Thompson Recognizes Sharon McGriff Payne as 2018 Woman of the Year in Solano County
Recognized for her work to tell untold stories of African American History in the North Bay
Solano County, CA – Today Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) formally announced McGriff Payne as this year's Woman of the Year in Solano County. Thompson accepted nominations in February from across the Fifth Congressional District for his annual awards honoring women who make exceptional impacts in our community.
"Sharon has made telling untold stories her life's work, tenaciously researching and writing about the rich history of African Americans in our community. Her work has exposed stories that were not known, and might not have been known," said Thompson. "Sharon's research, her books, and her newspaper have made a deep impact on our community, giving us exposure to history that must be told. I am honored to present her with this award."
This is the fourth annual Woman of the Year Awards, started in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, Thompson selects one woman from each of the counties in our district to be recognized for her service to our community.
A complete list of the 2018 winners includes:
- Tamara Jones, Napa County
- Detective Connie Van Putten, Contra Costa County
- Ginny Craven, Lake County
- Sharon McGriff Payne, Solano County
- Susan Moore, Sonoma County
- Dr. Jennifer Gonzalez, special posthumous award presented to her family
- Dr. Jennifer Golick, special posthumous award presented to her family
- Christine M. Loeber, special posthumous award presented to her family
Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force as well as the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.