Over the years, Velma Wilson has volunteered for many community organizations and provided help to those in the community who are underserved. For this reason, Contra Costa County’s Supervisors chose her to receive their “Humanitarian of the Year” award at the county’s 43rd annual commemoration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy celebration.
“I am humbled and so honored to be acknowledged with this award,” Wilson said. “God gave me the strength to make an impact in my community.”
The county’s annual King commemoration recognizes an adult and student for their leadership and advocacy efforts. These recipients have dedicated their lives to serving Contra Costa residents and reflect the spirit of King’s work and achievements. This year’s winner of the student award was Kimyatta Newby, a recent Middle College High School graduate in San Pablo.
Wilson explained that from the time she was a child, her family has always tried to give back to the community. Her mother taught her the importance of giving back and making sure that those overlooked voices are heard. It was a life model that her mother taught her, and she has passed it on to her children.
“We never had a lot of money, but I was always taught to believe that time was more valuable than money,” she said.
In this past year alone, Wilson has worked on several local organizations; volunteered for the Antioch Unified School District’s Grab and Go meals program, laptop distribution and the other programs initiated by schools due to COVID-19 closures. She worked with other volunteers as a census taker making sure that unhoused people, immigrants and those who were victims of the California wildfires were counted. She also worked with her daughter, Claryssa Wilson, on the annual “Stuff This Bus” event to provide a school supply giveaway program, and Wilson volunteered to help coordinate the drive-up Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations, all while serving as the local NAACP chapter’s vice president.
“Everybody can be great because everyone can serve,” she said.
Although the event was only made available virtually this year, Wilson gave a taped acceptance of the award. In her impassioned comments thanking the county supervisors for the award, Wilson explained how the theme of this year’s event, “silence is not an option,” is so important to her and her life. She talked about how powerful a voice is in making the world a better place. She explained that she has led by example throughout her life, working with many organizations to help promote equality and justice.
“I truly thank God for my voice,” she said while she encouraged and thanked those she has worked with and for over her years of community involvement.
Wilson is currently working with the Antioch Unified School District by volunteering to provide activities and entertainment over the lunch hour to keep students motivated during distance learning due to pandemic closures.
“Distance learning is taking a toll on students,” she said. “I’m working to make a time during lunch where students can have a social place.”
So far, she has secured time from entertainers, sports figures, dancers and recording artists and has lined up many more to make presentations virtually for students to sign in during their lunch breaks. She is also working on giving out incentive prizes for those who log in. The program is running once a week on Tuesdays.
“We’re already seeing an impact where students are logging in and are more engaged in their classes,” she said.
Anyone interested in more information about the program, volunteering or help with incentive prizes is welcome to reach out to Wilson at blessedbydesgn09@gmail.com. To learn more about the King commemoration and past ceremonies, visit contracosta.ca.gov/5307.
Roni Gehlke can be reached at oakleynow@comcast.net.
