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Vernon Burks
This honoree was described by her nominator as “a wonderful example of how ordinary people can make a difference in their communities.” Vernon Burks uses her skills in public speaking and creative outreach to highlight issues facing African American seniors in Los Angeles and bring them to the attention of service agencies, researchers, policymakers and even AARP.
Through her participation in the California Elder Care Initiative of the Association of African American Professionals, Ms. Burks was instrumental in bringing numerous agencies together last year to discuss public policy issues at the Senior City conference in LA.
She also meets with community groups serving African American seniors to help them better understand how to influence public policy -- and why doing so is important. And finally, she is a terrific bridge-builder, bringing together service providers and African American seniors who’ve been missed through traditional outreach efforts.
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Brenda Crawford
Brenda Crawford has been an advocate in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender civil rights movement for over 3 decades. Coming out as a lesbian in the early 70s, this self-described “old dyke” has a long list of community activities that demonstrate her commitment to being an advocate for LGBT communities.
Ms. Crawford played a key role in the recent signing into law of the Older Californians Equality and Protection Act, which mandates that the needs of LGBT seniors be assessed and included in all area plans within the state. She is a member of the Lesbian & Gay Issues Network of the American Society on Aging, former chair of the board of the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum, and was for 8 years the president of the East Bay Lesbian/Gay Democratic Club. In addition to all this, she is the current Chair of the Oakland Mayor’s Commission on Aging.
Ms. Crawford has been a particularly strong and effective advocate for the rights of older black lesbians to ensure their voices are heard and paid attention to in the policy arena. Her courage and commitment as an advocate make her a true Senior Leader!
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Manny Guerrero
Manny Guerrero may well get the Los Angeles County Commission on Aging’s vote for “Rookie of the Year.” In his short time on the Commission, he so impressed his fellow commissioners with his outstanding leadership abilities that he became President almost on the spot.
He has been a key presence at the Seniors on the Move events throughout the county, helping seniors better utilize public transportation options.
Recognized for his commitment and hard work, Mr. Guerrero was advanced as 1st District Lead Commissioner. His close relationships with the District Deputies and with the Board of Supervisors make him a particularly effective advocate for the health and wellbeing of seniors throughout Los Angeles County.
A lifelong volunteer, Mr. Guerrero has also shared his energy and time with the Optimists Club, the Boy Scouts, the Elk’s Club, and even the libraries. Los Angeles County is fortunate to have such a Senior Leader in their midst.
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Theresamary Johnson
The motto of the Older Women’s League – “don’t agonize, organize!” – speaks to the heart and commitment of our next honoree. Theresamary Johnson first met the two founders of the Older Women’s League – or OWL – when she was getting her degree in Women’s Studies and Community Health Education at Cal State Sacramento. She later got involved with OWL as a way of improving the lives of women and children and advocating for economic and civil rights for all.
Ms. Johnson has worked at the local, state, and national levels of OWL – serving as the local chapter president, then becoming president of OWL-California, and finally being elected to OWL’s national board.
Now the incoming president of OWL California for a second time, this ardent advocate for universal health care and other issues is a familiar face in the halls of the Sacramento and Washington DC. It is our great pleasure to honor Theresamary Johnson as a California Senior Leader.
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Joanna Kim-Selby
Never before have we had 4 different people nominate the same person for a Senior Leaders Award. But once you hear about the 20 years of volunteer service that Joanna Kim-Selby has devoted to improving the lives of California seniors, Korean immigrants, and even children in India, you’ll understand why so many people felt she deserved such recognition.
Ms. Kim-Selby has volunteered with more than 20 organizations! A delegate to the last two White House Conferences on Aging, she is on the board of both the California Commission on Aging, and OWL, and is a past president of both. Ms. Kim-Selby also has been a leader and driving force at the East Bay Korean American Senior Service Center. An immigrant herself, she coordinates programs and bilingual services to help newly arrived Koreans adjust to life in the U.S.
And in her free time, she devotes her energy and resources to St. Ambrose Church in Berkeley, setting up health clinics for seniors to receive flu shots and counseling about Medicare Part D.
Ms. Kim Selby has received a medal of honor from the president of Korea, and we are delighted that she is now receiving the California Senior Leaders Award.
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Joan Lee
Our next honoree has been called an “advocate extra-ordinaire,” and this title is reflected in her roles as convenor of the Gray Panthers of Sacramento, national Gray Panther board member, and Vice President of the Congress of California Seniors, to name but a few. Joan Lee is well known in the State Legislature, and in Washington DC, as an articulate voice for better transportation, improving Medicare Part D, and policies to help prevent elder abuse.
Returning to college to get a degree in Gerontology in her mid 50’s, she has fought for the rights of older adults on many fronts, including creating an innovative long term care program in Northern California and successfully advocating for medical schools to have required courses in gerontology.
During her close to 80 years, Ms. Lee has experienced life as a low income, single mother, and has had illnesses that inspired her to do whatever she could to alleviate such problems for others. To see a law put into place, or an injustice rectified, is highly satisfying to her…and that’s why she gives her Gray Panther growl before members of the legislature…and they listen.
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Mae Wright
Mae Wright has dedicated herself to doing something about society’s tendency to treat seniors as a kind of forgotten people. And she’s especially determined to help get policymakers and community organizations to listen to the voices of African American seniors so that their strengths, needs and interests are not forgotten.
A prime example of her commitment to such social justice lies in her tireless efforts after Hurricane Katrina. As the tragedy unfolded, Ms. Wright led a group of seniors who repeatedly contacted California legislators to find out the status of missing children and displaced families, and when they couldn’t get answers, they decided to find other ways to get help for those in the gulf.
Many African American seniors in LA soon became responsible for taking care of displaced family members. In fact, when her own organization, the Association of African American Professionals stepped in to try to get elected officials to provide assistance for seniors caring for those displaced by Katrina, they were pleased to learn that one of their own members already had this process well underway. There is now assistance for seniors caring for gulf region families, thanks in large part to Mae Wright and her commitment to social justice.
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