FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2015

The African-American Museum Valley Trailblazers kick-off of Black History Month
Community icons are honored for their unfaltering dedication to making a difference in the lives of many

(Fresno, Calif.) The African American Historical and Cultural Museum (AAHCM) hosts its
annual Black History Month Celebration Banquet to honor the unsung voices of African-Americans in
the Valley. The celebration will begin at 5PM with a no-host reception followed by dinner and dancing
at 6PM at the Golden Palace Banquet Hall on Saturday, Feb. 7th.
The Black History Month Banquet commemorates local and national black history and celebrates
black culture and contributions from throughout the Valley. AAHCM always begins the celebration by
honoring black icons from the Valley who have strived to make a difference in their communities while
surpassing roadblocks, challenges or other personal hurdles that usually interfere with ones greater
achievements.
In honoring their legacy, the term Trailblazer designates the accomplishments of a community
leader who has helped any members of the community through service and/or leadership against all
odds.
This years 2015 honorees are Donald Holley, Cal Johnson, Frank Johnson, Betty Lett, Dr.
Bruce McAlister, Ike Morris, Audrey Riley, Derek Robinson, Reuben Scott, Dr. Malik Simba, Willie
Whisenhunt, and posthumously Vernon Riggins.
Honoree awards will be followed by two recently established accolades; the Passing the Torch
Award and the Shining Star Award. This years recipient of the Passing the Torch Award is Lisa
Nichols; the award was established to honor younger Trailblazers who lead their community and are on
the path to becoming legendary trailblazers. The 2015 Shining Star Award will be received by Stephen
Semien; recipients of this award are recognized for their upstanding talents in entertainment and the
performing arts.

EVENT:

Black History Month Celebration Banquet

DATE:

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2014

TIME:

5:00PM (No-host reception)/6:00PM (Dinner Program & Dancing)

LOCATION:

Golden Palace Banquet Hall, 2625 W. Vassar Ave., Fresno, CA 93705

Tickets are $100 each and tables seat up to 10 people. There will also be a silent auction
featuring a variety of items, including African-American paintings, handcrafted pottery and an array of
gift baskets.

For media inquires, tickets or sponsorship packages call: 559-544-1857 -or- visit:
http://www.aahcmsjv.org/
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