New Exhibit Celebrates African-Americans in Public Service

AAACE Officers Zenobia Howard, Toroshinia Kennedy and Debrah Champion in front of the new ERG Wall display.

The latest installation to the Employee Resource Group Wall opened Thursday: an exhibition celebrating African-Americans in public service.

The display, presented by the African-American Association of County Employees in alignment with Black History Month in February, consists of five wall panels honoring public service leaders from the local to national level. Each panel consists of a photo and short synopsis of the individual’s public service accomplishments.  

Zenobia Howard, senior human resources analyst and president of AAACE, said the individuals profiled in the new installation are trailblazers and represent many “firsts” in public service. The display includes a panel on Leon Williams, who was the first African-American to serve as a County supervisor.

“Among their diversity ‘firsts’ is proof of vision, hard work, passion, commitment to positive change and dedication to better government at every level,” Howard said.

Howard was joined by AAACE officers Debrah Champion, a human resources assistant, and Toroshinia Kennedy, with the Office of Financial Planning, in making passionate presentations.

The latest ERG Wall honors the following individuals:

Carter Woodson, father of Black History Month

Leon Williams, former San Diego County Supervisor and San Diego City Councilman

Kamala Harris, 32nd Attorney General of California

Barbara Jordan, politician and leader in the Civil Rights movement

Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States

The ERG Wall, at the Library’s administrative offices at the County Operations Center, focuses on honoring individuals for their accomplishments in diversity and inclusion. The educational display is rotated each quarter and created by the County’s eight Employee Resource Groups.

African-Americans in Public Service will be on display through March. The ERG Wall is located at 5560 Overland Ave., Room 151. Viewing hours are based 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also read: Diversity on Display at New ERG Wall