[Editor's Note: The following information was submitted by the Office of Sen. Jerry Hill.]
State Senator Jerry Hill presented Carolyn Hoskins, the founder of The Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center, with a Quiet Hero Award today at a community gathering in Redwood City.
Hoskins is the driving force behind the traveling exhibit that encompasses hundreds of items – enough to fill 11,000 square feet of space. The widow of Robert "Bob" Hoskins, who was a San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle, founded the museum and learning center 15 years ago.
“I am grateful to Senator Hill for this award and grateful for the community support that has made The Domini Hoskins Black History Museum what it is today,” said Hoskins. “Nothing is more gratifying than to do what you love. I am motivated by the school children who come through the museum, bright-eyed, learning about the great contributions of African Americans to our country and state.”
“Thanks to Carolyn Hoskins, the Peninsula has a fantastic resource for learning about the countless African Americans who have shaped the history and culture of the United States,” said Hill, D-San Mateo. Hill presented Hoskins with the 13th Senate District’s Quiet Hero Award this morning at a “Java with Jerry” community gathering held at the Back Yard Coffee Company in Redwood City.
Hoskins is not only the creator and curator of The Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center; she is also the executive director of the nonprofit. The museum is named after her grandson, now 21, who when tackling an elementary school assignment years ago asked whether there were African Americans other than Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Park who “did anything.” The question inspired Hoskins to amass the collection that comprises the museum.
Hoskins, who is also a member of the NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter executive committee, presents the traveling exhibit annually in conjunction with the NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter.
February, which is Black History Month, is always an important time for the museum. And Hoskins says the exhibit is open whenever and wherever there is space to accommodate it – she adds she is always looking for host locations for the museum. For example, the museum has occupied a vast space at 282 Woodside Plaza in Redwood City since December and will be open at the site through February 28. More information is available about the museum on its Facebook page or by calling 650-921-4191.
Hill established the Quiet Hero Award as an assemblymember to honor individuals who have made sustained and significant contributions to improve the community – and focus on the work at hand rather than their roles in their projects’ success. Hoskins is the first person to receive a Quiet Hero Award from Hill as a senator.
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