Trailblazers 2023

A message from our Executive Director

NeFesha Ruth Yisra'el

At the beginning of the summer of 2022, Gregory Melancon, the AAHCM Board Chair at the time, had a meet-up called a "chat with the chair." I had a friend in attendance by the name of Henry Ellard Jr., and after that meeting, he informed me that he would be working on painting the walls of the gallery space in the museum to prepare for Juneteenth. I decided to join him in this work. I entered the museum for the first time in June of 2022. I had lived in Fresno for three and a half years but had yet to interact with the museum. I had been developing community gardens with ALTA Fresno and Royal Roots. I invested my time in agriculture, farming, community development, and biblical studies. Still, I knew it was time to return to the arts and cultural development in a meaningful way.

I was hungry for a sense of community and a culturally specific institution I could call home. You see, I am a mosaic artist. I take broken shards and fragmented pieces and create masterpieces.

When I first began making mosaics, I felt like the Most High was metaphorically speaking to me, telling me that He would take my brokenness and create a masterpiece that would point the world back to him. Since then, I have seen His light shine in the darkness.

I spent the summer of 2022 exploring the museum. I had become a member of The Links Incorporated, and it felt ordained when I stepped into The Links Library and the Board room that honors the Links. Each time I walk through the museum, I acknowledge the work done within our community and those that blazed the trail I walk upon today. I give thanks.

During the summer of 2022, Gregory Melancon became a mentor and friend of mine. He showed me the ropes and worked to get me in the place and position I am in today. Gregory brought me joy, and I was so hopeful about the future of the museum. I will forever be thankful to him for seeing me and making it possible for me to stand before you all today as the Executive Director of the African American Museum. I remember when I came before the board to speak about the possibility of becoming the E.D. I was more excited than nervous. Thank you to our Board of Directors for seeing and choosing me to stand in this position.

I was born for this role and am ready to fulfill my purpose boldly and fearlessly. When God places you in a position, there is nothing to fear. Everything that I do not know, I will learn. Everything that I can not do, someone will come to support my efforts. Whenever I need assistance, divine assistance will appear. And whenever I feel doubt, I remember the dream placed in my heart. Life is all about hope and possibility. Therefore, we must continue to answer the question, "Are we ready to truly be the change we wish to see in the world?"

I know I am ready. I want to be that change. Will you walk with me into a Brand New Day of change?

Alone we go fast. Together we go far.

-NeFesha African-American Historical & Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley Email: aahcmsjv@gmail.com Phone: 559-544-1857

Website: www.aahcmsjv.org Address: 1857 Fulton St., Fresno,CA

The History of the African American and Cultural Museum During the early years of Fresno County's development, many Black families moved west to California, selling in the San Joaquin Valley. Among those families were farmers, sharecroppers, musicians, teachers, land owners, preachers, business owners, and professionals. Although many were educated, most were average working-class folks working two or more jobs to make ends meet. In other words, African Americans have a long and storied history of contributions to the San Joaquin Valley's development, specifically Fresno County. Unfortunately, for decades the history of African Americans went untold, even within the African American community. It was in the early 1980s that the history and the contributions of African Americans to the development of this community were first told.

In 1983 as a part of Fresno's One Hundred Year Centennial Celebration, the foundation for what would later become known as the African American Museum was first established. As a part of that Centennial Celebration, the pictorial presentation of African American history in Fresno was exhibited. The presentation was intended to demonstrate the contributions made by early African American settlers toward the growth, development, prosperity and cultural richness of Fresno County. The exhibition was so well received that those who had assembled the presentation continued to develop and show the exhibit whenever requested.

In 1988, the African American Historical Exhibit moved into its first permanent exhibit hall. The space was the Old Administration Building at Fresno City College which State Center Community College District donated. The Museum remained in that location until the building was condemned in 1989. In 1989, the Museum was incorporated as the African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley. Shortly after, the Museum moved into the building located at 1700 Tuolumne, where it remained until 1991, when the Museum relocated around the corner to 1400 Fullon Street.

During the preceding years, the Museum Board had worked diligently to find a permanent home for the Museum. In June 1993, the Museum moved into its newly purchased and renovated home at 1857 Fulton Street. The moves were made possible through the efforts of the City of Fresno, the County of Fresno, and the State Department of Parks and Recreation.

