Sacramento – California State Assemblyman Mike Davis invited Dr. Toni-Mokjaetji Humber to present her pictorial exhibit titled Where Black is Brown: The African Diaspora in Mexico on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., at the State Capitol.  A grand reception was held immediately following the presentation.  Dr. Humber is a Los Angeles native and Professor of Ethnic and Women Studies at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

“As we celebrate Black History Month it is important that we recognize and celebrate the countless accomplishments and contributions that African Americans have made to history and culture of the United States and California” stated Davis.  “Where Black is Brown is an exhibit designed to further the understanding of the influence and contributions of Africans in the Americas. Dr. Humber’s presentation is specifically designed to foster greater understanding among African American, Latino and Indigenous communities about their historical connections, common struggle and triumphs in their intermingled sangre (blood) that has produced beautiful and dynamic people of the Americas” added Assemblyman Davis.

Over one hundred guests attended “Where Black is Brown”. Guests included community activists, academic professors, and students’ from the Sacramento and Bay area. The Office of the Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, representing the Legislative Black Caucus, Assemblyman Joe Coto, Chairman of the Latino Caucus and Senator Gill Cedillo, Vice-Chairman of the Latino Caucus provided welcoming remarks.  Other guests included, Aubry Stone, President and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, James Shelby, President and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Urban League, Kevin McCarty, Sacramento Councilman, Alice Huffman, President of the California State Conference of the NAACP, and Betty Williams, Branch President of the Sacramento NAACP. 

“Dr. Toni Humber’s presentation revealed that we have more in common than that which divides us” stated Davis. “I support better availability and access to culturally relevant materials that reflects diversity. Dr. Humber’s work is a tribute to the historical linkages between Africans and Latinos” Davis concluded.

For more information please contact my Capitol Office at (916) 319-2048.