several years with an athletic scholarship and was later drafted into the United States Army as military police from 1963 to 1965.  After returning from the Army, I enrolled at The University of Memphis to continue my education where I organized the first Black Students' Association and was elected as their first association president. My wife, Yvonne B. Acey, and I are founders and organizers of the First Annual Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival, Incorporated in 1986 I current serve as the Executive Director and my wife as the Associate Director. This organization in Memphis/Shelby County focuses on international relations, technology, culture, education, health/wellness, entrepreneurship, career development, social media platforms, and diversity encompassing the African Diaspora via "The Windows of The Arts". My academic, social and professional life have been devoted to improving the quality of life for African Americans and others in their quest for excellence locally, regionally, nationally and globally.

 

EDUCATION 

B.S. Degree, Sociology & Psychology, University of Memphis, 1970
M.A. Rhetoric & Public Address

 

SAMPLE PUBLICATIONS/PRODUCTIONS

• Consultant for the Documentary, At The River I Stand, produced by Drs. Steve Ross and David Appleby and Allison Graham.
• Consultant and Advisor for the documentary The Eyes on The Prize by Henry Louis Yates, Jr.; a 1968 production of the Memphis Sanitation Strike;
• Writer, Contributor, and Interviewer with The University of Memphis Alumni Association Oral History Project designed to "Tell Your Story” memorializing campus life at the university
• Organizer, Founder and Producer of a 36 annual International Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival recorded as making a 3.5 million dollars impact showcasing the City of Memphis, Shelby County, the State of Tennessee regionally, nationally, and globally

 

EXEMPLARY HONORS, AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

A partial list includes the following-

The Tennessee Education Association “Harold Love Outstanding Educators Service”; The International World Community Achievement; City of Memphis Heritage Trailblazers Community Service; The  Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity International World Community Service; The University of Memphis Lifetime Achievement; The University of Memphis Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Human Rights; The City of Memphis& Shelby County Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. “Be The Dream”; The Tri-State Defender “ Best In Black; Mt. Vernon Baptist Church” Community Leaders & Legends”; The Association of African American Life & History (ASALH)National Council of Special Recognition Annual Honoree; The University of Memphis Association of Retirees Inclusion & Diversity Chair; The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Epsilon Omega International World Community; The Melrose High School Alumni Trailblazer; The Orange Mound Community Collaborative, WLOK Outstanding Community Achievement, The Memphis/Shelby and  the ”Building Blocks Mentoring Program Living Legend Award.”