34th Annual CA/HI NAACP Virtual State Convention

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE

EVENT PROGRAM CALIFORNIA HAWAII STATE CONFERENCE NAACP

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WELCOME FROM PRESIDENT RICK L. CALLENDER, ESQ. TRIBUTE TO CECELIA HUFFMAN-WHITE IN MEMORIUM CA/HI NAACP EXECUTIVE OFFICERS CA//HI NAACP STATE AWARDS ACT-SO FRIDAY SESSIONS SATURDAY SESSIONS SUNDAY SESSIONS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 Rick L. Callender, Esq. President Paulette Simpson Gipson 1st Vice President Dan Daniels, Sr. 2nd Vice President LaJuana Bivens Secretary/State Director Olivia Verrett Assistant Secretary Ida M. Johnson 2nd Assistant Secretary Carolyn Veal-Hunter Treasurer Ron Hasson Area Director Southwest Satia Austin Area Director Southeast Dave Smith Area Director North Stephen Vines Area Director Central Freddye Davis Area Director West

October 22 2021

8:00am – 9:00am

Business Meeting and Opening Session

Welcome Delegates, NAACP Leaders and friends of the NAACP,

9:00am – 9:50am

Health Forum Panel - COVID 19: Past, Present, and Future

9:50am – 9:55am

The Pauline Jones Award: Kathy Dixon

9:55am – 10:00am

ACT-SO Performance: Victoria McDowell (vocalist) - Oakland Youth Council

Today we bring together long-time NAACP members, supporters and for the first time a cohesive program that integrates our Youth & College units for a highly engaging and collaborative event discussing the ever so important topics that impact the African American community.

10:00am – 11:00am

Rebuilding Black Wealth: Know Your Worth, Presented by Wells Fargo

11:00am – 11:05am

The Lulann Sapp McGriff Award: Naomi Rainey-Pierson Erdmann

11:05am – 11:10am

Greetings: The Honorable Rob Bonta, State of California, Attorney General

Great strides have been made since we met last October in prioritizing criminal justice, environmental justice, health needs for our community, educational equality, and economic equality. In our efforts to build back political power in the Black community, you will continue to see CA/HI NAACP Leaders exceed expectations in mobilizing chapters and units in advocacy efforts while embracing technology to make our voices stronger, more visible, more vocal and more influential. Our Committee structure has been strengthened, Branches more engaged and I thank the officers and staff who have pushed our mission forward.

11:10am - 11:15am

Music Break

11:15am – 12:15pm

Environment and Climate Justice Workshop:

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Disaster Emergency Preparedness

12:15pm – 12:20pm

Dr. H. Claude Hudson Award (Small) - San Pedro/Wilmington Branch

12:20pm – 12:25pm

ACT-SO Performance: Jana Burks (Dance) - Oakland Youth Council

12:25pm – 12:30pm

Music Break

My continued vision for the CA/HI NAACP - is that we will show all in California and Hawaii that we are working together - and that together we are not a force to be ignored, forgotten or mistaken.

12:30pm - 12:35pm

Greetings: The Honorable Gavin Newsom, State of California, Governor

12:35pm - 12:55pm

Lunch Break

12:55pm - 1:00pm

ACT-SO Performance: Cristian Wheeler-Collins

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(Musical Instrument - Contemporary Drums) - Oakland Youth Council

1:00pm – 1:55pm

Cancel Student Debt

1:55pm – 2:00pm

Dr. H. Claude Hudson Award (Medium) - Merced Branch

2:00pm – 2:50pm

Next Gen Leadership Panel

2:50pm – 2:55pm

ACT-SO Performance: Brandon Waugh (Graphic Arts) - Oakland Youth Council

2:55pm - 3:00pm

Greetings: The Honorable Eleni Kounalakis, State of California, Lieutenant Governor

3:00pm – 3:50pm

Economic Development: Corporate Accountability and Engagement

3:50pm – 3:55pm

Dr. H. Claude Hudson Award (Large) - Oakland Branch

3:55pm – 4:00pm

Greetings: The Honorable Tony Thurmond, State of California,

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Superintendent of Public Instruction

4:00pm – 6:00pm

Bring Your Own Drink Reception

It is my honor to welcome you to the 34th Annual CA/HI NAACP Virtual State Convention.

Today we celebrate with you in community spirit, the dedication and contributions made by all in the fight for civil rights through the work of the NAACP throughout California and Hawaii.

Yours in Fight,

Alice A. Huffman, PhD President Emeritus

Rick L. Callender,Esq. CA/HI NAACP President

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE 1026 Florin Rd. Suite 331 * Sacramento, CA 95831 • cahinaacp.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 8:00am – 8:50am

Increasing Your Membership Breakfast

8:50am – 8:55am

NAACP Advocacy Award - Lawanda Lyons Pruitt

8:55am – 9:00am

Greetings: The Honorable Steven C. Bradford, CA Legislative Black Caucus, Chair

9:00am – 9:50am

Annual Gwen Moore Utility and Telecommunciations Forum:

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Utilities and Telecommunications Unplugged

9:55am – 10:00am

Greetings: The Honorable Betty Yee, CA Controller

10:00am – 11:25am

Driving Equity in Education Diversity

11:00am - 3:00pm

Delegate Voting (by email)

11:25am – 11:30am

Greetings: The Honorable Malia Cohen, Board of Equalization, 2nd District

11:30am – 12:00pm

Lunch Break

12:00pm – 12:55pm

Labor Luncheon

12:55pm – 1:00pm

Greetings: The Honorable Barbara Lee, 13th Congressional District

Breakout Sessions 1:00pm – 2:15pm

Criminal Justice: The Legacy of the African American Law Enforcement Officer The Politics of Elections: Lessons Learned and How to Prepare for the Future Implementing Environmental Justice Programs Fighting for Civil Rights with Technology

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24

2:15pm – 2:20pm

Break

8:00am – 9:00am

Church Service

2:20pm – 3:35 pm

Criminal Justice: The Legacy of the African American Law Enforcement Officer The Politics of Elections: Lessons Learned and How to Prepare for the Future Implementing Environmental Justice Programs

9:00am – 9:30am

Remembering our Members (Memorial)

9:30am – 10:00am

Closing Session

Fighting for Civil Rights with Technology 3:35pm – 3:45pm

Youth Awards

3:45pm – 3:50pm

ACT-SO Performance: Akira Sky (Music Composition)

3:50pm - 4:40pm

COVID-19 Panel: Misbeliefs, Vaccines, Education Impact, Q&A

4:40pm – 4:45pm

Greetings: The Honorable Dr. Shirley N. Weber, CA Secretary of State

4:45pm - 4:50pm

Music Break

4:50pm – 5:00pm

President’s Award Presentation

5:00pm – 5:40pm 5:40pm - 5:45pm

Fireside Chat with Leon W. Russell, NAACP Chairman, NAACP National Board of Directors and Rick Callender, CA/HI NAACP State President Music Break

5:45pm – 6:00pm

Swearing-in Ceremony of Newly Elected CA/HI State NAACP Officers

10:00am

Adjournment/Benediction

October 22, 2021

Dear friends, It is with great pride that I extend my regards to everyone gathered for the 34th Annual California Hawaii NAACP State Convention and recognize the remarkable work of the California Hawaii State Conference.

For decades, the Conference has matched the powerful legacy of the NAACP with meaningful, momentous action that has advanced the rights and opportunities of the Black community in California. Today’s convention is just that – an action in the organization’s long history that demonstrates the Conference’s continued commitment to lifting up our current and future leaders as torchbearers for racial justice.

I send my gratitude to the members of the California Hawaii State Conference who have made this gathering possible and work every day to fulfill the Conference’s critical mission. On behalf of the State of California, please accept my best wishes for a successful and memorable convention.

Sincerely,

Gavin Newsom Governor of California

GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM • SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • (916) 445 -2841

ELENI KOUNALAKIS

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

To the NAACP’s 34th Annual State Convention:

I would like to congratulate the NAACP on their 34th Annual California-Hawaii NAACP State Convention. The work you do and relationships you build today, and every day in your communities is so important to helping communities of color achieve true justice and equity.

The past year has been one of unprecedented and historic challenges. The COVID-19 global pandemic upended life as we know it and took the lives of nearly 70,000 Californians, a disproportionate number of them people of color. But, as we emerge from the final stretch of this journey, there is a great deal to be hopeful about.

This extraordinary time hasn’t only been about the spread of the global pandemic, after George Floyd was slowly murdered at the hands of police in front of our very eyes, our country also experienced a widespread awakening to the systemic racism that has plagued the United States since our foundation.

There is still so much we need to do in the fight for equality. This fight isn’t for the Black community to tackle alone, or those of us who pledge to be allies, it’s not enough to show up at a rally and profess to have done our part. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with the Black community to advance the policies and legal reforms necessary to make real, lasting change for this generation and future generations.

With over 70 percent of Californians now vaccinated, we can all breathe a little easier, knowing that the most vulnerable among us are safer with each passing day. But we as state officials must continue to meet our communities where they are at: to ensure all Californians get protected against COVID-19, especially communities of color, and that they know about the pandemic resources and protections available to them.

In so many ways, it truly is a new day in our Golden State. There is still much work to be done but I look forward to partnering with all of you– elected officials, business leaders, community advocates, as we look ahead toward a brighter future, and toward building back better.

Sincerely,

AMBASSADOR ELENI KOUNALAKIS (RET.) S TA T E C A P I TO L , R O O M 1 1 1 4 , S A C R A M E N TO , C A L I F O R N I A 9 5 8 1 4 ∙ P H O N E ( 9 1 6 ) 4 4 5 - 8 9 9 4 WWW.LTG.CA.GOV

CA/HI NAACP hit great strides and success with the passing of priority bills AB89, SB2, AB26 and SB 796 a range of Criminal Justice Reform, Police Reform, the return of stolen land and the first step in California Reparations.

Let’s breakdown each bill CA/HI NAACP took action on by lobbying the state legislature and Governor of California.

AB 89 - Authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Peace Officers: Minimum Qualifications, raises the minimum age of police officers from 18 to 21 and calls for state colleges to provide a modern policing degree program for new officers by 2025.

SB 2 - Authored by Senator Steven Bradford and Senate President Pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, Police Decertification Act of 2021, SB 2 aims to increase accountability for law enforcement officers that commit serious misconduct and illegally violate a person’s civil rights.

AB 26 - Authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden, Peace Officers: Use of Force, requires law enforcement agencies to adopt stricter policies mandating that officers intercede when they see a colleague using excessive force and immediately report the incident.

SB 796 - Authored by Senator Steven Bradford, State parks: state beaches: County of Los Angeles: Manhattan State Beach: deed restrictions: taxation, authorized the return of ocean-front land in Manhattan Beach back to Bruce family descendants and its rightful Black owners.

There is still much work to be done in California but this is a great start!

Stay up to date with the bill position of CA/HI NAACP by visit the “Bill Position” page on our website CAHINAACP.org.

Ǧ October 22-24, 2021

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This year’s theme, “We are the NAACP,”

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October 1, 2021 CALIFORNIA STATE CONFERENCE NAACP Greetings, On behalf of Women In NAACP (WIN), it is an honor to greet you, congratulate you, and to wish you heights you may not yet have imagined. The California State Conference has always led with superb vision and creativity; your leaders past and present are exemplars!

Embrace the jewels of the past; capture the emerging leadership of the present; and face the future with fortitude, strong advocacy, and deep respect!

Enjoy a superb conference!

Dr. Thelma T. Daley National Director Women In NAACP

BETTY T. YEE California State Controller October 22, 2021

October 22, 2021

California Hawaii State Conference NAACP 1026 Florin Road, PMB 331 Sacramento, CA, 95831

Dear Friends:

Dear Friends: On behalf of the California Department of Justice, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 34th Annual California Hawaii NAACP State Convention.

The California Hawaii NAACP has an unwavering commitment to ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all people. Your leadership and advocacy to end discrimination in education, housing, the workplace, and throughout society has been instrumental. The NAACP is ensuring our future is a brighter place — a place where all individuals have equal rights and where there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination.

As we work across all races and identities in common cause, know that I am your partner.

I commend each of you for participating in this year’s conference as it is a testament to your dedication to working towards a more just and inclusive society.

Please accept my best wishes and thank you to all those who worked hard to make this conference possible.

Welcome to the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference 34th Annual Convention. While we remain physically distant from one another, I hope everyone has an opportunity to virtually connect and celebrate this occasion.

Congratulations on three decades of fostering leadership and promoting the well-being of African American communities in California and Hawaii. I commend the organizers of this convention for emphasizing issues of economic inclusion, environmental justice, and the pressing crisis of student debt. I also commend the California-Hawaii State Conference for your clear commitment to laying the foundation for a new generation of leaders.

I extend very best wishes for a successful convention and for continued success.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

ROB BONTA Attorney General

Betty T. Yee

300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1850, Sacramento, CA 95814  P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250  (916) 445-2636  Fax: (916) 322-4404 www.sco.ca.gov

Malia M. Cohen

California State Board of Equalization

Proudly serving as Your Elected Tax Advocate

October 22, 2021 Dear Friends: Welcome to the 34th Annual California Hawaii NAACP State Convention – “We Are CA/HI NAACP”.

For almost two years, we have all lived and struggled with the reality of the pandemic. This health crisis has been devastating to communities of color. I commend the NAACP for being a bastion of strength in these uncertain times. Your resiliency and adaptability are evident during this virtual conference. Embracing technology allows us to be together safely while opening the door to new opportunities.

Working together with our strong allies and remaining vigilant in our fight for justice and equity, we will eradicate racial hatred and discrimination while simultaneously investing in the next generation of NAACP leaders.

Today, we recommit ourselves to challenge racist policies, close equity gaps, and fight for social and economic justice for all. We recognize NAACP members, supporters, its Board of Directors, and Executive Officers for their extraordinary leadership and dedication. As the oldest and largest civil rights organization, the NAACP has been on the front lines, not only in California and Hawaii, but all around the world in leading the fight for justice. This conference advances this important work and creates a platform to address critical issues impacting our communities.

I join every conference attendee in congratulating the NAACP for their courageous advocacy and unwavering commitment to equity and racial justice.

Sincerely,

Malia M. Cohen California State Board of Equalization

455 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE, SUITE 10500 • SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94102 • (415) 557-3000 • FAX (415) 557-0287 E-MAIL: MaliaCohen@boe.ca.gov WEBSITE: www.boe.ca.gov/Cohen C

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IN MEMORIUM

In recognition of service, commitment and dedication to the NAACP, and membership to the local branch.

C A R SON-TOR R A N C E BR A N C H

H AY WA R D B R A N C H

Joseph Alfred, Former President Dr. Wilma-Wilson · Helen Maxwell

Frank White · Jemell Hicks · Lenward Houser Calvin Pembleton · James Menifee

PASADENA BRANCH

SACRAMENTO BRANCH

Dr. Carol Brown · Dr. Nicholas Benson Willie Patterson

Ms. Cecila Huffman White

SAN FRANCISCO BRANCH Mrs. Chris Daniels

SAN LUIS OBISPO BRANCH Steve McDermott · Cheryl Conway · James Gilder

STOCKTON BRANCH Rev. Harry Hodge · Minister Eric Moore Albert Brown · Mable Choice

VALLE JO BRANCH David Broaden · Hattie Smith-Miles · Karen Sims

LONG BEACH BRANCH Trevon WIlliams · Forrest Joiner · Connie Chem Lou Weidler · Kry Lay · Malcom Bennett Charles Seymour · Harvey Hunt

SAN GABRIEL BRANCH Diane Butler · Dorothy Harper · Henry Williams

SANTA MARIA - LOMPOC BRANCH Rev. Ruben Tate · Victoria "Vickie" McKitchens Florence "Flo" Gordon · Rev. Willie Green Ruth Sutton · John Richard Chism · Dr. Gloria Willis Artis "Jaycee" Hawkins · Marcus McMorris Albert James "AJ" Washington · Mrs. Naomi Smith

MONTEREY BRANCH Parniest Glover · Fred Holt · Mary Sampson Franklin Washington · Marie Sweet · Williams Watts

SANTA ROSA BRANCH Rubin Jermine Scott

ORANGE COUNTY BRANCH Brittany Baddon · Malika Davis-Rahmaan

CA/HI NAACP EXECUTIVE OFFICERS RICK L. CALLENDER, ESQ.

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RICK L. CALLENDER, ESQ. President

PRESIDENT PAULETTE SIMPSON-GIPSON 1st Vice President

Rick L. Callender is the Chief Executive Officer of Valley Water. Appointed CEO by the Board on May 26, 2020, Mr. Callender oversees an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water; flood protection; and environmental stewardship of waterways for Santa Clara County’s 1.9 million residents.

Mr. Callender has worked for Valley Water since 1996, serving most recently as the Chief of External Affairs. As the CEA, he led Valley Water’s efforts in strategic external communications to the media, community, and the public. Mr. Callender also oversaw all government relations efforts on local, regional, state, and federal levels, as well as public policies that directly affect Valley Water.

DAN DANIELS 2nd Vice President

Prior to joining the district, Mr. Callender worked as a Special Assistant to former City of San Jose Mayor Susan Hammer, as a Field Campaign Organizer for the California Democratic Party, as a Congressional Fellow for the United States House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Energy, and as a Congressional Fellow to Congressman Ronald V. Dellums. He also served as president of the San Jose-Silicon Valley NAACP from 2000 to 2008.

ALYSSA SMITH 3rd Vice President

Rick also serves on the National NAACP Board of Directors,and serves as President of the California/Hawaii State Conferences of the NAACP. The California/Hawaii NAACP boasts 57 branches and youth units which are mobilized across the states to help ensure racial justice and equality and is a member of the National NAACP's Powerful Resolutions committee since 2001.

Mr. Callender earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Technology with an emphasis in electronic and computer technology from California State University, Chico, completed all coursework for his Master of Arts in Public Administration from San Jose State University, earned his Juris Doctorate from Northwestern California University School of Law, and is a member of the California State Bar. He has also attended and graduated from eight executive leadership programs at different universities throughout the nation.