Since completing the Museum rehabilitation, the facility has been used for various artistic, cultural, and historical presentations. In addition, the building has served as a community center for numerous community groups and organizations. In addition, the African American Museum has hosted community forums, meetings, workshops, and recreational activities.

We would like to thank our Museum Volunteers!

Kaliyah Clayton Fresno State Intern Paige Maison Saturday School Art Education Volunteer Kambrya Bailey Curator and Special Assistant Audia Dixon Artist-in-Residence Swentrol Harvey Supporter of AAHCM and Park Manager Gary Robinson and Alex Burton Park Maintenance Al Fane Tree Trimming and Park Maintenance

Sign up to be a volunteer today!

Give us a call: 559-544-1857 Or submit your name on our website: www.aahcmsjv.org Or email us today: aahcmsjv@gmail.com

Congratulations to the African American Historical and Cultural Museum's

2023 Trailblazers!

State Center Community College District’s four Colleges advance higher education that enriches cultural identity and improves our quality of life.

Building Better Communities Together!

Chancellor Carole Goldsmith STATE CENTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

PROGRAM No Host Reception 6:00 PM Welcome 6:45 PM Introduction of the Mistress of Ceremony Board Vice-Chair Henry Ellard Jr. Event Welcome Brittany Jacob Invocation Black National Anthem Kina McFadden Dinner Served 7:00 PM Message from Board Chair Lynnette Brown Remembering Jack Kelley Video and Sabrina Kelley With Gratitude Rona Dixon-Ledermann Gregory Melancon The Dream Again Project Video and message from AAHCM Executive Director Award Presentation Announcements and Benediction

Congratulations to each of our Honorees!

Brenda Buckingham Brenda is the owner and CEO of Buckingham IMAGES & Buckingham Modeling.

She has owned the two businesses since 1983. I.M.A.G.E.S. is the acronym for Improving Minds, Attitudes, Grooming, Etiquette, and Self-Esteem.

In 1984, the Buckingham School of Modeling was featured in the national WOMEN business magazine, named as one of the Fresno Bee’s Top Ten Women of the Year, and Influential Women 100 by the Fresno Business Journal, and an international title of “Modeling School of the Year”. Her greatest joy was opening an agency in Europe (Amsterdam, Holland) with her brother. Brenda was the choreographer for the Emerald Debutante Ball from 1986 to 2011 as an important part of their Rites of Passage.

In 2008, Brenda joined The Links Incorporated, Fresno Chapter. Her very first activity was to produce a fashion show fundraiser for the annual Mother’s Day Luncheon. Since that time, she has been active in the chapter as a journalist, photographer, Health & Human Services Chair, Media Liaison, Sickle Cell Children’s Chair, Holiday Membership Tea Co-Chair, Financial Secretary, and Communications & Technology Chair.

Since 2008, she has donated her time to the Obama “Yes We Can” campaigns in Virginia and Tennessee and to the Stacey Abrams “March on the Polls” drives in Atlanta, Georgia. Adding to her achievements, in June 2019, Brenda received an outstanding leadership award from Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).

Brenda was the first Director of the African-American Historical and Cultural Museum under Mr. Jack Kelley, Director of the Board. She is a wife, mother and grandmother, and her greatest joy is sharing her wisdom with her grandchildren.

Dr. Arrie Smith Dr. Arrie Smith is a clinical psychologist and professor at California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University CSPP/AI, and a counselor/creator for the Fresno City College Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) Harambee Program, a strengths-based program for African American students that encourages community involvement.

Dr. Smith is nationally and locally recognized for her efforts to enhance the quality of life and empower people of African ancestry through advocacy, service delivery, and research. She is actively involved in researching the mental health, mortality patterns and suicide prevention efforts in the African American community.

A retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Dr. Smith holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology & African American Studies, a master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology & Public Administration, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Dr. Smith currently serves as president of the Fresno Chapter and California Association of Black Social Workers and Fresno City College African American Faculty & Staff Association. Dr. Smith also spearheads the Fresno City College Men of Color Mentoring Project empowering African American Males toward excellence. She is also cofounder of the Extended Opportunity Programs & Services Nickel & Nail Scholars.

Dr. Crystal Jackson Dr. Crystal Jackson has devoted her life to serving her country (US Navy) and community. She served in the US Navy in 1989 and later worked in the Department Defense until retiring in 2005. Dr. Jackson holds a master’s degree in Christian Counseling and an Ed.D. in Divinity.

