The California Legislative Black Caucus presented the Civil Rights Leadership Awards Breakfast on January 11, 2012 at the Holiday Inn in Sacramento, California. This an annual
MLK Celebration program held in Sacramento, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition to celebrating the legacy of Dr. King, several individuals were honored and acknowledged who have continued Dr. King’s commitment to work for the betterment of African Americans and others throughout the great state of California.
The morning program was vibrant and fulfilling with guests and dignitaries, entertainment, and speakers/presenters that included: Mistress of Ceremonies, Adrienne Bankert, Unity Community Choir, Pastor Ricky Currington, Prayer by Bishop Albert Galbraith, National Anthem by Marlynn Smith, Welcome by Senator Curren D. Price, Jr., Remarks by Speaker John Perez, CA State Assembly and President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Acknowledgement of Elected Officials by Assemblymember Steven Brandford, Acknowledgement of Sponsors by Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III; Introduction of Keynote Speaker by
Assemblyman Mike Davis.
Award recipients included:
Distinguished Government Service Award
Robbin Coaxum-Lewis, Chief-of-Staff, Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter, 62nd AD
Honorable Larry G. Broussard, ESQ., Chief-of-Staff, Assemblymember Sandre R. Swanson, 16th AD
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honorable Senator Teresa Hughes (Posthumous) – served in the California State Legislature for 25 years, giving her the distinction of being the woman with the longest record of service and the first woman, as well as the first African American, to serve on the Senate Rules Committee. Senator Hughes died on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at the age of 80 after a life of achievement and service.
Community Advocacy Award
California Black Health Network
Calvin Freeman, Chairman of the Board of the Directors
Darcel Lee, Executive Director
Civil Rights Leadership Award
Honorable Timothy Alan Simon, Commissioner – California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
Living Legend Award
Honorable Mervyn M. Dymally, Ph.D.
A former California Assemblyman, State Senator, Lt. Governor and U.S. Congressman, he is regarded as the God Father of African Americans politicians in California.
attendance in recognizing the extraordinary public service of awardees in honor of life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We encourage you to view the “Tribute to the Honorable Mervyn Malcolm Dymally, Ph.D.”, a documentary film by KJ Johnston and narrated by John Taylor, President of the Sacramento Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
