Dr. Kevin Johnson of the Department of Communication Studies is Given the NAACP's President’s Award

On Saturday, October 15^th, the Long Beach Branch of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) honored individuals and corporations at its annual Founders Celebration Dinner and Awards Presentation. The event was held at The Westin Long Beach.

Among those receiving awards, Dr. Kevin Johnson of CSULB’s Department of Communication Studies was given the President’s Award. In addition, Dr. Johnson was honored with the following: a Certificate of Special U.S. Congressional Recognition (Rep. Laura Richardson), two California State Senate Certifications of Recognition (Senator Alan Lowenthal and Senator Roderick Wright), a California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition (Assembly member Bonnie Lowenthal), a County of Los Angeles Commendation Certificate (Supervisor Don Knabe), and three City of Long Beach Certificates of Recognition (Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal and Council members Dee Andrews and Steven Neal).

The NAACP recognized people in the areas of education, health, the arts, inspiration, and volunteerism. According to NAACP Long Beach Branch president Naomi Rainey, honorees were chosen for carrying out work that honors the mission, objectives, and vision of the NAACP in their various workplaces and communities. “Thirty-two years ago, the NAACP decided they would honor local people from the community who have made contributions,” Rainey explained. “The purpose of this event is not only to raise awareness about the works of the NAACP, but to recognize people in the community and surrounding communities for their works for civil rights and for breaking barriers.”

The money raised by the event supports numerous community programs, such as the Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO Program), the Leadership Academy, and many more.

Written by Cortney Smethurst