During Contra Costa County’s virtual, community 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Humanitarian Awards, on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, Humanitarians of the Year, Gigi Crowder and Kaia Morgan were honored. The theme of this year’s celebration was “One People, One Nation, One Dream.” (See video) (See related article)

The event featured keynote speaker, former San Ramon Mayor H. Abram Wilson, who was the City of San Ramon’s first elected African American mayor. This year’s program also featured special guest California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, a Richmond resident.

Entertainment was provided by Grown Women Dance Collective and Contra Costa School of Performing Arts with a Spoken Word performance by Samara Desmond, Seon Lettsome and Anthony Josa of “The Artist Dreams”, written by Desmond.

2022 MLK Adult Humanitarian Gigi Crowder

Congratulations to our 2022 Contra Costa County Humanitarian, Gigi Crowder, an Antioch resident. Crowder is the mother of two biological children, 30 years old twin sons, and has served as a foster mom and mentor to many more through divine interventions. Crowder served for over nine years as the Ethnic Services Manager for Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services and has worked in the Behavioral Health Care field for more than 32 years, after completing her studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

As a family member of several loved ones who have received private and public mental health services, she strongly advocates promoting culturally responsive behavioral health services for all peers and family members. She is unapologetic about addressing the needs of African Americans. Crowder became the Executive Director for NAMI Contra Costa in 2018. She is also the FaithNet Coordinator and has advanced efforts statewide to reduce mental health stigma by training Faith Leaders using the Mental Health Friendly Communities training curriculum she co-designed.

Her current focus is addressing the needs of those living with mental illness who are often criminalized for living with a medical condition. Highlights of her career include being inducted into the Alameda County Women Hall of Fame; developing programs to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with psychiatric challenges; and receiving the 2013 MHAAC Mental Health Achievement Award. She also received the 2016 Multi-Cultural Outreach Award from NAMI California and the 2020 “Making a Difference Award” from the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County. Crowder is also credited for positioning NAMI Contra Costa to win the NAMI 2021 Multicultural Outreach Award.

Crowder is being recognized for her impact and work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Contra Costa residents.

2022 MLK Student Humanitarian Kaia Morgan

Congratulations to our 2022 Contra Costa County Student Humanitarian Kaia Morgan of Pittsburg, a senior at Ygnacio Valley High School. After gaining awareness of them online, Morgan became interested in confronting social issues and quickly became passionate about addressing injustices against minorities.

In February of 2020, Morgan was inspired by a class lesson on the harm of Native mascots to use her voice to speak out against racism on a more local level, starting with the Native mascot at her high school. She started the Change the Mascot Committee at Ygnacio Valley High School that month, and as of December 2021, their mascot is now the Wolves.

She made a change.org petition and got that circulating widely in her community. Morgan spoke to the school board and she helped to organizer her peers and met with me regularly to strategize. Morgan’s efforts and those of the students and teachers she inspired along the way resulted in a new measure, passed at the School Board level, where not only did her own school’s mascot and racist imagery get the approval for the change, but a district-wide approval was granted wherein all racist and disturbing imagery and mascots throughout the entire district will now be removed and replaced with those which truly honor our students and their heritages by no longer using the oppressed as mascots or their oppressors as mascots or inspirations.

Morgan is being honored for demonstrating the determination, perseverance, and strength to create change in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She lives with her parents and two siblings. Morgan plans to attend college in the fall and study psychology.

