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Oxnard Mayor Issues Proclamation for Black History Month and Pays Tribute
to Outstanding Individuals
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Attorney Carmen Ramírez, Councilmember; Dr. Irene G. Pinkard, Mayor Pro Tem; Musa Ra Men, President and Executive Director for Life Skills Educational and Vocational, Inc.; Dr. Thomas E. Holden, Mayor; LaRita Montgomery; Bryan A. MacDonald, Councilman; and Tim Flynn, Councilman.
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2011 Employee of the Year Martha Guillen stood proudly in front of her plaque on the wall outside of the City Council Chambers on Third Street in Oxnard. “I enjoy my job and giving back to my community,” said Guillen.
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By Peggy Hunt
OXNARD, CA --- There are many incredible African-Americans who helped change the course of history. President Barack Obama did so by being the first African/Caucasian president of the United States of America. On October 2, 1967, Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American to be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States. Other leaders include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Myrlie Evers-Williams, Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Shirley Chisholm, Danny Bakewell, Sr., and the list goes on.
Without theirs and other contributions of African-Americans, this country would not be where it is today. To reflect on the achievements and contributions of African-Americans and others, the City of Oxnard during its Tuesday, February 14 council meeting, paid special tribute to individuals and proclaimed February as Black History Month in the City of Oxnard.
The following individuals were honored and presented with plaques: Martha Gillen, Employee of the Year; Salim Rahemtulla, for dedicated service on the naval base; and Captain James J. McHugh, retiring commander, CBC U.S. Navy. “I have been in the Navy for over 20 years,” said Commander McHugh. “I am retiring as commander over the base in Port Hueneme, but not the military. It’s an honor to serve.”
Honoree Martha Guillen said, “I have worked for the City of Oxnard for eleven and a half years. I enjoy my job and giving back to my community.”
Although not an agenda item, Mayor Tom Holden read a proclamation naming February in the City of Oxnard as Black History Month. To read the full proclamation log on to: www.tricountysentry.com. “We encourage all Americans to learn and read about the contributions made to our communities by African-Americans,” said Mayor Holden.
LaRita Montgomery, assistant treasurer, 20th Century Onyx Club, and Musa Ra Men, president/executive director, Life Skills Educational and Vocational Inc., were on hand to receive proclamations from Mayor Holden.
“Thank you and it’s an honor to receive this plaque on behalf of the 20th Century Onyx Club,” said LaRita Montgomery. “This year we will hold our 48th Annual Debutante Ball on Saturday, February 25. We still have tickets.”
For Debutante Ball information, please call 805-901-3639.
“It is always a great pleasure to see the wonderful young ladies contribute and grow,” said Mayor Holden. “I wish you another successful event and I would like everyone to continue to be aware of the wonderful contributions made by African-Africans that have improved the quality of our lives and communities.”
Musa Ra Men, based out of the old Oxnard High School on 5th Street said, “I was born and raised in Oxnard. I graduated from Oxnard High School and Oxnard College. It gives me a lot of pleasure to be involved in my community and to be able to give back. We provide critical after-school services to underserved youth in Oxnard, El Rio, and Port Hueneme. Come see what we are about.”
To view additional photos from this event, click here. |
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Members of Bethel AME Women’s Ministry
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Oxnard, CA -- On Saturday, February 11, 2012 and Sunday, February 12, 2012, the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Women’s Ministry held their Annual Health Seminar & Annual Day Celebration. It was an informative, spiritual and festive affair.
The Annual Health Seminar held on Saturday was entitled “Taste of Health.” The featured speakers were: Milcah Larks, MD, Medical Oncologist at the Ventura County Medical Center; Jonathan Bill, LAc, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Specialist at the Holistic Healing Center of Ventura; Tiffany Bradley, a member of the Women’s Ministry and Wilms tumor survivor.