Dr. Jackson is a well known advocate and philanthropist in the African-American

community. She is the president of the Kings and Tulare County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) where she has volunteered many hours of service. She is also a lifetime member of the American Legion, the Aviation Ordnance Association (AOA), Black Women for Organized Political Action (BWOPA) and FOA; a board trustee for West Hills Community College; an education committee member of the NAACP and the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC.) She is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the nonprofit “A Chance For You Too”, an organization that advocates for youth transitioning out of the foster care program by teaching them life skills to thrive and live independently. In addition to her already outstanding record of community service and advocacy, she serves as an academic advisor and professor at the Summit Bible Satellite in Visalia, CA, and a motivational speaker. Dr. Crystal Jackson is married to her devoted husband, Rodney, and has a blended family with three daughters and a son.

Honorable Anita Evans Who is Anita Dense Evans the Trailblazer? Anita is a mother of two beautiful children, Edward, and Alicia, may she rest in peace, a grandmother of 6 and great grandmother of 7. Anita is a woman that aspires to live the life that GOD has placed before her, to go and answer His call, “Go and help My people”.

Anita is a 3-year graduate of Bakersfield High School, a Student of Bakersfield College, and Cal State Bakersfield majoring in the field of Education, and a certified phlebotomist, Credentials of Ministry, Universal of Life Church, and a True Child of GOD! The past 7 years, Anita has been the first African American woman of many seats in the City of Madera.

The first African American woman to sit as a City Councilwoman, the first African American woman to sit as Mayor Pro Tem, the first African American woman to hold the position of Vice President for the League of Volunteers Auxiliary at Madera Community Hospital, the first African American woman to stand in the Pulpit of Madera Fellowship SDA Church, as Worship Leader.

This is who Anita Denise Younger Evans Is!

Honorable Kimberly Tapscott-Munson Fresno County Board of Education Trustee, Area 1 Hon. Kimberly Tapscott-Munson was elected on November 6, 2018, to the Fresno County Board of Education, Trustee for Area 1. She became the First Woman of color elected to the Board.

Kimberly is a Retired School Librarian with 20 years of outstanding service to the Fresno Unified School District. Kimberly is the CEO of KTM Consultant Services and the former Community Engagement Consultant for District Three for The City of Fresno. She continues to serve her beloved community by serving on the following Boards: Black Woman Organized for Political Action, Life-Time Member (BWOPA), California Association of Black School Educators, President (CABSE), Black American Political Association of California Member (BAPAC), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, 1st Vice-President (NAACP), Girl Scouts of Central California South, Executive Board Member (GSCCS), Fresno Stonewall Democrats, Member at Large (FSD), National Women’s Political Caucus, Member (NWPC), Fresno County Democratic Women’s Club, President 2-Terms, (FCDWC), Airport District Rotary 5230, Member.

She is the daughter of Ben & Betty Tapscott and Patti Walker-Cheek & Donald Cheek. She is the wife of Darryl Munson and the sister of Bettina, Romel & Robert. She has three daughters; Kare’a, Pridjet & Briona and three Son-In-Loves; Mario, Kebe, and Matthew. She has five grandchildren; Sapphire, Sierra, Stephon, Spencer & Hunter.

Kimberly earned a Library Certification, an A.A. in Liberal Arts, and an A.S. in Library Technology from Fresno City College. She earned her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Fresno Pacific University. She became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and joined as a Legacy Member into the Alpha Nu Omega Chapter, Oakland, CA. in the Spring of 2019.

Judge Glenda Allen-Hill Judge Allen-Hill was born In Illinois. She spent the first ten years of her life living with her parents, Theodore H. Allen Sr. and Mary Alice Allen, and her four older siblings in Maywood, a suburb of Chicago. Politics and law were a part of her early upbringing. Her father was a two-term City Councilman, and he made sure that his children were knowledgeable about the issues of the day.

Glenda Allen-Hill is a Judge of the Fresno County Superior Court, previous Deputy District attorney of Fresno County. She is the first and only African American female to serve on the Fresno County Bench.

Judge Allen-Hill began her legal career in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General Corp.

Captain Allen-Hill was stationed at Castle Air Force base, which was located in Merced County. As an Air Force Attorney she traveled the country defending military members in court-martial proceedings. She and her husband, Ronald Hill, moved to Fresno in 1988 after she was honorably discharged from the Air Force. Here they raised one amazing daughter, Dayna.

