Mary Louise Reeves
Recognition Category: Centenarian Legacy Circle
Recognition Class: Charter Class of 2026
Inducted: August 1, 2026
Recognized By: Our Authors Study Club of Los Angeles, Inc.
For more than a century, Mary Louise Reeves has exemplified the enduring values of education, civic leadership, faith, and service. Her remarkable life reflects the experiences of a generation of African American women who transformed their communities not through public acclaim, but through decades of unwavering dedication to teaching, mentoring, volunteering, and preserving history. Her story is one of quiet excellence—a life devoted to lifting others and strengthening the institutions that shape future generations.
Agatha Lang
Recognition Category: Centenarian Legacy Circle
Recognition Class: Charter Class of 2026
Inducted: August 1, 2026
Recognized By: Our Authors Study Club of Los Angeles, Inc.
For more than a century, Agatha Daniel Lang has embodied the enduring values of scholarship, faith, service, and educational excellence. Her remarkable life reflects the experiences of a generation of African American women who overcame barriers through determination, embraced education as a lifelong calling, and devoted themselves to strengthening their families and communities.
The Our Authors Study Club proudly recognizes Mrs. Lang as a distinguished member of the Centenarian Legacy Circle, honoring a woman whose century of life has been defined by perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
Growing up in New Orleans during the era of segregation, Mrs. Lang learned early that education represented far more than academic achievement. It was a pathway to opportunity, independence, and service. Her family shared that conviction and encouraged her to pursue every educational opportunity available.
Christine Nelson
Recognition Category: Legacy Leaders
Recognition Class: Charter Class of 2026
Inducted: August 1, 2026
Recognized By: Our Authors Study Club of Los Angeles, Inc.
For more than nine decades, Christine Nelson has demonstrated that history is not only preserved through books and museums, but also through art, storytelling, and the personal connections that inspire others to remember. A gifted artist, historical interpreter, and longtime volunteer with Our Authors Study Club, she has devoted her talents to preserving the rich history of African Americans in Los Angeles while bringing joy and encouragement to everyone she met.
barbara l. kelley lindsey
Recognition Category: Legacy Leaders
Recognition Class: Charter Class of 2026
Inducted: August 1, 2026
Recognized By: Our Authors Study Club of Los Angeles, Inc.
Barbara L. Kelley Lindsey is a retired educator, mentor, and community advocate whose life has been dedicated to serving, encouraging, and uplifting young people. Born in Washington, D.C., she was the eleventh of twelve children born to Sarah and Robert Kelley and was raised in a family that valued faith, perseverance, education, and service to others.
Theresa Curtis
Recognition Category: Distinguished Seniors
Recognition Class: Charter Class of 2026
Inducted: August 1, 2026
Recognized By: Our Authors Study Club of Los Angeles, Inc.
Theresa Curtis is a devoted Christian leader, educator, volunteer, and community servant whose life reflects a sincere commitment to faith, service, and helping others. Guided by her desire to reflect the image of Christ in her daily walk, she has dedicated herself to ministry, community engagement, and supporting those in need.
Dr. Maulana Karenga
Recognition Category: Distinguished Seniors
Recognition Class: Charter Class of 2026
Inducted: August 1, 2026
Recognized By: Our Authors Study Club of Los Angeles, Inc.
Dr. Maulana Karenga is one of the most influential scholars, cultural theorists, and public intellectuals of our time. For more than six decades, he has devoted his life's work to advancing the study, preservation, and celebration of African and African American history, culture, and thought. As a professor, author, institution builder, and internationally respected advocate for cultural renewal, his scholarship has shaped academic discourse while inspiring millions of people throughout the United States and around the world.
Widely recognized as the creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Karenga established the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles), a value system that has encouraged generations to embrace unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. What began as a cultural celebration has become an enduring international observance that strengthens families, communities, educational institutions, and organizations committed to honoring the richness of African heritage and the ongoing contributions of people of African descent.