Four Black Californians Among 10 Inductees Into State’s 17th Class of Hall of Famers

By Tanu Henry, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

On January 11, Gov. Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Museum announced inductees into the 17th Class of the state’s Hall of Famers.

Among this year’s 10 inductees — both groups and individuals — are four Black Californians: Former San Francisco Mayor and California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown; award-winning filmmaker Ava Duvernay; Federal Judge and civil rights leader Thelton E. Henderson; and basketball Hall of Fame player and broadcaster Cheryl Miller.

Other 2024 inductees are: master chef and “mother of fusion cuisine Helene An; computer scientist and “father of the internet Vincent A. Cerf; all-female pop punk band The Go-Gos; Chicano Rock band Los Lobos; former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Congressman Leon E. Panetta; and artistic director and choreographer Brenda Way.

This year’s honorees join 150 other Californians who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“The contributions of this newest class of the Hall of Fame will have an impact on California – and the nation – for generations to come. Through their boundless qualities and trailblazing achievements, these visionaries embody the spirit of California and will continue to inspire millions more,” Newsom said in a press release issued after videotaped announcement last week.

First Partner Siebel Newsom also welcomed the “spectacular new group of trailblazers.”

“With a penchant for challenging the status quo, these individuals wholly reflect the courageous, ambitious, and bold spirit of California, and have made an indelible mark on our state, nation, and world,” she said.

Inductees are selected annually by the Governor and First Partner.

Author: Wallace