Senior Moments Recognizes Black History Month at the Linen Life Gallery

Charles P. Henry, Ph.D. – Chair
Professor, African American Studies
University of California, Berkeley

Senior Moment is proud to honor Black history month with dynamic and renowned speakers Dr. Charles P. Henry and Betty Reid Soskin. Dr. Henry is the H. Michael and Jeanne Williams Chair of African American Studies at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1994, President Clinton appointed him to the National Council on the Humanities for a six-year term. Former president of the National Council for Black Studies, Henry is the author/editor of seven books and more than 80 articles and reviews on Black politics, public policy, and human rights.

Betty Reid Soskin is a prominent African-American woman who at age 90 serves as the country’s oldest National Park Ranger in her position at Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California. Betty will speak to SM regarding her work on the Richmond’s WWII home front where Betty’s narrative explores the enormous impact of WWII on the development of wartime boomtowns such as Richmond, and also explores the experiences of being left out of the first draft of that history, of Jim Crow segregation in California, the sudden end to wartime opportunities for many women and African Americans, and the work of constructing a historical park. These dynamic speakers will provide an insight to Back history that is not to be missed.

Additionally, as a new monthly feature of SM, we will highlight a special senior in our community. February’s senior spotlight will shine on Jerri Lange, who opened the gateway which allowed minority women to enter the field of television as anchorwoman and talk show hosts.
Today, in her late 80’s, Jerri published a book “A Black Woman’s Life In The Media.” A chronicle of her life to the pinnacle of success, precipitated by road blocks and obstacles placed before her, while discussing the myriad of celebrities that graced her presence during the peak of her career. Her candid interviews with the likes of the internationally renowned such as Shirley McClain, Sammy Davis Jr., President George Bush Sr, … contributed to spiraling her career to the top.

Needless to say, Senior Moments salute to Black history will be an event you will want to attend and share with others.

Location: Linen Life Gallery, 770 East 14th Street San Leandro, California 94577
Date: February 8, 2012
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Admission is free
Complimentary breakfast served

Supported by: Carmen’s Connections