To commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Los Altos History Museum is hosting “Conversations and Reflections: The African American Experience in Santa Clara County,” from 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 18.
A panel of experts will discuss the often-overlooked contributions made by African Americans to the business and cultural development of Silicon Valley, persevering despite deliberate barriers.
Jan Batiste Adkins, drawing from research in her book “African Americans of San Jose and Santa Clara County,”
will reveal strategies used to tackle discrimination in housing, jobs, and community growth. Since 2007, she has served as adjunct professor of english, literature, composition, and creative writing at San Jose City College.
Kathy Cotton, creator of the documentary, “A Place at the Table,” will share how Black individuals influenced the tech industry’s growth.
A former HR professional in major corporations like Hewlett-Packard Co. and TRW, she hosts the podcast “Cottontales,” a series of conversations with people of color involved primarily n high tech.
Kenan Moos, co-founder of the grassroots non-profit Justice Vanguard, will analyze the deliberate destruction of Black communities in Silicon Valley and the resulting erasure of contributions made by people in those communities. He has been awarded congressional and Senate recognition, the 2022 African American Community Service Agency MLK Gene Young Award, and was named the 2020 Los Altan of the year.
Moderating the discussion will be Dr. Perlita Dicochea, chair of the museum’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. She holds a background in teaching ethnic studies, Chicanx studies, women studies, environmental justice studies, and communication studies at institutions including San Jose State University and Santa Clara University.
She also served as communications associate and program coordinator at Stanford University’s Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity.
The event includes a preview of Cotton’s documentary, which was recognized at the 2019 San Francisco Film Festival. The documentary uncovers the untold stories of Black pioneers in Silicon Valley, emphasizing their impact on technology, STEM fields, and computer history.
“When you see your image in the past, you are assured that you will be part of the future,” Cotton said.
The panel aims to deeply explore historical stories and current insights into the African American experience and contributions within Silicon Valley, providing attendees with a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s diverse heritage.
“Diverse groups collaborating together can be a successful force, benefiting us all with their invaluable contributions,” Cotton said.
Admission is $10 or free for members of the Los Altos History museum. Register at losaltoshistory.org/AfAmerExperienceSV.
Wine and refreshments will be provided.
