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The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
• Thursday, June 2, 2022
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COMMUNITY SDAAMFA’S 2022
“Keepers of the Culture” Celebration By Darrel Wheeler Contributing Writer
Last Friday, May 27, the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art (SDAAMFA) honored its 2022 Keepers of the Culture recipients. The newest award winners worth special recognition were Calvin Manson, Playwright, Producer, Director, and visual artist; Alyce Smith Cooper, Ancestral Storyteller; Andre Rushing, Visual Artist and founder of the Andre Rushing Academy of Fine Arts; and Nathan East, Bassist, Vocalist, and a founding member of the contemporary jazz group, Fourplay. Ms. Jade Hindmon, co-host of KBPS Midday Edition, served as this year’s mistress of ceremonies.
SDAAMFA board member Sinai Benson shared, “This is our fourth year doing this ceremony. We do this to honor those in the community that keep our culture alive here in San Diego. It’s absolutely imperative that we recognize them. There [are] a lot of well known artists all over San Diego, but you don’t always hear of the Black artists that have made significant contributions to the community. This is our way of saying to them, ‘Thank you’, and making sure that we honor those whose shoulders we stand on.” The Quartyard on Market Street in Downtown was the place to meet and greet some of the best non -fiction storytellers and artists in town.
SD Native Serves at DoD’s Premier Communication Institution
By Alvin Plexico . Navy Office of Community Outreach
Seaman Rashan Jefferson, a native of San Diego, California, is serving at Defense Information School (DINFOS), the premier communication learning institution, vital to the success of public affairs professionals across the Department of Defense, the United States government, and international partners.
skills and values similar to those learned in San Diego.
Jefferson attended Lincoln High School and graduated in 2008. Today, Jefferson uses
Serving in the Navy means Jefferson is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding militar y readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“I grew up running track, so I learned the importance of hard work,” said Jefferson. This lesson continues to help Jefferson while serving in the military.
“The Navy helps keep the seas safe,” said Jefferson. “I’m proud of serving as a section leader inside our Navy detachment. I serve as a mediator between the students and the staff.” As Jefferson and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. “Serving in the Navy means a lot because my brother, my father and grandfathers were all in the Navy,” added Jefferson. “I’m the only female that joined, so that’s an accomplishment I’m proud of. Just to be a part of this lineage of service is an honor.” Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber Weingart. Photo: Courtesy of the Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photos: Darrel Wheeler
