Assemblymember Alex Lee Celebrates Black History Month Honorees

Assemblymember Alex Lee celebrated Black History Month by recognizing the contributions of community leaders in Santa Clara and Alameda counties. The event was co-hosted by San Jose-Evergreen Community College District Board Trustee Tony Alexander and Fremont Councilmember Desrie Campbell.

Honorees: 

Marion “Cookie” Cozine

Marion “Cookie” Cozine is the Assistant Program Director at Mission Bay Works, a behavioral adult day program serving individuals with disabilities. Cookie is committed to serving developmentally disabled adults by embracing them as valued members of their communities. Her work has touched countless lives, shaped generations of caregivers, and continues to set a lasting standard of care rooted in dignity, respect and excellence.

Dr. Jan Von Dickey

Dr. Jan Von Dickey is an accomplished physician in the Bay Area with over 40 years of expertise specializing in internal medicine, family medicine, and psychiatry. For the past 28 years, Dr. Dickey has been a trusted provider at Bay Area Community Health in Fremont. His lifelong dedication to patient-centered care and tireless advocacy for equitable healthcare have solidified his reputation as a respected leader in his field.

Colette Choates

Colette Choates is the Founder of Parenting With a Purpose, which equips and empowers parents with resources and support to raise resilient and compassionate children. She is dedicated to contributing to her community and making a lasting change. Colette serves as the Co-Chair for San Jose Women in Business for Good and a former member of the Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association Board of Directors. She is also a founding member of the City of Milpitas’ Juneteenth celebration and Black History Month flag raising ceremony. 

John Muragu

John Muragu is a Resource Teacher and the Special Education Department Chair at Washington High School. John is deeply supportive of his students, advocating for inclusive practices and individualized support programs. The Fremont Unified School District proudly named John Muragu its 2024 Teacher of the Year for his work as a trusted partner for families navigating special education services. 

Bettina Strickland

Bettina Strickland is an Administrative Assistant of Human Resources for the Berryessa Union School District. The district named her the Classified Administrator Employee of the Year in 2024 for her collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence. She is a cornerstone of the school community who is known for her reliability, institutional knowledge, and unwavering support of staff, students, and families.

Danielle Cranon-Jones

Danielle Cranon-Jones currently serves as a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Newark’s Recreation and Community Services Department. She has made a lasting impact on both Newark’s youth and its broader community. In June 2023, Danielle helped organize the City’s first Juneteenth celebration in Newark, creating a space centered on education, unity, and cultural pride. Earlier in her career, she served as a College and Career Specialist with Newark Unified School District and a Black Student Union Advisor.

Pastor Jason Reynolds

Pastor Jason Reynolds is the Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Pastor Jason has spearheaded the church’s efforts to reduce residents’ food insecurity and the educational gap for children of color. His leadership was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic as the church partnered with Santa Clara County to provide tens of thousands of vaccinations and testing for residents. Pastor Reynolds is a respected community leader who is dedicated to uplifting community members.