Jan Adkins AAHH Board member and interimtreasurer has written three books that chronicle therich history of people of African heritage in the SantaClara Valley. Her writings chronicle the Blackcommunity as early as 1777. During the Great Migrationin the 1900s, neighborhoods in San Jose, Palo Alto, andSanta Clara became home to many African Americansfrom the South and Midwest who were seeking newopportunities. By the 1960s, African Americans foundjobs in the emerging technology industry, Ford MotorCompany, and in public service agencies. The history of the black community throughout SantaClara County has mirrored the nation's slow progresstowards social and economic success. This progress iscaptured in the images, individual stories of politicalstruggle, success, and triumphs of the BlackCommunity. Mrs. Adkins’ books can be purchased atCVS, Walgreens, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Arcadia Publishing co. www.Arcadia publishing.comAfrican American Heritage House, Inc.Highlighting Community MembersJan Adkins Author, Educator and Historian of AfricanAmerican History in Silicon Valley & beyond.African Americans of San Joseand Santa Clara CountyAfrican Americans ofMonterey CountyAfrican Americans of San FranciscoImages of AmericaAAHH-Newsletter Vol. 4, 2024
AAHH-Newsletter Vol. 4, 2024 Roy L. Clay Sr. Godfather of Silicon Valley Sadly, Silicon Valley lost a giant among the Silicon Valleyinnovative contributors, Mr. Roy L. Clay, founder of RodL. Electronics, developer of HP’s first Computer R&DLab and many innovations, passed from this life onSeptember 22, 2024 Surrounded by his family. In 2003he was selected to enter the Silicon Valley EngineeringHall of Fame. Clay will always be known affectionately asthe “God father of Silicon Valley” because of all the thathe contributed to Silicon Valley making it a place forAfrican Americans to thrive.Mr. Clays’ life is chronicled in his biography“UnStoppable”. Mr, Clay was the first AfricanAmerican to join the Council of PaloAlto California and become ViceMayor in 1976. He became the firstAfrican American member of theOlympic club of San Francisco in1989. Roy worked with Kleiner, Perkins,Caulfield and Byers as a consultantwho advised the company on whichcomputer start-ups they should fund.They became the premier venture-capital firm in the world. Our heartfeltcondolences are extended to hisfamily members. Clay Sr. RIP
AAHH-Newsletter Vol. 4, 2024 It is with heartfelt gratitude and recognition of a significant contributor to theAfrican American History House that we announce Ocie Tinsley's resignation fromthe Board of the AAHH. Following the passing of Lula Briggs Galloway, Ocie and hiswife, Mattie, took on the important responsibility of ensuring that Lula's vision wasfulfilled, working to keep the AAHH thriving since 2008.The African American Heritage House stands as a tribute to Lula's legacy and nowalso symbolizes Ocie's dedication to the organization. Over the course of 14 years,Mr. Tinsley served on various committees, including Docent, Volunteer, Curator,Website, Donation, Exhibit Development, and Treasurer. He was a familiar face in theHistory Park, known for his active involvement and commitment to fosteringdiversity.Ocie’s efforts have been instrumental in the growthand success of the AAHH, and his presence will bedearly missed by all who had the pleasure ofworking alongside him. Ocie's leadership andpassion have inspired countless individuals,creating a lasting impact within the community andbeyond.As we bid farewell to Ocie in his official capacity, weremain grateful for his tireless dedication andcountless contributions. We are confident that hislegacy of service and commitment to preservingAfrican American history will continue to inspirefuture generations. Though he steps down from theboard, we look forward to his continued supportand mentorship as a cherished member of ourcommunity.The AAHH Board wishes Ocie and Mattie all the bestin their future endeavors and expresses its deepestappreciation for their unwavering support anddedication. We are honored to have benefited fromOcie's wisdom and leadership and are committed tocarrying forward the mission and vision they haveso passionately upheld.
AAHH-Newsletter Vol. 4, 2024 Breakfast with SantaDecember 14 2024Sat, 9:30 - 11:50 AMAlmaden Comm. Center6445 Camden Ave. San Jose, CA.CELEBRATION - Joys & DelightsSunday December 19th, 3 PMSt. Francis Episcopal Church,1205 Pine Ave, San Jose, CAQ2B24 Silicon ValleySan Jose Chamber OrchestraTuesday Dec. 10 - 12, 2024Santa Clara Convention Center500l Great America PkwayChristmas in the ParkPlaza de Cesar ChavezSan Jose, CA.Drive Thru Light showEnchanted ForestSanta VisitsOpened Nov 29 until Jan. 1
AAHH-Newsletter Vol. 4, 2024
AAHH Newsletter Vol. 4, 2024 KWANZA CELEBRATIONAfrican American Heritage HouseDecember 28th, 1:00 - 5:00 PMFirst AME Zion Church95 South 20th StreetSan Jose, CA 05116rsvp: Susan Rigmaiden@aahhsanjose.org
AAHH Newsletter Vol. 4, 2024 African American Heritage Houserecognizes importance of history and honoring the Hispanic contributions tothe community. African American Heritage Board and MembersPresident Susan Rigmaiden, Board member Urla Hill, Secretary Kathy Cotton,and Vice President and interim Treasurer Jan Adkins, attend the La RazaHistorical Society’s 3rd Annual La Raza Award Dinner September 7th, 2024.
Contact BoardMember:Janadkins@aahhsanjose.orgKathycotton@aahhsanjose.orgUrlahill@aahhsanjose.orgSusanrigmaiden@aahhsanjose.orgMattietinsley@aahhsanjose.orgRobertwalker@aahhsanjose.org