By Dianne Anderson

Somehow, tackling issues of social justice head-on always seems to carry its own special force that keeps the community in tune with what’s really important in life, like tireless service, compassion, and dedication to the cause.

Those are the words colleagues use to describe Tri-County Bulletin’s own social reporter, Jacqueline Johnson, who is being recognized this week for her many facets of public service and years of volunteerism.

The Orange County Human Relations Commission will show appreciation for six local achievers who have worked hard using their time and talents to end hatred, and create awareness within their communities.

Rusty Kennedy, executive director of the Orange County Human Relations Commission, said that Ms. Johnson was chosen for her 25 years of strong leadership in advocating for civil and human rights issues in Santa Ana.

At the Awards 39th anniversary ceremony, the commission honors local unsung heroes across several categories, with Ms. Johnson being recognized for her leadership on numerous boards and commissions.

“It’s our desire to hold up the contributions of people like Jackie Johnson, who for many many years has been an extraordinary volunteer for human and civil rights in Orange County, working in service groups, boards and commissions and nonprofit organizations,” he said,

Over the years, Ms. Johnson has served with the NAACP,  Santa Ana Human Relations Commission, Community Action  Partnership's Goodwill.  Currently, she is the vice-chair of the Community Action Partnership, Orange County, Board of Directors. She is also president of the Community Learning Center, and chairs the Orange County NAACP Political Action Committee.

Kennedy said that Ms. Johnson continues to utilize her vital role through the Tri-County Bulletin to help keep the community informed, connected and empowered.

“I think it’s very important to give the community a sense of cohesiveness and information shared between members is really a key element,” he said. “Jackie’s column is a part of that.”

Ms. Johnson, social editor of the Tri-County Bulletin, said that working with the community is what she does best, and she’s happy for the opportunity to serve the public through the media.

“Socially Speaking is about giving my community a positive spin with something as simple as wishing someone a happy birthday, an anniversary or congrats,” she said.

“I am honored to be an awardee and appreciate being recognized for being blessed to reach out and give back,” she said. “[It’s] just my way of saying thank you, and trying to make a difference by being the difference.”

Having known Ms. Johnson over the course of many years, Alan Woo says that one of her greatest contributions that she brings to the table is her ability to advocate for communities that may not have been otherwise served.

“The perspective that she brings to the table is that development of services that are inclusive and diverse in the area are the direct result of African American leadership,”said Woo, director of planning and program development for the Community Action Partnership of Orange County.  “She was part of the groups that advocated for, promoted and created awareness of the needs of other groups.”

In working with Community Action Partnership's Goodwill, he said that her close relationship with people with disabilities, showing them how to be independent and employable, all speak to her compassionate side.

“Once you give people hope and dignity of having an opportunity to better themselves, they will strive and they will achieve,” Woo said. “I think that’s the perspective that she brings when she sits on the Human Relations Commission or the Community Action Partnership Board of Directors.”