He is credited with influencing students.

By CHRISTIAN M. WADE

cwade@tampatrib.com

Published: April 22, 2009

TAMPA - Those who knew him say Alfred Lee Barnes Jr. never gave up on children.

One of Hillsborough County's pioneering black educators, Barnes influenced thousands of public school students over the years, including Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio.

Barnes, 69, died last year.

As part of an effort to memorialize Barnes' contributions, the city plans to rename 18th Avenue Park for him. The park is at 2902 N. 32nd Ave. in East Tampa.

The Tampa City Council is expected to vote on the proposal at its next meeting.

Barnes was born in West Tampa and grew up in the North Boulevard Homes. He retired from the school district in 2000 after nearly 40 years.

In 1965, he became one of the first black teachers transferred to an all-white school, Riverhills Elementary. He later became the first black head football coach at a predominantly white school, Hillsborough High School. In January 1976, he became Plant High's human resources specialist, working with students at risk of failing.

"He was an inspiration to many," said Iorio, who remembers Barnes from her days at Riverhills Elementary. "Having his name on this park in East Tampa honors a man who devoted his life to shaping the lives of young people in a positive and productive way."

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679.