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Message African American Heritage House, Inc.Highlighting Community MembersOcie & Mattie Tinsley keeping the legacy alive for generations to come.Ocie and Mattie Tinsley are co-founders of AAHH, Inc. Their journey began inthe high-tech industry, when Ocie was recruited from a historically Blackcollege to work as an engineer at Lockheed in Santa Clara Valley. Leaving hishometown of Kansas City, Missouri, Ocie became one of the first AfricanAmericans to be recruited by Lockheed. Because of his exceptional skills andunwavering commitment, Ocie’s career led him to a successful 17-year tenureat Lockheed before joining Reynolds Synthesis, the first high-tech startupfounded by a Black entrepreneur. Although Reynolds Synthesis eventuallyfolded, Ocie continued his distinguished career at Kaiser Electronics, where heworked diligently until his retirement. Throughout his career, Ocie not onlyexcelled as an engineer but also embraced numerous roles, showcasing hisversatility and dedication.Mattie Tinsley, whom Ocie met at Lockheed, became a pivotal figure bothprofessionally and within the community. Moving up the ranks at Lockheed,Mattie balanced her demanding career with an active social life, becoming acornerstone of the flourishing Black community in Santa Clara Valley. ‘.Unfortunately Lula passed away in 2008 before the house was completed. Mattie played a crucial role in advocating for the continuance of the HeritageHouse legacy by stepping into her sister’s shoes and garnering a group ofvolunteers to build upon Lula’s ideas. Her efforts, supported by Ocie,underscored their commitment to social justice and communityempowerment.AAHH-Newsletter Vol. 1, 2025Ocie and Mattie joined Mattie’s sister, Lula Briggs Galloway, the formerCEO of the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage Inc., to instituteJuneteenth as a national holiday. Lula initiated the acquisition of Zankerhouse in History Park San Jose to honor Black History.
Together, Ocie and Mattie have harnessed their professional skills and dedication toservice to make remarkable contributions to the African American Heritage House.Their experiences in high-tech and community activism have greatly enriched theboard, offering innovative insights and a profound understanding of the challengesthe community faces. Whether it's through strategic planning, mentoring newmembers, or spearheading volunteer initiatives, the Tinsleys have taken on variousroles, showcasing outstanding leadership and collaboration.Their partnership goes beyond their professional endeavors, reflecting a spirit ofcollaboration and support that has left a lasting impact on both the organization andthe wider community. The African American Community Service Agency will behonoring Ocie and Mattie Tinsley at the 45th MLK Annual Luncheon on January 20th,2025, for their exemplary service, steadfast commitment, and the positive legacythey have created over nearly two decades.Congratulations to Ocie and Mattie Tinsley for this well-deserved recognition. Theirjourney and accomplishments continue to inspire those around them, paving the wayfor future generations of leaders and changemakers.AAHH-Newsletter Vol. 1, 2025
Rev. Jethroe (Jeff) Moore passed away on December 26, 2024. The African AmericanHeritage House Board members send their heart felt condolences to his family inthe Bay Area and in the State of Georgia where he had recently moved. Hepreviously served as President of the San Jose NAACP for 17 years, holding theoffice longer than anyone in the chapters’s history. Jeff was the co-founder and co-chair of the Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet of Silicon Valley, among his manyother leadership roles on local boards and commissions.Rev. Moore was well respected for his commitment to lifting up those who werefacing civil rights and human rights challenges. His concerns were the same forAfrican Americans, Latino, women, LGBTQ, or anyone whose rights were restricted.He spoke out on critical issues impacting people in his community, includingpolicing, racial inequalities, affordable housing and homelessness. Whenconfronting these issues Rev. Moore always showed respect for his adversaries.Rev. Moore attended Silver Creek High School and Evergreen Valley College andlater earned a theology degree from San Jose Christian College, later known asJessup University.Rev Moore’s memorial services were held at Cathedral of Faith in San Jose,California on January 11. He was a beloved member of the Silicon Valley and SantaClara County community.AAHH-Newsletter Vol. 1, 2025 ‘A Shining Star’: Civil RightsLeader Rev. Jethroe Moore II.Served as president of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACPfrom 2008 - 2024
AAHH-Newsletter Vol. 1, 2024 Crafternoons At AlmadenQuicksilver Mining MuseumJanuary 24 & 25Fri & Sat 12:00 - 4:00 pm21350 Almaden Rd.San Jose CA 95120.Downtown IceEvent ends Jan. 20, 2025120 S. Market St.San Jose, CA 95113MLK Jr. Day of ServicePark Beautification DaySaturday, Jan. 18, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pmJoseph D. Grant County ParkMain entrance: 1845 Mt. HamiltonRoad, San Jose, Ca 95140January Art CampJan. 24, 20259:00 am. - 3 pm.6th street Studios & Art Center64 W. 6th StreetGilroy, CA 95020
AAHH-Newsletter Vol. 1, 2024 Women’s Heritage DayAt History ParkMarch 9, 202512:0 - 3:30 pm.History Park 635 PhelanAveSan Jose, Ca 95112Free AdmissionPortuguese Heritage FestivalJune 14, 20251650 Senter Rd.San Jose, CAVolunteers needed
AAHH Newsletter Vol. 1, 2025 AAHH Board members give thanks to:Michael Fair Nubian SoulJulie BowelsRasheed Wedlow And all those attendees that helped usCelebrate Ujima, the day of unity at our2024 Kwanzaa Celebration
AFRO - LATINO FESTIVAL12 - 6 P.M., MARCH 29, 2025 History Park 635 PHELAN ROAD SAN JOSE, CA 95112Food, History, and Family fun“Celebrating the Afro-Latino Experience”
Contact BoardMember:Janadkins@aahhsanjose.orgKathycotton@aahhsanjose.orgUrlahill@aahhsanjose.orgSusanrigmaiden@aahhsanjose.orgMattietinsley@aahhsanjose.orgRobertwalker@aahhsanjose.org