By Louis Bryant | OBSERVER Correspondent
Twenty-four students from 15 area high schools were honored Sunday at the Annual Black Achievers Creating Change Celebration, hosted by the Sacramento Chapter of the Links Inc.
They included 17 seniors and seven juniors – 16 females and eight males – who exemplify leadership, excellence, transformation, the evening’s themes.
Dr. Teresa Aldredge, Links chapter president, introduced the organization:
“We currently provide 35 active members and 18 alumni members who are educated and purposeful women effecting change across our communities. Our beloved chapter is currently celebrating 73 years of friendship and service, and we have devoted nearly 4,000 volunteer hours to the Sacramento community.
“The Links Inc., our national organization, is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry.”
The Black Achievers Creating Change (BACC) program addresses critical issues affecting Sacramento youth experiencing geographic isolation, educational disparities, and decreased civic engagement. BACC fosters healing and connection through mentoring, reducing isolation, providing life skills, and improving mental well-being.
BACC scholars gain unparalleled opportunities to connect with professionals, mentors, and peers, building a supportive network that combats isolation and inspires growth.
The BACC curriculum, which includes more than 30 topics and activities, equips students with essential tools for success. From college preparation and life skills to financial literacy, physical and mental health, and global citizenship, BACC provides a foundation for personal and professional excellence.
“BACC scholars are not only excelling academically but also stepping into roles as future local, regional, national, and global change-makers,” said Dr. Schery Mitchell-James, the program chair.
“They embody resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of education and service. This is the essence of Black Achievers Creating Change – where we shape the leaders of tomorrow and uplift our communities today.”
Over the past six years, BACC has recruited and accepted more than 113 participants from 15 high schools in the Sacramento region with a 100% college matriculation rate. “Nearly $120,000 has been awarded in scholarships during this timeframe to these deserving scholars, including 46% of our scholars attending HBCUs just this past year,” Mitchell-Williams said.
Several winners addressed the crowd. Cheyenne Rogers of Del Campo High remarked, “My favorite thing about BACC is that I just love the community and how we all came together because we’re all trying to achieve.”
Alicia Jackson of John F. Kennedy High added, “Something BACC has taught me is how to step more out of my comfort zone and how to prepare myself better for after high school.”
Others spoke about how the program helped them to apply and get into college.
For more information, visit the Sacramento Links website: sacramentolinks.org
High Schools Represented
C.K. McClatchy, Capital City Independent School, Del Campo, Destiny Christian Academy, Elk Grove, Franklin, Grant Union, Jesuit, John F. Kennedy, Laguna Creek, Mira Loma, Rosemont, Sheldon, West Campus
Support for this Sacramento OBSERVER article was provided to Word In Black (WIB) by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. WIB is a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media that includes print and digital partners.