Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1544915
Gladys Williams AFRICAN AMERICAN HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD IN HONOR OF LOIS TINSON Gladys Williams' 35-year career as a Modesto edu- cator was defined by a tireless commitment to labor advocacy and social justice. Her union work spanned decades within Modesto Teachers Association (MTA), CTA and NEA. An elementary school teacher, Williams was a fixture at the NEA Representative Assembly for 25 years, where her service on the resolutions commit- tee led to a congressional apology for slavery. At the state level, she was a dedicated voice at CTA State Council meetings, and served as a member of what is now the Racial Equity Affairs Committee (REAC). She was actively engaged in working toward MTA goals, including equity meetings both at the local and service center level. She chaired the affirmative action committee for the Modesto City Schools district. Williams' activism was inseparable from her lead- ership in the community, including four decades of service and a presidency with the Modesto-Stani- slaus chapter of the NAACP. During this time, she helped revise over 100 school policies toward reduc- ing expulsion and suspension rates and disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, particularly among Black students. Even in retirement, she continued to work as a substitute teacher and remained an active presence at local Representative Assembly meetings, serving as a vital mentor to new educators. She was known for guiding younger teachers and encouraging them to step into roles as site representatives and equity committee members. Her advocacy continued into her final years, whether she was campaigning for Modesto's 2022 Measure L school bond, attending town halls for Special Education teachers, or advocating for student and teacher interests at monthly school board meetings. Unfortunately, Williams passed away in November 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of equity, decency and an unwavering belief that the struggle for teacher and student interests is a lifelong calling. James Gensaw AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKA NATIVE HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD IN HONOR OF JIM CLARK An educator for almost 20 years, James Gensaw works to protect the culture and language of his people. Tribal offi- cials say he is one of 16 advanced-level Yurok language-keepers alive today. An enrolled Yurok tribal mem- ber, Gensaw is also part of the tribe's Yurok Language Program, which is at the forefront of efforts to keep the Yurok language alive. Today, the Yurok language is offered as an elective at four high schools in far Northern California. Gensaw helped write the curric- ulum for the classes; it meets language instruction requirements for admission to the UC and CSU systems. He teaches at two of the four schools, teaching at one remotely while based at Del Norte High, his alma mater. According to a Del Norte High social media post, he can often be heard sharing the traditions of the Yurok nation through song and through drums. In addition, Gensaw leads the Native American club, observances of orange shirt day (an annual day of remembrance that honors Indigenous children who were sent to Indian boarding schools in the U.S. and Canada) and is coordinator of the Yurok Language Department. He has also coached wrestling and been a key part of restorative circles reducing suspension of Native youth. The Yurok community is the largest Native American tribe in California. "My elders encouraged me to pass on the language and culture," he said of becoming an educator. "Winning this award is a way to honor them." Teaching Yurok history is particularly gratifying. "If you can tell the stories (to the students), they are fixing wrongs from 100 years ago." Many of his students have received Seal of Biliteracy awards for mastery of the Yurok language. His work has helped to eliminate stereotypes and create positive role models. "I can only save this language for another 50 years. But [my students] ... they can bring this language in for another 60, 70 more years." 31 S P R I N G 2 0 26