Meet The
Board of Directors
JAMES A. GRAY, II, CHAIR
James Austin Gray, Il is a Community Organizer, Advocate, and representative of the people of New Orleans. Born in Scotlandville, Louisiana, he was the youngest of three children and has fond memories of developing his imagination and critical analysis skills by playing baseball, marbles and soldier in the woods behind his home. He developed a strong work ethic by working side by side with his Father as a carpenter's apprentice. Good grades and a drive for excellence earned James entry into Morehouse College at 16 years of age.
James Gray II, comes from a family that has identified 115 people who have served in the United States military. He continued the family tradition by serving as an Infantry Platoon Commander in the Vietnam War. He completed his B.S. In Mathematics from Morehouse College and earned a J.D. in Law at Harvard Law School.
James was the First African American Law professor at Louisiana State University Law School. He then began his Career in New Orleans in 1977 and eventually established his own practice, Gray and Gray.
James was elected Councilman District E for the City of New Orleans. Most Recently he was appointed Executive Director of the Democratic Party for the State of Louisiana. He is currently involved in many community projects and activities, including Chairman of New Orleans NAACP ACT-SO Committee.
James has been married for over 50 years to the Honorable Judge Ernestine Gray. Judge Gray served the city of New Orleans for over 36 years on the Juvenile Court Bench before retiring. They have two children, Cheryl and James, and 4 beautiful grandchildren.
JULIA B BATTLE, PhD, CO-CHAIR
Dr. Julia Blair Battle Is a nationally recognized educator presently employed as a Clinical Teacher Supervisor at UTSA. She is an advocate for academic equity for all children and firmly believes that every child should have the opportunity to self-actualize through the Arts. Her teaching experience spans 40 years in public and private education.
Dr. Battle is a retired Principal from Judson Independent School District. Her credentials include a Ph.D. in music education and school administration from University of North Texas in Denton, as well as All Level Administrative certifications in Louisiana and Texas.
Other accomplishments include an administrative certification from Xavier University in New Orleans, a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She has also been a Doctoral Candidate in Opera Performance at Indiana University's College of Music in Bloomington Indiana. She has extensive vocal and instrumental performance experience as a solo artist and as a member of professional and community music organizations. She is presently a member and Board President of the San Antonio Choral Society.
Recognitions include the State HEB Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Education, The Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching, KENS 5 EXCEL Award for Educational Excellence, National Winner for Excellence in Teaching from the National Council of Negro Women and Congressional Recognitions for Teaching Excellence. She was recognized as a Distinguished Educator in the Dallas, New Orleans and Judson School. districts. Written publications highlight positive findings on the impact of developing musical skills on achievement in other academic areas.
She has been married to Ernest C. Battle for 41 years and has 2 wonderful daughters, Mary Louise and Rachel Blaire, and 5 beautiful grandchildren.
LYNETTE D. BATES, ACADEMIC FACILITATOR
The life of Lynette Denise Bates as a First-Generation college student unfolds much like the intricate blooming layers of a pink rose propelled by the wondrous and captivating scents of resiliency, gratitude, and joy. As an enthusiastic servant of postsecondary education, Lynette has wholeheartedly embraced the work of the federally funded TRIO college access programs for the low-income, first-generation, and for students with disabilities. Daily she seeks to discover the powerful answers to the questions of “why?”, through utilizing her gifts of administration, teaching, wisdom, and discernment as the Director of the University of New Orleans TRIO Programs, Classic Upward Bound, Upward bound Math-Science, and Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program.
Surely, the scent of her rose petals of service and leadership are filled with the scholarly impressions of her master gardeners: New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Religious Education with a Specialization in Social Work); Louisiana College (Bachelor of Religious Education with a Minor in Communications); and the New Orleans Public Schools (High School Diploma, Eleanor McMain Secondary High School).
The enchanting fragrance of her spirit of service is captured in her esteemed work as a national, regional, and state college access leader and trainer as well as a devoted community volunteer and servant leader. Lynette credits her strong inclination towards the practice of being a lifelong learner and servant leader to her amazing parents, siblings, extended family members, friends, associates, community leaders, mentors, staff, and students.
Lynette is a member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church where she humbly serves as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Trainer, Usher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Scholarships Ministry.
EDITH GEE JONES, COMMUNITY OUTREACH, CULINARY FACILITATOR
Edith Gee Jones, a native of Baltimore Maryland, attended public schools. She is an alumnae of Howard University (BS), and Loyola University - New Orleans (M. Ed.). She has worked in the private and the non-profit sectors.
Edith began her professional career at IBM, as a Systems Engineer. She joined the Urban League as a Program Director for Job Placement and served as the Director of Career Planning and Placement at Lovola University. As the first Director of Community Development for Harrah's Casino New Orleans, Edith implemented its’ Open Access Plan, Insuring minority and women participation in employment, construction, and procurement. Edith also served as the initial Compliance Officer for Phase Ill of the New Orleans Convention Center.
As the first female President & CEO of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, Edith secured federal. state, city, foundation and private funding for agency programs. She purchased two properties, providing the first permanent home for the Agency in its 62-year history and laid the groundwork for the Agency's Child Care Center. Edith was recognized as a
"Katrina Hero" by the Urban League for her dedicated leadership during and after Hurricane Katrina.
Edith has received numerous achievement awards; served on several non-profit boards; serves on the Industrial Development Board for the City of New Orleans; is an alumnae member of the Crescent City Links; is a Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; is a former Church Trustee and served as Region VI Representative for the Howard University Alumni Association. As Chair of the Howard Class of 1969 50th Anniversary Legacy Fund and Reunion she led her classmates to raise the largest Class Gift in Howard's history, at that time, of $1,130,000.
Edith is married to Attorney Ernest Lake Jones; has one son, Everett (Hanaiya) and 3 beautiful grandchildren.
Ernest C. Battle, Videographer
Ernest C. Battle brings a wealth of experience in education, media, and student development to the ACT-SO NOLA Board of Directors. A dedicated educator and advocate, Mr. Battle formerly served as an Assessment and Instructional Technology Specialist at Edna Karr High School, where he played a critical role in supporting student achievement and integrating innovative learning technologies.
Currently, Mr. Battle oversees all video and media coverage for ACT-SO NOLA, ensuring that the stories, successes, and spirit of the program are documented and shared with professionalism and impact. His commitment to uplifting youth voices and excellence aligns deeply with the mission of ACT-SO.
Mr. Battle holds advanced degrees in Educational Administration & Supervision from Ball State University and Counseling & Guidance from Indiana University. He also studied Mathematics at Purdue University, reflecting a strong academic foundation that supports his analytical and leadership skills. He is a proud graduate of Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana.
He has been married to Dr. Julia B. Battle for 41 years and has 2 wonderful daughters, Mary Louise and Rachel Blaire, and 5 beautiful grandchildren.