Past Recipients of the Humanitarian of the Year Award

2021—Velma Wilson, 2020—Tamisha Torres-Walker, 2019—Reverend Donnell R. Jones, 2018—Phil Arnold, 2017—James Noe, 2016—Terri Porter, 2015—Bishop Edwina Perez-Santiago, 2014—Sister Ann Weltz, 2013—Doug Stewart, 2012—Lorrine Sain, 2011—Laura Johnson

Past Recipients of the Student Humanitarian of the Year Award

2021— Kimyatta Newby, 2020—Christina Mazzi, 2019—Yassna Ahmadi, 2018—Sienna Camille Terry, 2017—Paige Godvin, 2016—Davis Bullock, 2015—Tyler Page, 2014—Anand Kannappan, 2013—Casey Leonard, 2012—Andrew Gonzales, 2011—Mario Alvarado

About Grown Women Dance Collective

Grown Women Dance Collective, established in 2009, creates cross-cultural, intergenerational, and cross-class connections by encouraging dialogue, empowering thought and action, and building cross-racial alliances through concert dance and wellness programs. The group is comprised of retired dancers from world renowned companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. The performances challenge stereotypes and create artistic work that is relevant, accessible, and inspiring to diverse and under-resourced audiences.

About Contra Costa School of Performing Arts

The Contra Costa School of Performing Arts mission provides for an outstanding, pre-professional experience in performing arts within a college and career preparatory setting. The school believes in fostering a culture of excellence with the core values of rigor, relevance, resilience, and relationships.

About The Honorable H. Abram Wilson

Abram Wilson is married to Dr. Karen B. Wilson. They have been residents of the City of San Ramon for over thirty years. The Wilsons’ have two children, Natasha A. Wilson-Cruz, Esq., and P. Nathan Wilson, and are blessed with three grandchildren.

Wilson was instrumental in setting forth a framework to develop a disaster preparedness plan for the City of San Ramon and businesses, schools, and cities in the Tri-Valley and San Ramon Valley areas. Wilson is the 2005 recipient of the National Music Educator Association, State Legislator of the Year award for his support of music education.

Wilson is a member of the Board for the Sentinels of Freedom Organization that has helped provide services to men and women who have been disabled in Iraq with housing, employment, and transportation. Wilson is a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Wilson worked as a federal funds trader at Wells Fargo when he returned to civilian life. He was elected to the San Ramon City Council in November 1999, appointed mayor in 2002, and became the City of San Ramon’s first elected and first African American mayor in 2003. He was re-elected in 2005. Wilson was the 2005 recipient of the National Music Educator Association, State Legislator of the Year award “for his support of music education in the schools.”

Wilson is a 2007 honoree from the California Congress of Parents, Teachers, and Students for his outstanding service to children and youth. His contribution to the Honorary Service Award Program Fund provides scholarships for students and individuals to further their education.

He also received a Certificate of Support from the East Bay Leadership Foundation for “Making a difference in the lives of Bay Area Students.”

About The Honorable Tony Thurmond

Tony Thurmond was sworn in as the 28th California State Superintendent of Public Instruction on January 7, 2019.

Superintendent Thurmond is an educator, social worker, and public school parent who has served the people of California for more than ten years in elected office. Previously, he served on the Richmond City Council, West Contra Costa Unified School Board, and in the California State Assembly representing District 15.

Like many of California’s public school students, Superintendent Thurmond came from humble beginnings. His mother was an immigrant from Panama who came to San Jose, California, to be a teacher. His father was a soldier who didn’t return to his family after the Vietnam War. Thurmond met his father for the first time when he was an adult. After his mother died when he was six, Thurmond and his brother were raised by a cousin who they had never met.

Superintendent Thurmond’s family relied on public assistance programs and great public schools to get out of poverty, and public school education allowed him to attend Temple University, where he became student body president. He went on to earn dual master’s degrees in Law and Social Policy and Social Work (MSW) from Bryn Mawr College and began a career dedicated to service.

Much of Superintendent Thurmond’s social service work has focused on improving the services provided to foster youth and directing programs that provide job training to at-risk youth. He also led programs to provide help for individuals with developmental disabilities. He has 12 years of direct experience in education, teaching life skills classes, after-school programs, and career training.

Over the course of Thurmond’s tenure since being sworn in as State Superintendent, he has championed and created many historic initiatives on behalf of California’s students.

