February 21, 2006 > Black History Month

In observance of Black History Month, the Afro-American Cultural & Historical Society (AACHS) and the City of Newark Cultural Arts program hosted "Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social & Civic Institutions, at the Newark Community Center on Saturday, February 11. This year was tinged with a bit of sadness as those in attendance paid tribute to recently deceased heroes, Rosa Parks, Corretta Scott King and a local woman who contributed much to the community, Aurelia Jeannette Ricard.

The goal of the celebration was to "pay tribute to Black fraternal, social and civic institutions" with the caveat that, "Our children are watching and learning from our examples. It is our desire that we work more closely together, share our resources and people power and support each other in providing service to our community."

This year's Chairpersons Sam and Doris Rutland were assisted by Program Co-Chairperson Hilda Jones, Nancy Eady, President and Jean Ficklin, Founder/Treasurer AACHS as well as many other members of the organization. Also helping to make this occasion successful were City of Newark, Newark Community Center Staff, especially Sheila, Councilmember Ana Apodaca (Newark), Councilmember Steve Cho (Fremont) Bethel Baptist Church of Union kCity, Newark Chamber of Commerce, Channel 27, The Lopez Family, E. Chaney & Scholastic Book Co., San Mateo County Transit, Rosemary Alexander, Joe Green, Arnold "Ric" Ricard, Malik Ricard, Tony & Sherron Parker, Adewole Community Group, Inc., Luna de Unidos, Manuel Perez and Alice Lopez.