OUR STORY
In 2022, a group of passionate individuals came together with a shared vision: to empower their community and uplift its leaders. Thus, BLACC was born – an acronym representing its mission: Building Leaders, Advocates, and Community Connections.
Driven by a desire to plan impactful events, offer vital resources, and foster connections among residents, BLACC's founding members embarked on a journey towards their long-term goal to pave a path for local leaders to confidently advocate for causes that directly affect the underserved Butte County community. As BLACC continues to grow, the dedication of the founding board members remains unwavering.
Among BLACC's flagship events are the annual Juneteenth celebrations and the Back-to-School Backpack Drive. Juneteenth holds a special significance as it not only commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans but also serves as a platform for celebrating Black culture and heritage. This annual free community event in Chico, CA, features cultural performances, vendor showcases, games, and more – bringing together residents of all backgrounds to honor this important holiday.
Since its inception, BLACC has made significant strides in advancing its mission. Through grant funding and community support, the organization continues to expand its reach and impact. Their efforts are focused on breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for success, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.
OUR BOARD
Our dedicated board members bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise to the table, united by a common goal: to create positive change in Butte County's communities of color. Get to know the leaders driving BLACC's mission forward and learn about their commitment to breaking down barriers and closing gaps.
Christina Archie | President
Her pronouns are she/her. Christina attended CSU, Chico where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an option in Health Education. She currently holds the role of Health Educator with the California Health Collaborative’s Leadership in Equity Action & Development project.
Erin Chew | Treasurer
Her pronouns are she/her. Erin graduated from Las Plumas High School in Oroville. She attended CSU, Chico with a Major in Business Information Systems. She currently works remotely as a Quality Assurance Engineer for a software company called Workday Inc. At Workday, she also served as a leader for the Employee Belonging Council Black@Workday, which focused on bringing more Black talent into the software industry pipeline, giving back to underserved communities and planning social events.
On her off days she likes to be outside, enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, or watching a good movie. Her favorite sport is basketball and working out is one of her biggest pass times.
Donnell Thomas | Vice President
His pronouns are he/him. He is originally from a small town called Centreville, Mississippi and moved to Chico where he attended Pleasant Valley High School in 2003. Then, at Butte College, he finished with a Certificate in Heavy Equipment Operators in 2021. During his time at Butte College, he joined Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Currently, Donell is working as an Heavy Equipment Operator Engineer for the Local 3 Operators Engineering Union. He has 3 kids, a 15 year old, an 11 year old and a 6 year old, who are his pride and joy. In his spare time, you can find Donell spending time with family and offering services to the underserved community.
Felica Ogborn | Vice President
Her pronouns are she/her. She is originally from San Diego and moved to Chico where she attended Bidwell Jr. High and Pleasant Valley High. In her junior year, she moved to the Bay Area and graduated from Village High School, while attending beauty college. Once she moved back to Chico in 2012 with her daughter, Felicia started working for the Butte County Assessor's Office. She worked there for 7.5 years as well as acting as a disaster worker for all the major Butte County disasters. Felicia’s passion and side hustle is specializing in custom epoxy tumblers, bling tumblers, domino sets, and much more. Her company’s name is Denee & Co. Currently, Felicia is working as a non-standard Auto Claims Adjuster for Bridger Insurance. She spends her free time with my family, friends, 4 French Bulldogs, and working within the community.
Contacts
blacc530@gmail.com