Four to be honored during LMC 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Celebration Feb. 26

Los Medanos College recognizes community civil rights and social justice champions, and emerging student leaders

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Los Medanos College is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of their Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards, recognizing community civil rights and social justice champions, as well as students whose activism sets them apart as emerging leaders. The event is part of LMC's yearlong acknowledgement of Black history (BHM 365) and raises support for the LMC Foundation African American Student Scholarship.

Why it matters

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Celebration honors individuals who embody Dr. King's vision of the 'Beloved Community' and demonstrate transformational leadership in service of social justice and equity. By recognizing these champions, LMC aims to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and continue the fight for racial equality and inclusion.

The details

The 2026 honorees include LMC student Mina Jobe, who is recognized for her advocacy and activism around women's and Indigenous rights, as well as LMC student Chijioke Onyeagucha, who has used his passion for journalism to reshape narratives and uplift marginalized communities. The Beloved Community Award will be presented to Tianna Hicks, co-founder and vice president of the Da Bigger Picture Non-Profit Foundation, which provides critical resources and support to families facing hunger and homelessness. The Visionary Leadership Award will be given to Dennisha Marsh, executive director of the Parental African American Achievement Collaborative Team (PAAACT), for her tireless work in aligning educational and economic resources with underserved families in Contra Costa County.

  • The Celebration luncheon begins at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in the Student Union Conference Center of the Pittsburg Campus.
  • The event is part of LMC's yearlong acknowledgement of Black history (BHM 365).

The players

Mina Jobe

An LMC student leader and youth activist passionate about social justice, especially women's and Indigenous rights. She uses writing, art, and advocacy to raise awareness and uplift her community.

Chijioke Onyeagucha

An LMC student who discovered his passion for writing and journalism, and is committed to reshaping narratives that have historically misrepresented and marginalized communities of color.

Tianna Hicks

The co-founder and vice president of Da Bigger Picture Non-Profit Foundation, which aims to create access and opportunity for youth through community programs, school partnerships, and events that build confidence. The organization works to support families facing hunger and homelessness.

Dennisha Marsh

The executive director of the Parental African American Achievement Collaborative Team (PAAACT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to aligning essential educational and economic resources with underserved families in Contra Costa County.

Kolette Simonton

The Director of Recreation for the City of Pittsburg, committed to providing diverse programs and expanding accessible, engaging, and inclusive opportunities for Pittsburg residents to connect and thrive.

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The takeaway

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Celebration at Los Medanos College highlights the continued importance of recognizing and uplifting community leaders who embody Dr. King's vision of the 'Beloved Community' and work tirelessly to advance social justice and equity. By honoring these champions, LMC aims to inspire the next generation of activists and leaders to carry on this vital work.