SACRAMENTO, CA— This week, long-time San Dimas resident, and Monrovia High School alumnus, Ronald “Ron” Husband was recognized by Assemblymember Chris Holden and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) as the 41st Assembly District’s Unsung Hero for his positive impact in the community. An Unsung Hero is defined as a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution — a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged. The California Legislative Black Caucus established the Black History Month Unsung Hero Award to recognize individuals who have contributed selflessly to their respective districts.
“Ron is an example of perseverance and persistence – by doing what you love and offering a seat at the table to people who did not think that was possible,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Through his vision of art, he has taught students across the nation what it means to imagine more.”
Mr. Ron Husband, a 38-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company retired as a character artist from the Walt Disney Consumer Products Division. Ron graduated from Monrovia High School and went on to receive his Associate’s Degree in Art from Citrus College, and later his bachelor’s degree in 1973 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Ron joined Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1975 as an animation trainee and worked for 30 years in that department. He holds the distinction of being the first African American animator & the first African American supervising animator for Walt Disney Studios. In 2019, he was inducted into the College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
“I am so touched and humbled by this award, thank you to Assemblymember Holden and The California Legislative Black Caucus,” stated Ron Husband, 2023 Unsung Hero Awardee.