The African American Heritage Committee (AAHC) convened its 36th Annual Student Scholarship Awards Luncheon this month in recognition of Black History Month. Centered on the theme, "The History and Evolution of Gospel Music: This is Why We Sing," highlighted the significant role of music in African American heritage and Gospel music as a form of African American resilience. The event brought together current and former staff members, who presented scholarship awards to students while acknowledging the impactful contributions of African Americans in music. 

At the luncheon, keynote speaker, UCLA Professor of Ethnomusicology and Global Jazz Studies, as well as Chair of the African American Studies Department at UCLA, Dr. Cheryl L. Keyes, took attendees on an auditory experience covering the history and evolution of Gospel music. The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts’ (LACHSA) gospel choir sang a series of gospel songs in their repertoire which included the crowd favorite, "Total Praise." 

“We are truly grateful for the African American Heritage Committee’s continued support of our at-promise youth. These scholarships inspire and uplift our students, encouraging them to pursue their college and career dreams with confidence. They also reassure students that they’re backed by a passionate and caring community, cheering them on every step of the way,” said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools.

2026 AAHC Scholarship Recipients: 

From LACHSA: 

• Michaela Berment 

• Briana Collier 

From JCS: 

• Jamar 

• Aidyn 

• Vincent 

• Matthew 

• Andrew 

"For 36 years the AAHC has celebrated the accomplishments of African Americans providing the LACOE family with information about our vast and rich culture.  We also celebrate our LACOE students by ensuring that we provide scholarships to aid them in their future endeavors. We are grateful to our many partners and the LACOE family for their continued support,” said Martin Evans, LACOE’s African American Heritage Co-Chair and GAIN Career Development Program Manager.

The event was also attended by its sponsors and student champions, the California Credit Union and SEIU Local 99. Both organizations emphasized their commitment to the annual scholarship event and celebrated the students who were honored. 

About LACOE's African American Heritage Committee (AAHC) 

The AAHC was founded in 1989 by Ethel Johnson, a former LACOE employee, along with several other African American LACOE employees. Ethel and her husband, Jim, who was not a LACOE employee but a committed supporter, dedicated countless hours to the committee and supported AAHC activities. In their honor, their children founded the Jim and Ethel Johnson Scholarship Foundation following Ethel’s passing. Their daughter Kelcie White, a current LACOE employee, is a member of the AAHC and continues to carry on the legacy of scholarship and service that her parents established. 

The scholarship sponsors of the event were the California Credit Union, SEIU Local 99, retirees and the Jim and Ethel Johnson Foundation.