PAULETTE SIMPSON-GIPSON 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Paulette Simpson-Gipson is the first woman President of the Compton NAACP Branch. As the 1st Vice President of the CA-Hawaii State Conference she currently oversees the operations of the Legal Redress, Criminal Justice, Veterans Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Prison Branch Committees.

Rev. Simpson-Gipson is a servant for the Lord and has been an ordained minister for the past 24 years. She is the current Associate Minister at Greater Faith MBC under Pastor Melvin Evans! She is a proud US Air Force Veteran!

DAN DANIELS 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Dan Daniels, Sr. is an Employment Development Counselor at Marin Employment Connection where he has served for nine years. Prior to this role, Mr. Daniels led the West Bay Local Development Corporation(Executive Director) and as Marketing and Community Relations Manager at Buckelew Programs.

Mr. Daniels has always been passionate about the community and serving others. In 1997, he retired after 24 years at the California Department of Corrections where he served in multiple capacities, including: Parole Agent and Correctional Counselor.

Mr. Daniels is a lifetime member of the CA/HI NAACP where he serves as 2nd Vice President.

Dan attended Central State University(Wilberforce, OH) and Langston University(Langston, OK) where he received a Bachelor's of Arts in Radio and Television Broadcasting.

ALYSSA SMITH 3RD VICE PRESIDENT Alyssa L. Smith is a recent law school graduate and became licensed to practice law in 2020. She interned with GrahamHollis APC throughout her final year of law school and was hired on as post-bar clerk prior to securing her Associate position. After experiencing her own racial discrimination case at the age of 13, she vowed to always stand firm in the face of injustice. After 15 years of advocating for civil rights outside of the courtroom, it was a natural fit for Alyssa to advocate for employee rights at GrahamHollis APC. Alyssa was born and raised in Madera, California and attended California State University of Fresno. While at Fresno State, Alyssa became the Founder and President of the NAACP– Fresno State College Chapter. Additionally, she competed in and won numerous mock trial tournaments, which helped her to secure an externship with the Honorable Ernest LiCalsi, of the Superior Court of Madera County. Alyssa graduated cum laude from Fresno State in 2014, where she received her B.A. in Philosophy – Pre-Law and Minor in Criminology. Due to her extensive community service efforts, the University President awarded Alyssa the esteemed “University Community Service Award” at her graduation ceremony, the first of its kind. In 2015, Alyssa was elected as the California-Hawaii NAACP Youth and College Division State Conference President. Alyssa’s advocacy gained national attention and shortly thereafter she was elected to serve as the youngest board member on the NAACP National Board of Directors. She served both of these positions until she aged out at 25 years old. Alyssa graduated from California Western School of Law with her Juris Doctorate in 2020. During law school, Alyssa made school history when she received a perfect 10 out of 10 score from all three of the judges at the CWSL Gafford Oral Argument Competition. Her victory earned her the esteemed title of being deemed a “Distinguished Advocate” of the school and secured her position on the CWSL Trial Team. She also served as an A.I.M. student mentor for 2 years, wherein she guided underprivileged students through the law school admissions process. Alyssa draws from her own personal experiences to ensure that she remains a zealous advocate for the clients she serves. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, mentoring youth, listening to music, and going to the gym.

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LAJUANA BIVENS Secretary

C A/ HI NAAC P EX EC UTIV E O F F IC ERS LAJUANA BIVENS

IDA M. JOHNSON 2nd Assistant Secretary

CAROLYN VEAL-HUNTER Treasurer

SATIA AUSTIN Youth & College Division Chair

SECRETARY Mrs. LaJuana Bivens is a former Deputy City Manager for the City of Stockton. She is a fully paid Life Member of the NAACP, newly elected Chapter President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc - Mu Zeta Omega Chapter and The Links, Incorporated - Stockton Chapter.

Mrs. Bivens is very active with the NAACP Stockton Branch where she works with the Stockton Youth Council, and currently serves at the State level as State Secretary and State Director. As State Director, she oversees six (6) Area Director's for our 54 branches.

IDA M. JOHNSON 2ND ASSISTANT SECRETARY Ida is a speaker, civil rights activist, television producer and trainer. She has over twenty years of diversified management experience in business and legal environments. A graduate of San Jose City College with an AA degree in Political Science and San Francisco Law School with a doctorate in jurisprudence, she is also a Certified Hypnotist.

CAROLYN VEAL-HUNTER TREASURER Carolyn J. Veal-Hunter is a licensed attorney and Governmental Advocate with Sloat Higgins Jensen and Associates. She is one of only a few African American women working in the State Capitol’s top ten lobbying firms. She has over 20 years’ legislative, legal and management experience. Prior to her lobbying career, she was Chief Consultant to the Utilities and Commerce Committee providing regulatory oversight of the state’s largest utilities companies.

SATIA AUSTIN YOUTH & COLLEGE DIVISION CHAIR Satia Austin has spent her life using her personal and professional experiences to create opportunities that address the needs and betterment of young people in which she has dedicated a significant amount of her time to the NAACP to facilitate that space. In her many roles within the NAACP and other community organizations, she proudly uses her positions to eliminate the inequalities that exist for African Americans and other minorities confined in low-performing schools and the criminal justice system. While much of her focus is on youth empowerment, Satia believes to be a community advocate for equity and democracy for all.

Her positions include Operation Hope North County, Board Member; MiraCosta College Service-Learning, Community Partner; California NAACP Youth & College Division, State Advisor; National Youth Works NAACP Region I Adult Representative; Oceanside Promise, Board Member; Racial Justice Committee, Member; Alliance for Regional Solutions, Steering Committee, and an Adjunct Professor in History at Central Texas College, Camp Pendleton.

As an advocate for parents of children with disabilities she has successfully represented parents at the mediation and hearing stage. A nationally recognized speaker and trainer with emphasis on special education laws and parents and student rights. She has written and presented a training entitled "Special Education Laws and the IEP Process" to over 5,000 parents and professionals nationally.

With a wide variety of public speaking and training experience she has developed and conducted seminars, workshops and training’s related to personal growth, team building, board development, and leadership skills. She currently is the producer and hostess of a weekly TV show “What’s Hot?? on the Santa Rosa public access channel.

An active NAACP member since the age of nine Mrs. Johnson has held office at the branch, state and national level. Education Committee Chair for the California State Conference, Ida has also served as Secretary of the California State Conference and Secretary of her local branch. In 2000 she served as lead trainer for the California State Conference NAACP’s Mandatory Training, an eight hour session, to train elected officers and local executive committees. With a team of 14 volunteers she successfully spearheaded the training of over 800 NAACP officers across the state of California.

Volunteer activities include membership on community service boards, participation in political campaigns, often acting as moderator for local candidate nights. She served as president of The Gray Foundation, a private foundation which provides scholarships for students residing in Sonoma County, California and the Marin City Community Development Corporation which developed a $150 million dollar retail center and residential complex during her tenure as president of the board of directors.

As the former Executive Director of the Gray Foundation she facilitates In Partnership, an after-school enrichment program at Brook Hill Elementary. In Partnership provides services yearly to over 100 students grades Kindergarten to Grade 6. Ida has served as Executive Director for a number of state wide non-profit organizations primarily related to children’s issues. In her spare time Ida plays with computers, sews, volunteers with community organizations and spends time with her two grandchildren Evan and Aja.

THE PAULINE JONES AWARD: KATHY DIXON I retired from the Internal Revenue Service in 2018 with a career for a little over 35 years.

I had a remarkable career in the Small Business Self Employed - Specialty Systems.

I currently volunteer for several organizations. Once being the Treasurer of the San Fernando Valley NAACP. As treasurer, she has updated forms, submitted monthly reports and responded to the state, regional, and national organizations on behalf of the branch.

At the branch level, sometimes, I see a need and assist with that particular need. I have assisted with membership, community outreach, and the branch nomination process for elections.

Other organizations are the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for the Association for the Improvement of Minorities – IRS and various programs at my church (Reseda Church of Christ).

I am the historian for the Horton-Starks Family Organization.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also plan various activities for our Horton-Starks Family Reunions and our bi-annual Sister-to-Sister Retreats.

THE LULANN SAPP MCGRIFF AWARD NAOMI RAINEY-PIERSON ERDMANN BOARDS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Board of Trustees City of Long Beach, Board of Water Commissioners Memorial Hospital Board Member St. Mary’s Medical Center Hospital Board Board Ambassador Aquarium of the Pacific African American Scholar Program Committee Long Beach City College Foundation Advisory Board Member Memorial Hospital Todd Cancer Institute Board Member Long Beach Symphony Board Member American Cancer Society, LA/Central Coast Board Board Member Long Beach Branch NAACP President California/Hawaii State Conference NAACP Executive Committee Member/ACT-SO Program Chair Bay Shore Community Congregational Church Member California State Special Education Commission-- Former Commissioner Long Beach Cancer League Member/Former Vice President Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority National Council of Negro Women [NCNW] Life Member Secret Angels/In the Wings, Founder/Director CSULB Women of Philanthropy Donor Pierson-Getty-Rainey Charitable Trust Trust Executor Rainey Pierson Scholarship Fund CSULB Carillon Society Member/Donor California Conference of Equality and Justice (CCEJ) Advisory Board Long Beach Special Olympics Committee Board Action Sports Kids Foundation Advisor City of Long Beach Parks and Recreation Commission, Former Commissioner Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Member Long Beach Police Officers Association Member

NAACP ADVOCACY AWARD LAWANDA LYONS PRUITT Born and raised in the deep South, Bogue Chitto, Mississippi, shortly after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus in a loving home with maternal grandparents (who later adopted her, her sister, and female cousin), one biological sister, one biological female cousin, and three male cousins. We were raised pretty much as siblings with lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins at the homestead on a daily basis.

I moved to California in 1973 with my maternal aunt and uncle, Mary and Melton McMorris, both educators who would play a major role in molding and shaping me to follow “the arc of the moral universe that always bends toward justice.”

I began my career with Santa Barbara County in 1979, became a Defense Investigator in 1984 with Santa Barbara County and was assigned to the Public Defender Office. There I served as Chief Investigator from January 1995 until my retirement on January 18, 2016. I was the first African American female in California to hold the distinction of Chief Investigator.

I Hold: An Associate of Arts degree from Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria.

A Bachelor of Science in Criminology from California State University, Long Beach.

One semester of law school from Central Coast College of Law (defunct).

A Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDI) certification from the Defense Investigators Training Academy (DITA) through Allan Hancock College.

Extensive Management and Administrative classes through UC Davis, Allan Hancock College, Liebert & Cassidy, Management Institute and Santa Barbara County Employee University.

During employment with Santa Barbara County Public Defender, I attended seven (7) Capital Defense Seminars relative to the death penalty.

I am: A founding member of the Defense Investigator Training Accreditation Academy (DITA) - The first of its kind college accredited program in California and the nation that was specifically designed for defense investigators. I was blessed to see its successful launch where I served as the first Chairperson and Instructor of Record and where I continued to serve as the Instructor of Record and its Chairperson until retirement in January 2016. The program is accredited through Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria.

Served on the Defense Investigators Association (D.I.A.) Board of Directors since the late 80’s.

President of the Santa Maria/Lompoc National Association of Colored People (NAACP) since September 10, 2007. Previously served as First Vice-President and Education Chair. 2011 challenge was the March 18, 2011 CROSS BURNNING in Arroyo Grande which led to a partnership with the ADL and the City of Arroyo Grande and the formation of the 5 Cities Diversity Coalition.

Actively participate in monthly feedings at the Good Samaritan Shelter and Helping Hands Outreach Ministry.

A member of the 5 Cities Diversity Coalition which formed as a result of 2011 cross burning in Arroyo Grande.

A Member of the Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley serving as Endorsement Chair.

On the Board of Directors of The Fund For Santa Barbara (January 2016).

On the Board of Directors for Santa Barbara County Action Network (SBCAN) (January 2016).

Committee member of Santa Barbara County Juvenile Probation Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System (R.E.D.) (August 2015).

Committee member of Once Community Action Coalition (since 2015).

Committee member of Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Cultural Competency committee (2016) Actively participated in Santa Barbara County Public Defender monthly feedings of homeless at the Good Samaritan Shelter until program dissolved (December 2015).

Philosophy: Growing up in the Deep South in the 60’s and 70’s afforded me the opportunity to have a deep understanding and appreciation of INJUSTICE, UNFAIRNESS, INEQUALITY which gives me the passion and compassion that I have for those less fortunate; for defense related work; civil and human rights and social justice. Joining the Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office was one of the best decisions, I ever made as the job defined me and allowed me to grow and become the person I am today - one who believes in the Constitution, is totally committed to it’s precepts including defending those less fortunate by allowing their voices to be heard whether that is conducting a vigorous investigation or working the case up for Jury Trial. My Motto is “But for the Grace of God, There goes I” and “Do Unto Others as YOU would have them DO UNTO YOU.”

DR. H. CLAUDE HUDSON AWARD (SMALL) SAN PEDRO/WILMINGTON BRANCH DR. CHEYENNE BRYANT Dr. Cheyenne Bryant serves as a Psychology Expert; California State Democratic Delegate; President, NAACP branch #1069; Founder, Dr. Bryant Institute; Founder, Dr. Bryant Foundation; and author of the award-winning Readers Favorite Five-Star book, “Mental Detox.” Dr. Bryant has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of community members and has been recognized for her work and contributions by the following leaders and organizations: • Congresswoman Janice Hahn for her outstanding contribution to the welfare of underprivileged families by providing computers and free Wi-Fi, resulting in increasing student achievement and job opportunities for families.

• Congresswoman Karen Bass as “WOMAN OF THE YEAR” for her efforts to improve access to health care, economic development opportunities and mental health awareness for members of the community.

• Supervisor Hilda Solis for her dedicated leadership involving Women’s Rights.

• Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas for her efforts to promote AIDS awareness to the Black and LBGTQ community.

• Assemblyman Mike Gipson for her leadership and commitment towards providing youth, adults, and seniors with health care, food, job fairs, and mentoring.

• Assemblyman Patrick O’ Donnell recognized Dr. Cheyenne Bryant as, “WOMAN OF DISTINCTION” for her commitment to members of Assembly District 70 and her leadership accomplishments. Assemblyman Patrick O’ Donnell went on to say, “Through your efforts you have demonstrated the positive impact that one determined individual can make towards improvements in the world.”

• Dr. Cheyenne Bryant led the Harbor City Skate Park project from planning, funding, to final development. This project resulted in taking kids off the inner-city streets, decreasing crime rate, increasing public safety, and brought community back to their neighborhood.

• Dr. Cheyenne Bryant authored the, MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION RESOLUTION approved at the state level NAACP to reform prison sentencing.

• SUCCESS Magazine labeled Dr. Cheyenne Bryant the woman who BROKE THE GLASS CEILING in the male dominated field of mental health as a result of her efforts in delivering results in ways that have changed hundreds of lives based on writing mental health resolutions, speaking on the national circuit, and through herteaching.

• Dr. Cheyenne Bryant was rated #1 Author on TOP 20 list in SUCCESS Magazine amongst Oprah Winfrey, Les Brown, Maya Angelou, and other legends.

• FORBES Magazine labeled, Dr. Cheyenne Bryant a POWERFUL WOMAN IN MEDIA as a result of her impact and leadership on women rights and young womanacross the nation.

• OPRAH Magazine recognized Dr. Cheyenne Bryant as a LEADING Psychology Expert in the mental health field.

• Los Angeles Sparks recognized Dr. Cheyenne Bryant as “WOMAN OF THE YEAR” as a result of her youth and community leadership.

DR. H. CLAUDE HUDSON AWARD (MEDIUM) - MERCED BRANCH ALLEN BROOKS While born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my growth as a man began while attending Grambling State University in Louisiana. This time allowed me to mix with groups with majorly different views and backgrounds. I achieved a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Communications with a background in Public Administration. In 2005, I moved to the lovely Central Valley soon after college. I fell in love with Merced the same way I fell in love with my wife….love at first sight. I remember thinking “This is a community I would be proud to raise my kids in.” Now I consider myself a native of the Valley. Now, as a citizen embedded in this community, I feel I am in a good position to serve my community. I am the current President of the local chapter of the NAACP and recently elected to serve as Board of Trustee for Merced City School District. I am dedicated to continuing the growth of the NAACP; I am committed to transparency; I will always be for the citizens of Merced, and I look forward to exceeding your expectations as your NAACP President for Merced County. Together we are making a difference!

DR. H. CLAUDE HUDSON AWARD (LARGE) - OAKLAND BRANCH MR. GEORGE HOLLAND George Holland, Sr. was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and lived the first 23 years of his life in primarily segregated housing projects in California. He currently resides in Oakland, California.

He is married to Tahira Henderson and the father of fivechildren. He is the first in his family to receive a college education.

Mr. Holland received an Associate of Arts degree from City College of San Francisco, a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State College and Juris Doctorate degree from Golden Gate University, School of Law. Mr. Holland is a past member of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Neighborhood Legal Assistance Foundation, Counseliers West, Northern California Criminal Trial Lawyers Association, Bar Association of San Francisco, Alameda County Bar Association and several other organizations. Mr. Holland was a past president of the Charles Houston Bar Association, the Wiley Manuel Law Foundation and a founder and past president of the California Association of Black Lawyers.

Mr. Holland is presently on the Board of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, the Wiley Manuel Law Foundation and has been the President of the Oakland Branch of the National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People (NAACP) for the last twelve years. He has been a life-time advocate for equal rights and justice and believes that we must help those who are less fortunate to achieve a piece of the American Dream.

th

STATE AWARDS

A C T- S O L I V E P E R F O R M A N C E S FRI 8:03AM - MISS AMAYA FIELDS (VOCALIST)

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FRI 2:50PM - BRANDON WAUGH (GRAPHIC ARTS)

O

ACT-SO

BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM

FRI 12:55PM - CRISTIAN WHEELER-COLLINS

FRI 12:20PM - JANA BURKS (DANCE)

(MUSICAL INSTRUMENT - CONTEMPORARY DRUMS)

ACT-SO

ACT-SO FRI 9:55AM - VICTORIA MCDOWELL (VOCALIST)

SAT 3:45PM - AKIRA SKY (MUSIC COMPOSITION)

ACT-SO

ACT-SO

Save the Date for the

10th Annual

LEGACY HALL

OF FAME

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7 2022 AT 5:30PM

ELECTED CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS COMMUNITY LEADERS CORPORATE PARTNERS

NAACP LEADERS

An event not to be missed.

