Here is a message from Venice Heritage Museum!
Wishing a very happy birthday to Jataun Valentine — a member of the historic Tabor family, one of the founding African-American families of Venice, and a lifelong activist, inspired by her mother, Hazel’s service before her.
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(Jataun Valentine pictured in the front row, second from left)
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You might recognize Jataun from Ivo Vergara’s vibrant mural on Lincoln Blvd. She has been a devoted friend to the seniors of Venice for decades and remains a revered community elder. Jataun’s first volunteer work was at the Oakwood Recreation Center, helping with the nutrition program for the Oakwood Senior Club.
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Photo courtesy of Venice Heritage Museum
In addition, she has organized over 100 trips, both local and out-of-state for seniors. She also created a Speakers Forum, bringing together seniors and political candidates. And if a senior needed a ride to vote, Jataun was there.
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In 2005 for her outstanding community service and for encouraging the elderly to remain active she was honored with the LA Pearls Senior Citizen of the Year Award.
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Jataun’s philosophy? “If someone needs help, no matter what their age, I may not have an answer back together, will find a solution.”
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Jataun’s family and friends recently celebrated with her at the Venice-Abbot Kinney Memorial Library
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Cheers to another turn around the sun!
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‘Photo courtesy of Marilyn Ramirez
About Venice Heritage Museum:
We preserve, nurture, and celebrate stories of Venice’s diverse cultural heritage + history. Help us launch the FIRST-EVER museum for Venice, CA! veniceheritagemuseum.org