In the 33 years she has been a Fresno County Judicial Officer, she has always endeavored to bring justice, equality, and fairness to those who appear before her. Judge Allen-Hill has been inspired by all the trailblazers who paved the way, some who even lost their lives in the struggle for her to have the right to do the work she does every day, and others who lit the torch so that the rest of us could follow.

Judge Allen-Hill received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego, and her law degree from the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law.

Pastor BT Lewis Pastor Booker Taliaferro Lewis II was born in Greenville, Texas, to the parentage of the late Dr. B. T. Lewis Sr. and Betty Jean Lewis. He married Latisha K. Hardeman in 1983. Together they have two children: Booker Taliaferro Lewis III, and Shanise LaShaa Lewis.

In 1982 Pastor Lewis began a career in mainframe computing and data management with Guarantee Electronic Services Corporation, and concluded this career path in 2007 with the Dialog Corporation in Sunnyvale, CA. Pastor Lewis then fully transitioned into a full time pastoring position with the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church of Fresno CA. Pastor Lewis has built a foundation for community oriented and faith-based ministry that includes mentoring and financial assistance to residents and community organizations. He provides counseling and mediation services for individuals and groups in Southwest Fresno to foster unity and collaboration for his community at large.

Pastor Lewis has served as a board member and a member at large of Faith In Community/Faith in the Valley, Concerned Citizens of West Fresno, NAACP, BAPAC, City of Fresno Plan Advisory Committees, City of Fresno Police Reform Commission, Transformative Climate Change Outreach & Oversight Committee, Chairman for the African American Clergy Caucus of Fresno, CA., and most recently a member of the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs in the City of Fresno.

He attended the public schools of Greenville, TX, and completed his high school education at Thomas Edison High, Fresno, CA. He continued his education at California State University, Fresno and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, CA.

Professor Thomas-Whit Ellis Thomas-Whit Ellis. is a professor of Theatre Arts at California State University, Fresno and most recently served as department chair of Africana Studies.

Professor Ellis has directed dozens of plays for the University Theatre program including Native Son, Colored Girls and Carmen Jones. He also directed numerous productions throughout the region including God’s Trombones at the Central California Women’s Facility, Chowchilla. He was appointed Fulbright Scholar at the National Taiwan University where he directed the university’s first main stage production, David Henry Hwang’s Golden Child, (performed in English and Mandarin).

The first black professor of theatre at the University of Georgia and Theatre Arts at California State University, Fresno. The first black professor to present at an American college/university production at the National Theater of Nigeria and at the Van Troi Theater, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The first Black Professor to direct a major production for the Theatre Arts Department at the National Taiwan University and the first Fulbright Scholar to be assigned to the National Taiwan University.

Thomas is the only professor of Theatre to direct an all African American Musical at California State University, Fresno. The first professor of Theatre to direct a major all Latino production at California State University, Fresno. The first and only professor of Theatre to direct a major all Asian American production at California State University, Fresno.

He currently serves on the boards of The Fresno Arts Council, Valley Public TV Community Advisory, Arte Americas, the William James Association, Santa Cruz. Professor also served two stints on the African American Museum board of directors and served as board chair for 4 years.

Professor Ellis completed his bachelor of arts degree at California State University, Sacramento and his master of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.

JESSE MCDONALD JR. AWARD

Rodney Murphy

Rodney Murphy is a Fresno native from the golden Westside of the city.

Mr. Murphy is employed as a full-time Equal Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) counselor at Fresno City College and is also an adjunct professor at Fresno State. Additionally, he is registered as a Licensed Practicing Clinical Counselor Associate (LPCCA) in the State of California.

He is currently the President of “A Little Love”, a nonprofit organization in Fresno. He has served on several other boards and committees, most noticeably the Take a Stand Committee and Fresno City College’s African American Faculty and Staff Association. From 2018-2020 he was an active member of Mayor Lee Brand’s Community Policing Safety Advisory Board where he advocated for police reform in West Fresno.

Mr. Murphy’s personal experiences, attributes, and educational journey have provided him with the critical thinking skills needed to impact any individual or organization in a positive manner. To this end, he is on a mission to serve his purpose as determined by God with honor and integrity. He has vowed to always give his entire unsurpassed best effort in hope of making the community he loves a better place for all residents to live and prosper.

