By Eliz Dowdy

Gi & Associates, in conjunction with tps Creative Expressions, Inc., Benn Johnston Photography, and Kernan Videography, has produced the fourth Black History program honoring local African Americans for their contributions. In four years 106 individuals have been chronicled during the month-long celebration.

The reception for the celebration was held Saturday at the newly renovated Victor Valley/San Bernardino County Museum. The honorees received certificates of recognition from First District Supervisor Brad Mitzenfelt’s office via Garner Morris.

Lt. Col. Tony Marshall presented the “Best of our Future” recognition to DaShan Donique White Jr. The young man stepped into a volatile domestic violence situation that was being played out in a public place, and though he was wounded in the process his actions could have saved lives. He received a certificate from the Supervisor’s office, and tps Creative Expressions owner Theresa Polly-Shellcroft presented a $200.00 check to the young man.

The reception began with a welcome and update on the expansion of the celebration by the visionary who created it, Regina Weatherspoon Bell.  Colors were posted by the Air Force Jr. Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC) from the Academy of Academic Excellence Cadets under the direction of Col. (ret) George Armstrong III. Mistress of ceremonies was Mia “Mocha” Johnson, an on-air radio personality who has developed her own online streaming radio station after working for local stations for six years. Weatherspoon-Bell informed the audience of the growth in advertising the event has received. There is a digital billboard located south of Bear Valley Road on the north-bound I-15 freeway advertising the Black History celebration. Lamar Outdoor Advertising is the host. A poster and video presentation is on display at the Jerry Lewis High Desert County Government Center, located at 7th and Smoke Tree Streets in Hesperia hosted by Supervisor Brad Mitzenfelt.

A “Know Your History” segment airs on radio stations Y102FM and AM 960 Talk Radio. This segment features the Dreamers, Visionaries, and Leaders honorees narrating a moment in African American history. It is introduced by Nancy Jackson, Public Affairs Region Manager for Southern California Edison. The programs are continuous throughout the month of February.   February 11 featured a 32-page insert in the local newspaper listing all the honorees and their accomplishments and other pertinent Black History facts. This insert is placed in 200 local elementary schools so the teachers can use them for teaching purposes. It includes a centerfold of six African American women who have accomplished astounding feats in their lifetimes.

The list of honorees for 2012 are: Hon. Judge Debra Harris; Lt. Col. Tony Marshall; Dr. Eldoris Bonner; Letitia Alexander; Dr. Rebecca Washington-Berry; Candice Brackins; Ailene Cammon; Darrel Courtney; Paul Courtney; Lorrie Denson; Carlotta Diggs; Master Sergeant Art Gee; Pastors Mark and Kendra Graham; Clifton Harris; Dr. James Kyle; Paul Lane; Willie Davis Pringle. Also, high school students Tayari Kuanda III, a classical music virtuoso, a senior at Apple Valley High School, and Collin Willis, a star quarterback at Granite Hills High School in Apple Valley. Willis, a senior, has not missed one day of school from kindergarten to his senior year. Both young men are headed to college when their high school days conclude in June. Weatherspoon-Bell asked both sets of parents to stand and be recognized. One of the stereotypes of Black families is the “missing dad.” Both Mr. Kuanda and Mr. Willis were present; they are still married to their sons’ mothers. Mr. Kuanda hugged his son, and Mr. Willis was shooting footage of the moment.