On Friday, Feb. 24, Congressman Tony Cárdenaswill honor influential African American leaders during a Black History Month celebration in Pacoima.
Earlier this month, Cárdenas delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives recognizing Pacoima’s rich Black history and the stories of the unsung heroes who helped build the San Fernando Valley.
Among the leaders and organizations honored for their contributions are the Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church, Deacon Robert Winn, Janet Lavender, Patricia Austin, Crystal Jackson and the North Valley Broncos.
Established in 1942, The Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church is the first Black church founded in the San Fernando Valley. It’s located at 11066 Norris Ave. in Pacoima. The Church grew from its original six families to about 500 African American members in the 1950s and ’60s, in the then predominantly white area.
Winn is the president/CEO/co-founder of the African American Leadership Organization (AALO).He has acted as its president & CEO since the founding of the organization. Winn served in the United States Army with honor and distinction. He was inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. and marched with Congressman John Lewis across Pettus Bridge in 1965 on “Bloody Sunday.” He has been a church deacon in the San Fernando Valley for over 50 years and is an active board member on many committees and commissions. He strives to advance racial, economic and social justice in the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley, and LA County.
Lavender, the CEO of Well-Suite, founded the nonprofit organization in 1997 that has partnered with hundreds of community organizations (school districts and colleges) to provide college and career readiness support to young adults and teens. She is originally from Pacoima and has been involved in organizing events for the community and being an active member of the Pacoima Historical Society.
Austin serves as executive director of the Inter Community Council’s Alicia Broadus-Duncan Multipurpose Senior Center in Pacoima and has been a dedicated civil rights and community activist, leading a movement to desegregate lunch counters in the 1960s and ’70s.
Jackson is the president and founder of the Pacoima Historical Society. She is a hometown native of Pacoima and spent five years researching the town and interviewing dozens of current and former residents. Her acclaimed book “The Entrance: Pacoima’s Story” delves into the town’s rich history. Her award-winning film, “Pacoima Stories: Land of Dream” sheds light on Pacoima’s community.
In 1961, Pacoima Little League excluded Black and Brown people from joining their little league team, prompting a few Black fathers to form their own little league – the North Valley Broncos. Facing challenges, they joined the Bronco League, reaching the World Series in 1965. USC legend Anthony Davis made a crucial catch, propelling them to victory. Despite initial tensions, they won the West Coast Title.