Mr. Murphy holds an associates degree in Business and African Studies from Fresno City College. A bachelor of Arts degree in African Studies, a bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from the prestigious Craig School of Business, and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling all from California State University, Fresno. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Psychology at Grand Canyon University.

SHINING STAR AWARD

Ryan McClarty

At the age of 24 Ryan McClarty started one of the most known Christian hip-hop record labels in central California (Christ Like Records) opening for acts such as Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, James fortune, West Morgan, No malice, Bizzle, Bryan Trejo, Social Club and many more. Throughout the years Ryan McClarty also known as KAY0 has been heavily involved in the community of Fresno CA, particularly in his work with the Fresno Police Department (FPD). He has used his music, ministry, and cultural impact to build a positive relationship with Fresno PD, creating reform, building awareness, and positive relationship between the ethnic communities and the Police Department.

After completing seminary at Angelo's Biblical Institute, Ryan served at a group home as a youth life coach for KYJO Enterprises. Ryan then became a youth mentor for the Hand in Hand organization mentoring youth in Fresno Unified School District. During that time Ryan was given the honor of serving on the panel for the PBS special Black America MLK with former Fresno Chief of Police Jerry Dyer (now Mayor of Fresno) and California Chapter President of BWOPA (Black Woman for Political Action) Dezzie Woods Jones.

Over the years Ryan has received many awards including two consecutive awards in 2017 and 2018 by the Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life organization and the Fresno Police Department for being one of the youngest and the most dedicated persons advocating for community policing and a healthy relationship between the police department and the South West district and community.

PASSING THE TORCH AWARD

Shantay Davies-Balch

I am the President and CEO of BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC), the first Community Based Organization (CBO) in the County of Fresno established to unapologetically address the Black Maternal Child Health Disparity crisis. I also serve as the Consulting Director for the COVID-19 Equity Project, African American Coalition, housed at one of the nation’s largest Community Action Agencies, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission.

In 2021, I led the launch of BLACK Doula Network (BDN)--a BWPC flagship. The BDN is a social enterprise designed to address the doula provider deficit, build the missing backbone administrative practice infrastructure needed to support and sustain doulas, and provide birthing persons with access to healthcare services demonstrated to decrease health disparities.

In 2022, I began construction on the Central Valley’s first community-centered full service women’s health clinic and freestanding alternative birthing center, with a specific mission to serve the unmet needs of Black women and babies. I am a results-driven health policy strategist dedicated to improving the lives of Californians. My work to promote a healthy citizenry is informed by my experience and expertise in healthcare operations and knowledge of patient-centered, culturally congruent best practices.

I completed my undergraduate studies in healthcare administration and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fresno Pacific University. I received my MBA with a specialty in Healthcare Administration and Hospital Management from Johns Hopkins University.

With Gratitude Thank you to Craig and Carmen Reed!

“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”

—Desmond Tutu

Thank you to Omie Cormier!

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Proverbs 31:29-31

Thank You for Your Service!

Steven and Rona Ledermann

Rona L. Dixon-Ledermann is a pioneer of African American firsts, as an advocate, and pointing the way to equality. She has a family legacy of risk-takers, changing the environment and fulfilling a vision for a different future. Ones of faith, turning dreams into reality, and such a determination that cut through barriers and obstacles. Today she lives with this strong legacy of faith, an African American Trailblazer!

As a young child, alongside her father, Joseph H. Dixon Jr., Rona was present at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s visit to Ratcliffe Stadium, in June of 1964, in Fresno, California.

Her father was instrumental in his visit, and Rona obtained his autograph and Rev. Ralph Abernathy’s. Rona's grandmother, Porter L. Dixon, was a founding board member of the African American Museum. Rona's walk and witness impacted her trailblazing journey.

During Rona's elementary school years, her father was encouraged to move his family to North Fresno. Being one of the first to integrate the area, the family dealt with racial harassment within the neighborhood and schools, including injustices by the KKK. Endurance was a generational drive, and she treasured the words of her family, "Pay attention to what is going on in the world." These events ignited the passion in Rona's heart against injustice in speech and action.

Rona was the first African American pep girl at McLane High School and one of the firsts at Fresno State. She taught camps throughout California and Nevada as a professional song leader and cheerleader. She persevered throughout her school years.

Rona continued to take risks and positions on the front lines of employment as an African American. Employed by Wells Fargo Bank in the late 1970s, she became the first African American lead teller, where she began to take more interest in training and development.

