February 24, 2006 - Arambula announces winners of the 2006 African-American Heritage Awards

For Immediate Release: February 24, 2006
Contact: Elliott Balch
Phone: (559) 445-5532

Assemblymember Juan Arambula (D-Fresno) has announced the winners of the 2006 African-American Heritage Awards for the 31st Assembly District. The awards were presented Thursday evening in a ceremony held at Fresno’s African-American Museum. The winners are:

Non-Profit Employee: Doreen Eley, Poverello House

Public Safety Officer: Lee Harris, Fresno Police Department

Small Business Owner: George Marcus, owner of Marcus Shopping Center

Medical: Dr. Helen Jones, FUSD Healthy School Environment Wellness Policy Committee

Legal/Justice: Jennifer L. Smith, Fresno County Deputy DA

Education: Jim Tate Hill, West Fresno School District music teacher

Community Volunteer: Rev. Floyd Harris Jr., activist and entrepreneur

Youth (under 18): William Smith, senior at Sunnyside High School

Special Tribute (2 awards): Pastor Bruce Hood, Fresno Rescue Mission, Donald E. Coleman, The Fresno Bee

“February is Black History Month, and recognizing the outstanding people who have been nominated for the African-American Heritage Awards is an important part of the celebration,” said Assemblymember Arambula . “Their work will be tomorrow’s history — and I am proud to honor them all on February 23rd.”

The awards are designed to honor those who have a made an important difference in the lives of others in the community. Forty-five nominations for awards were received from groups and individuals throughout the 31st Assembly District. For more on Black History Month in the 31st Assembly District, please see www.assembly.ca.gov/arambula/enewsletter/enewsFeb2006.htm.

###