African Americans who have made monumental contributions to Silicon Valley have been celebrated and honored during the 9th annual Black History Month Ceremony at San Jose’s Hammer Theatre Center.
The red-carpet event started at 5 p.m. Saturday, with a vibrant reception in company of Black pioneers from classes 2015 through 2023.
Award-winning television and radio personalities Afrikahn Jahmal Dayvs (Legend Class of 2023) and Janice Edwards (Legend Class of 2019) will co-host the prestigious awards ceremony.
The Black Legend Awards Silicon Valley is a fundraiser for the ongoing advancement of the San Jose Black History Museum Silicon Valley.
The museum development has made possible by Joyner Payne Youth Services Agency, Inc., the Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, the African American Community Service Agency, the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage California, Inc. and Our Common Denominator organization.
The Class Of 2024 Inductees are:Â
Elaine Carolyn Ray is honored with the Alexander-Green News & Documentary Award, a distinction that recognizes journalists, historians, photojournalists, documentarians, editors and community people who record Black community history & events, as well as significant world events.
Brenda J. Smith-Ray and Dr. Harriett B. Arnold, (Ed.D) are awarded the Banks-Gage Education Award, who have had a significant impact on the quality of educational services for the community through their stellar careers as teachers, administrators, and/or policymakers.
Reginald Swilley is the recipient of the Clay-Williams Business & Entrepreneur Award. This honor is for business owners and entrepreneurs who founded prosperous enterprises or initiatives within the community, leveraging their achievements to uplift lives within the Black community.
Donald G. James is honored wit the Dean-Greene S.T.E.M Award for helping produce, enhance and improve today’s social network. Recipients of this award additionally played a pivotal role in groundbreaking advancements in S.T.E.M. aimed at enriching the lives of the Black community specifically.
Dr. Carol A. Somersille, (M.D.) is awarded the English-Higgins Health & Medicine Award, which recognizes doctors, nurses and health practitioners who extended healthcare services to the wider community and enriched the lives of those within the Black community.
Angela Warren and Robert Hoover are recipients of the Joyner-Stroughter Community Service Award, that honors entrepreneurs and dedicated volunteers who established or contributed to nonprofit organizations offering crucial services to improve the quality of life for individuals within the Black community.
Ron E. Beck is honored with the Piper-Whye Art/Theater/Music Award, which recognizes distinguished individuals who have had inspiring careers in art, theater, television or movies and have used their influence to enhance people’s lives in the Black community.
The Santa Clara County Black Lawyers Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. San Jose Alumnae Chapter are awarded the Community Organization Award. This accolade is bestowed upon Black organizations that have diligently served and enriched the lives of individuals within both the Black community and Silicon Valley.