She continued to advance and took her skills to Von's Grocery Company and Home Depot, becoming a District Trainer and helping develop training programs, manuals, and videos for incoming employees and seasoned managers.

Upon marrying Steven Ledermann, she moved to Lumberton, North Carolina, where she was employed by the Public Schools of Robeson County as a Reading Specialist, teaching Exceptional Children. She advocated for students with disabilities and special needs, understanding the importance of inclusion in school activities.

Rona L. Dixon-Lederman continues to hold the torch of freedom throughout her life, lighting the path to liberty. Her "paying attention to what is going on in the world" keeps her fueled to change the environment and fulfill the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She turns dreams into reality.

Thank You for Your Service!

Gregory Melancon

Gregory Von Melancon, born and raised in Fresno, CA. Melancon attended Columbia and George Washington Carver Elementary schools, Irwin Junior High, and was an honor student at Edison High School.

Melancon's collegiate career included Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno, where he continued to be involved in various community events and fundraisers.

It was in 2004 when Melancon volunteered for the African-American Museum for one year, and after a short healing hiatus, he became the executive director in 2011.

Melancon has also been the event coordinator for the annual Trailblazers event from 2011 to 2020.

His input into the annual event has been monumental-he created the Shining Star and Passing the Torch awards to help honor those, although younger, who are continuing in the footsteps of the Trailblazers.

Due to his new residence in Los Angeles, Melancon continued his position at the African-American Museum as the curator and historian from 2014 to 2018, bringing such exhibits and events as the Red Tails, the Jazz and Blues Exhibit, The Afro Awards which highlights the accomplishments of women throughout the Valley, the Foot to Fork: The History of Soul Food exhibit by artist Charla Franklin and many more.

Melancon has always been a dedicated worker, receiving the Barack Obama National Volunteers Award of America for over 600 hours of volunteer services in one year he completed at the African-American Museum.

With so much love and appreciation, we honor you and thank you for your service, Gregory Melancon!

“The power and strength of Black America lies in our culture.”

— Thelma Golden

www.BlackFolkArt.com

We extend congratulations to the renowned African American Historical & Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley for this event, celebrating “Black History Month,” and to this evening’s distinguished and highly deserving honorees!

AAHCM BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Chair, Lynnette Brown Ms. Lynnette Brown is the only child of Leroy (rest in heaven) and Carolyn Brown. She proudly represents the Brown’s family and showcases the love and commitment they have for the community of Fresno. Lynnette has a passion for mentoring students stressing the importance of education, life skills, setting future goals, and supporting victims of Domestic Violence.

In 2008, Lynnette started her career in higher education at California State University, Fresno. There she was an Administrative Support Coordinator II, President of Black Faculty & Staff Association, first African American Chapter 309 President of CSU Employees Union, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Designee, advisor for Black Students United, and several other committees throughout her tenure until 2021. She then transitioned to Fresno Unified School District.

Lynnette is currently a Project Manager with Fresno Unified School District, department of Career Technical Education (CTE). She is a member of The National Society of Leadership & Success, and member of The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce.

Lynnette is a mother of three; LaBronze, David Jr., and Priyah; G-Mama of 4; Ezekiel, Julian, Kyree, and Isaiah (arriving in May). Lynnette holds a Bachelors in Business Administration, Masters in Business Administration, Masters in Higher Education Administration Leadership/Adult Education & Training, and a certificate in Project Management, which she received from the University of Phoenix.

Board Vice-Chair, Henry Ellard Jr. Henry Ellard Jr is a fashion designer and creative director. He has worked in the fashion industry for over 15 years, and has worked with brands such Gucci, Christian Dior, and Cartier. In addition to his work in fashion, he created Better Living Art Club, which is a kids art studio and art expression program for underprivileged youth.

Board Secretary, Brittany Jacob Brittany Jacob is a Reporter & Anchor for the Disney-owned local station in Fresno, California, ABC30 Action News. Before joining the ABC30 Action News team in September 2020, she was the Evening Weekend Anchor, Bureau Chief, and Reporter for CBS in a Missouri market. While at KFVS-TV, the station was awarded the 2020 Edward R. Murrow Award for “Overall Excellence".

Brittany has a passion for people. She meets no stranger. Brittany loves theatre, cooking, traveling domestically and abroad, and experiencing new cultures and foods. When Brittany is not working, she enjoys exploring California, especially the wonderful wineries, and spending time with friends and family.

