The African American Heritage Committee (AAHC) hosted its highly anticipated 35th Annual Student Scholarship Awards Luncheon this month in honor of Black History Month. This year's theme, "Our Labor Has Not Been in Vain," highlighted the significance of the occasion. The event brought together current and retired staff members who proudly presented scholarships to students while celebrating the achievements of African Americans.

At the luncheon, keynote speaker, PVJobs Founder and Board Member Brad Carson, shared an empowering message, providing a historical overview of African American contributions to the labor force and unions in the U.S. The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts’ (LACHSA) jazz band, LACHSA Blue Note Combo, entertained the audience with beautiful tunes. The Iseiri Isanigu Cultural Dance Group delivered an exciting performance, presenting traditional dances of the Garifuna people, who are part of the African diaspora in Belize. 
 

2025 AAHC Scholarship Recipients:

From LACHSA:

• Annelise McDaniel
• Amirah Thomas

From JCS:

• Paige
• Chajai
• Jason
• Sanai
• Loyd
• Hayley
• Jayeon

The winner of the $1000 Jim and Ethel Johnson scholarship was Dayshane.

“We deeply appreciate the African American Heritage Committee's unwavering support of our at-promise youth. These scholarships empower our students to boldly pursue their career or college dreams, knowing they have a dedicated community rooting for them,” said Dr. Erin M. Simon, Los Angeles County Office of Education Associate Superintendent.

Sanai, the new student board member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, attended the event and was also one of our celebrated scholarship recipients.

"As one of the original members of the AAHC, it has been both an honor and a privilege to continue serving our LACOE students and community for the past 35 years. Throughout this journey, we have proudly shared our culture and contributions, and we deeply appreciate the unwavering love, dedication and support we've received. This enduring support fuels our commitment. It truly takes a village. Thank you all,” said LACOE retiree, Cheri Epps.

About LACOE's African American Heritage Committee (AAHC)

The AAHC was founded in 1989 by Ethel Johnson, a former LACOE employee, along with several other African American LACOE employees. Ethel and her husband, Jim, who was not a LACOE employee but committed supporter, dedicated countless hours to the committee and supported AAHC activities. In their honor, their children founded the Jim and Ethel Johnson Scholarship Foundation following Ethel’s passing. Their daughter Kelcie White, a current LACOE employee, is a member of the AAHC and continues to carry on the legacy of scholarship and service that her parents established.

The scholarship sponsors of the event were the California Credit Union, SEIU Local 99, retirees and the Jim and Ethel Johnson Foundation.