CALIFORNIA HAWAII NAACP STATE CONFERENCE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE

As biopharmaceutical researchers keep searching for breakthrough cures they don’t have to look far for inspiration.

In this new era of medicine, where breakthroughs are transforming prevention and treatment options, PhRMA is committed to fixing America’s health care system the right way.

PHOTO BY LUIS ALVARADO

www.PhRMA.org/BetterWay

COURTNEY CHRISTIAN Senior Director of Policy and Research at PhRMA Courtney Christian is a Senior Director of Policy and Research at PhRMA focusing on state-based reforms impacting health insurance, prescription drug coverage in public health programs, health equity, and leading PhRMA’s Equity Initiative. Prior to joining PhRMA, she worked at the Black Women’s Health Imperative as Director of Policy and Advocacy, and on Capitol Hill for a number of years in a series of roles, culminating as Legislative Director.

Courtney is a Florida State football fan (and alum), aspiring chef, and mom to an energetic kindergartner.

DAN WITZLING Senior Executive Director, American Cancer Society Dan Witzling is the senior executive director for American Cancer Society in the Los Angeles County area, where he oversees the organization’s health equity impact and partnership engagement aligned with the Area Board of Directors. American Cancer Society’s mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Previously, Dan served as director of development and marketing for BREATHE LA and director of communications for Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles. Dan has also worked in public affairs and business development in greater Los Angeles and in Israel. He is currently the Past Commander of Hollywood Squadron 43 of American Legion, with prior board roles in AFP and other organizations. Dan has an MBA from American Jewish University and BA from UCLA. He is happily married to Alycia, with two adorable girls, and is an avid marathon runner including Honolulu.

HEALTH FORUM - COVID 19: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE SESSION OVERVIEW | FRIDAY, OCT 22 • 9AM The COVID-19 pandemic created huge losses in the United States, but disproportionately impacted people of color, specifically individuals in our black and brown communities. We lost family members, jobs, housing, and our health. As the world begins to return to some level of “new” normalcy, how will we adjust to the world we knew prior to the pandemic?

DR. STEPHEN NOBLE MD, FACS | Moderator Dr. Stephen Noble is a board certified cardiothoracic surgeon, decorated Navy veteran, entrepreneur, healthcare executive, associate producer, speaker and best selling author of the children’s book - The Heart of A Hero: The Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Story. Passionate about addressing healthcare disparities that face communities of color, Dr. Noble is the founder and executive director of Dalano Gaming Initiative (DGI). DGI is a nonprofit organization that uses Esports as a vehicle to engage youth to pursue science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematic (STEAM) fields. He also serves as lead medical advisor for Live Chair Health, a healthcare company that aims to decrease healthcare disparities by leveraging the safe places of trust in communities of color using a combination of high quality engagement, innovative technology, and connecting those who have been traditionally underserved to timely healthcare resources. His clinical interests include robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, innovation and technology in medicine, holistic preventive health, and addressing health outcome disparities in communities of color. A graduate from Xavier University, of Louisiana, Dr. Noble received his medical and surgical training from Indiana University, Oregon Health & Science University and The Ohio State University. With deep roots and family ties to Portland, OR and the Pacific Northwest he and his wife are the proud parents of five children and two grandchildren.

A CCO R DI N G TO H A R VA R D M E DICA L SCHOOL , CO M M U N I T I E S O F CO LO R A R E B E I NG DEVA STED BY COV I D19, E XPE R I E N CI N G M U CH H IG HER RATES OF I N F E CT I O N A N D H O S PI TA L I Z AT I O N F ROM THE V IRUS T H A N T H E I R W H I T E CO U N T E R PA RT S. S O, IT IS IM P ORTA N T W E CO N T I N U E E DU CAT I N G CO M M U NITIES OF COLOR I N CA L I F O R N I A A N D H AWA I I O N T H E S CIEN CE , M EDICA L O PT I O N S A N D A CCE S S TO EQUITA BLE CA RE SEDRICK SPENCER C A/HI NAAC P HE ALTH C HAI R

DR. CEDRIC DARK MD, MPH, FACEP A graduate of Morehouse College, Cedric Dark, MD, MPH, FACEP earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine. He holds a master’s degree from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. He completed his residency training at George Washington University where he served as Chief Resident. Currently, Dr. Dark is an Assistant Professor in the Henry J. N. Taub Department of Emergency Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

DoorDash is proud to support the NAACP. At DoorDash, we are deeply committed to building and protecting diverse, inclusive communities.

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Project DASH

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WELLS FARGO - REBUILDING BLACK WEALTH: KNOW YOUR WORTH SESSION OVERVIEW | FRIDAY, OCT 22 • 10 AM The COVID-19 pandemic and police misuse of force that ignited unrest in 2020 created huge losses in the United States, but disproportionately impacted Black people. We lost family members, jobs, housing, and our health. As a result of these devastating events, many corporations spoke out and stood with the civil rights community declaring their commitment to racial awareness reconciliation. It resonated across corporate America, and now we are seeing African Americans leading at levels they had been denied access to historically. As the world begins to return to some level of normalcy, how will corporate America’s commitment to supporting social justice change the world we knew prior to the pandemic?

KIMBERLY ELLIS Department on the Status of Women, City and County of San Francisco | Moderator Named the most powerful unelected person in California Democratic politics by the Sacramento Bee, Kimberly Ellis has helped shape the landscape of progressive and grassroots politics in California and beyond.

After running national operations, including the shepherding of the state and federal incorporation and launch processes as the National Affiliate Director at Emerge America (the nation’s most effective training program for Democratic women who run for office), in 2010, Kimberly was tapped to lead the flagship affiliate, Emerge California, as its Executive Director. For nearly a decade, Kimberly led the California affiliate with incredible success, growing what had been a regional training program into a statewide electoral powerhouse for Democratic women, earning her the reputation for revolutionizing Democratic politics in the Golden State. Today, Emerge California alumnae occupy seats from the Lieutenant Governor’s office to the state legislature, to city halls and water boards. In the Fall of 2020, Kimberly was appointed by San Francisco Mayor London Breed to lead the Department on the Status of Women for the City and County. Tasked with helping to transform San Francisco into a fully gender equitable city, Kimberly leads efforts inside San Francisco’s operations, as well as within the community at large and advocates at the local, state and federal level for resources and policies that create greater opportunity for women, girls and gender nonbinary people. With particular focus on economic security, mental and physical health and safety, civic engagement and political empowerment, and human trafficking, Kimberly oversees a department of approximately 10 employees and a more than $10M budget. The department annually awards roughly $8.5M in discretionary grants to community-based organizations to combat issues like gender-based violence and housing insecurity. Under Kimberly’s direction, the department also manages state, federal and privately funded grants, as well as collaborates with other City leaders and agencies on combatting issues on numerous intersectional and interdepartmental fronts. Kimberly has appeared on syndicated television and radio, frequently having been interviewed by leading political media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post and Associated Press. Kimberly holds a law degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Jacksonville University.

EVERETT SANDS CEO and President, Lendistry Everett serves as the CEO & President of Lendistry. His past experience includes both national and community banking where he has served as a sales leader and on various committees including commercial lending, compliance and risk. Mr. Sands leadership includes managing over 200+ sales professionals in his career as well serving as a Board Member of a community bank, an instructor for multiple associations and managing both credit, operations and sales departments of lending institutions. Mr. Sands holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania.

SHARIE WILSON CEO, DreamGirls Beauty Sharie Wilson is Co-Founder of DreamGirls Hair, a beauty business that consists of two salon branches in Elk Grove and Los Angeles, CA, and an all-inclusive hair product line known as the DreamGirls Healthy Hair Care System. With a strong desire to help women boost their confidence, DreamGirls has become a beacon of hope for all those who have suffered with damaged hair. At the start of the pandemic DreamGirls launched their product line and within 6 months garnered 1 million in sales and within a year exceeded over 2 million in sales.

Sharie and her business have been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Black Enterprise, and more! Sharie is also a Co-Founder of Mixed Institute of Cosmetology & Barber, the first black owned cosmetology school in Sacramento.In addition to her great strides to revolutionize the hair industry, Sharie continues her entrepreneurial accomplishments as a motivational speaker and focuses on uplifting others to improve and ‘level up’ their own lives through speaking engagements, small business panels, and her YouTube channel “Level Up with Sharie Wilson.” Furthermore, Sharie is an inspirational community activist in the Sacramento area. Sharie lead the first MLK march in Elk Grove , CA, and helped coordinate a series of townhall meetings regarding racism in Elk Grove which she personally experienced in 2018 when her business was victim of a hate crime. Sharie has overcome many obstacles in her life and is not only an accomplished entrepreneur but she is a mother of 7, a wife, and a pillar of support within the community.

JOE FRANK Managing Director - Investments, Senior Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors

NATASHA HOWELL CEO, Howell & Associates Natasha Howell is a Licensed Realtor, Business Owner, Humanitarian and Philanthropist that has developed a passion for educating others about the importance Asset Management. With over decade of experience managing investment portfolios in Southern California, she has become a well-known Property Management Specialist. Recently, Natasha has taken her expertise internationally establishing Akweya Property Management, LTD in Kumasi, Ghana an extension of her U.S. based company Akweya Property Management Group, Inc. When she is not assisting her clients with managing their investment properties. She is being an Advocate for housing, serving as a Housing Commissioners for her City.

Joseph Frank is a Managing Director-Investments and Senior Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors. He serves the East Bay Area in the Oakland and Piedmont Wells Fargo Advisors branches. In this capacity, Joe works closely with his clients in order to fully understand their unique financial circumstances and develop comprehensive strategies and customized plans to help meet their needs. In addition to developing investment plans and managing diversified investment portfolios, Joe provides access to lending services, liquidity management, trust and estate services through Wells Fargo affiliates. He also has access to the full array of brokerage and insurance services available through Wells Fargo Advisors. Joe has over 27 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Wells Fargo Advisors in1995, he held a position as a Financial Consultant at Merrill Lynch. Joe received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley in 1992. He is a member of the Big C Society (Cal Berkeley Athletic Alumni Association) and also serves on the Board of the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Joe also serves as an active member of Wells Fargo’s Financial Advisor Advisory Committee.

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RACHAEL GIBSON Chief of External Affairs, Valley Water | Moderator Rachael Gibson is the Chief of External Affairs for Valley Water, where she oversees the Offices of Civic Engagement, Government Relations, Communications and Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. In this capacity, Ms. Gibson manages Valley Water’s relationships with the community, government officials, the media, and other key stakeholders and leads the development of Valley Water’s external communications and community engagement strategies, including incorporation of racial equity, diversity and inclusion into all areas of business operations and decision making. Ms. Gibson has over 20 years of experience working in the local, regional, state, and federal arenas of government relations and community and public affairs. She has extensive knowledge and understanding of complex water policies at all levels of government, and she fosters strong relationships with elected officials, key stakeholders, community leaders, and a broad cross-section of civic, environmental, business, labor, and diversity groups to advance Valley Water’s interests. Ms. Gibson also has served as the Public Information Officer for Valley Water’s Emergency Operations Center during emergencies, including the Coyote Creek Flood in 2017, where she dealt first-hand with the effects of flooding on communities of color in the heart of Silicon Valley. Ms. Gibson is a Gold Life Member of the NAACP, and serves as the Environmental and Climate Justice Chair for the California/Hawaii

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE JUSTICE SESSION OVERVIEW | FRIDAY, OCT 22 • 11:15 AM

State Conference of the NAACP, where she fights for socially just and equitable policies that protect communities of concern from suffering disproportionately from environmental and climate-related impacts.

Black and brown communities have long been overwhelmingly impacted by environmental hazards and climate change. Using racist and xenophobic tactics, governments and big polluters have targeted our neighborhoods for decades, without regard to the rising rate of impacts like respiratory disease. And today, those same respiratory conditions are only exacerbating our coronavirus risk.

Across the country, communities of color are experiencing higher rates of COVID-19 cases and fatalities. This systematic example of environmental racism is literally killing us, and enough is enough.

Join us as we explore in depth the impacts of environmental and climate racism and the strategies to counter them.

KEVIN FARMER Branch Chief, USDA-NRCS National Watershed Programs Branch Kevin Farmer, serves as the Branch Chief for the USDA-NRCS National Watershed Programs Branch in Washington, DC. As the Branch Chief, Kevin provides overall leadership, strategic direction and coordination of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, Watershed Rehabilitation Program, Watershed Protection & Flood Prevention Operations Program and other watershed related activities. Kevin is also responsible for watershed policy development and implementation. Kevin is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biological & Agricultural Systems Engineering. He has over 22 years of service and experience managing watershed activities for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, Watershed Rehabilitation Program, Watershed Operations Program, and other watershed planning programs.

F O R TO O LO N G, C O MMU N IT IE S O F CO LO R HAV E D IS P R O P O RT IO N AT ELY SU FFER ED E N V IR O N ME N TA L IN J UST I CES, AN D W IT H C LIMAT E C HA N G E A CCELER AT I N G A C R O S S T HE G LO B E , T HE T I M E I S N O W F O R U S TO F IG HT B A C K AGAI N ST T HI S E N V IR O N ME N TA L R A C IS M A N D DEM AN D E Q UA L T R E AT ME N T A N D P R OT ECT I O N S, F O R O U R C U R R E N T AN D FU T U R E RACHAEL GIBSON C A/HI NAAC P E NV I R ONM E NTAL AND C L I M ATE J US TI C E C HAI R

Congratulations California/Hawaii NAACP on your 34th Annual State Convention!

JOONE LOPEZ General Manager, Moulton Niguel Water District Joone Lopez is the General Manager of the Moulton Niguel Water District, which provides water, wastewater and recycled water services to six cities in South Orange County. Before joining Moulton Niguel, she served as the General Manager of Calaveras County Water District located in Northern California. Joone’s prior experience includes working for Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company as its Assistant General Manager and serving as the Deputy General Manager of Central Basin Municipal Water District.

DENISE ABDUL-RAHMAN

MORANDON HENRY

Field Organizer, National NAACP Environmental Climate Justice Program (ECJP)

National Youth Board Member, Region I

Denise Abdul-Rahman is a Field Organizer for the National NAACP Environmental Climate Justice

Morandon A. Henry serves as a voice of strength for a generation of young people in his commu-

Program (ECJP). She holds a BS in management, MBA in healthcare management, and a health

nity and beyond. With a unique ability to both influence and inspire change. In the NAACP, he has

informatics designation from Indiana University School of Informatics and is a Black Women Foreign

fulfilled several roles on the local, state, and national levels. He is currently a member of the NAACP

War Veteran of Desert Storm. Abdul-Rahman leads the support for building rooftop and commu-

National Board of Directors, where he serves as Vice-Chair of the NAACP Image Awards, Educa-

nity-owned solar, energy efficiency projects; Just Transportation and Equitable Goods Movement,

tion, and Political Action & Legislative Committee. Henry has received numerous awards and honors

models the Black Green Pipeline initiative, and provides equity and inclusion clean energy policy

for his work, including the NAACP Gloster B Current National Youth Leadership Award, the City of

language that ramps minority business enterprises, fair chance, and geographic imperatives. Ab-

Berkeley Mayor’s Award (2009, 2012). Most recently, he was awarded the 2019 Church of God in

dul-Rahman’s most recent honors and recognition are Community Service Award 2021, NAACP

Christ (COGIC) Whole Truth 40 Under 40 Award. A native of Berkeley, California, Morandon gradu-

Medgar Evers Nominee 2021, Vote Solar Dr. Espanola Jackson Award 2020, Faith-Based Rev. Mozel

ated from Oral Roberts University with a BA in political science and a double minor in pre-law and

Sanders Drum Major for Humanities Award 2020, Indiana University Robert McKinney School of Law

humanities. Morandon currently resides in Washington DC, working at Everytown for Gun Safety on

Environmental Protector Award 2019, and the NAACP Indiana Hazel B. Hunter Award 2019. Ab-

the Federal/ Movement Building Team. Prior to joining Everytown, Morandon was Special Projects

dul-Rahman serves the Environmental Resilience Institute Advisory Board and is the Vice President

Assistant at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He managed the intern/fellowship

of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association Board. She has served in many other capacities, such

program and oversaw ongoing projects in the Operations/Political department. During the 2020

as a Delegate to Paris COP 21 and a Delegate to Global Climate Action Summit.

General Election, he was the Mobilization Coordinator. He launched the DCCC Virtual Action Center, where over 100,000 Americans volunteered to contact voters in Red to Blue districts.

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CANCEL STUDENT DEBT SESSION OVERVIEW | FRIDAY, OCT 22 • 1 PM Data suggest that cancellation policies beyond $50,000 would benefit all demographics, eliminate racial disparities in student debt, and boost our struggling economy. This workshop will: provide Black borrowers with opportunities to pursue homeownership, develop economy-boosting discretionary income, fuel upward mobility in the Black community, and explore equitable efforts to close the racial wealth gap. Join other student borrowers and supporters calling for President Biden to take executive action to cancel federal student loans at a minimum of $50,000.

