NAACP Honors Individuals, Groups for Community Aid

The National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People honored individuals and organizations Saturday for their contributions to the black community.

At an banquet in Santa Ana, the NCAAP presented African-American Citizens of Distinction awards to the following six individuals and two organizations for their work in such areas as education, religion, youth and social services:

* The Rev. James Carrington, who has served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church of Yorba Linda. He has been active in various church groups and serves on committees dealing with housing, youth and civic issues.

* Judge Robert B. Hutson, who has served as a juvenile court judge for 14 years, and often lectures at junior high and high schools in Orange County. He also co-founded the Barnard S. Jefferson Law Society.

* Penny Owens of Fullerton, who started church services for black families and has worked to desegregate an apartment complex in Fullerton. She helps the disabled.

* Clay White Jr., the principal of El Toro Marine School, who has 32 years of teaching experience. He has been active in the PTA, and often lectures at Rancho Santiago College and Orange Coast Community College.

* Kelle Whitehurst, who is a student at Fullerton College. Whitehurst has volunteered for several athletic programs, including the Boys and Girls Club of Fullerton.

* Dr. Ernest R. Williams, who works for the Orange County Health Care Agency as a medical director for correctional medical services. For the past 15 years, he has worked to improve health care for people in jails.

* Operation Fresh Start. Started by Rodhl Steward and Don Bryant in 1992, this group has helped finance and relocate the homeless and provides counseling services.

* The Black Orange is a monthly publication which supports and promotes African-American businesses, associations and professional endeavors.