Even today, the name Harold Cebrum immediately becomes controversial topic among Fifth Warders who lived and died Wheatley basketball back in the 1960s, insofar as he was one of the first E.O. Smith basketball stars to bypass the mighty Wildcats to play for the hated Jack Yates Lions. “I tried my best to talk him out of it because he was such a good player and team leader,” says Horace Roberts who still stays in touch with his good friend and E.O. Smith teammate. “But he had family in Third Ward and was able to make the move, so I wished him well until we met on the basketball court.”

Harold, whose younger brother Robert also followed him to Yates, only chuckles when reminded of that bygone era-- when he teamed with McCoy McLemore, Ron Brown, Roland “Link” Latin (David’s “I don’t know how that other T got into our name,” older brother) and other outstanding players on one the greatest teams in Yates’ history. “Those were great days,” said Harold, who answers to the name “Dr. Cebrum,” (Ph.D), told African-American News&Issues during a cell phone interview as he prepared to leave New York, Sunday morning (July 21, 2002) and head back to Lynwood, California where he has become a legendary educator.

Thanks to Roberts (a retired Metro driver who works for Ross Mortuary when he’s not coaching his beloved Phillis Wheatley’s baseball team), AAN&I was able to get an exclusive story from Dr. Cerbrum, although his busy schedule doesn’t give him much time to reminisce about old times. Meanwhile, Roberts, after hooking us up, cracked, “I’m proud of that boy. I taught him everything he knows.” Embellishing the truth notwithstanding, Cebrum, who played at Mobley Junior College and Nebraska after starring for Yates, certainly has used his accumulative knowledge well.

In fact, on May 13, 2002, the Houston native was recognized as one of the nation’s top educators, when Prentice Hall Educational Publisher presented an “Outstanding Leader of The Year” award to General Superintendent Cebrum for his exemplary leadership in the Lynwood Unified School District. Prentice Hall representatives highlighted some of the programs initiated under Cebrum’s leadership such as: Pathway Independent Study High School, School Reform and Design Teams, Five Year Strategic Plan, and the Elementary P.E. Program, among others.
The superintendent also created the Public Information Office that publishers a monthly bilingual newsletter that includes a report on the academic progress of the schools, information on the districtwide activities as well as a Kid’s Page. Cebrum’s accomplishments include the following: Washington Elementary School, the first California Distinguished School in Lynwood, expanded Partnership with UCLA, City, Community and other organizations; the approved plans to build news schools, and State and National Visual and Performing Arts Students Award.
Cebrum has demonstrated total support to the sports program as well. Last March, the high school girls basketball team “Lady Knights” won the State Championship and was ranked number one in the nation by USA Today, and Sports Students Magazine. It shouldn’t be surprising that a former basketball star like Cebrum recognized that without the support of the administration those accomplishments would not be possible. He thanked the District Administration and the School Staff for their efforts in preparing students to succeed.

Students have also successfully participated in academic competitions such as the L.A. County Mock Trial, Orange County Pentathlon, and the Southern California Math/Science Olympics. Cebrum encouraged parents to be involved in their children’s education, providing them with training programs at various school sites. As part of the award, Superintendent Cebrum was featured in the Prentice Hall magazine. And because we’re Black Houston proud, Dr. Harold L. Cebrum is also saluted by African- American News&Issues.