RASHAWNA WILLIAMS Moderator | CA HI Youth & College Division President | NextGen Graduate RaShawna Williams is from Oceanside California. She became a member of the NAACP at the age of four and it was through being a member of this organization that she discovered her love of helping people. In the NAACP RaShawna has held many roles at the local and state level to include her current duty as the CAHI State Youth & College Division President. She is a life member of the organization; she holds a bachelor’s degree from Long Beach State University and a Master’s degree from UCLA. Her other leadership affiliation includes Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

WISDOM COLE National Youth & College Division Director Wisdom O. Cole is the Interim National Director of the NAACP Youth & College Division. In this role, he serves more than 700 youth councils, high school chapters, and college chapters actively involved in the fight for civil rights. Wisdom brings extensive experience in civil rights advocacy training institute, electoral action training, grassroots organizing, issues toolkits, and webinars at the local, state, and national level. He has managed national campaign efforts focused on building Black political power through youth leadership development, advocacy, and direct action organizing for the past 3 years with the NAACP, formerly as the National Campaigns & Training Manager

AYO BANJO UC Santa Cruz, President | Student Debt Organizer A creative strategist in navigating complex & urgent situations, President-Researcher-Social Entrepreneur Ayo Banjo feeds off intense high-pressure quick decision-making situations that allows his big ideas to be successfully executed. He now works to combine innovative technologies and data to social justice work, giving human rights advocates access to advanced data to create changes in policies aimed at reducing homelessness, combatting redlined racial discrimination, and empowering young professionals of color to build a culture of leadership and opportunity in their community. Banjo’s first successful fundraiser was at age 19, raising half a million dollars for low-income homeless UC students. He has been identified as an advocate for higher educa-

SATIA AUSTIN State Advisor, Educator, National Youth Works, Adult Rep Region I Satia Austin has spent her life using her personal and professional experiences to create opportunities that address the needs and betterment of young people in which she has dedicated a significant amount of her time to the NAACP to facilitate that space. In her many roles within the NAACP and other community organizations, she proudly uses her positions to eliminate the inequalities that exist for African Americans and other minorities confined in low-performing schools and the criminal justice system. While much of her focus is on youth empowerment, Satia believes to be a community advocate for equity and democracy for all. Her positions include Operation Hope North County, Board Member; MiraCosta College Service-Learning, Community Partner; California NAACP Youth & College Division, State Advisor; National Youth Works NAACP Region I Adult Representative; Oceanside Promise, Board Member; Racial Justice Committee, Member; Alliance for Regional Solutions, Steering Committee, and an Adjunct Professor in History at Central Texas College, Camp Pendleton.

tion policy advancement regarding accessibility by the NAACP, worked on climate advocacy with the United Nations at their Global Summit, and helped pass CA SB 1004 to increase mental health resources to all CA public higher education institutions. Featured in news publications such as the Times, ABC News, CalMatters, KQED, the California Report & public radio, Banjo is now pioneering the Research Fellowship program at UC Santa Cruz and across the UC system; conducting policy and data analysis regarding successful policy practices to increase retention and recruitment of marginalized students in higher education. As the first undergraduate freshman in the history of the University of California to win the Office of the Student Body President, Banjo proves that no age, nor skin color, can be limited to the drive of leadership, turning passions into projects that seek to help our collective human society, protecting the general welfare of the next generation.

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NEXT GEN LEADERSHIP PANEL SESSION OVERVIEW | FRIDAY, OCT 22 • 2 PM NEXTGEN is a young professional leadership development training program for young adult NAACP members between the ages of 21 and 35. NEXTGEN participants complete a rigorous training program, that includes leadership fundamentals, GOTV, voter registration, political action, economic empowerment, criminal justice, environmental justice, health advocacy, public relations, communications, social media, fundraising, technology, and direct action. The next generation of leaders are rearing and ready to lead. How do we ensure that they are trained, included and part of the movement?

OUR FUTURE IS IN THE HANDS OF THE YOUNG, AS IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN. ONE GENERATION HANDS OFF TO THE NEXT, AND EACH NEW GENERATION HAS ITS OWN VISION, ITS OWN IDEALS, ITS OWN BELIEFS. THAT IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE YOUNG : YOU BELIEVE .

KAITLIN SCOTT

JOHN LEWIS

Former Riverside Youth President, NextGen graduate Experienced Program Director with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Public Speaking, Web Design, Fundraising, and Project Management. Strong business development professional with a Master of Business Administration - MBA focused in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies from La Sierra University.

ALYSSA SMITH Moderator | CA HI 3rd Vice President, Former Youth Board Member, Former CA/HI YCD President Alyssa L. Smith is a recent law school graduate and became licensed to practice law in 2020. She interned with GrahamHollis APC throughout her final year of law school and was hired on as post-bar clerk prior to securing her Associate position. After experiencing her own racial discrimination case at the age of 13, she vowed to always stand firm in the face of injustice. After 15 years of advocating for civil rights outside of the courtroom, it was a natural fit for Alyssa to advocate for employee rights at GrahamHollis APC. Alyssa was born and raised in Madera, California and attended California State University of Fresno. While at Fresno State, Alyssa became the Founder and President of the NAACP– Fresno State College Chapter. Additionally, she competed in and won numerous mock trial tournaments, which helped her to secure an externship with the Honorable Ernest LiCalsi, of the Superior Court of Madera County. Alyssa graduated cum laude from Fresno State in 2014, where she received her B.A. in Philosophy – Pre-Law and Minor in Criminology. Due to her extensive community service efforts, the University President awarded Alyssa the esteemed “University Community Service Award” at her graduation ceremony, the first of its kind. In 2015, Alyssa was elected as the California-Hawaii NAACP Youth and College Division State Conference President. Alyssa’s advocacy gained national attention and shortly thereafter she was elected to serve as the youngest board member on the NAACP National Board of Directors.

She served both of these positions until she aged out at 25 years old. Alyssa graduated from California Western School of Law with her Juris Doctorate in 2020. During law school, Alyssa made school history when she received a perfect 10 out of 10 score from all three of the judges at the CWSL Gafford Oral Argument Competition. Her victory earned her the esteemed title of being deemed a “Distinguished Advocate” of the school and secured her position on the CWSL Trial Team. She also served as an A.I.M. student mentor for 2 years, wherein she guided underprivileged students through the law school admissions process. Alyssa draws from her own personal experiences to ensure that she remains a zealous advocate for the clients she serves. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, mentoring youth, listening to music, and going to the gym.

BRANDON THORNE Stockton Branch Executive Committee, Veterans Affairs Chair | NextGen graduate Mr. Brandon Thorne is currently a member of the NAACP Stockton Branch Executive Committee and the Chair for Veterans Affairs committee. He is a former combat Army pilot with over 5 combat deployments and a disabled veteran. He is also a member of the national NAACP Next Generation Leaders program and 1 of 3 graduates for the State of California in Region 1 in 2020 and 2021. Mr. Thorne’s job outside of volunteering is currently the Deputy Directorate Chief Operating Officer for the Nuclear and Particle Physics Directorate at 1 of 17 national laboratories.

DERRICK LEWIS National Field Organizer for the NAACP Youth & College Division Derrick Lewis II is dedicated to building membership, organizing leadership, and building political power. He has always had a passion for civic engagement and served as the NAACP president at his alma mater Huston-Tillotson University. Lewis has also been certified as an engagement trainer for the NAACP and provided instruction to others across the state of Texas. He has received a host of accolades such as Mayor Steve Adler honoring him with his own proclaimed day in Austin, Texas, NAACP Youth & College Region 6 Organizer of the Year, Texas State NAACP Outstanding Leadership award, Huston-Tillotson University I.D.E.A.L Leadership award, and 2x Student Leader of the Year.

RASHAWNA WILLIAMS CA HI Youth & College Division President | NextGen Graduate RaShawna Williams is from Oceanside California. She became a member of the NAACP at the age of four and it was through being a member of this organization that she discovered her love of helping people. In the NAACP RaShawna has held many roles at the local and state level to include her current duty as the CAHI State Youth & College Division President. She is a life member of the organization; she holds a bachelor’s degree from Long Beach State University and a Master’s degree from UCLA. Her other leadership affiliation

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

CORPORATE ACCESSIBILITY AND ENGAGEMENT SESSION OVERVIEW | FRIDAY, OCT 22 • 3 PM The COVID-19 pandemic and police misuse of force that ignited unrest in 2020 created huge losses in the United States, but disproportionately impacted Black people. We lost family members, jobs, housing, and our health. As a result of these devastating events, many corporations spoke out and stood with the civil rights community declaring their commitment to racial awareness reconciliation. It resonated across corporate America, and now we are seeing African Americans leading at levels they had been denied access to historically. As the world begins to return to some level of normalcy, how will corporate America’s commitment to supporting social justice change the world we knew prior to the pandemic?

BOBBY BIVENS President, Stockton Branch and Economic Development Chair, CA/HI NAACP | Moderator Bobby Bivens is a NAACP Board member, and local Stockton Branch President. He is constantly finding innovative programs in which to offer and involve the students in their community. Bobby meets with superintendants in the school districts within San Joaquin County to address issues that impact Black children in the continuation program; the elevated crime statistics; disparities in the suspension numbers.

I N TH E U N I T ED STAT ES O F AMERI CA , M OS T B L A C K AMERI CAN N AT I VES ARE S TI LL L I K E T H E AN T, T RYI N G TO PU SH TH E RO C K UP A HI L L

B O B B Y B I VENS

CA/HI NAACP ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

CHET P. HEWITT President and CEO, Sierra Health Foundation Chet P. Hewitt is President and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation and its nonprofit intermediary partner, The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. Over the past decade, Chet has led a bold collective impact strategy focused on promoting health, equity and social justice in underserved communities to improve the well-being of children, youth and families. Recognized for his strategic thinking and willingness to take thoughtful risk, Chet has received national attention for his emphasis on making the Foundation’s and The Center’s partnerships with local communities and public and private funders the centerpiece of both organizations’ strategy for change. Efforts launched by the Foundation and The Center include California Funders for Boys and Men of Color, Positive Youth Justice Initiative, Black Child Legacy Campaign, Build.Black. Coalition and San Joaquin Valley Health Fund. Prior to joining Sierra Health Foundation, Chet served as Director of Alameda County’s Social Services Agency, Associate Director for the Rockefeller Foundation in New York, and Director of the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice in San Francisco. He has received numerous awards for his service to children and families, including the 2017 Terrance Keenan Leadership in Health Philanthropy Award. Chet is an Annie E. Casey Children and Families Leadership Fellow, and serves on the boards of the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund, Public Policy Institute of California, Advance Peace and CalNonprofits.

EXODIE C. ROE, III Associate Administrator, OSDBU EXODIE C. ROE, III was appointed by the Biden/Harris Administration to serve as an Associate Administrator, U.S. General Services Administration - (Office Of Small and Disadvantaged Business (OSDBU) at the U.S. General Services Administration. As head of OSDBU, Exodie has nationwide responsibility for GSA small business programs and is the chief advocate for small and disadvantaged businesses. OSDBU promotes increased access to GSA nationwide procurement opportunities, and engages in activities that make it possible for the small business community to meet key contracting experts and receive counseling on the federal procurement process.

Prior to joining GSA, Exodie was the Director of Policy and External Affairs for the Congressional Black Caucus.

For the past 14 years, he dedicated his career to public service in various staff positions in the U.S. Congress. In 2007, he started his government service with Congressman Jerry McNerney of California, rising to become his senior policy advisor. From 2019 to 2021, he served as the Director of Policy and External Affairs for the Congressional Black Caucus under Chairwoman Karen Bass in the 116th Congress. During his congressional service, Roe worked with congressional leadership and congressional members on political strategy, strategic communications, regulatory issues, advocacy, and a broad range of public policy initiatives, including small business legislation to strengthen minority and disadvantaged businesses. In 2019, he was honored by his alma mater as a “40 under 40” inductee for his public service achievements.

GIGI DIXON Executive Vice President & Head of DSRI External Engagement Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion Wells Fargo & Company Georgette “Gigi” Dixon is a 27-year financial industry veteran and the head of External Engagement at Wells Fargo.

In this role, Gigi is responsible for diverse stakeholder relationships, sponsorship activation, and advocacy and influencer strategies. The team will advance Diversity, Equity & Inclusion by leading and amplifying our efforts externally to ensure that people across our workforce, communities, and supply chain feel valued and respected and have equal access to resources, services, products, and opportunities to succeed. Previously, Gigi served as Head of External Relations as part of Wells Fargo’s Government Relations and Public Policy (GRPP) group leading a team focused on outreach and stakeholder engagement across the country to address challenges facing our communities and the nation. She provided thought leadership, counsel and resources by connecting and convening non-government institutions, think tanks, trade associations, advocacy groups and academic institutions with the goal of promoting Wells Fargo’s policy priorities.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL HERANA th

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INCREASING YOUR MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST SESSION OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 8:00 AM An engaging conversation with Senior Vice President of NAACP National Membership Growth and Unit Sustainability, Carmen Watkins and California Hawaii NAACP State Conference Branch Presidents: Paulette Simpson-Gipson (NAACP Compton), Betty Williams (NAACP Sacramento) and Latricia Mitchell (NAACP Los Angeles) on the Membership Panel, discussing ways to effectively increase NAACP membership, strategies on retaining your current NAACP membership while cultivating an engaged and active membership for a thriving and successful NAACP Branch.

PAULETTE SIMPSON-GIPSON Moderator | 1st Vice President, CA/HI NAACP; President Compton NAACP Branch Paulette Simpson-Gipson is the first woman President of the Compton NAACP Branch. As the 1st Vice President of the CA-Hawaii State Conference she currently oversees the operations of the Legal Redress, Criminal Justice, Veterans Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Prison Branch Committees. Rev. Simpson-Gipson is a servant for the Lord and has been an ordained minister for the past 24 years.

She is the current Associate Minister at Greater Faith MBC under Pastor Melvin Evans! She is a proud US Air Force Veteran!

CARMEN WATKINS Senior Vice President of Membership Growth and Unit Sustainability, NAACP

BETTY WILLIAMS President, Greater Sacramento NAACP Betty Williams has been a resident of Sacramento, California for more than 35 years, where she and her husband, Michael Williams, raised three sons, Jamel, Karnell and Joseph. However, she was born and raised in Urbana, Illinois, where she did her undergraduate studies, where she majored in Business Administration and Minor in Political Science. Ms. Williams, moved to Sacramento in 1983, where started her own business and is President/Owner of 1 Solution Business Outreach/Recruitment Firm, and is the President of Greater Sacramento NAACP, Past Business Chair of Indivizible

Carmen Watkins leads the NAACP’s field operations department as Senior Vice President of Membership Growth and Unit Sustainability. She previously served as the NAACP’s Interim Vice President and regional director for the West and Southwest. As an advocate and champion for social change, Ms. Watkins continues to develop and nurture innovative programming and civil rights advocacy campaigns that meet the needs of the community. Beyond her NAACP service, Ms. Watkins has also worked as an adjunct professor at Lone Star College, president and CEO for the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, senior vice president for the Houston Area Urban League, Southwest regional director for the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and corporate development director for INROADS/Houston. She worked on several local campaigns and served as staff to Congressmen George “Mickey” Leland and Mike Andrews.

(Northern California African American Business Organization), Past Executive Director, Sacramento, Northern California ACLU, Advisory Board Member of California High Speed Rail, and past Board

LATRICIA MITCHELL

Member of Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce and Board Director of Sacramento Region

President, Los Angeles NAACP Branch

Women Chamber of Commerce, Board Commissioner for Racial Profiling. Under her leadership, the Sacramento Branch of the NAACP and law enforcement agencies of Sacramento formed a partnership to reduce crime and build a safer community. She was also instrumental in affecting change in policies and policing strategies that benefit residents of the greater Sacramento community; Assisted in developing the “Know Your Rights” program. Betty continues to work within her community where her motto is, each one, teach one.

Latricia Mitchell is a product of the Los Angeles City Schools. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University at Los Angeles, and a Masters in Education from California Lutheran University. She retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District after more than 35 years of teaching.Latricia is serving her first term as president of the Los Angeles NAACP. She is the immediate former chairman of the Women in the NAACP. She is the receipient of the Meritorious Woman Award presented by the NAACP Youth Council. She is a member of the Los Angeles County Voter Outreach Committee, and a member of the African-American Get Out the Vote effort.Latricia Mitchell is an ordained minister, a life member of the NAACP, a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a member of the Gathering of Reverend Sisters, and a member of the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Clergy Council.

ANNUAL GWEN MOORE UTILITY FORUM:

UTILITIES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNPLUGGED SESSION OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 9 AM

The Forum entitled, Utilities and Telecommunications - Unplugged will explore how utility and telecommunications organizations will provide assistance to their customers once the moratorium on shutoffs ends. The CPUC has extended the moratorium to December 31, 2021 (and is considering extending it to March 2022).

TIMOTHY ALLEN SIMON Moderator | Former California Public Utilities Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon, Commissioner Emeritus, (Simon) was appointed to the California Public Utilities Commission by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on February 15, 2007 ending his term on December 31, 2012. During his time as commissioner, Simon served on the Board of Directors of the University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley Energy Collaborative ( BERC) and the Energy Imbalance Market ( EIM) Regional Taskforce. Prior to this appointment Simon served as Appointments Secretary in the Office of the Governor, the first African American in California history to hold this post. Simon also served as Adjunct Professor of Law at Golden Gate University School of Law and

AMIR JOHNSON

the University of California Hastings. Prior to public service he was in-house counsel and compli-

Area Director - External Affairs, AT&T

ance officer with Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Robertson Stephens.In 2013 Simon created TAS STRATEGIES and serves as an attorney and consultant on utility, infrastructure, financial services and broadband projects. He is a frequent public speaker and panelist on topics including energy, infrastructure, diversity and inclusion. Simon served as Chair of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Gas Committee, Chair of the LNG Partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and NARUC, member of the Gas Pipeline Safety Taskforce with the U.S. DOT, member the NARUC Board of Directors and also served on the Critical Infrastructure and Consumer Affairs Committees, the NARUC Wireless Task Force, and Vice Chair of the Utility Marketplace Access Subcommittee. In February 2019, Simon was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the California Black Chamber of Commerce. He was also appointed to the University of San Francisco (USF) Board of Trustees in June of 2019. Simon also serves on the North American Energy

Amir Johnson was named Area Director, External Affairs(AT&T) in June 2017. As Area Director, Johnson is responsible for community relations, local jurisdictions, and industry relations in Southern California. Since assuming the Area Director role, Amir has quickly become a leader in the Southern California community joining the boards of South Central Family Health Clinics (SCFHC), the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce and the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership. In addition, Johnson has worked closely with AT&T’s Believe Los Angeles initiative. These initiatives focus on employee engagement, educational opportunities, academic achievement, economic development, and social justice awareness for the community. Johnson previously worked for Assemblyman Steve Bradford and the 62nd district overseeing the communities of Inglewood, Gardena and Athens/Willowbrook. In 2011 Amir served as Director, Public Affairs for Los Angeles Universal Preschool advocating for additional preschool seats in the state budget.

