FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2016
The African-American Museum Valley Trailblazers to kick off Black History Month
Community icons are honored for their unfaltering dedication to making a difference in the lives of many
(Fresno, Calif.) – The African American Historical and
Cultural Museum (AAHCM) hosts its annual Black History
Month Celebration Banquet to honor the unsung voices of
African-Americans in the Valley. The celebration will begin
at 5:30PM with a no-host reception followed by dinner and
dancing at 6:30PM at the Tornino's Banquets, Inc. on
Saturday, Feb. 6th.
The Black History Month Banquet commemorates
local and national black history and celebrates black culture
and contributions from throughout the Valley. AAHCM always begins the celebration by honoring black
icons from the Valley who have strived to make a difference in their communities while surpassing
roadblocks, challenges or other personal hurdles that usually interfere with one’s greater achievements.
In honoring their legacy, the term “Trailblazer” designates the accomplishments of a community
leader who has helped any members of the community through service and/or leadership against all
odds.
This year’s 2016 Trailblazers are Lawrence Brookter, Flora Johnson, Marshall Kelley, Edna
Overall, Jimi Rodgers, Will Scott and posthumously Les Kimber, Elvey Perkins, Bishop Henry
Johnson & Marvin Howard.
Trailblazer awards will be followed by two distinguished
accolades; the Passing the Torch Award and the Shining Star Award. This
year’s recipient of the Passing the Torch Award is Tulare, CA councilman,
Vice-Mayor, and soon-to-be Tulare mayor Carlton Jones; the award was
established to honor younger Trailblazers who lead their community and
are on the path to becoming legendary trailblazers.
This year’s 2016 Shining Star Award, given to Central
Valley-grown recipients recognized for their upstanding
talents in entertainment and the performing arts, honors
multi-talented Jamie Foxx protégé, Marques Anthony.
Two more awards to be presented at the Trailblazer awards presentation includes honoring past African-
American Museum executives directors, board members or community friends who have gone above
and beyond the call of duty to help keep the vision and mission of the AAHCM alive; this year’s
honorees include former AAHCM executive director Rubi Hardamon and community friend Paul
Dictos.
EVENT: Black History Month Celebration Banquet
DATE: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016
TIME: 5:30PM (No-host reception)/6:30PM (Dinner Program & Dancing)
LOCATION: Tornino's Banquets, Inc. located at 5080 N Blackstone Ave., Fresno, CA 93710
Tickets are $100 each and tables seat up to 10 people. There will also be a silent auction
featuring a variety of items, including African-American paintings, handcrafted pottery and an array of
gift baskets.
For media inquires, tickets or sponsorship packages call: 559-544-1857 -or- visit:
http://www.aahcmsjv.org/
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