Historical Research Center | CSU Bakersfield
Historical Research Center | CSU Bakersfield

African American Voices Biographies

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Celebrating Black Heritage: Biographies

Johnie Mae Lothridge Parker

The photograph presents Johnie M. Parker in a composed studio-style portrait, typical of mid- to late-twentieth-century professional or commemorative images. Her attire and eyewear suggest a date in the mid-twentieth century. The inclusion of her printed name beneath the image indicates that the photograph was likely published in a program, book, newspaper, or organizational document.Johnie M. Parker is associated with community activism and anti-poverty efforts in Bakersfield, California, including authorship of How Long? Not Long! The Battle to End Poverty in Bakersfield. As such, this portrait likely documents a civic leader, author, or public figure engaged in social justice and community development work. Studio portraits such as this serve as visual records of leadership and community presence, particularly for individuals involved in civil rights, anti-poverty organizing, or public service.
Courtesy of Adobe Krow Archives

1908-1988

Community Involvement: Parker was deeply involved in her community through various roles, including church activities, PTA, and several clubs. She also served as the secretary for the local branch of the NAACP.

Civil Rights Movement: During her work in the civil rights movement, Parker had the opportunity to meet prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

Target Area Program (TAP): She played an integral role in the Target Area Program in Bakersfield, which aimed to combat poverty.

Education: Parker attended classes at Bakersfield College and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). She was also part of the teaching staff at the Bakersfield Adult School.

“How Long? Not Long! The Battle To End Poverty” (1987)

 

 

Pearl Lowery Winters

1882 – 1957

Presidential Performance: Pearl Lowery Winters was the first woman from Kern County to perform at a Presidential Ball in 1901. She sang for President William McKinley at his second inaugural ball, where he nicknamed her the “Nightingale of California” due to her beautiful contralto voice.

Community Involvement: Winters was involved in several community organizations, including the Red Cross, the United Service Organization, the Golden West Women’s Club, and the California State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs.

Billy Haynes

The image shows an African American man standing and holding a black electric bass guitar, with his left hand positioned along the fretboard and his right hand near the strings. He wears glasses and a long-sleeve patterned shirt. The background includes a wall map and office or classroom materials, suggesting an educational or informal institutional setting rather than a stage performance. The relaxed expression and posture suggest the photograph captures a candid or informal moment, possibly during a music lesson, rehearsal, or community event. Electric bass guitars are commonly associated with jazz, blues, gospel, funk, and other genres with deep roots in African American musical traditions. Photographs such as this often document cultural participation, artistic expression, and community engagement in educational or local institutional spaces.

 

Billy Haynes (b. March 22, 1949, Los Angeles) is an American bassist, vocalist, and bandleader. Raised in Bakersfield, he began performing in the 1960s with local groups before founding The Original Souls, winners of the 1969 Lake Ming “Battle of the Bands.” He went on to tour extensively, becoming Tina Turner’s first solo bass player (1977–1981) and later performing with Lou Rawls. In the 1980s he formed Pressure Point, reaching the finals of Star Search, and became a sought-after bandleader in Hollywood. Haynes has shared stages with artists including Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, Etta James, and Ike Turner. Since the 2000s, he has lived in the Netherlands, leading the Billy Haynes Band and touring Europe with his “Feel Good Old School” R&B sound