Amir graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morehouse College.

Standards Board Advisory Council and member of the California Green Jobs Council and Advisory Board of the Berkeley Energy & Resources Collaborative (BERC) at U.C. Berkeley. He also serves as a member of the American Bar Association and on the National Board of Directors for the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE). Simon received a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of San Francisco (Distinguished Alumni), and a Juris Doctor from the U.C. Hastings College of the Law. Simon is an active member of the State Bar of California and serves on several non-profit and educational boards.

ROBERT KENNEY Senior Vice President of Regulatory and External Affairs, PG&E Robert is Senior Vice President of Regulatory and External Affairs, responsible for strategic guidance of regulatory affairs, local governmental affairs and community relations. Previously, Robert was Chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission. Robert holds a BA in political science from Hampton University and a JD from Saint Louis University School of Law.

EDWARD A. SIMON II

LORENE MILLER

Director of Business Performance and Supplier Diversity, California American Water

Vice President, Customer Service Operations, Southern California Edison

Ed Simon currently serves as California American Water’s Director of Business Performance and Supplier Diversity. He was recently added to California American Water’s Board as the Inclusion and Diversity Officer. In this role, Ed and his team have led the successful implementation of various operations and customer service projects. Under his leadership, California American Water’s supplier diversity program has consistently met and exceeded the California Public Utilities Commission goal. Over the last five years California American average spend was 32.8% and in 2020, under Ed’s continued leadership the company achieved its highest diverse spend percentage of 39.96%. Over the last three years, California American has provided 69 new diverse vendors with opportunities to work with them. Ed’s tenure with American Water began in February 2001. He has held several positions with American Water including Call Handling Supervisor, Business Services Liaison, Missouri American Operations Manager, and Central Division Director, Customer Relations. As the director of customer relations, he developed and implemented the Central States Customer Relations Team, which is the model used across American Water today. As California American Water Vice President of Operations, Ed was responsible for managing the state’s overall operations and its facilities. He earned a Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Organization Studies from Fontbonne University in Saint Louis, Missouri and in 2017 earned a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership from University of San Diego.

Lorene Miller was recently named vice president, Customer Service Operations at Southern California Edison (SCE), with responsibilities for the contact center, billing, payments, credit and program operations. She previously served as managing director of Technology, Planning and Governance in Customer Service and led the implementation of a new Customer Information System to more effectively serve SCE’s customers. In over 30 years at SCE, Lorene has held several management and executive positions, including leading the company’s Billing and Customer Contact Center operations, IT business integration and Enterprise Resource Planning program management. Miller has driven the integration of business processes and technology throughout her career, from the company’s early advancement of e-commerce to more recent expansion of Digital customer self-service interactions. Lorene established the “Women in IT” enrichment forum at SCE and has served on the board of the Asian American Professional Association, a mentoring organization that promotes career advancement of minority professionals. Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from California State University at Los Angeles and a Master of Science degree in Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne. She lives in West Covina, California and enjoys playing tennis, golf and spending time with her husband and two teenage sons.

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DRIVING EQUITY IN EDUCATION DIVERSITY SESSION OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 10 AM The COVID-19 pandemic has widened the divide in the lives of marginalized students even further. This unprecedented epidemic has thrown our system on its head, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime chance for families, lawmakers, civil rights organizations, educators, and their unions to band together and create a new, more egalitarian system that educates all children. It’s time to re-establish a better system for determining what our children require and improving their education. Join us as we look at strategies to combat our children’s miseducation.

JAMES BROWN IV Moderator | 2nd Vice President CA/HI Youth & College James Brown IV is a 19-year-old Sacramento, California native. James attended Claremont McKenna College after graduating from The School of Engineering and Sciences in the Spring of this year. Throughout his school career, he has been an honor roll student and has participated in a variety of government and leadership organizations. Passionate about activism he ran for an executive position in the NAACP Youth Council of Sacramento and the NAACP California-Hawaii Youth & College Division as the 2nd Vice President.

LORREEN PRYOR President, BYLP An Alumna of Sacramento State, Lorreen is a 15-year veteran Legislative staffer and the Servant Leader/President of Black Youth Leadership Project (BYLP). BYLP provides civic engagement opportunities, hand-on experience of learning the legislative process, and exposure Legislators, community leaders and key staff. With the rise of inequity in the Public Education System, Lorreen expanded BYLP’s programming to include direct service advocacy to families experiencing racism, teacher targeting and disparate treatment to broker agreements in which children are restored mentally, physically and emotionally. Lorreen leads the team that puts on the Legislative Open House and Next Level Luncheon experience for more than 100 Black students annually; Summer Social Justice Bootcamp, established Sacramento’s first-ever Black High School Graduation in partnership with the Faith Based Community; created five Support Networks to help the community cope with the recent uprisings; provided community movie nights, created an online documentary club; as well as works with families and local school districts to resolve issues stemming from racial targeting, teacher bias and disparate treatment to restore the child so they can thrive in a more supportive environment. She has also co-written Board Policies and Administrative Regulations in Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD), as it relates to the delineation of responsibilities between administrators and school resource officers, and is currently in talks with other school districts to adopt the same policies. Lorreen also sits on the hiring committee for new School Resource Officers in EGUSD, a District that has refused to dismantle their SRO program.

DR. LENORE TATE, PH.D. State Advisor, Educator, National Youth Works, Adult Rep Region I Lenore A. Tate, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with a vision and a career that has been committed to promoting mental and behavioral health and public policy. Dr. Tate has dedicated more than 30 years to mental health specializing in neuropsychology, forensic psychology and trauma. She has worked for the California Assembly and Senate and as a consultant with numerous public and private organizations. She has Chaired the Psychology Program at Prairie View A and M University (an HBCU), been co-director of the Adult Development and Aging Program at Arizona State University, Director of the Forensic Psychology Program at Alliant International University and Government Affairs Director for Pfizer, Inc. and the California Primary Care Association.

She has also consulted with and been a grant reviewer for SAMHSAs Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Centers for Disease Control, and the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, National Conference on State Legislators, Congressional Black Caucus as well as other local, state and federal entities and is a subject matter expert in mental health for various media outlets throughout California. Dr. Tate received her Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology, her Post-Doctoral Fellowship, was sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health at the University of Texas Medical Center; she received her Master’s from Howard University and her Bachelor’s degree from Mills College. She has lived, travelled and studied in Europe, Northern Africa and the Caribbean.

DR. WILLIAM SMITH Professor & Department Chair, Department of Education, Culture, & Society; Professor of Ethnic Studies (African American Studies division), University of Utah, College of Education William A. Smith is full professor and department chair in the department of Education, Culture & Society at the University of Utah. He also holds a joint appointment in the Ethnic Studies Program (African American Studies division) as a full professor. He has served as the Associate Dean for Diversity, Access, & Equity in the College of Education (2007-2014) as well as a Special Assistant to the President at the University of Utah & its NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative (2007-2013). Dr. Smith is the co-editor (with Philip Altbach & Kofi Lomotey) of the book, The Racial Crisis in American Higher Education: The Continuing Challenges for the 21st Century (2002). In 2018, he received the College of Education’s Faculty Service Award for Outstanding Research & Scholarship. His research primarily focuses on his theoretical contribution of Racial Battle Fatigue which is the cumulative emotional, psychological, physiological, and behavioral effects that racial micro-level aggresssions and macro-level aggressions (microaggressions and macroaggressions) have on People of Color.

Dr. Smith’s work has appeared in such prestigious journals as The International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, Journal of Negro Education, Harvard Educational Review, Educational Administration Quarterly, American Educational Research Journal, and American Behavioral Scientist, to name a few. Dr. Smith is a former postdoctoral fellow for both the Ford Foundation and the Center for Urban Educational Research and Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a former Research Associate with the CHOICES Project at the University of California, Los Angeles. He has worked as an administrator or faculty member at Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University (University Park, IL), Western Illinois University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University (BA in psychology and MS in guidance and counseling) and his Ph.D. is from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (educational policy studies, sociology/social psychology of higher education).

CRIMINAL JUSTICE THE LEGACY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BREAKOUT SESSION #1A OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 1 PM The Criminal Justice workshop will focus on those individuals and others who pushed passed the media-created intimidation to accept the honor of protecting their community. Many of the largest police departments struggle to employ and retain Black officers, and policing experts have attributed at least some of that gap to the generational systemic violence against black men and women at the hands of the police. Despite the ability and desire to serve their community as law enforcement officers some find the association with the historical victimization of their community distasteful and choose to serve in other ways.

RAYTHEL “RAY” FISHER Warden, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) at Valley State Prison, Chowchilla

SHUNNON THOMAS Moderator | Criminal Justice Chair, CA/HI NAACP Shunnon was born in South Los Angeles (then South Central) in the late 1960’s and credits desegregation bussing as to the reason he escaped the tragic end that many of his friends met because of drugs and gang violence. Shunnon has a B.A. in Criminal Justice, Masters Public Administration and a Master’s in Educational Counseling with a Concentration in School and Family Based Counseling. He now works as an Associate Behavioral Therapist for Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services where he also a new member of the Kern BHRS Disaster Response Team. He looks forward to becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Shunnon enjoys his community involvement including serving as the Chairperson for the CA/HI NAACP State Conference Criminal Justice Committee, 6 years as Antelope Valley NAACP Branch President, Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Community Advisory Committee, Volunteer Mediator for the City of Lancaster, and he is also a member of the Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles. He enjoys gardening, karaoke, grilling, paintball, and movies.

T HE BLAC K L AW E NF O R C E M E N T O F F I C E R H AS BE E N NOTORIOU S LY U N D E R- R E C O G NIZED AND QU IE T LY U N D E R- U T I L I Z E D I N O UR BATT L E TO INC R E A S E L AW E N F O R C E MEN T A C C O U N TA BILITY S H U N N ON THOM AS

CA/HI NAACP CRIMINAL JUSTICE CHAIR

Raythel (Ray) Fisher, Jr., has been Warden or acting Warden for California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) at Valley State Prison, Chowchilla, since December 2014. Ray served in several positions at Pleasant Valley State Prison from 1994 to 2014, including Chief Deputy Warden, Associate Warden, Lieutenant and Sergeant. He was a Captain at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran, from 2007 to 2010 and at Kern Valley Prison from 2006 to 2007. Ray was a Correctional Officer at North Kern State Prison from 1993 to 1994 and at California State Prison, Corcoran from 1988 to 1993. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 1988. During his time as Warden at Valley State Prison, there was a paradigm shift in thinking that allowed for many out of the box and innovative self-help and rehabilitative programs, to be implemented to foster a Campus style community environment. As result Valley State Prison was tasked with establishing a Youthful Offenders Program (YOP). Which aims to provide a prison atmosphere focused on rehabilitation for people who were sentenced to state prison as young adults ages 18 to 25, providing mentoring and guidance to set a solid and viable path to successful reintegration to society and has become the model for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

CHIEF APRIL TARDY Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department April L. Tardy, a twenty-seven year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was promoted to the rank of Chief and assigned to Central Patrol Division. She is responsible for serving her communities in East Los Angeles, Compton, Century, South Los Angeles, Marina Del Rey, and Avalon/Catalina Island. Chief Tardy’s career with the Sheriff’s Department began in 1994. After graduation from the Sheriff’s Training Academy as a Deputy Sheriff, she was assigned to Sybil Brand Institute for Women, the Inmate Reception Center, and Temple Sheriff’s Station. Chief Tardy was assigned as an Operation Safe Streets Bureau Investigator at Compton Sheriff’s Station. Upon her promotion to Sergeant in 2006, Chief Tardy was assigned to work Compton Sheriff’s Station. After being promoted to Lieutenant in 2011, Chief Tardy was assigned to Men’s Central Jail facility, Carson Sheriff’s Station, South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station, and Central Patrol Division, as the Executive Aide. Chief Tardy was promoted to Captain in 2016, and assigned to South Los Angeles Sheriff Station. She was the first female Captain assigned to the Lennox/South Los Angeles area since the stations were established in 1948. After being promoted to Commander in 2019, Chief Tardy remained in Central Patrol Division.

Chief Tardy earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from California State University at San Bernardino. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and also serves as an advisor for the Black Peace Officers Association. Chief Tardy has an adult son. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing volleyball and basketball, home improvement projects, mentoring, and community service.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE THE LEGACY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BREAKOUT SESSION #1A OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 1 PM The Criminal Justice workshop will focus on those individuals and others who pushed passed the media-created intimidation to accept the honor of protecting their community. Many of the largest police departments struggle to employ and retain Black officers, and policing experts have attributed at least some of that gap to the generational systemic violence against black men and women at the hands of the police. Despite the ability and desire to serve their community as law enforcement officers some find the association with the historical victimization of their community distasteful and choose to serve in other ways.

MELVIN RUSSEL Retired Chief, Baltimore City Police Department, SVP, Criminal Justice Relations Melvin Russell joined The Baltimore Police Department in 1979 as a police cadet and in 1981 graduated as the first and still only African American Male class valedictorian from The Baltimore Police Academy. Mel worked uniform patrol for 7 years then got his first opportunity to work in an undercover drug capacity 1986. For the next 20 years Mel was submerged into the dark world of undercover narcotic work that led to the arrests of drug kingpins from Baltimore City to Jamaica, Italy, China and South America. In 2006 Melvin tried to retire, but God had another plan for him.

Reluctantly Mel remained and over the next 19 months was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant, deputy major and then major over the most violent district of the city. Mel took community, faithbased, schools and all area stakeholders through initiatives based on “An Engaged Presence Brings Reduction” and “Relational Equity.” Over the next 4 ½ years his district experience historical crime reductions that hadn’t been seen in over 40 years. Mel was was then promoted to LT Colonel (then eventually Colonel/Chief) creating The Community Partnership Division (CPD) in January 2013. Mel has been successful at transforming the lives of youth, ex-offenders and others through a collaborative effort and common goals of peace and prosperity for all. On June 1st, 2019 Mel retired as the chief of CPD and an acting deputy commissioner for BPD. Mel continues to be sought after as a SME on Community Policing and Restoring Peace and Public Trust across the country and around the globe. Additionally since 2010 Melvin has been the assistant pastor of New Beginnings Ministries in Baltimore City. Mel has a Bachelor of Ministry Degree in Missions Specialization from West Coast Bible College and is married to the beautiful songstress Lolita. Together they have a beautiful blended family of 8 children. Mel continues the good fight of faith to be a Man of Peace, an effective Change Agent locally, nationally and globally as he strives to leave a legacy of love, peace and hope for all people and generations to come.

JAMAL R. WATKINS

ALANA MATHEWS ESQ. Alana Mathews is an impact attorney, executive leader, and equity champion. She is a former prosecutor who transitioned from a career protecting victims and advocating for criminal justice to protecting vulnerable communities and advocating for environmental justice. She was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as the Public Adviser for the California Energy Commission where she developed the agency’s energy equity initiative, DEI programs, and coordinated a multi-agency disadvantaged communities advisory group. She later served as the chief consultant for the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies where she focused on environmental and climate equity. Ms. Mathews is currently the Director of Policy Resources and Training for the Prosecutors Alliance of California and an adjunct professor at McGeorge School of Law. She is also the founder of the Community Justice Collaborative and an Advisory Board Member for the Rising Sun clean energy workforce development program.

Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement at the NAACP Jamal R. Watkins currently serves as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement at the NAACP. Jamal previously led the Association’s efforts to maximize the African-American community’s participation and representation in our democracy as the Vice President of Civic Engagement at the NAACP. Mr. Watkins previously served as National Outreach Director for the AFL-CIO. In this role, he was responsible for strengthening and growing national strategic partnerships with the labor movement across a range of priority campaigns and program work. A native of California and a resident of Washington, D.C., Mr. Watkins earned his B.A. in Philosophy, with a minor in Political Science, at Stanford University and completed graduate-level work at New York University for Speech and Interpersonal Communication. As a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., his motto is “onward and upward.”

JORDAN WALKER Incoming National Youth Board Member, Region I Jordan Walker resides in Stockton, CA, with his parents Tivoli Walker and Richard Walker. He has two siblings: a brother and a sister. Jordan is a Junior at Lincoln High School, where he is a member of the marching band, and serves on the Student Help Committee. His extracurricular activities are extensive, as he is the Vice President of the NAACP Stockton Youth Council, a member of the CA/HI NAACP Executive Committee, Youth Leader at NAACP Lobby Day; and volunteers at homeless shelters and Haven of Peace in Stockton, CA. Jordan loves robotics, and also enjoys creating them.

HERB WESSON II Former President of the Los Angeles City Council, Former Speaker of the CA State Assembly Herb J. Wesson, Jr. served as the President of the Los Angeles City Council from November 2011 through 2019 and represented Council District 10 from 2005 to 2020. Wesson is the first African American to hold the position of Council President in the City’s history and was re-elected three times to lead the City’s legislative body. During his tenure as Council President, Wesson presided over monumental policy initiatives making Los Angeles a better place to live, work and raise a family. Not only have local policy initiatives —which include raising the minimum wage, pension reform, the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games, and consolidating city elections to increase voter turnout— positively affected local residents, but in many cases the city’s actions have spurred state and national response and served as a model for similar policies. Wesson chaired several committees including the Ad Hoc Committee on Police Reform, Board of Referred Powers, the Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the Housing, Community, and Economic Development Committee.

He also served as the Vice Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Comprehensive Job Creation, the Vice Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on COVID-19 Recovery and Neighborhood Investment, and a member of Transportation Committee. Council President Wesson has been happily married to Fabian Wesson for more than 36 years and is the proud father of four sons- Douglas, P.J., Herb III, and Justin. Wesson is grandfather to four grandchildren- Patrick, Maileah, Tatyana, and Lincoln. When Council President Wesson is not spoiling his grandchildren, you can find him on the links with his wife. He is a graduate of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania with a BA in History.

