Leverette came to Toledo after graduating from Alabama State College in Montgomery—he received his master's degree from the University of Michigan.

 

In 1944, at the age of 29, he became the Toledo Public Schools' first African American administrator, serving as assistant principal at Gunckel Elementary School. He later became Toledo's first black principal when he was selected to head Gunckel in 1955. In 1967 he was named assistant district superintendent for Toledo Public Schools.

 

As a Toledo Public Schools District leader, he helped launch Toledo's peaceful, voluntary school desegregation process, avoiding any court-ordered desegregation.  In 1980, the former Hamilton Elementary School on East Manhattan Boulevard was renamed Leverette Junior High School. Today, the rebuilt Leverette Jr. High continues to honor his name.