Recognizing Black History Month

A+ Plumbing, Small Business Owner, Daymond Williams

Founded in 2009, A+ Plumbing is a father-and-son plumbing company dedicated to providing quality commercial and residential plumbing services. With a commitment to excellence and reliability, they have built a strong reputation in the community.

Daymond Williams, Sr., has deep roots in Rowland Heights, where his parents raised him since the 80’s. Alongside his wife, Iran, and their children Daymond Jr. and Yvette, he continues to serve the community with pride. Their trusted team also includes Hector Rodriguez, who plays a key role in their operations.

With a focus on expertise, integrity, and family values, A+ Plumbing remains a trusted name for all plumbing needs.

Lauren James, Suburban Water Systems

Lauren James is the Director of Communications at Suburban Water Systems and Co-Founder of the grassroots movement, Mama Bears for Change.

She oversees internal and external communications, leads the Supplier Diversity and Conservation departments, and spearheads food distribution programs. Under her leadership, Suburban Water Systems has been recognized as a state leader in supplier diversity.

As a co-founder of Mama Bears for Change, Lauren is committed to tackling systemic and institutionalized discrimination. Her work focuses on supporting small businesses, advocating for women’s rights and equality, pushing for education reform, and advancing criminal justice reform. Through Mama Bears for Change, Lauren is driven to create a more just and equitable society by addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. By leveraging both her professional role and community partnerships, Lauren works tirelessly to advance initiatives that promote equality and equity for all.

Raphael H. Plunkett, Diamond Bar

Raphael H. Plunkett is a community leader, advocate, and longtime volunteer serving as 2nd Vice President of the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club, City Commissioner, and Friends of the Library board member.

A dedicated literacy and civic engagement volunteer for over 40 years, she has worked internationally, recently reading to students in Kenya and Japan.

She is recognized for her advocacy in reparations and equity through CJEC and LEAP, earning multiple awards, including two Diamond Bar Volunteer of the Year honors. A lifelong learner, she holds a BA from the University of La Verne and certifications in public policy and mindfulness.

Lorena Choctaw, Chief Operating Officer at Servants Arms

Since 2019, Lorena has led daily operations at Servants Arms, ensuring essential resources reach those in need. She oversees the food bank, which provides fresh produce daily and serves over 500 households and 2,000 individuals through bi-monthly distributions. She also partners with Hacienda La Puente Unified School District to support homeless students with groceries, food vouchers, and hygiene kits.

Founded in 2013, Servants Arms Community Based Organization is a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting families in need. Relying on donations, sponsorships, and grants, they provide food assistance, scholarships, and community support. Every month, they serve over 1,000 families, embodying God’s love through action.

TJ Campbell, Past SGV NAACP President and Youth Advocate

TJ Campbell is a community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to service and empowerment. In 2009, he founded the Tyra Lynn Foundation in memory of his sister to promote carbon monoxide awareness. His efforts helped pass the California Safe Home Act in 2010, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in all California homes, ensuring other families don’t suffer the same loss.

Passionate about youth development, TJ launched the Thoroughbred Sports Academy, using basketball to teach discipline, life skills, and personal growth. Over 24 years, he has mentored more than 2,000 young athletes, running annual camps and coaching at the high school level, with many of his players advancing to college and professional basketball.

In 2014, TJ founded GYI Services, a financial agency dedicated to providing accessible insurance and financial planning for underserved communities. Committed to advocacy, he served as President of the San Gabriel Valley NAACP (2018-2022) and now leads its Youth Council and LOGIC, a leadership program focused on education, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Through his work in social justice, financial empowerment, and youth mentorship, TJ continues to honor his sister’s memory by uplifting his community.

Willie Allen Jr., Athletic Director at Glen A. Wilson High School, Hacienda Heights

Willie Allen Jr., a proud Wilson High School alumnus, has dedicated his career to teaching and coaching at his alma mater. A product of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), he attended Mesa Robles K-8 before graduating from Wilson in 1995. He continued his academic and athletic journey at Loyola Marymount University, where he played basketball before returning to HLPUSD as an educator. Since 2000, he has served as a math teacher and Head Coach of the Wilson Boys Basketball team, mentoring student-athletes both in the classroom and on the court. In 2010, he became Athletic Director, playing a key role in the growth and success of Wilson’s athletic programs.

Coming from a family of educators, Coach Allen credits his lifelong commitment to service to the values instilled in him by his parents, who were both teachers and his sister, who remains in the profession. His dedication to youth development extends beyond the school year—he has run the Wilson Summer Youth Basketball Camp for 5- to 13-year-olds for 23 years, helping young athletes build skills and confidence. Grateful for the educators and mentors who shaped his journey, he continues to give back to his community with the same passion and commitment that guided him as a student and athlete.