The program began with remarks from Stephanie Kelley, Women’s Ministry Co-Director and host of the seminar. She was followed by Dianne Travis-Teague who spoke on the occasion. Meditation was led by Tanya McMahan and Dr. Iva Jeffreys facilitated the “Getting to Know You” segment. The featured speakers followed. After lunch Esthela McKenzie, Program Coordinator, presented plaques to the speakers. The seminar closed with remarks from Denise Cox, Bethel’s First Lady.
The Annual Day Celebration worship service was held on Sunday. The theme for the service was “Doctrines of Disciplines of a Godly Woman.” The featured speaker was Deloris R. Carn, a member of Bethel and the Women’s Ministry. Carn is an active community leader, retired educator and school administrator. She brings an impressive resume to the table, one that is replete with academic achievement, professional accomplishments, complete immersion in civic affairs, numerous awards and recognition of her many deeds, and most of all, a transparent manifestation of her love for God and family. She spoke on the subject, “Mentoring for Godly Service.” Her bible text was 1 Timothy 4: 7 – 16.
Other participants in the worship service were: Stephanie Kelley – Call To Worship; Denise Cox – Morning Prayer; Dr. Iva Jeffreys – Welcome; Anique Guerrier – Scripture; Re Kenya McCree – Decalogue; Jeweline Jones – Poetic Rendition; Dianne Travis-Teague – Announcements and Acknowledgement of Visitors; Ernestine Hill – Altar Call; and Special Presentation and Remarks – Ruby Manor. Rev. Robert L. Cox, Pastor, also provided closing remarks and the benediction.
In as much as Sunday is Founder’s Day for all African Methodist Episcopal churches, the service featured a special historic reenactment of the events that led to the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in November of 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Richard Allen. His wife, Sarah Allen founded the Women’s Missionary Society. The reenactment was narrated by Maryetta McMahan. She included many bits of historical information on the AME Church as part of her narration. Rev. Cox portrayed Richard Allen and Denise Cox portrayed Sarah Allen. Church members were portrayed by Bobby Adams, Harold Childs, Al Duff, Sr., Leroy A. Gibson, Jr., and Chris Rodgers. Walace Dailey and Greg Ward portrayed the unruly church ushers. The pain of racism was clearly depicted but God’s grace and provision was even more prominent.
Women’s Ministry members are: Ruby Manor, Director, Stephanie Kelley, Co-Director, Deloris R. Carn, Denise Cox, Dianne Travis-Teague, Elsie Kelley, Erlane Hervey, Ernestine Hill, Esthella McKenzie, Freddie Grady, Inez Lanna, Dr. Iva Jeffreys, Jeanie Schneider, Marty Reynolds, Maryann Vaughner, Romona Mitchell, Rozell Gaines, Samwella King, Tanya McMahan, Tiffany Bradley and Vadrea Cooley.
To view additional photos from this event, click here.
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48 Most Intriguing Women Award |
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Oxnard Police Chief
Jeri Williams
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PHOENIX, AZ – Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams was selected from among hundreds of nominees as one of Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women. Her selection was made public on January 12, 2012.
The Arizona Centennial Legacy Project: Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women partnered with the Arizona Historical Society and the Arizona Community Foundation. The idea was conceived as part of the centennial celebration marking the year Arizona became the 48th State. These women were selected for their efforts to enhance the lives of those in Arizona and the leadership they have exhibited in their lives and careers.
Chief Williams was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and spent 22 years as a member of the Phoenix Police Department. She was an assistant chief for Phoenix PD when the opportunity to compete for the Oxnard PD chief’s job came to her attention.
“I am blessed to be chief of police in a city where the partnership between public safety and the community is so strong,” said Chief Williams. “I am very proud of the men and women at OPD who protect the residents and visitors in Oxnard… it’s a great place to be.”
Those selected include the chief presiding judge of the Phoenix municipal court; the first Republican female governor of the state; an author and founder of a leadership organization; and a children’s advocate. The women will be honored at an event in Phoenix in March and a coffee-table book, which includes their photos and biographies, is set to be published.
