By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer
The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum celebrated Sacramento’s 175th anniversary in style Sept. 28 with its “Chocolate and Wine” fundraiser, honoring some of the city’s Black historical icons. Held at the Sam and Bonnie Pannell Community Center, the event was a vibrant gathering of community members, filled with food, wine, and performances that spotlighted Sacramento’s rich Black history.
Three trailblazers who have left a lasting impact on Sacramento were honored. Doris Alkebulan, the city’s first Black engineer, was recognized for breaking barriers in a field where few women and even fewer people of color were present. Michael Benjamin, a pioneer in local Black theater, was celebrated for creating a space where Black stories could be told and appreciated on stage. Pastor Larry Meeks, of the First Church of God and Christ, was acknowledged for his long-standing leadership and service to the community, offering guidance and support to generations of Sacramentans.
Alkebulan spoke about her journey as Sacramento’s first Black engineer, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of African Americans in STEM during the 1970s. Her story echoed the importance of community support, mentorship, and education, particularly through HBCUs, in overcoming discrimination and leaving a lasting impact on society.
“Whatever doors I opened and opportunities I created during those isolated times, I did it knowing it’s important who we are and what we can do,” Alkebulan said. I know that it’s better now than it was then, and that there’s hope in the future.”
Keynote speaker Marianna Sousa, a social wellness leader, kept the audience engaged and delivered a moving speech about the importance of preserving and celebrating Black history.
“Events like this are important for Black Sacramento to help us to understand the power of carrying legacy, and if we don’t do the work, studying and praying necessary to maintain that, we will lose the value of what our elders and ancestors have given us and poured into our communities,” Sousa said.
The event also featured live performances that brought to life the stories of Black figures from Sacramento and across California. Naimah Moon performed a captivating reenactment of Annie Louise Dunlap, who, with her husband George Dunlap, opened Sacramento’s first soul food restaurant, offering the city a taste of Southern cuisine and culture. The story of Elizabeth Thorn Scott Flood, another prominent Black figure, was illustrated through powerful stage performances, highlighting her contributions to the local community.
The event highlighted not only the achievements of Sacramento’s Black community, but also emphasized the ongoing importance of the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum as a space for preserving and sharing these stories. The museum continues to play a key role in ensuring that future generations understand the significant contributions of Black Sacramentans.
Attendees left with a deeper appreciation for the city’s history and the vital role that Black Sacramentans have played in shaping its identity. The night served as a reminder of the importance of remembering the past while looking toward the future, ensuring that these stories continue to be told.