BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION GALA HONORS ADVOCATES, VOLUNTEERS

Community groups may be only as effective as the volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to the betterment of others, and Saturday night was the Fourth District Seniors Resource Center’s opportunity to celebrate those who serve the organization.

The 15th Annual Black History Celebration Gala drew more than 100 people to the George L. Stevens Senior Center in Skyline as charity officials thanked their most notable supporters.

“We are acknowledging the political and public dignitaries, as well as the unsung heroes and sheroes in the community,” Executive Director Rosemary Pope said. “We don’t exist without these people.”

The group presented its George L. Stevens Legacy Award to San Diego Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe for her longtime commitment to the organization.

The prize, which was presented by Stevens’ son and family, is named for the late Baptist minister and civil rights activist who also served as a San Diego council member.

Barry Edelstein and Freedome Bradley-ballentine of the Old Globe received the Community Theatrical Equity Service Award for their work bringing the theatrical experience to unserved and underserved communities.

Mayor Todd Gloria presented the Warren J. Simon Legacy Award to Billie Jeanne Greene, a longtime volunteer. The award is named in honor of the late Fourth District Seniors Resource Center board chair.

Pope also spent a few minutes recounting the life and contributions of Dorothy L.W. Smith, who passed away this month. Smith was a longtime education leader and the first Black woman to serve on the San Diego Unified School District board.

The center provides food relief, nutrition education, yoga, computer access and exercise programs, among other services, to senior citizens across the council’s District 4, Pope said.

The event featured dinner and keynote speakers.