A special Legacy Legends category recognizing four honorees for their significant national influence and global impact includes Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.); Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano; Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (Ret.); and Grammy-winning recording artist Linda Ronstadt.
“I am honored and humbled being in the company of women who were trailblazers for others,” said Williams. “It is my hope and prayer that my efforts have made a difference in the lives of others.”
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Southern California Edison Lauds Businesses, Community Partnerships During its 10th Annual Black History Month Event in Irwindale |
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Pictured: Bill Freeman (center), owner of Freeman Alternative Resources, accepted the Diverse Business Enterprise Award from Cecil House (left), SCE’s Senior Vice President of Safety, Operations Support and Chief Procurement Officer; and Lisa Cagnolatti (right), SCE’s Vice President of Business Customer Division. Freeman Alternative Resources was recognized as a diverse supplier that has provided contract employees to SCE for more than 20 years.
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IRWINDALE, Calif. - Edison International (NYSE: EIX) subsidiary Southern California Edison (SCE) hosted its 10th Annual Black History Month celebration at its Energy Education Center in Irwindale.
This year’s event, “Connecting the Evolution of Electricity to Black History,” featured keynote speaker Blair Hamilton Taylor, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League for the past five years. Taylor has built upon his organization’s mission to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights through advocacy activities, programs and services.
In support of this year’s theme, Celebrating Business and Community Partnerships, special guest speaker Nelson Davis, president of The Making It Institute and Nelson Davis Productions, joined Taylor. Davis, a nationally recognized small business expert, shared business advice and discussed economic empowerment by highlighting keys to business success.
SCE recognized businesses and organizations that made significant contributions through resources and programs designed to uplift the communities they serve. Through recognition and acknowledgment, SCE hoped to motivate businesses and community organizations to continue their good works.
The city of Inglewood and Behavioral Health Services was honored for a long-standing partnership with SCE to employ energy solutions that help save energy and money. LeRoy Haynes Center was recognized with a Community Partnership Award for programs geared to more than 450 children with special needs relating to emotional development, autism, learning disabilities, abuse, neglect and abandonment. Freeman Alternative Resources received the Diverse Business Enterprise Award, as one of many African-American suppliers that provide service to Southern California Edison.
“At Southern California Edison, we do not simply celebrate African-American history. We embrace it by recognizing and supporting the important contributions of African-Americans,” said Lisa Cagnolatti, SCE’s vice president, Customer Service Business Unit’s Business Customer Division. “The 10th anniversary demonstrated our continued commitment to promoting the positive empowerment and influence African-American inventors, businesses and organizations have on the community. This year, we looked forward to celebrating with our customers and community partners to recognize the successes and contributions of African-Americans.”
Emcees for this year’s celebration were news anchors Chris Schauble and Michaela Pereira of KTLA5 morning news.
Founded 10 years ago by SCE employees Afarah Board and Dave Ford, the Black History Month celebration has attracted more than 3,200 business customers, nonprofit organizations, community leaders and political representatives.
The founders established the event to celebrate Black History Month with SCE employees, while recognizing the accomplishments of African-American inventors for their influences in the evolution of electricity and electrical technology. The mission now encompasses a celebration of SCE’s partnerships with its business customers, diverse suppliers and charitable organizations. Business and community partners are acknowledged for contributions to the region’s economic growth and stability, and for being energy-efficient.
SCE provided attendees with information about tools, programs and services that can help them become more energy-efficient, use less energy and reduce costs.
“Due to the business economic climate our customers are facing, we wanted them to be aware that Southern California Edison has many programs to help them save energy and money, while we acknowledged the many contributions of community-based organizations and businesses that provide much-needed support to the communities we serve,” said Cagnolatti.
For more information on African-American inventors, visit www.sce.com/inventors.
About Southern California Edison
An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.
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