Brittany is a proud graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC. She grew up in Houston, Texas. She is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and a member of the San Joaquin Valley Alumnae Chapter (SJVA) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Board Treasurer, Sabrina Kelley Sabrina Kelley, MPH, is the Vice President of External Relations at Community Vision Capital and Consulting. She is an advocacy strategist and community relations expert and brings more than a decade of experience in strategic partnership development, philanthropy, equitable/asset-based community development, and communications to her role as treasurer of the board of the African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley.

She serves on the Board of Directors for United Way Fresno-Madera, Fresno Metro Ministry, and the Southwest Fresno Development Corporation. She also serves under three mayoral appointments: Board of Commissioners for the Fresno Housing Authority, the City of Fresno’s Transformative Climate Communities Operations and Oversight Committee, and Mayor Dyers’ One Fresno Advisory Committee, which focuses on building diversity, equity, and inclusion in the City.

Sabrina is Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Fellow.

She is an alumna of California State University, Fresno, holds a Master of Public Health, a B.A. in Journalism, and a B.A. in English Arts and Letters.

Board Member, Charles Francis Charles Francis is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Charles has a master's degree in urban and regional planning and worked with the city of Fresno in the Planning Department. After that, he went over into employment and training area and ran the Fresno City College Training Institute for 20 years.

Charles Francis was born in Kingston, Jamaica and served our country in the United States Navy from 1960-1964. Charles has served as a Board Member of the Central Valley YMCA and has been a member of the Men's West Fresno Tennis Foundation.

Board Member, Del R. Hornbuckle Del R. Hornbuckle is the current Dean of Library Services at California State University, Fresno. However, she has been recently appointed as the new Executive Director of University Libraries at Howard University in Washington, DC. She is the former Library Director at Lasell College (now University) in Newton, Massachusetts. She also served as Director of Information Services at Harvard Business School’s Baker Library-Bloomberg Center.

She completed her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University (Political Science and a minor in Economics) and earned her Masters in Library & Information Science from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Her current research interests include legacy practices in academic libraries and higher education and organizational development in academic libraries.

A bibliophile and cinephile since childhood, she is also her family’s unofficial genealogist, an advocate of public libraries and a lover and designer of miniatures (houses and furniture); a global traveler, a fur mom and loves spending time with her rescue wild bunch and her wife, Tonya.

Board Member, Dr. Lataria Hall Dr. Lataria Hall is a first-generation scholar/practitioner from the Central Valley with over 16 years as a professional in higher education. Dr. Hall currently serves as the Vice President of Student Services at Fresno City College.

Dr. Hall also serves as the Past President of the California Chief Student Services Officer Association (CSSO), where she contributes to policy changes and new procedures that work to equitize students’ rights.

Dr. Hall holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Social Work and a Master of Science (MS) in Rehabilitation from California State University, Fresno. She completed her post graduate work at Northcentral University, where she earned a Doctorate degree in Education with an emphasis in Exceptional Learning.

Board Member, Dr. Carolyn Drake Carol Drake was born in Orville, Ohio. She received her nursing diploma from Idabelle Firestone Nursing School in Akron, Ohio. She received her BSN and MSN from CSUF and her doctorate of Organizational Leadership from USC. In California she has worked at UMC as Med. Surg nurse, a Public Health Nurse for the County of Fresno and a nursing instructor and Nursing Director /Dean of Health Sciences at Fresno City College.

She recognized a need to increase more underrepresented students into the program and she along with other concerned Registered Nurses formed the Central Valley Black Nurses Association (CVBNA). She was also one of the Charter Members of Delta Sigma Theta Inc a community service organization. Dr Drake has received many accolades and awards over the years. She received the Rosa Park Award from CSUF, Top Ten Professional Women, Nurse of the year in Nursing Administration, Wall of Honor for State Center Community College District SCCCD,as well as Wall of Honor in Nursing from CSUF, and Trailblazer Award from the African American.

Although retired she is active in community organizations. She currently is the Director of the Phlebotomy program at The AGape College of Business and Science.

She is president of Health Education Association, a health education consulting group.

Community Vision Capital & Consulting congratulates the African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley for 37 years of service to the community. We honor and support Jack Kelley's vision to tell the story of the contributions of African Americans to the culture and history of the San Joaquin Valley.

The Black National Anthem

By James Weldon Johnson

Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory won.

African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Jaoquin Valley