*Los Angeles, CA — The Black Business Association (BBA), the oldest ethnic business organization in the State of California, celebrated Black History Month (aka African American Heritage Month) in grand-fashion at the Salute To Black History Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at the California African American Museum.
Guests were treated to a dinner catered by Chef Marilyn “The Queen of Soul Food,” down-home southern goodies menu and a musical performance by Urban Country Gospel Artist, Al Mac Wil.
The evening was filled with joy and political awareness as they focused on this years’ theme “African Americans and The Vote,” that marked the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment. The BBA paid homage as they honored outstanding individuals who have made contributions in the advancement of the African-American vote. Honorees included;
- John Lewis
U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, serving in his 17th term in the House and is the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation.
- Sebastian Ridley-Thomas:
The Honorable Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (Ret.) serves as the Chief Strategist of the African American Voter Registration, Education, and Participation.
- William Barber II
Member of the national board of the NAACP and has been president of the NAACP’s North Carolina state chapter. Barber has served as pastor Greenleaf Christian (Disciples of Christ) in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
- Willie Brown:
Former California State Assembly, spending 15 years as its speaker. He became mayor of San Francisco and was the first African American to hold that office.
- Adrian Dove:
President and CEO of the Kingdom Day Parade which honours the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is a former field staffer who worked under Dr. King as a Voter Registration Worker in the Deep South during the 60s.
- Dr. Amos C. Brown
President of the San Francisco branch of the NAACP and has been the pastor of the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco.
- Alice A. Huffman
President of California & Hawaii NAACP and a member of the National Board of the NAACP.
- Karen Bass
U.S. Representative for California 37th congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.
The year 2020 also marks the sesquicentennial of the Fifteenth Amendment (1870) and the right of black men to the ballot after the Civil War. The Black History Month theme, then, recognizes the struggle for voting rights among both black men and women throughout American history. It is an ongoing struggle experienced by people of color that continues into the 21st century.
About National African American Heritage Month
This February National African American Heritage Month (as amended from Black History Month). Will celebrate significant contributions that African Americans have made to our great Nation. African Americans have made contributions that stand as a testament to their resolve, resilience, and courage. Over the course of our Nation’s history, African Americans have endured egregious discrimination and bigotry. They have, nevertheless, always been determined to contribute their earnest efforts to America’s greatness. This annual observance is an opportunity to remember the challenges of our past, but also to honor countless African-American heroes who inspire us to shape our country’s future.
About The Black Business Association:
Celebrating 50 Years of service, the Black Business Association (BBA) was founded in 1970. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the oldest active ethnic business organization in the State of California, has been committed to ensuring that African American and other diverse business owners benefit from our advocacy efforts to impact, improve and implement policy that improves access to contracting and procurement opportunities with the public and private sector, in addition to providing access to financial resources. The BBA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
source:
Dr. Edna Sims, ESP Public Relations
[email protected]
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