By Cecil Egbele | Contributing Writer | California Local News Fellow

“Today is not just a reveal. Today is a restoration of stories and names of impact that deserve to be seen, honored, and remembered in a way that lives beyond this moment.”
–Dr. Arleana Waller, Founder & CEO, ShePower Leadership Academy

These were the words that echoed through the hall moments ahead of a historic unveiling in front of community members, city officials, and families, many of whom had no idea what they were about to see. When the veil dropped, the gasps said everything. Vivid, floor-to-ceiling portraits of Black men and women came into view: builders, preachers, firefighters, a judge, educators, faces many in the room recognized as grandparents, parents, neighbors, and mentors. The mural, framed in bold magenta with gold lettering reading “Builders of Hope, Leaders of Change, Innovators of a Stronger Bakersfield,” was described by many witnesses as a “historic moment” and a “restoration of stories” long overdue for recognition.

“What stands behind me,” Dr. Waller said, gesturing to the mural, “is more than art. It is leadership, resistance, innovation, excellence, and community power. This is the first piece of its kind in Kern County, a museum-level history.”

A Vision Realized Through Partnership

The mural’s journey began with a decade-old vision from the late Isaiah Crompton, a mentor to many in the community. Nicole Parra, vice president of Community Affairs at California Resources Corporation (CRC), recalled that Crompton “had this vision to honor Black leaders in Kern County about a decade ago.” Following his passing, Parra felt a personal responsibility to bring that vision to life. Working in partnership with Dr. Waller and ShePower, the project was funded by a CRC grant aimed at investing in people and community. Over 100 names were submitted by the public, while a committee narrowed them to those who had changed Southeast Bakersfield through economics, education, civic service, and community leadership.

“It’s an inspiration to young people to see and know our history,” said Parra. “Honoring our diverse community is extremely important now. The contributions of those on this mural are the reason why people like me are where we are.”

Honors, Tributes, and Memories

Many of those depicted have passed away, but their presence at the unveiling was felt through their families, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighbors, who stepped forward to receive honors on their behalf. As names were read, relatives approached the mural to receive miniature versions of the mural as memorabilia.

The evening’s most emotionally charged moment came from Anthony C. Williams, attorney, California High Speed Rail Authority board member and grandson of Marshall Williams Sr., believed to be the first Black fire captain in the state of California. Recalling the era of the late 1940s and ‘50s, Williams described his grandfather’s resilience. “Grandfather was running into a burning building to save someone’s life, while he was also facing those types of treatment,” he shared, referring to the systemic racism of the time. As he continued, emotion overtook him as he recalled long nights, quiet sacrifices, and the countless times his grandfather chose community over comfort. In an interview with the Bakersfield Observer, he said “It does get you choked up if you remember those things. I see that sacrifice and I see what they did to overcome”.

Similarly, Spencer Pratt,  grandson of Pastor Terry Tolliver of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, spoke with pride of his grandfather. “He picked cotton in Arkansas as a boy. He came to California and faced immense political and social challenges yet still made an impact. Now that we have the freedom, there’s no excuse for me not to be great,” Pratt reflected.

Honors were also extended to Dr. Horace Mitchell, CSUB’s first Black president, and said to be a visionary who bridged the gap between the Civil Rights era and modern academic innovation. To commemorate his retirement legacy, his award was received on stage by Vernon Harper Jr., the current CSUB president and the second Black president in the university’s 61 years of existence.

Among those posthumously honored on the mural is Joseph Coley, co-founder of the Bakersfield News Observer, who built Kern County’s only African American-focused weekly newspaper on a single, unshakeable principle: that everyone’s news is equal. His face on that wall is a reminder that the work of bearing witness has always been, itself, an act of justice.

“I wish we didn’t need this mural. I wish there wasn’t a need to put our dignity on display to remind people who we are and what we are capable of.”
— Anthony C. Williams, Grandson of Marshall Williams

A Living Legend: Honorable Gloria Cannon

While many honorees were recognized posthumously, the Honorable Gloria Cannon, the first Black female judge in Kern County, was present to receive her honor in person. In a candid interview, Judge Cannon expressed her humility at being among the honorees.

“I’m humbled to be recognized in this community, she said. “There are so many shakers and groundbreakers here in Kern County, and just to be recognized as one of them is humbling.”

She shared that her path to the bench was forged through personal struggles, including her time as a single mother. “There were other obstacles I faced, but never giving up and recognizing that it wasn’t just for me but also for my daughter, was what kept me going.”

Black History Is Not Stuck in One Place. It Moves.

As it turns out, the mural is on wheels. Mounted on its traveling frame, it has already made a stop at the California State University, Bakersfield, and soon will visit Sacramento. Plans are underway for stops at the Governor’s office and the California Museum. Dr. Waller envisions it rolling into schools, city halls, and community spaces “in any room where history needs to be told.” The QR code on the installation links viewers directly to the ShePower website, where the full story of every face on the wall awaits.

(All photos credited to Cecil Egbele)