VENTURA COUNTY CHAPTER HISTORY
Ventura County Chapter (VCC), Blacks In Government (BIG) History
(as of 2021)
The VCC of BIG began as an Interest Group formed to address government employee and services issues disproportionally affecting Black government employees and the community in1983. The Interest Group consisted of Ventura County municipal, County, Special District and Federal Government employees whom resided in or were employed in the Ventura County. The co-founders of the Interest Group were Mr. Kenneth C. Pearson and Mr. James Wilson. Both were civilian employees of the US Navy in Port Hueneme, California at the NCBC Naval Base. Mr. James Wilson succumbed to injuries received during an automobile accident prior to the chartering of the VC BIG interest group.
The VCC of BIG received its charter from BIG National President, Mr. James E. Rogers on August 17, 1985. The VC Interest Group and VC Chapter Charter President was Mr. Kenneth C. Pearson. The Los Angeles-Long Beach Interest Group was chartered at the same time as VCC; their Chapter Charter President was Mr. J.B. Larkin.
The VCC Presidents have been:
Mr. Kenneth C. Pearson 9 terms (1985-1992, 1997-2004, 2009-2010)
Ms. June Williams 2 terms (1993-1996)
Mr. Frederick White 4 terms (2005-2008, 2011-2015)
Ms. Linda Foster (2016-2019)
Ms. Loretta Mitchel (2020-Oct 2020)
Mr. Kenneth C. Pearson (Oct 2020-
Accomplishments:
The VCC hosted the 2nd Region IX Training Conference in Ventura, CA in 1988, which was well attended, supported by local elected officials, the military leadership and financially successful. The guest speaker was BIG National President, Mrs. Ruby Fields.
The chapter annually awards 3 scholastic scholarships (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) to competing Ventura County High School students. The first place winner may receive the same award amount for four consecutive years if they remain full time students and maintain a passing GPA. The VCC BIG Scholarship program has provided more than $25,000 in scholarships for more than 12 Years to over 30 local area students to pursue their education.
Established partnerships with middle/high school administrators providing BIG/non-BIG residents the platform to inform students how their education preparation can lead them to rewarding government and private sector careers.
Created a Black Business resource directory for new government area employees and local community members providing access to government service information at the federal, state and local level; and identify all Black churches, civic, social and professional organizations, and Black owned businesses in Ventura County.
Served as Chair and member on the Oxnard, CA Police Chief’s Community Advisory Committee to participate in new police officer recruiting assessments, Commander level police officer position selections and providing advisory services in programs directly addressing racial profiling and lack of mutual respect between the community members and law enforcement officers.
The VCC has produced programs, formed numerous civic and commercial partnerships and provided community services since its formation, and continues to serve Ventura County.
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