Professor Acey's focus has been to develop strategies to encourage participation in civic, public life and improve communication skills and race relations from a multi-cultural perspective.  An understanding and an appreciation of one's tradition/heritage will increase respect and understanding for one's ethnicity.  As a result of his continued commitment to improve communication between different ethnic groups, fostering respect and academic excellence, approximately 23 years ago, Dr. Acey organized  and currently serves as Executive Director of  the Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc., a non-profit organization.  This organization sponsors year round activities annually during the month of April designed to celebrate multi-cultural ethnicity and diversity.

Yvonne B. Acey, a Northside High School instructor assigned to English, Speech, African-American Literature and Creative Writing, is a graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College (B.A., Humanities) with a Masters Degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Memphis.  Additionally, Mrs. Acey has completed requirements in Educational Administration and Supervision with 90 hours of Doctoral Studies focusing on higher education.

Mrs. Acey has been involved actively in Association projects, programs, activities, and a delegate to conferences and conventions since 1988 locally, statewide, regionally and nationally.  This includes services in numerous capacities as chair, committee member, resource, and participant professionally with MEA, TEA, and NEA as follows:  Association Representative, Central Area Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Minority Affairs, Public/Human Relations, Status of Women, Finance, Bargaining, National Teacher Day, Read Across America, Mentoring PASS, M-PACE, ESP Steering Committee, MEASO Bargaining, and Building & Grounds Facility Dedication Committee.  Additionally, Mrs. Acey served as presiding officer for the Memphis Education Association Board of Directors, Chair of Building and Grounds Committee and ex-officio member of standing association and ad-hoc committees.  In this capacity, she worked with a diverse qualified Association staff including an Executive Director, Manager of Business Affairs, Membership Coordinator, administrative assistant/receptionist, and five UNISERV  Directors experienced in Tennessee school law who assisted Bargaining Unit members with school-related issues.

As Memphis Association President from 2006-2008, I was afforded the opportunity to continue my commitments and challenges representing approximately 6,000 certified employees and administrators/supervisors and over 600 education support professionals.  The Memphis Education Association is a local affiliate of the National Education Association and Tennessee Education Association representing 3.2 million educators whose mission and goals focus on providing high-quality teaching and learning opportunities for all children.  Together, we embrace the E’s in Education…”Educating Our Children, Engaging Our Parents, Empowering Our Schools” Leaving No Teacher Parent, Child, or Community Behind.

Currently, Mrs. Acey, Associate Director of Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc., has been reassigned to Northside High School as an English/Reading and Literature instructor for grades 9-12.  Other assignments include:  Memphis Education Association Representative, Member, Board of Directors, Central Area Director, Memphis Political Action Committee for Education, Constitution and By-Laws, Public Relations, Human Relations, Minority Affairs, and ESP Organizing, Steering, Bargaining, and Communication Committees:  Memphis City School Committee.  The Memphis City Schools committee where Mrs.  Acey serve include:   Professional Development, Calendar, Teaching and Learning Academy, Outstanding Principal Review Team, ESP, Media Representative, Curriculum and Instruction, Northside High School Leadership Council, School Based Decision Making Council, Parent Teacher Association, Literacy Council, School NCLB/Title I, Tennessee Education Association Instructional Professional Development Commission and Status of Women.