April 01, 2021

LAWT News Service

 

It is with great regret that we inform you that Dr. Felton Williams, the founding president of the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (AACCLB) has announced his resignation from our board of directors on the advice of his doctor effective March 3rd, 2021.

Dr. Williams has been a dedicated Long Beach community leader for well over half a century serving in various capacities. His 16 year term as board member and president in the Long Beach Unified School District, capped a superlative career in public service, including a tenure as president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in San Pedro.

Councilman Al Austin shared, "Our community is fortunate to have had Dr. Felton Williams lending his time and experience during the formative stages of the African American Cultural Center.  His contributions are deeply appreciated."

ACCLB Vice President, Tasha W. Hunter, will serve as interim president of the board of directors for the organization.  Hunter comes to the office with an extensive background in local leadership. 

Currently she is Executive Director for Uptown Business Improvement District and Lecturer in the College of the Arts at CSULB. Hunter has served in Board positions on several Community Arts and Business Organizations, including as two-term President of the Long Beach Arts Council and was appointed by Mayor Robert Garcia to the Cultural Heritage Commission in 2018.  She worked with the City of Long Beach which sponsored AACCLB’s initial Visioning Process.

Ms. Hunter commented, “Dr. Williams provided strong foundational leadership while serving as president of the AACCLB.  We will continue progress towards reaching our mission objectives knowing that Dr. Williams will always be a part of our legacy.”

Mayor Robert Garcia stated, “Dr. Williams has done great work across our city for many years, and especially for the establishment of the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach. Health always comes first and I completely understand, and support him in his decision. I have full confidence in the AACCLB board and know that interim president Tasha Hunter will lead the board’s efforts well in the weeks and months ahead.”

The AACCLB is now a fully certified 501(c)3 and working from an interim location in Central Long Beach.  The organization has also successfully secured funding for several community projects in the Long Beach area, and is conducting monthly forums and outreach to the Long Beach Community.  Its first curated Historical presentation opened via Zoom on Thursday, March 18 highlighting the “Forgotten Images” exhibit and virtual tour, and also featured a special interview with Ms. Evelyn Knight.

Category: Business