Milpitas Community Leader Honored for Black History Month

Colette Choates recognized for creating city's Juneteenth and Black History Month flag-raising celebrations

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Milpitas resident and community organizer Colette Choates has been honored for her leadership in creating the city's Juneteenth and Black History Month flag-raising celebrations. She was recognized alongside other Black leaders from Santa Clara and Alameda counties, and local teens can now enter a countywide climate video contest spotlighting Coyote Valley and nature-based solutions.

Why it matters

Choates' efforts to establish new community traditions celebrating Black history and culture in Milpitas reflect the city's growing diversity and commitment to inclusion. The recognition of her work also highlights opportunities for local youth to get involved in environmental advocacy through the climate video contest.

The details

Colette Choates, a longtime Milpitas resident, has been instrumental in organizing the city's Juneteenth and Black History Month flag-raising ceremonies in recent years. These events have brought the community together to honor and celebrate Black history and culture. In addition to Choates' recognition, local teens are now invited to participate in a countywide climate video contest that focuses on Coyote Valley and nature-based solutions.

  • Colette Choates was recognized for her community leadership during Black History Month 2026.
  • The Milpitas Juneteenth and Black History Month flag-raising celebrations that Choates organizes take place annually.

The players

Colette Choates

A Milpitas resident and community organizer who has led the creation of the city's Juneteenth and Black History Month flag-raising celebrations.

Coyote Valley

A natural area in Santa Clara County that is the focus of a countywide climate video contest open to local teens.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Local teens have until the end of April to submit entries for the countywide climate video contest spotlighting Coyote Valley and nature-based solutions.

The takeaway

Milpitas' growing diversity and community-driven efforts to celebrate Black history and culture, as exemplified by Colette Choates' work, demonstrate the city's commitment to inclusion and provide meaningful opportunities for youth engagement in environmental advocacy.