Bengal Tales – Eva M. Doyle

Class Year 1975. 1982
Major Elementary Education Grades K-6

Current Occupation Retired Buffalo Teacher

What is one of your fondest memories of Buffalo State?
I enjoyed everything about my experience at Buffalo State College. I had great instructors who challenged their students to be the best that they could be. I was prepared to be a classroom teacher and to meet the challenges of teaching students in urban communities. I enjoyed my student teaching experience. I had a well - rounded education in both the academics and in physical education. I have never forgotten my instruction in fencing and modern dance. My independent study course really opened my eyes to the contributions of James Baldwin, a well-known African American author. As a historian today I greatly appreciate this introduction to literature by an author of color.

Were you involved with any on-campus organizations as a student? 
I was not a member of any on-campus organizations. There was not a lot of time for me to become involved. I remember that I was part of the work-study program that helped me with some of my expenses.

How did graduating from Buffalo State shape your future?
As a college graduate I feel that it has contributed to many of the literary and academic activities that I am involved in today. I have a great appreciation of learning new things and the introduction to new ideas. The creative writing class and the public speaking class that I took helped to give me with the skills that I use in my community work today. This has given me the confidence to lead in my community and to pass on these ideas to my students. My goal has always been to encourage students to reach for the stars and to take advantage of the many opportunities available today in education. My motto is: "Learning is a Lifelong Process."

What accomplishments have you achieved since graduating from Buffalo State? 
I write the only, weekly consistent column on African American History in Western New York for the oldest Black Newspaper, the Criterion published weekly by the Merriweather family. My column Eye On History will be 38 years old in February. It has never missed a week being published in the city of Buffalo. I am also the author of 11 books. My column Eye On History has appeared in the Chicago Defender, in Today's African American Chronicle, the Rochester Communicade, the Geneva Times, the Palm Beach Gazette in Florida, Class Magazine, and in the Buffalo News. I taught in the Buffalo Public Schools for 30 years and retired in 2004. While teaching in the schools I created the first African American Curriculum Resource Center in the history of the school system. It was stocked with books, teacher guides, videos, posters, African artwork, and African instruments, and much more to help teachers and students learn more about the contributions of African Americans to our country. I have created 100 essay contests to help students think creatively and to enhance their writing and research skills. I have also created the "Roses for Outstanding Women" Awards to honor women from a variety of backgrounds for their contributions to our city. Over 250 women have been honored and these awards are presented in March for Women's History Month. I have also created a scholarship in tribute to my Late husband called the "Romeo Doyle Muhammad Scholarship" presented every year to students to help them with their college expenses. I host my own radio show called "Eye On History" which airs on the first and third Tuesday of each month on Radio Station WUFO 1080 am from 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. It includes African American history, interviews with local and national personalities, music, and commentary on local and national events. I have been on the air for ten years. My awards include: the Legend Award from the B lack Ach ievers in Industry, A Community Service Award from the Minority Bar Association, The Ruby Dee On Fire to Inspire Award from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (2015). The Buffalo News selected me as the Citizen of the Year in 2012. This year (2016) Senator Timothy M. Kennedy selected me as the New York State Distinguished Woman of the Year. Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes presented me with a Proclamation for commitment to equality (2016). On October 23, 2016 I will receive a Community Service Award at Salvatore's Italian Gardens from the Walls Memorial AME Church. I have created Black History Billboards that can be seen around the Western New York area to educate everyone about the contributions of African Americans. I am currently studying at Capella University at the age of 70 for a Ph.D in Educational Leadership. This is an online program. I am the mother of 3 adult children, grandmother of 7 and great-grandmother of 2. My motto is: Learning Is a Lifelong Process.

Do you have any advice for current students trying to achieve success after graduation? 
I would encourage students to always be the best that they can be in their chosen profession. You must work your way up to success and be willing to start at the bottom. If you pursue excellence you will find that someone will recognize your efforts. Learn as much as you can while in college and continue to learn after you graduate. There will be challenges, but never give up on your dreams. Master your craft, whatever, it is.

 

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Originally posted: March 2017