THE POLITICS OF ELECTIONS: Lessons Learned and How to Prepare for the Future BREAKOUT SESSION #1B OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 1 PM The November 2020 and Georgia runoff elections this past January will be remembered as watershed events that changed the course of our country’s governing leadership and philosophy. Black voters turned out in massive numbers in key battleground states – especially Georgia, where they shocked the nation by turning the state Blue, changing the course of history and shifting the balance of power in Washington, D.C. This reality has triggered a wave of reactions, from the storming of the nation’s Capitol Building to the onslaught of voter suppression legislation at the state level. These events point to one conclusion – they do not want us to vote.

Join us as we explore what it means to build and maintain political power through all things voting.they are trained, included and part of the movement?

I N CREA SI N GLY, BLA CK VOTERS HAVE DET ER M I N ED THE OUTCOME I N N ATI ON A L , STATE A N D LO C A L ELECTI ON S. A S WE LOOK TOWA RD T H E F UT UR E , HOW DO WE A DDRESS I SSUES O F VOT ER SUPPRESSI ON, REA PPORTI ON MENT A N D S O C I A L JUSTI CE I N THE 2022 A N D 20 24 EL EC T I O N S ELIHU HARRIS

CO- CHAIR , POLITICAL ACTION COMMIT TEE , NAACP

ELIHU HARRIS Mioderator | Co- Chair, Political Action Committee, NAACP

REGINA BROWN-WILSON

Elihu Mason Harris is a private attorney and represents clients in education, recycling, manufacturing, housing development, and automobile repair. He is also a member of the Trustees at Patten University, National Commission on Uniform State Laws, and Executive Committee of the California State NAACP. He finished his Master’s degree in Public Administration from University California Berkeley, and completed Doctorate of Law from University California Davis. Elihu has served as Executive Director of the National Bar Association, partner in a private law practice, California Assemblyman, Mayor of Oakland, California, Member of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, Member of the State of California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, and Chancellor of Peralta Community College.

Executive Director, California Black Media Regina Brown Wilson is the executive director of California Black Media, a non-profit that advocates for Blackowned media outlets that work to preserve Black-owned media. Wilson has a long record of ensuring that Black viewpoints remain central to all debates that shape public policy in California by using journalism and new revenue models to sustain the industry. In 2007 Wilson was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to the secretary of education’s communications team and held several posts in the administration. Wilson currently is a board commissioner for California’s 2020 Census. Before her work in government, Wilson co-founded BPC Mediaworks LLC, a media relations firm that managed The Black Voice News a weekly newspaper and handled government affairs for black-owned media outlets throughout California. Wilson is a graduate of Wilberforce University and holds a bachelor of arts degree in communications.

MICHAEL THOMAS Assistant Chief, Department of General Services For over three decades, Michael Thomas has served at the highest levels of California state government, including exempt appointments, Career Executive Assignments (CEAs), and senior management positions. Beginning in 1987, Mr. Thomas served as a Special Assistant to the State Controller and has served as a Deputy to the Board Member and a Deputy Chief of Staff at the California State Board of Equalization. He later served as the Assistant Chief for Special Projects in the Executive Office of the Department of General Services (DGS) and now is serving as an Assistant Chief in the Administration Division. Mr. Thomas’ most significant accomplishments throughout these years included partnering with key professional decision makers in state government, as well as Constitutional Officers and the business community to represent state agencies before the Legislature, key stakeholders, local governments, and the federal government; and to negotiate state government solutions to critical challenges facing both the public and private sectors. Michael Thomas has represented DGS and the Board of Equalization during budget hearings and in consultations with the legislature. Mr. Thomas’ assignments currently include representing DGS in the coordination of statewide California Emergency Services Functions, serving with a team of high level experts from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES). Mr. Thomas’ economic and business support assignments have included representing DGS as Business Partner Executive for the FI$CAL Project (the Financial Information System for California), a financial reporting and information technology coordination program among California state government agencies and departments. His principal responsibilities included aligning and implementing the Asset Management component of FI$CAL for DGS’ real estate, Procurement, and vehicle fleet holdings, and developing coordination strategies for an enterprise approach to the procurement component of FI$CAL. I developed a statewide taskforce with most of the counties, cities and special districts on the implementation of the State’s Unified Logistic Plan (SULP) for emergency response.

In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Michael Thomas served in a variety of senior management positions at the Department of General Services, including the Assistant Chief of the Small Business Program and the Assistant Chief for the Real Estate Services Division for Building & Property Management. In these positions, Mr. Thomas served to increase participation in the State of California Small Business Advocate Network by over 82%, and established fiscal policies to administer a $275 million budget. Michael Thomas received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Sacramento.

RODERICK D. WRIGHT, RET. Calfornia State Senate Roderick D. Wright was elected to the California State Senate in 2008, representing what was then the 25th District. He was re-elected in 2012 to the 35th, and left the Senate in 2014. Rod Wright served three terms in the California State Assembly representing the 48th Assembly District. From 1996 until 2002, he served as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce (U&C).

Senator Wright was appointed to Chair the Governmental Organization Committee, and had one of the highest percentages of bills signed by the Governor. Rod Wright was recognized for his skill as a legislator by being voted legislator of the year by the County of Los Angeles, the California Small Business Association, the Municipal Power Association, the California Probation Officers Association and the California League of Cities.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Intentional efforts around Diversity and Inclusion are critical in organizations to ensure that employees and the people they serve are served well and with care. One such organization, Novartis, has prioritized D and I, a stronger commitment to caregivers and patients and has done significant work on Sickle Cell Research.

As a leading global medicines company, Novartis uses innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and the company is finding innovative ways to expand access to treatments. About 110,000 people from more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world.

“There are many models of successful global companies and the strategies they implement to increase sales, retain customers and do business at the highest level. When global brands lead by strategically placing people and trust in the core of their mission, new ways are discovered to reach underserved communities and address the most challenging health care issues we face within African American Communities.” -CA/HI NAACP President Rick Callender Novartis Efforts Related to Sickle Cell Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a serious and life-threatening hereditary condition that impacts blood cells and the body’s ability to function healthily. In the US, this condition disproportionately impacts African Americans and BIPOC. Novartis has primarily focused on advocacy within the sickle cell community through: leveraging technology for improved outcomes, exploring gene therapy, making education a priority, and enabling access to next-generation technology.

In 2019, the US FDA approved a new Novartis treatment for Sickle Cell Disease. Novartis has also partnered with education and advocacy organizations and established relationships with patient groups to spread awareness about treatment options for SCD. In 2018, Novartis partnered with various patient advocacy organizations to launch Generation S, a national sickle cell storytelling project. Centering patient experiences is critical to understanding the real impact of a condition like SCD and the treatments necessary to fully heal both physically and mentally. The Novartis STEP (Solutions to Empower Patients) program was created to help empower people living with SCD, who are also experiencing poverty, to better navigate the healthcare system and provide support as they transition from pediatric to adult care. Novartis is continuously working to improve treatment for SCD and recently partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to work on an in-vivo gene therapy for the disease.

Diversity and Inclusion Novartis’s investment in sickle cell research is an example of its commitment to health justice and equity. Recently, Novartis also made a company-wide commitment to a comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion strategy. In addition to their health justice work, components of this strategy include: partnering with HBCU’s, diversity in clinical trials, and corporate D & I strategies.

Novartis signed a 10-year pledge with Cousera, National Medical Association, Novartis Foundation, Thurgood College Marshall Fund, Morehouse School of Medicine and 26 other HBCUs to work together to address root causes of health disparities in education and health as well as recruit and retain more Black identifying medical students and center DEI in Research and Development in the health field. Novartis US Foundation plans to invest roughly 13.7 million dollars to establish three digitally enabled research centers at Morehouse School of Medicine. Additionally, the Foundation plans to invest an additional $20 million to help prepare up to 1,200 Black and African American students to become the next generation of leaders in health, science, technology and business in collaboration with Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Novartis strongly believes in diversity of participants and investigators in clinical trials because it helps to ensure the needs of all people are met by including a wide range of patient experiences when determining the efficacy of a medicine. Novartis addresses barriers to diverse clinical trials by: identifying sites where diverse patients may be located, identifying healthcare providers who treat underserved populations, and collaborating with researchers to address the goals of enrolling a diverse population in a clinical trial. Novartis is committed to improving the quality of care every patient receives primarily through: building strategic partnerships, leveraging data and digital, remodeling their process and tools.

Corporate D&I at Novartis is focused on dynamic strategies meant to recruit and retain a diverse pool of applicants and ensure that the work environment is psychologically safe with fair opportunities for professional growth. In 2020, Novartis US implemented guidelines requiring gender and racial/ethnic diversity both in candidate slates as well as on the panels interviewing these candidates. They also hired a dedicated D&I talent acquisition team. Of note, in 2018, Novartis became the first pharmaceutical company to join the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), a UN-sponsored initiative working to achieve equal pay for women and men worldwide. This action further cemented their desire to achieve gender balance in the organization. In 2020, Novartis launched the MEP (Multicultural Engagement Program), a one-year pilot program, to provide accelerated professional development and outcomes for Black identifying employees.

Overall Commitment to Patients and Caregivers Novartis’ pledge to equity and health justice is inspiring and a reminder of what’s possible when an organization commits.

For more information about Novartis and the work they do globally and locally, please visit:

Twitter.com/Novartis

Novartis.com

Linkedin.com/company/novartis/

FIGHTING FOR CIVIL RIGHTS WITH TECHNOLOGY BREAKOUT SESSION #1C OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 1 PM In today’s ever changing news cycle, technology will continue to transform the efforts put forth by the NAACP in mobilizing and advocating for Civil Rights, each day we are at the forefront of a movement and technology is an integral part of communications and broader band awareness. We have a responsibility as an organization to be a trusted voice, now more than ever for the Black community and people of all color. In this session, learn how to align your Branch voice, messaging and efforts with those of the NAACP in the fight for Civil Rights through the use of social media, digital communications and visual assets.

YVONNE THOMAS Moderator | President, Monterey County NAACP

ALLEN BROOKS President, NAACP Merced While born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my growth as a man began while attending Grambling State University in Louisiana. This time allowed me to mix with groups with majorly different views and backgrounds. I achieved a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Communications with a background in Public Administration. In 2005, I moved to the lovely Central Valley soon after college. I fell in love with Merced the same way I fell in love with my wife….love at first sight. I remember thinking “This is a community I would be proud to raise my kids in.” Now I consider myself a native of the Valley. Now, as a citizen embedded in this community, I feel I am in a good position to serve my community. I am the current President of the local chapter of the NAACP and recently elected to serve as Board of Trustee for Merced City School District. I am dedicated to continuing the growth of the NAACP; I am committed to transparency; I will always be for the citizens of Merced, and I look forward to exceeding your expectations as your NAACP President for Merced County. Together we are making a difference!

D’AUNGILLIQUE JACKSON Fresno State, Chapter President D’Aungillique Jackson is pursuing a B.A. in Sociology at Fresno State. Locally, she currently serves as the Fresno State Student Body President, a Faith in the Valley’s Community Justice Fellow, and a member of the Fresno Police Reform Implementation Team. She is a people-activator and mobilizer.

D’Aungillique is also very active within the NAACP serving as the 1st Vice President for the CA/HI State Conference Youth and College Division, an NAACP YC Civic Engagement Trainer, and the newly elected NAACP YC Region 1 Youth Works Committee member. Most recently, D’Aungillique served as the youngest commissioner on Fresno’s Police Reform Commission and led Fresno’s largest, most peaceful protest in May of 2020.

Yvonne Thomas is a veteran journalist, media professional, and the founder and CEO of both Precision Creative Services and YGolf Magazine. She is also the President of the Monterey County NAACP. Yvonne was the first African American student at the University of Southern California to graduate with a degree in Sports Information-Broadcast Journalism in 1984. After graduating from USC, she began a 30- year career in senior management in the field of television post-production. For 13 years, she was the head of West Coast operations at the National Captioning Institute, the largest provider of closed captioning services for television and feature films in the nation. In 1999, Yvonne started her own business and is currently celebrating her 22nd year as the CEO of Precision Creative Services. Yvonne is also the founder and publisher of YGolf Magazine, an online magazine designed for the 21st century woman golfer. She has an extensive background in public speaking dating back to 1984 when she was crowned Miss West Los Angeles and then Miss Southern California. She made over 200 personal appearances throughout Southern California giving motivational speeches and in 2018, she was selected to be a featured speaker at the 10th annual USC Women’s conference.

Yvonne is an avid golfer, is a credentialed member of the PGA Tour (Professional Golf Association) media, is the current Co-Chairman of the Monterey County District Attorney’s Multi-Cultural Council, is a Monterey Peninsula College Umoja Advisory board member and serves on the Monterey Penin-

TROVON C. WILLIAMS Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, NAACP Trovon C. Williams serves as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, leading the planning, development, and implementation of all the Association’s marketing and communications strategies, branding, and public relations activities. Mr. Williams has over 14 years of experience leading award-winning marketing, communication, and brand development strategies both domestically and internationally across the technology, higher education, and government industries. Prior to joining the NAACP, Mr. Williams served as Chief Marketing Officer at Perfecta, where he led the company’s global marketing and communications efforts and brand expansion from government focus to commercial enterprise service offering. Previously, Mr. Williams served as the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the College of Southern Maryland. He has also held senior marketing and communications roles with Iridium Communications, Citrix Systems, and the Bureau of ATF. Mr. Williams was born in Alexandria, VA, and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Hampton University. He also holds an MBA from Stratford University. Mr. Williams was inducted into the Hampton University Alumni Association’s “Top 40 under 40” Alumni Society in 2017. He is a member of the Forbes Communications Council, American Marketing Association and is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Comcast is Proud to Support the 34th Annual CA /HI NAACP State Conference Annual Convention

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DEBRA GORE-MANN President & CEO, The Greenlining Institute Debra Gore-Mann finds gratitude in developing long term relationships, dynamic teams and shared accomplishments. As the middle child of a biracial, military, first generation immigrant family, Debra embraces the beauty and strength that lies in her differentness. With an engineering degree and an M.B.A. from Stanford (where she was the only African American woman in a class of 300 graduate students), her work has spanned across the private, public and political sectors in uplifting low opportunity communities with funding, team building and financial and people resources. Most recently, she led the San Francisco Conservation Corps, America’s first urban municipal youth corps. As Greenlining’s President and CEO, Debra guides the organization’s growth and direction and serves as the unifying voice for our multifaceted policy work, bringing her unique, intersectional perspective to bear. She works with their board to oversee the organization’s finances, management and governance and partners with their staff and board to develop programs and policy strategies to advance racial and economic justice and to strengthen ties with The Greenlining Coalition. Debra is a sports enthusiast, with a particular interest in basketball and football at all levels (AAU club teams, high school, college and professional levels). Debra, her husband, and her daughter all played NCAA Division I basketball. She currently serves on several nonprofit boards and as a managing director for the fledgling Oakland Rise professional women’s basketball team. One of Debra’s key mentors was Bill Walsh, the Hall of Fame football coach for the San Francisco 49ers.

DENISE ABDUL-RAHMAN Field Organizer, National NAACP Environmental Climate Justice Program (ECJP)

IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS BREAKOUT SESSION #1D OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 1 PM Following up on the environmental justice panel, this workshop will help branches understand how do we take the next advocacy step. Black and brown communities have long been overwhelmingly impacted by environmental hazards and climate change. Using racist and xenophobic tactics, governments and big polluters have targeted our neighborhoods for decades, without regard to the rising rate of impacts like respiratory disease. And today, those same respiratory conditions are only exacerbating our coronavirus risk. Across the country, communities of color are experiencing higher rates of COVID-19 cases and fatalities. This systematic example of environmental racism is literally killing us, and enough is enough. Join us as we explore in depth the impacts of environmental and climate racism and the strategies to counter them.

WARREN WHITLOCK Moderator | Manager, Office of Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Valley Water Warren S. Whitlock is the manager of Valley Water’s newly created Office of Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI). Warren, who began his tenure at Valley Water this past January, is an internationally recognized policy leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, and civil rights. In 2011, Warren was appointed as a member of the federal government’s Senior Executive Service and served as the Associate Administrator for Civil Rights with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In 2016, he was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Diversity & Leadership at the Pentagon, overseeing DEI efforts for the Army’s 1.2 million active and civilian personnel worldwide.

In these roles, Warren distinguished himself as a transformational leader with a wide range of accomplishments. A New York City native, Warren’s career encompasses a variety of senor leadership roles in local, state and federal government; academia, finance and international development. Warren holds an A.B. in English, with certifications in American Studies and African American Studies, from Princeton University. He also holds an M.S. degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Preservation and Planning, where he is a Charles Revson Fellow. Warren holds certification in D&I from Cornell University and is a lifetime member of the federal Senior Executive Association, the Association of the United States Army and the Alumni Foundation of the United States Army War College. Warren currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab.

Denise Abdul-Rahman is a Field Organizer for the National NAACP Environmental Climate Justice Program (ECJP). She holds a BS in management, MBA in healthcare management, and a health informatics designation from Indiana University School of Informatics and is a Black Women Foreign War Veteran of Desert Storm. Abdul-Rahman leads the support for building rooftop and community-owned solar, energy efficiency projects; Just Transportation and Equitable Goods Movement, models the Black Green Pipeline initiative, and provides equity and inclusion clean energy policy language that ramps minority business enterprises, fair chance, and geographic imperatives. Abdul-Rahman’s most recent honors and recognition are Community Service Award 2021, NAACP Medgar Evers Nominee 2021, Vote Solar Dr. Espanola Jackson Award 2020, Faith-Based Rev. Mozel Sanders Drum Major for Humanities Award 2020, Indiana University Robert McKinney School of Law Environmental Protector Award 2019, and the NAACP Indiana Hazel B. Hunter Award 2019. Abdul-Rahman serves the Environmental Resilience Institute Advisory Board and is the Vice President of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association Board. She has served in many other capacities, such as a Delegate to Paris COP 21 and a Delegate to Global Climate Action Summit.