Superintendent Thurmond lives in Richmond with his two daughters, who attend local public schools. They are his inspiration and a constant reminder about the promise of our neighborhood schools and the strong future that every child deserves.

2022 Committee Members

This year’s celebration committee members were Antoine Wilson, Chair; Andi Bivens, Manny Bowlby, Lissette Davis, Jennifer S. Hopkins, Gayle Israel, T’ni Jackson, James Lyons, Vincent Manuel, Savitha Sivakumar, Susan Shiu, Chris Verdugo, Derrick West, Chris Wikler, Shannon Winston and Traci Young.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Register to help beautify city parks during “A day on, not a day off”

Every third Monday in January of each year is observed as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities!

On January 17, 2022, join the Antioch community in restoring, beautifying, and cleaning up our parks, including Antioch Community, Gentrytown Park, Prewett Family Park, and Waldie Plaza!

Registration required at activenet.active.com/antiochrecreation.

Due to the current Omicron surge, the Dr. King Celebration event scheduled to be held at Deer Valley High School’s Theater on Monday has been postponed.  Student submissions for the contest are being scored and winners will be announced next week.

It is our hope to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King during Black History Month.  More information will be shared once finalized.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.  The health and safety of our students, staff, volunteers, and guests are always our priority.

Velma Wilson, Event Organizer

 

SACRAMENTO – To fulfill their commitment made in June, the founders of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA), C.C. and Regina Yin, presented a donation of $10,000 for the Antioch Chinese History Museum and Planning Project in December. The Yin’s commitment was made during the signing ceremony of the Antioch City Council’s resolution apologizing for the city’s residents for their racism against Chinese immigrants in the late 1800’s. (See related article)

Other APAPA leaders, Henry Yin, Chair of the APAPA Bay Area Region, Marsha Golangco, Chair of the APAPA Tri-Valley Chapter, Joe Johal, National Board Member, and APAPA National Executive Director Henry Chang joined the Yin family at the APAPA National Headquarters in Sacramento on December 14, 2021, to present the donation to Antioch community leaders and elected officials.

Dwayne Eubanks, president of the Antioch Historical Museum and Hansel Ho, representing Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe also presented a certificate of appreciation to APAPA. The $10,000 donation will be used to establish a Chinese historical exhibit at the museum in Antioch.

Earlier in the year, the Antioch City Council issued a formal apology to all early Chinese immigrants and their early descendants hoping to rectify the lingering consequences of the mistreatment of Chinese immigrants that took place more than 140 years ago. Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe presented the apology and resolution to the community and supporters, including the Yins, representing APAPA. City leaders also pledged to create a Chinatown Historic District to include murals and museum exhibits to highlight the city’s vast and important Asian history and contributions.

Chinese immigrants arrived during the Gold Rush, and many were instrumental in the construction of the U.S. transcontinental railroad and building the Delta’s levee system resulting in the reclaiming of over 550,000 acres on over 50 man-made islands. While Chinese immigrants made positive contributions to California’s history during this time period, they were demonized and often mistreated. According to media reports at the time, Antioch’s Chinatown was burned to the ground and Chinese immigrants were forced to follow a county law that did not allow them to be outside after sundown.

“While the injustices of the past cannot erase Antioch’s dark history, the admission of racial wrongdoings is a critical step in healing. APAPA commends Antioch city leaders for being the first city in California to issue a formal apology to Chinese immigrants and descendants for the past discrimination and injustices,” said C.C. and Regina Yin. “The city’s pledge to build a Chinese historical district will help to educate many about our rich history and we are delighted to see this APAPA donation go toward a good cause. Our wish now is to move towards a brighter future to build a stronger state and country.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Deadline to submit nominations is January 31st

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating outstanding citizens, businesses, youth, organizations and COVID Heroes at this year’s Inaugural Gala and Recognition Dinner. This premier event will be held on Friday, March 11th at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center.

