Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown Speaks About Honoring a Legacy that Continues to Inspires
Photo caption: (L to R back) Twillea Evans-Carthen, manager, Human Resources Programs & Employment, CSUSB (receiving the certificate for honoree Lois Carson), Dr. Milton Clark, dean, Undergraduate Studies, CSUSB, Walter Hawkins, former director of research policy and analysis, CSUSB, Sam Fellows, former adjunct professor, CSUSB, the Honorable Wilmer Amina Carter, ret., State Legislature, Dr. Jean Peacock, associate dean, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, CSUSB, Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown, 47 District, and Dr. Mildred Henry, CEO of the San Bernardino Pal Center at the Pioneer Breakfast in the Santos Manuel Student Union on Friday, March 8.
Photo by Robert A. Whitehead/CSUSB
SAN BERNARDINO -Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Pioneer Breakfast hosted by the Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association at California State University, San Bernardino. The event was held Friday, March 5 at the Santos Manuel Student Union and celebrated pioneering African Americans from the Inland Empire that have made and continue to make significant contributions to the community.
The 2013 honorees were: The Honorable Wilmer Amina Carter, retired, California State Legislature; Walter Hawkins, a founding member of the Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association and retired director of research policy and analysis at Cal State San Bernardino’s department of undergraduate studies; Dr. Jean Peacock, an alumna, founding member of the Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association and professor of psychology and former assistant dean in the university’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; Dr. Mildred Henry, the first African American to become a tenured professor at the university’s College of Education and now a professor emeritus; Lois Carson, a member of the university’s first graduating class in 1967; Sam Fellows, alumnus and adjunct professor, who holds a master’s degree in education and social work from the university; and Dr. Milton Clark, an alumnus and the first Black associate professor of English at the university, who is currently the university’s associate vice president for undergraduate studies and was recently named the university’s first chief diversity officer.
During her address she spoke about the pioneering firsts and sacrifices that were made by each of the honorees on behalf of the Black faculty, staff and student population. During the late 1970s, these individuals set the tone for equality in terms of hiring, retention and promotion within the Black faculty at Cal State San Bernardino. Among their primary duties was to promote diversity within the university.
As a group, they sought to increase Black student recruitment and improve Black student graduation rates. They also engaged the community, specifically the Black community and worked together to improve campus policies that would eventually benefit Black student recruitment.
“I was honored to be a part of this special event. I enjoyed talking about my friends and the tremendous impact they’ve made in the community, state and for some, the nation. This special recognition was well deserved,” said Assemblymember Brown.
Following her address, she acknowledged the upcoming Class of 2013 graduates and assured them that she’s working very hard to address their needs by creating an environment for job growth.
She spoke about her introduction of AB 285, a bill to improve the quality of life for residents in the 47th Assembly District and throughout the state by promoting small business growth, which will translate to job creation within some of the state’s highest unemployment areas. AB 285 was the first bill that she introduced during the 2013-2014 legislative session, signifying the importance of jobs in the district.
Contact (909) 381-3238 for more information.
Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy.
Website of Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown: http://www.asmdc.org/members/a47/.
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