KRISTEN BROWN Hawaii YCD member Ms. Kristen Brown ,19, is currently a sophomore studying at Leeward Community College on the island of Oahu. Kristen became involved with climate justice and climate activism back in 2018 when she traveled to Iceland with Ms. Jaqui Patterson amongst other youth and mentors from various states. This one event sparked Kristen passion for environmental justice for all! Since then Kristen has created tremendous change in her community! While continuing her education, Kristen works as an organic farmer, with Ma’o Organic Farms, where she grows and distributes healthy organic foods to the community carrying on her community engagement. Within the last few years Kristen has worked in fellowship with the NAACP Honolulu Chapter as the Youth Chair in hopes to allow other youth similar opportunities she has received! Kristen has since stepped down as Youth Chair to focus on school. However, her work with the NAACP never stopped! Kristen continues her Climate Justice Activism by continuing her education and engaging with her community about the importance of preserving and taking care go the earth. In her free time, Kristen enjoys creating pieces on the potters wheel, reading, and going to the beach!

We proudly support the NAACP and the 34th Annual CA/HI NAACP State Convention in their mission to elimate race prejudice across the Nation.

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE THE LEGACY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BREAKOUT SESSION #2A OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 2:20 PM The Criminal Justice workshop will focus on those individuals and others who pushed passed the media-created intimidation to accept the honor of protecting their community. Many of the largest police departments struggle to employ and retain Black officers, and policing experts have attributed at least some of that gap to the generational systemic violence against black men and women at the hands of the police. Despite the ability and desire to serve their community as law enforcement officers some find the association with the historical victimization of their community distasteful and choose to serve in other ways.

MARSHALL MCCLAIN President, Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association Marshall E. McClain is an American labor union leader, police officer and nationally recognized spokesman on issues relating to law enforcement, airport safety and security. He currently serves as president of the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association (LAAPOA), and is also the co-founder of the American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO). McClain has served as president of LAAPOA since 2009 and is the longest-serving president of the union since its founding in 1982, with more than a decade in the role. He represents rank-and-file police officers whose sole goal is to and provide emergency medical services, law enforcement and wild-land firefighting in the open space parks and throughout the city of Los Angeles and it’s City owned Airports. As president, he has fought for the rights and benefits of all union members, negotiating contracts focused on increased retirement benefits, pay parity, new equipment and funding for recruitment. He has also represented members in discussions with airport management regarding budgeting for security spending, leadership issues within the LAXPD and more. Under his leadership, LAAPOA successfully advocated for the construction of the new state-of-the-art Airport Police facility, secured more than 150 new vehicles to the LAXPD fleet and advanced state and federal legislation that enhances the law enforcement profession and the safety and well-being of officers.

CAPTAIN TONY APRIL Alaska State Troopers, Region VI VP Captain Anthony April was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He is a graduate of Miami Southridge and Wayland Baptist University. After joining the Army in 1984. April’s performance earned him a trip to the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, where he represented Alaska as an “All Army” wrestler. April joined the Alaska State Troopers in 1997. Throughout his career, April has exemplified both professional and personal excellence. April’s command includes “A” Detachment, “B” Detachment, “C” Detachment, Alaska Bureau of Investigation, Recruitment, Director’s Staff, and the Statewide Drug Unit. April received the 2001 “C” Detachment Trooper of the Year. April’s portfolio includes the FBI National Academy #226, Homeland Security Leadership Academy #3, and the DEA Drug Unit Commander Unit Academy #69. He also earned his Alaska Police Standards Council Advanced Police Certification and an Alaska Certified Police Instructor.April is actively involved with the following organizations: Young Lions of Alaska (Mentor), MWPHGL of Alaska (Senior Grand Warden), Wasilla Sunrise Rotary Club (Board of Directors), The United Supreme Council - AASR - PHA - NJ (April received his 33rd degree), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (Region Six Vice President), FBI National Academy. April retired from the Air Guard in 2009. April lives in Anchorage with his wife, Lisa, of 34 years. They have two beautiful daughters. Toya is a Senior Mortgage Loan Processor and married to an Army veteran. Ashley and her husband are graduates of USMA. Lisa and April are proud grandparents of twins.

SHUNNON THOMAS Moderator | Criminal Justice Chair, CA/HI NAACP Shunnon was born in South Los Angeles (then South Central) in the late 1960’s and credits desegregation bussing as to the reason he escaped the tragic end that many of his friends met because of drugs and gang violence. Shunnon has a B.A. in Criminal Justice, Masters Public Administration and a Master’s in Educational Counseling with a Concentration in School and Family Based Counseling. He now works as an Associate Behavioral Therapist for Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services where he also a new member of the Kern BHRS Disaster Response Team. He looks forward to becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Shunnon enjoys his community involvement including serving as the Chairperson for the CA/HI NAACP State Conference Criminal Justice Committee, 6 years as Antelope Valley NAACP Branch President, Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Community Advisory Committee, Volunteer Mediator for the City of Lancaster, and he is also a member of the Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles. He enjoys gardening, karaoke, grilling, paintball, and movies.

TH E BLAC K LAW EN FO RC EMEN T OFFI CER HAS BEEN N OTO RIO US LY UN DER-RECOG NI ZED AN D Q UIETLY UN DER-UTILI ZED I N OUR BATTLE TO IN CREAS E LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCOUNTABI L I TY SHUNNON THOMAS

CA/HI NAACP CRIMINAL JUSTICE CHAIR

CRIMINAL JUSTICE THE LEGACY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BREAKOUT SESSION #2A OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 2:20 PM The Criminal Justice workshop will focus on those individuals and others who pushed passed the media-created intimidation to accept the honor of protecting their community. Many of the largest police departments struggle to employ and retain Black officers, and policing experts have attributed at least some of that gap to the generational systemic violence against black men and women at the hands of the police. Despite the ability and desire to serve their community as law enforcement officers some find the association with the historical victimization of their community distasteful and choose to serve in other ways.

BRADLEY C. GAGE The Law Offices of Goldberg & Gage Mr. Gage is a partner in Goldberg & Gage located in Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA. In his 36 years as a lawyer, Mr. Gage has been listed 9 times as one of the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers IN THE United Stated. He was nominated six times as Trial Lawyer of the Year and has received numerous

CHIEF CECIL RHAMBO Los Angeles World Airport Police

accolades. Mr. Gage has represented numerous police officers. His $10.4 million verdict against the South Gate Police Department in 2007 on behalf of police officers who were victims of discrimination and harassment was reportedly the largest award at the time. Some of Mr. Gage’s other notable

Cecil Rhambo is a longtime public servant and 33-year public safety veteran who currently serves at

cases include representing the family of Christopher Wallace known as Notorious BIG against the

the Chief of Airport Police at LAX. As a Sergeant, Rhambo was assigned to Internal Affairs Bureau

LAPD, representing over 200 LAPD police officers in aThank class action claiming racial discrimina-

where he assisted in the formation of the Shooting and Force Response Team in the wake of the

tion, and representing 106 African American’s in a class action racial profiling case along with attor-

Rodney King beating, the first time the unit began extensively reviewing reports of excessive force,

ney Benjamin Crump against the Beverly Hills Police Department. Mr. Gage is a proud member of the

including creating a database where the misconduct records of officers would be tracked as an “ear-

Antelope Valley NAACP.

ly warning” system. In 2000, after the city of Compton voted to disband its police department, Cecil was assigned to be the Captain of Compton’s Sheriff patrol contract, returning to the community he’s from. In his three years in this role, Rhambo focused on community policing in the worst-hit com-

JORDAN WALKER

munities, which resulted in a dramatic reduction in crime, gang activity, and traffic fatalities. After

Incoming National Youth Board Member, Region I

leaving the City of Compton, Rhambo was asked to start the Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Bureau, which focused on suppressing violent crime, combatting homelessness, parking enforcement, quality of life programs, youth programs, the mental health response teams that partnered a deputy with psych clinicians county-wide, and the Crisis or Hostage Negotiations Team which responds to high level crisis events like SWAT responses or suicidal barricades. Later, when the Sheriff’s Department came under fire from the ACLU and the FBI for prisoner abuse, Rhambo took on his boss, then-Sheriff Lee Baca, and other people in leadership. Rhambo urged Baca to fully comply with the FBI, but was ignored. Rhambo eventually testified against the LASD’s corruption, resulting in the imprisonment of Baca and 11 deputies. As Chief of Airport Police, Rhambo currently leads the nation’s largest dedicated airport public safety force.

Jordan Walker resides in Stockton, CA, with his parents Tivoli Walker and Richard Walker. He has two siblings: a brother and a sister. Jordan is a Junior at Lincoln High School, where he is a member of the marching band, and serves on the Student Help Committee. His extracurricular activities are extensive, as he is the Vice President of the NAACP Stockton Youth Council, a member of the CA/HI NAACP Executive Committee, Youth Leader at NAACP Lobby Day; and volunteers at homeless shelters and Haven of Peace in Stockton, CA. Jordan loves robotics, and also enjoys creating them.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

CA/HI NAACP ON YOUR

34 ANNUAL STATE TH

CONVENTION

THE POLITICS OF ELECTIONS LESSONS LEARNED AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE BREAKOUT SESSION #2B OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 2:20 PM The November 2020 and Georgia runoff elections this past January will be remembered as watershed events that changed the course of our country’s governing leadership and philosophy. Black voters turned out in massive numbers in key battleground states – especially Georgia, where they shocked the nation by turning the state Blue, changing the course of history and shifting the balance of power in Washington, D.C. This reality has triggered a wave of reactions, from the storming of the nation’s Capitol Building to the onslaught of voter suppression legislation at the state level. These events point to one conclusion – they do not want us to vote. Join us as we explore what it means to build and maintain political power through all things voting.

ELIHU HARRIS Mioderator | Co- Chair, Political Action Committee, NAACP Elihu Mason Harris is a private attorney and represents clients in education, recycling, manufacturing, housing development, and automobile repair. He is also a member of the Trustees at Patten University, National Commission on Uniform State Laws, and Executive Committee of the California State NAACP. He finished his Master’s degree in Public Administration from University California Berkeley, and completed Doctorate of Law from University California Davis. Elihu has served as Executive Director of the National Bar Association, partner in a private law practice, California Assemblyman, Mayor of Oakland, California, Member of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, Member of the State of California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, and Chancellor of Peralta Community College.

HERB WESSON II Former President of the Los Angeles City Council, Former Speaker of the CA State Assembly Herb J. Wesson, Jr. served as the President of the Los Angeles City Council from November 2011 through 2019 and represented Council District 10 from 2005 to 2020. Wesson is the first African American to hold the position of Council President in the City’s history and was re-elected three times to lead the City’s legislative body. During his tenure as Council President, Wesson presided over monumental policy initiatives making Los Angeles a better place to live, work and raise a family. Not only have local policy initiatives —which include raising the minimum wage, pension reform, the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games, and consolidating city elections to increase voter turnout— positively affected local residents, but in many cases the city’s actions have spurred state and national response and served as a model for similar policies. Wesson chaired several committees including the Ad Hoc Committee on Police Reform, Board of Referred Powers, the Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the Housing, Community, and Economic Development Committee.

He also served as the Vice Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Comprehensive Job Creation, the Vice Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on COVID-19 Recovery and Neighborhood Investment, and a member of Transportation Committee. Council President Wesson has been happily married to Fabian Wesson for more than 36 years and is the proud father of four sons- Douglas, P.J., Herb III, and Justin. Wesson is grandfather to four grandchildren- Patrick, Maileah, Tatyana, and Lincoln. When Council President Wesson is not spoiling his grandchildren, you can find him on the links with his wife. He is a graduate of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania with a BA in History.

I N CREA SI N GLY, BLA CK VOTERS HAVE DET ER M I N ED THE OUTCOME I N N ATI ON A L , STAT E A N D LO C A L ELECTI ON S. A S WE LOOK TOWA RD T H E F UT UR E , HOW DO WE A DDRESS I SSUES O F VOT ER SUPPRESSI ON, REA PPORTI ON MENT A N D S O C I A L JUSTI CE I N THE 2022 A N D 20 24 EL EC T I O N S ELIHU HARRIS

CO- CHAIR , POLITICAL ACTION COMMIT TEE , NAACP

REGINA BROWN-WILSON Executive Director, California Black Media Regina Brown Wilson is the executive director of California Black Media, a non-profit that advocates for Blackowned media outlets that work to preserve Black-owned media. Wilson has a long record of ensuring that Black viewpoints remain central to all debates that shape public policy in California by using journalism and new revenue models to sustain the industry. In 2007 Wilson was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to the secretary of education’s communications team and held several posts in the administration. Wilson currently is a board commissioner for California’s 2020 Census. Before her work in government, Wilson co-founded BPC Mediaworks LLC, a media relations firm that managed The Black Voice News a weekly newspaper and handled government affairs for black-owned media outlets throughout California. Wilson is a graduate of Wilberforce University and holds a bachelor of arts degree in communications.

THE CALIFORNIA CABLE & TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION Is Honored to Sponsor the CA/HI

STATE

CONFERENCE

OF

THE

NAACP 2021 AND

LEGACY

AWARDS

CONVENTION

CABLE IS

INVESTED INNOVATIVE COMPETITIVE

THE POLITICS OF ELECTIONS LESSONS LEARNED AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE BREAKOUT SESSION #2B OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 2:20 PM The November 2020 and Georgia runoff elections this past January will be remembered as watershed events that changed the course of our country’s governing leadership and philosophy. Black voters turned out in massive numbers in key battleground states – especially Georgia, where they shocked the nation by turning the state Blue, changing the course of history and shifting the balance of power in Washington, D.C. This reality has triggered a wave of reactions, from the storming of the nation’s Capitol Building to the onslaught of voter suppression legislation at the state level. These events point to one conclusion – they do not want us to vote. Join us as we explore what it means to build and maintain political power through all things voting.

MICHAEL THOMAS Assistant Chief, Department of General Services For over three decades, Michael Thomas has served at the highest levels of California state government, including exempt appointments, Career Executive Assignments (CEAs), and senior management positions. Beginning in 1987, Mr. Thomas served as a Special Assistant to the State Controller and has served as a Deputy to the Board Member and a Deputy Chief of Staff at the California State Board of Equalization. He later served as the Assistant Chief for Special Projects in the Executive Office of the Department of General Services (DGS) and now is serving as an Assistant Chief in the Administration Division. Mr. Thomas’ most significant accomplishments throughout these years included partnering with key professional decision makers in state government, as well as Constitutional Officers and the business community to represent state agencies before the Legislature, key stakeholders, local governments, and the federal government; and to negotiate state government solutions to critical challenges facing both the public and private sectors. Michael Thomas has represented DGS and the Board of Equalization during budget hearings and in consultations with the legislature. Mr. Thomas’ assignments currently include representing DGS in the coordination of statewide California Emergency Services Functions, serving with a team of high level experts from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES). Mr. Thomas’ economic and business support assignments have included representing DGS as Business Partner Executive for the FI$CAL Project (the Financial Information System for California), a financial reporting and information technology coordination program among California state government agencies and departments. His principal responsibilities included aligning and implementing the Asset Management component of FI$CAL for DGS’ real estate, Procurement, and vehicle fleet holdings, and developing coordination strategies for an enterprise approach to the procurement component of FI$CAL. I developed a statewide taskforce with most of the counties, cities and special districts on the implementation of the State’s Unified Logistic Plan (SULP) for emergency response.

In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Michael Thomas served in a variety of senior management positions at the Department of General Services, including the Assistant Chief of the Small Business Program and the Assistant Chief for the Real Estate Services Division for Building & Property Management. In these positions, Mr. Thomas served to increase participation in the State of California Small Business Advocate Network by over 82%, and established fiscal policies to administer a $275 million budget. Michael Thomas received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Sacramento.

RODERICK D. WRIGHT, RET. Calfornia State Senate Roderick D. Wright was elected to the California State Senate in 2008, representing what was then the 25th District. He was re-elected in 2012 to the 35th, and left the Senate in 2014. Rod Wright served three terms in the California State Assembly representing the 48th Assembly District. From 1996 until 2002, he served as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce (U&C).

Senator Wright was appointed to Chair the Governmental Organization Committee, and had one of the highest percentages of bills signed by the Governor. Rod Wright was recognized for his skill as a legislator by being voted legislator of the year by the County of Los Angeles, the California Small Business Association, the Municipal Power Association, the California Probation Officers Association and the California League of Cities.

Thank you California Hawaii State Conference NAACP for your strong advocacy and leadership.

Smart Strategies. Tireless Execution.

www.bcfpublicaffairs.com

FIGHTING FOR CIVIL RIGHTS WITH TECHNOLOGY BREAKOUT SESSION #2C OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 2:20 PM In today’s ever changing news cycle, technology will continue to transform the efforts put forth by the NAACP in mobilizing and advocating for Civil Rights, each day we are at the forefront of a movement and technology is an integral part of communications and broader band awareness. We have a responsibility as an organization to be a trusted voice, now more than ever for the Black community and people of all color. In this session, learn how to align your Branch voice, messaging and efforts with those of the NAACP in the fight for Civil Rights through the use of social media, digital communications and visual assets.

YVONNE THOMAS Moderator | President, Monterey County NAACP

ALLEN BROOKS President, NAACP Merced While born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my growth as a man began while attending Grambling State University in Louisiana. This time allowed me to mix with groups with majorly different views and backgrounds. I achieved a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Communications with a background in Public Administration. In 2005, I moved to the lovely Central Valley soon after college. I fell in love with Merced the same way I fell in love with my wife….love at first sight. I remember thinking “This is a community I would be proud to raise my kids in.” Now I consider myself a native of the Valley. Now, as a citizen embedded in this community, I feel I am in a good position to serve my community. I am the current President of the local chapter of the NAACP and recently elected to serve as Board of Trustee for Merced City School District. I am dedicated to continuing the growth of the NAACP; I am committed to transparency; I will always be for the citizens of Merced, and I look forward to exceeding your expectations as your NAACP President for Merced County. Together we are making a difference!

JASMYNE ROBINSON San Diego State University Jasmyne Robinson, a senior at San Diego State University. Majoring in political science with a minor in communication, Jasmyne intends to attend law school in the Fall of 2022. Her leadership and advocacy efforts include President, NAACP San Diego State University, Student Affairs, Associated Student Government, Judicial Affairs Council representative, on SDSU campus. Lastly, Miss Robinson is a member of the nonprofit community service organization Rotaract of SDSU and was appointed to a task force conducted by the University’s Vice Presidents of Student Affairs to directly address any racism directed towards black students in the classroom.