The Chamber is looking for your help with nominations so that we can recognize those that went above and beyond. There are so many citizens that stepped up during the tumultuous times that have come with the COVID-19 virus, and we want to say thank you to them.

The evening will recognize Citizen of the Year-Lifetime Achievement and Most Impact; Business of the Year – large and small; Youth of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year and we are adding a special category this year specific to COVID Heroes. It is time to celebrate and thank those members of our community that have risen to the occasion and become our heroes.

If you know of a Citizen, Business, Student or Non-Profit that you would like to recognize, please visit https://antiochchamber.com/2022-inaugural-gala-and-awards-ceremony/ to download the application that best fits and submit to our office by January 31, 2022, or download them, here:

Antioch Chamber Citizen of the Year for 2021 nom form

Antioch Chamber Business of the Year for 2021 nom form

Antioch Chamber Youth of the Year for 2021 nom form

Antioch Chamber Non-Profit of the Year for 2021 nom form

Antioch Chamber COVID Hero nom form

About the Chamber

Since 1938, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce has been providing services to local businesses to help them –and our city – succeed. The mission of the Chamber is to promote the Antioch Community, to represent and advocate for businesses with government, to help businesses to grow and to thrive through networking and educational opportunities, and to help create economic growth and jobs for our region. For more information about the Chamber, its members, and its services, visit www.antiochchamber.com.

Vigil Thursday evening

Tyrone Marshall

Sunrise August 2, 1957 – Sunset December 20, 2021

Tyrone was born to the late Dorothy and Mayweather Marshall. In 1969 he earned his Scholarship of Fine Arts from UC Berkeley. Tyrone used to work for the shipyard, loved to exercise and studied martial arts from a Bruce Lee book. In 1981 he had his first and only child, April.

Tyrone will be remembered by his daughter; April, grandchildren; Eric and Cheyenne, sisters; Renee, Denise and Monica, brothers; Lamont, Spencer and Robert. His countless loving cousins, nieces, nephews and the community.

The viewing of the body is from 11am -12 and his funeral is from 12 to 2 pm at Dan Scales Funeral home at 107 W. 8th Street in Pittsburg, CA on Friday February 7, 2022. The burial will be at Oak View Memorial Park at 2500 East 18th Street in Antioch, CA.

“And now abide; faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Now that the holiday season has ended, residents need a way to dispose of their Christmas tree. The City of Antioch and Boy Scouts of America offer Antioch residents and businesses several Christmas Treecycling options listed below.

• Drop-off Locations: Drop off unflocked trees 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday  and Sunday, Jan. 8 - 9, and Jan. 15 - 16, 2022, in the designated areas at the Prewett Family Park parking lot on Lone Tree Way and at the Antioch Marina Overflow parking lot on L Street near W. Second. Please remove tree stands before drop-off.
• Boy Scouts: The Boy Scouts will collect Christmas trees Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 8 – 9, and Jan. 15 – 16, 2022, by prearrangement ONLY. Please email the Boy Scouts at troop153treepickup@gmail.com for details about when and where to have your tree collected. Donations of $10 or $1 per foot if taller than 8 feet for unflocked trees or $20 for flocked trees, payable to “BSA”, would be appreciated.
• Green Container: Place unflocked trees in green yard waste container. Branches must be 6 inches or less in diameter and 3 feet or less in length. Cut off treetop. Remove tree stand. Lid must be closed.
• Questions? Call customer service at (925) 685-4711.

Important Reminders

• Please remove lights, ornaments, tinsel, nails and stands from trees.
• No plastic bags.
• As part of our recycling program, flocked, painted, fireproofed or artificial trees are not accepted.
• Flocked trees can be collected curbside for a fee of $40 per tree. Pickups must be scheduled in advance.  Call (925) 685-4711. If cut to fit inside with the lid closed, flocked trees may be placed in the trash container at your complex.