In February, Americans celebrate Black History Month in honor of African Americans across the nation. Beginning in 1915, historian Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History to bring awareness to the forgotten African American contributors of this great nation. In 1926, the two men brough to life the Negro History Week, and it wasn’t until 1976 that then President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month as a national month-long celebration during February. This year, The Feather will showcase historical African American figures from the Central Valley area, who brought positive change to their communities.

Remembered for his generosity and action, Jack Kelley founded the African American Historical and Cultural Museum in Downtown Fresno with his wife, Rosa Kelley. Jack Kelley served his nation during World War II and his city as a Fresno Police Officer and the first African American Sergeant. 

Kelley was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on Aug. 23, 1920 as one of eight children to Frank and Fannie Cobbs-Kelley. His family immigrated to the central San Joaquin Valley where Kelley attended Tulare Union and became a star in football, basketball and baseball. He then attended University of California, Fresno in the 1940s where he met his wife, Rosa L. Conley and the pair got married in 1946. 

In 1943, Kelley left the Central Valley to serve his country in Europe during World War II. He served in the United States Army and in 1949, Kelley began working for the Fresno Police Department. Twenty years later in 1969, he became the first African American Sergeant of the force. Following retirement in 1970, a statue was constructed in his honor for his work within the department, while he became a Law Enforcement Coordinator for Fresno State University. The Fresno Police Department continues to honor Black History Month, remembering the great African American men and women who have served the community.

 

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John Belli, a police officer for over 35 years, has worked for the Merced, Reedley and Fresno Police Departments. He thinks Kelley was a person who cared about his country and local community.

“I believe his story is extremely inspiring,” Belli said.“I have a lot of respect for all of our military. And for him to go to World War II and then come back and be a police officer requires a lot of dedication and self discipline.”

In an interview with Fresnoland, Kelley’s grand-niece, Sabrina Kelley reflected how he traveled the Valley presenting artwork and photographs in exhibits at Juneteenth celebrations and high schools to show students and other citizens Black life in the Central Valley.

“Of paramount concern to the Kelleys was making sure people knew the contributions of African-Americans to the life and culture and history of the Central Valley,” Sabrina Kelley said.

Jack and Rosa Kelley founded the African American Historical and Cultural Museum in 1993 in order to showcase historical photographs, artifacts and memorabilia of African Americans living in or from the San Joaquin Valley. Displayed for the public to see are locals who pursued careers in business, law, politics, education, religion, healthcare, sports and agriculture.

Kelley passed away peacefully in his sleep Oct. 25, 2011. He was buried with his wife of 52 years who passed away in 1999. His impact on the Central Valley still continues today with the museum’s continuation and those lives he shared across the Valley.

2026 marks 100 years of celebrating African American trailblazers, it is paramount that we continue to recognize local and national figures.

For more Black History Month Spotlights, see Black History Month: Dr. André Stephens leads Fresno Pacific University and Black History Month Spotlight: Nia Marie Hodge accomplishes success as a women in business.

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