Yvonne Thomas is a veteran journalist, media professional, and the founder and CEO of both Precision Creative Services and YGolf Magazine. She is also the President of the Monterey County NAACP. Yvonne was the first African American student at the University of Southern California to graduate with a degree in Sports Information-Broadcast Journalism in 1984. After graduating from USC, she began a 30- year career in senior management in the field of television post-production. For 13 years, she was the head of West Coast operations at the National Captioning Institute, the largest provider of closed captioning services for television and feature films in the nation. In 1999, Yvonne started her own business and is currently celebrating her 22nd year as the CEO of Precision Creative Services. Yvonne is also the founder and publisher of YGolf Magazine, an online magazine designed for the 21st century woman golfer. She has an extensive background in public speaking dating back to 1984 when she was crowned Miss West Los Angeles and then Miss Southern California. She made over 200 personal appearances throughout Southern California giving motivational speeches and in 2018, she was selected to be a featured speaker at the 10th annual USC Women’s conference.

Yvonne is an avid golfer, is a credentialed member of the PGA Tour (Professional Golf Association) media, is the current Co-Chairman of the Monterey County District Attorney’s Multi-Cultural Council, is a Monterey Peninsula College Umoja Advisory board member and serves on the Monterey Penin-

TROVON C. WILLIAMS Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, NAACP Trovon C. Williams serves as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, leading the planning, development, and implementation of all the Association’s marketing and communications strategies, branding, and public relations activities. Mr. Williams has over 14 years of experience leading award-winning marketing, communication, and brand development strategies both domestically and internationally across the technology, higher education, and government industries. Prior to joining the NAACP, Mr. Williams served as Chief Marketing Officer at Perfecta, where he led the company’s global marketing and communications efforts and brand expansion from government focus to commercial enterprise service offering. Previously, Mr. Williams served as the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the College of Southern Maryland. He has also held senior marketing and communications roles with Iridium Communications, Citrix Systems, and the Bureau of ATF. Mr. Williams was born in Alexandria, VA, and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Hampton University. He also holds an MBA from Stratford University. Mr. Williams was inducted into the Hampton University Alumni Association’s “Top 40 under 40” Alumni Society in 2017. He is a member of the Forbes Communications Council, American Marketing Association and is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

DEBRA GORE-MANN President & CEO, The Greenlining Institute Debra Gore-Mann finds gratitude in developing long term relationships, dynamic teams and shared accomplishments. As the middle child of a biracial, military, first generation immigrant family, Debra embraces the beauty and strength that lies in her differentness. With an engineering degree and an M.B.A. from Stanford (where she was the only African American woman in a class of 300 graduate students), her work has spanned across the private, public and political sectors in uplifting low opportunity communities with funding, team building and financial and people resources. Most recently, she led the San Francisco Conservation Corps, America’s first urban municipal youth corps. As Greenlining’s President and CEO, Debra guides the organization’s growth and direction and serves as the unifying voice for our multifaceted policy work, bringing her unique, intersectional perspective to bear. She works with their board to oversee the organization’s finances, management and governance and partners with their staff and board to develop programs and policy strategies to advance racial and economic justice and to strengthen ties with The Greenlining Coalition. Debra is a sports enthusiast, with a particular interest in basketball and football at all levels (AAU club teams, high school, college and professional levels). Debra, her husband, and her daughter all played NCAA Division I basketball. She currently serves on several nonprofit boards and as a managing director for the fledgling Oakland Rise professional women’s basketball team. One of Debra’s key mentors was Bill Walsh, the Hall of Fame football coach for the San Francisco 49ers.

DENISE ABDUL-RAHMAN Field Organizer, National NAACP Environmental Climate Justice Program (ECJP)

IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS BREAKOUT SESSION #2D OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 2:20 PM Following up on the environmental justice panel, this workshop will help branches understand how do we take the next advocacy step. Black and brown communities have long been overwhelmingly impacted by environmental hazards and climate change. Using racist and xenophobic tactics, governments and big polluters have targeted our neighborhoods for decades, without regard to the rising rate of impacts like respiratory disease. And today, those same respiratory conditions are only exacerbating our coronavirus risk. Across the country, communities of color are experiencing higher rates of COVID-19 cases and fatalities. This systematic example of environmental racism is literally killing us, and enough is enough. Join us as we explore in depth the impacts of environmental and climate racism and the strategies to counter them.

WARREN WHITLOCK Moderator | Manager, Office of Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Valley Water Warren S. Whitlock is the manager of Valley Water’s newly created Office of Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI). Warren, who began his tenure at Valley Water this past January, is an internationally recognized policy leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, and civil rights. In 2011, Warren was appointed as a member of the federal government’s Senior Executive Service and served as the Associate Administrator for Civil Rights with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In 2016, he was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Diversity & Leadership at the Pentagon, overseeing DEI efforts for the Army’s 1.2 million active and civilian personnel worldwide.

In these roles, Warren distinguished himself as a transformational leader with a wide range of accomplishments. A New York City native, Warren’s career encompasses a variety of senor leadership roles in local, state and federal government; academia, finance and international development. Warren holds an A.B. in English, with certifications in American Studies and African American Studies, from Princeton University. He also holds an M.S. degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Preservation and Planning, where he is a Charles Revson Fellow. Warren holds certification in D&I from Cornell University and is a lifetime member of the federal Senior Executive Association, the Association of the United States Army and the Alumni Foundation of the United States Army War College. Warren currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab.

Denise Abdul-Rahman is a Field Organizer for the National NAACP Environmental Climate Justice Program (ECJP). She holds a BS in management, MBA in healthcare management, and a health informatics designation from Indiana University School of Informatics and is a Black Women Foreign War Veteran of Desert Storm. Abdul-Rahman leads the support for building rooftop and community-owned solar, energy efficiency projects; Just Transportation and Equitable Goods Movement, models the Black Green Pipeline initiative, and provides equity and inclusion clean energy policy language that ramps minority business enterprises, fair chance, and geographic imperatives. Abdul-Rahman’s most recent honors and recognition are Community Service Award 2021, NAACP Medgar Evers Nominee 2021, Vote Solar Dr. Espanola Jackson Award 2020, Faith-Based Rev. Mozel Sanders Drum Major for Humanities Award 2020, Indiana University Robert McKinney School of Law Environmental Protector Award 2019, and the NAACP Indiana Hazel B. Hunter Award 2019. Abdul-Rahman serves the Environmental Resilience Institute Advisory Board and is the Vice President of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association Board. She has served in many other capacities, such as a Delegate to Paris COP 21 and a Delegate to Global Climate Action Summit.

KRISTEN BROWN Hawaii YCD member Ms. Kristen Brown ,19, is currently a sophomore studying at Leeward Community College on the island of Oahu. Kristen became involved with climate justice and climate activism back in 2018 when she traveled to Iceland with Ms. Jaqui Patterson amongst other youth and mentors from various states. This one event sparked Kristen passion for environmental justice for all! Since then Kristen has created tremendous change in her community! While continuing her education, Kristen works as an organic farmer, with Ma’o Organic Farms, where she grows and distributes healthy organic foods to the community carrying on her community engagement. Within the last few years Kristen has worked in fellowship with the NAACP Honolulu Chapter as the Youth Chair in hopes to allow other youth similar opportunities she has received! Kristen has since stepped down as Youth Chair to focus on school. However, her work with the NAACP never stopped! Kristen continues her Climate Justice Activism by continuing her education and engaging with her community about the importance of preserving and taking care go the earth. In her free time, Kristen enjoys creating pieces on the potters wheel, reading, and going to the beach!

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER. At Kaiser Permanente, we don’t see health as an industry. We see it as a cause. And one that we very much believe in. During this extraordinary time we are especially thankful to the heroism of our frontline workers. And, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of our outstanding care teams and individuals who deliver on the Kaiser Permanente mission each day to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We are here to help you thrive. Learn more at kp.org.

COVID-19 / MISBELIEFS, VACCINES, EDUCATION IMPACT, Q&A SESSION OVERVIEW | SATURDAY, OCT 23 • 3:50 PM The goal of this panel is to hold an open discussion and dismantle the misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 and vaccinations, in order to empower our young people to be advocates in their own communities, including schools and college campuses.

D’AUNGILLIQUE JACKSON Moderator | Fresno State, Chapter President D’Aungillique Jackson is pursuing a B.A. in Sociology at Fresno State. Locally, she currently serves as the Fresno State Student Body President, a Faith in the Valley’s Community Justice Fellow, and a member of the Fresno Police Reform Implementation Team. She is a people-activator and mobilizer.

D’Aungillique is also very active within the NAACP serving as the 1st Vice President for the CA/HI State Conference Youth and College Division, an NAACP YC Civic Engagement Trainer, and the newly elected NAACP YC Region 1 Youth Works Committee member. Most recently, D’Aungillique served as the youngest commissioner on Fresno’s Police Reform Commission and led Fresno’s largest, most peaceful protest in May of 2020.

JALEEL BAKER Sacramento Youth Council Jaleel Baker is a recent graduate of Howard University, where he received a degree in both political science and economics. He is originally from Sacramento, California, and currently serves as the Sacramento NAACP Youth Council President. He is passionate about shaping equitable policy solutions for California and he has recently started his career in public policy as a California Senate Fellow. He believes his work in advancing the mission of the NAACP is where he best fulfills his leadership and advocacy goals, and he hopes to continue to create policies that truly make a difference with the NAACP.

ROMERO WESSON Oakland-Imani Youth Council Romero Wesson, from Oakland, and a graduate from Castlemont High School as Student Body President Class of 2019. Romero is currently attending Los Medanos College with a major in Business.

He is also the owner of Wesson & Partners Real Estate Investment Firm. Romero is the Associate Pastor at Exceeding & Eternal Weights of Glory Ministries located in Pittsburg, CA. He also serves as a Spiritual Advisor to many families, organizations, and community leaders across the bay area. He also serves as NAACP Oakland chapters Director of Religious Affairs. Romero’s goal is to reach and inspire youth that it doesn’t matter where you come from, all that matters is where you end up.

JASMYNE ROBINSON

RASHAWNA WILLIAMS

Member, YCD, San Diego State University

Q&A Moderator | CA HI Youth & College Division President | NextGen Graduate

Jasmyne Robinson, a senior at San Diego State University. Majoring in political science with a minor in communication, Jasmyne intends to attend law school in the Fall of 2022. Her leadership and advocacy efforts include President, NAACP San Diego State University, Student Affairs, Associated Student Government, Judicial Affairs Council representative, on SDSU campus. Lastly, Miss Robinson is a member of the nonprofit community service organization Rotaract of SDSU and was appointed to a task force conducted by the University’s Vice Presidents of Student Affairs to directly address any racism directed towards black students in the classroom.

RaShawna Williams is from Oceanside California. She became a member of the NAACP at the age of four and it was through being a member of this organization that she discovered her love of helping people. In the NAACP RaShawna has held many roles at the local and state level to include her current duty as the CA-HI State Youth & College Division President. She is a life member of the organization; she holds a bachelor’s degree from Long Beach State University and a Master’s degree from UCLA. Her other leadership affiliation includes Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

SUNDAY SESSIONS

SUNDAY, OCT 24 REV. LORRIE CARTER OWENS President NAACP San Mateo Branch

Rev. Lorrie Owens is currently serving her second term as president of the San Mateo Branch of the NAACP. Rev. Owens has been a long-time member of the NAACP as a past member of the Oakland Branch and also a past member and officer of the Hayward. Rev. Owens is the Assistant Pastor of His Gospel Christian Fellowship in Oakland. She is the daughter of a deacon, and in addition to her current role at His Gospel, has served as Youth Pastor, Education Pastor, and Minister of Music at various churches she has been a member of through the years. In her secular life, Rev. Owens is the Chief Technology Officer of the San Mateo County Office of Education. She is the first female and only African American to ever lead a technology division at the county level in any educational agency in the state of California. She has served on numerous boards, statewide committees and professional organizations, including the national organization Consortium for School Networks (CoSN), California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), the California Technology Steering Committee (TSC), where she was the first female and to date only African American chairperson, and California IT in Education (CITE), where she was the first African American board member, and the only African American to serve as its president. Rev. Owens has taught and mentored young Chief Technology Officers throughout the state. She is also a popular educational technology speaker about Digital Equity and Transformational Leadership topics at conferences and events throughout the nation. Rev. Owens is also a past president of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) and currently serves as a Personnel Commissioner at the Alameda County Office of Education, where she was recently unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees to a second term.

REV. DR. JAMES M. THOMAS Pastor, Living Word Community Church James Thomas moved to Southern California in 1991 and joined West Angeles Church of God in Christ. In 1992, he returned to the Midwest to marry and relocate his college sweetheart, Mona Donise. In 1993 Thomas was licensed to preach by Bishop Charles E. Blake of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, where he and his wife served for several years. Soon after, he was appointed Director of Community Relations at West Angeles Church and later became Staff Chair of the Los Angeles Ecumenical Congress, a group composed of various African-American denominations in Los Angeles.

Pastor Thomas attended Fisk University, majoring in Public Administration; he earned a BS in Political Science/Jazz Vocal Performance and an MS in Urban Affairs and Public Policy Analysis from Southern Illinois University. He attended Fuller Theological Seminary and was appointed Special Advisor to the President on diversity issues, a Benjamin Mays Scholar, and voted Who’s Who among American Theological Students. He worked as the California Regional Organizer of Bread for the World, a worldwide Christian Anti-Hunger Advocacy organization, and wrote and analyzed legislation on behalf of the poor. As Chief Operating Officer for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, he directed several programs to assist in the educational, financial, and emotional development of stakeholders living in low-income communities of color.

Pastor and First Lady Thomas and eight other parishioners founded the Living Word Community Church, where he has been the Senior Pastor for more than 18 years. In July 2000, Bishop James E. Holloway, Pastor of Solomon’s Temple, ordained Pastor Thomas. Thomas is a pastor/teacher who consistently and purposely preaches an uncompromising gospel message even in unlikely places, such as governments, universities, businesses, and nonprofit groups. His direct yet compassionate approach provides a supportive environment where men and women mutually share their struggles, frustrations, and triumphs to lead more productive spiritual, personal, and professional lives. His ministry has touched many lives, from the homeless on skid row to gang members in South LA to CEOs, celebrities, and Christian leaders. He is respected for the compelling and practical ways in which he shares biblical truth and his ability to impact the lives of both Christians and the unchurched.

Feeling led to provide Evangelical pastors with a toolkit to fight the spread of AIDS, he developed an HIV/AIDS prevention program and manual which was adopted by the State of California and is used at West Angeles, Faithful Central, Crenshaw Christian Center, and churches throughout California.

In addition, he and his wife founded African Americans for Quality Education, a support group composed of teachers, professors, admission directors, and parents to promote successful high school and college matriculation, which later became the Culturally Based Algebra Camp. As a consultant, he reduced the predatory practices of payday loans and helped expand USC Credit Union’s service area to include those who worship in Los Angeles County. In addition, Thomas produced a gospel CD that has received airplay in significant gospel markets and was featured on First Lady Maria Striver’s television broadcast “Maria’s Best Places to Visit in California.”

Thomas believes the church ensures a world without racism where justice, peace, and righteousness are the impetus for community transformation and economic development. With this in mind, Thomas committed four years of study at the University of Southern California’s Sol Price of Policy, Planning, and Development and earned a Doctorate that has enabled him to lay the groundwork for establishing faith-based solutions to complex social problems. In the fields of public administration and nonprofit management, his academic work is inherently interdisciplinary and strives to be theologically sound, theoretically rigorous, and grounded in end-use applications for practitioners by integrating and utilizing literature across disciplines and theoretical boundaries. His graduate work serves as a blueprint for developing a practical understanding of how Christian participation with nonprofit organizations, government, and business can build civic capacity, foster equitable partnerships, and stimulate development for low-income communities.

Thomas is a professor of Pan African Studies at California State University Los Angeles and teaches Racial Inequality, the Constitution and Government, Activism and Emotion, Critical Race Theory, and African American Religion. He is an Executive Board member of the California Faculty Association. In addition, he Co-founded Clergy for Black Lives and serves as President of the San Fernando Valley NAACP. He and Mona are the proud parents of three wonderful sons, James Matthew II, Isaiah Jamaal, Joshua Wayne, and one beautiful daughter, Imani Nakai.

Rev. Owens is the wife of Rev. Dr. Robert Owens, the senior pastor of His Gospel and retired bank vice president. She is also the proud mother/grandmother of two adult grandsons that she and her husband raised. One is a current student at UC Santa Cruz and the other is a minister, UC Santa Cruz graduate, and graduate student in the School of Education at UC Berkeley.

MORANDON HENRY National Youth Board Member, Region I Morandon A. Henry serves as a voice of strength for a generation of young people in his community and beyond. With a unique ability to both influence and inspire change. In the NAACP, he has fulfilled several roles on the local, state, and national levels. He is currently a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, where he serves as Vice-Chair of the NAACP Image Awards, Education, and Political Action & Legislative Committee.

Henry has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the NAACP Gloster B Current National Youth Leadership Award, the City of Berkeley Mayor’s Award (2009, 2012). Most recently, he was awarded the 2019 Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Whole Truth 40 Under 40 Award. A native of Berkeley, California, Morandon graduated from Oral Roberts University with a BA in political science and a double minor in prelaw and humanities. Morandon currently resides in Washington DC, working at Everytown for Gun Safety on the Federal/ Movement Building Team. Prior to joining Everytown, Morandon was Special Projects Assistant at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He managed the intern/fellowship program and oversaw ongoing projects in the Operations/Political department. During the 2020 General Election, he was the Mobilization Coordinator. He launched the DCCC Virtual Action Center, where over 100,000 Americans volunteered to contact voters in Red to Blue districts.

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL HERANA

ABOUT THE NAACP Founded in 1909 in response to violence against black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, and well over 2m activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

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