Cathy Adams, President and CEO of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, was honored with the Aubry Stone Outstanding Business Award at the California African American Chamber of Commerce’s Gwen Moore Legislative Reception in Sacramento on May 7. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey. Img source: www.postnewsgroup.com
May 17, 2024 Story by: Editor
The California African American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC), in collaboration with the California African American Action Fund, held its annual “Honorable Gwen Moore California Legislative Reception” on May 7 at the Sutter Club in downtown Sacramento.
The event drew a distinguished crowd, including business leaders, state officials, and both former and current lawmakers. Among the notable attendees were members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). The keynote address was delivered by former Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, 90. Former state Sen. Roderick Wright and CAACC Executive Director Timothy Alan Simon served as the event’s emcees.
“The California African American Chamber of Commerce and the California African American Action Fund represent the African American economy of the fourth largest economy of the world,” Simon stated during his introduction. “Tonight, let’s have some fun. We are going to learn how to acquire more power, more financial funding, and more access. We’re opening up those doors to you.”
The reception featured an award ceremony recognizing individuals for their achievements, innovative ideas, leadership, business acumen, and political contributions.
Civil Rights Activist Danny Bakewell Jr., President of the Bakewell Company and Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Sentinel, received the CAACC Media and Communications Award.
Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Chair of the CLBC, was honored with the Gwen Moore Legislative Impact Award. Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) was named Legislator of the Year.
“This is an absolute honor, especially given my knowledge and familiarity with Assemblymember Moore’s work,” Wilson remarked. “It’s a reminder, honor, and privilege to be in this space. This award holds profound significance for me and for those who have dedicated their lives to advancing equity, justice, and opportunities for all.”
Cathy Adams, President and CEO of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, was awarded the Aubry Stone Outstanding Business Award. The late Linda Crayton, former San Francisco City Commissioner, was posthumously honored with the Trailblazer Award.
Reflecting on Crayton’s service, Willie Brown said, “She clearly served for almost 25 years, and she was totally sensitive to the need and careful implementation within the framework of all the rules that had been established. She made a difference for many.”
Additional honorees included John Reynolds of the California Public Utilities Commission, who received the Distinguished Service Award; Hon. Heather Hutt, Councilmember for the City of Los Angeles, representing Council District 10, who was recognized with the Distinguished Service in the African American Community Award; and Thurman White, Senior Advisor at ESO Ventures, who was given the Distinguished Recognition Award.
Special guests and awardees also included Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), CLBC Vice Chair; Dennis Thurston, Supplier Diversity Program Manager for Southern California Edison; Angela Gibson-Shaw, President of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce; and Tommy Ross of Pinnacle Strategic Group. Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA), was also in attendance at the two-hour event.
“That’s the nature of how we need to work in the world of politics and how we need to exercise authority and privilege,” Omishakin commented. Source: Postnewsgroup.com
