What Does Mwalimu Mean??
MWALIMU is a Swahili word for teacher. However, first, I would like to give you a little background of the
Swahili language. Tanzania is one, if not the only, Afrikan nation that has an Afrikan language, Kiswahili.
Most Afrikan nations, however, use only a European language.
Swahili is not spoken in all of Africa, however, it is the most widely spoken language in the eastern part of
Africa being spoken by around 80 million speakers. Swahili is an amalgamation of Portuguese, Bantu &
Arabic. This is why a lot of Swahili words can be found in Saudi Arabia and Portugal.
In recent history a man named Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania and one of the great leaders of
the African generation, was given the title of MWALIMU. He was given the title "MWALIMU," which means
"teacher," because of the lessons he imparted. But the term meant more. It was also a term of affection, a
term of endearment, a show of love.
Therefore, it is fitting that we bestow upon our 2007 /2008 honorees with affection….endearment and love,
the title of…… MWALIMU.
MWALIMU is a Swahili word for teacher. However, first, I would like to give you a little background of the
Swahili language. Tanzania is one, if not the only, Afrikan nation that has an Afrikan language, Kiswahili.
Most Afrikan nations, however, use only a European language.
Swahili is not spoken in all of Africa, however, it is the most widely spoken language in the eastern part of
Africa being spoken by around 80 million speakers. Swahili is an amalgamation of Portuguese, Bantu &
Arabic. This is why a lot of Swahili words can be found in Saudi Arabia and Portugal.
In recent history a man named Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania and one of the great leaders of
the African generation, was given the title of MWALIMU. He was given the title "MWALIMU," which means
"teacher," because of the lessons he imparted. But the term meant more. It was also a term of affection, a
term of endearment, a show of love.
Therefore, it is fitting that we bestow upon our 2007 /2008 honorees with affection….endearment and love,
the title of…… MWALIMU.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| H-O-P-E Helping Others Pursue Education |
| MONROVIA-DUARTE BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Mwalilmu Awards |
| 2008 / 2009 Mwalimu Award Recipients Men Who Value Family & Community |
Clarence Bourne
Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 2, “To everything…there is a time…a time to be born…,” Clarence Bourne was born on
April 10, 1938 in Oak Vale, Mississippi. He joined the Christ Temple Church of Christ Holiness, and was
baptized at the age of 7, where he served on the Usher Board.
He attended Prentiss High School in Prentiss, Mississippi where he displayed his athletic abilities on the
football team as a line backer. He graduated in 1957 and moved to California.
He was employed by several companies, including Chemical Countour, Advanced Structure and Los
Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) as a bus driver, as he transported children, “our most precious
cargo”. He received several awards, including a 20 Year Safe Driving Award.
In 1964 he married his sweetheart, his pillar and his lover for life, Mercedes Bourne. They were blessed
with three children, Chris, Staci and DeMarcus, one daughter-in-law (Heather Bourne) and one
granddaughter (Savannah Bourne).
Clarence currently resides in Monrovia where he has contributed to the Monrovia/Duarte communities by
serving as a Little League Coach, a Pony League Coach and an Asst. Coach for the Monrovia Youth
Baseball League (MYBL). He was also a mentor, crossing guard and served as a member of the Monrovia
High School Booster Club.
In 2003 he retired from LAUSD after serving over 25 years. He now spends his free time with family and
friends. He enjoys fishing, barbequing, golfing, movies and attending sporting events. He has been a
member of the Bethlehem Church of Christ Holiness since 1957, where he is still GROWING IN THE LORD!
George Frazier IV
It all began with the Duarte Gorillas in 1981 as we now know to be the Duarte Hawks. A player so small, a
prayer went up every weekend hoping he would make the weight, but a heart so BIG, he was guaranteed to
shine at every game.
George excelled at Duarte High School in track and field; but most notably in football. A coach once asked
him, “what position do you play?” and his response was, “whatever you need me to.” Never one to be big
on words, he let his talent be the proof as he went on to lead the Duarte High Falcons in ’89, ’90 and ’91 as
quarterback, running back and safety. George played college ball at Fresno State University, however,
when his priorities shifted, he returned to Duarte to single-handedly raise his namesake, George L. Frazier,
V, (also known as “G5”).
Love for the game, community and our children kept him here where it all began and he has been an
influential part of the Duarte Hawks’ coaching staff for over 8 years. He has helped to provide these
players with productive extra-curricular activities and alternatives to keep them off the streets. George is a
great role model for our African American youth. He is more than a coach, he is a mentor, father figure and
friend to many of these children. He believes education is first priority and all the accolades will follow. In a
world where our African American youth dream of becoming a pro-ball player, he stresses, “that is only
temporary…….education is a lifetime.”
He has also been recognized by Duarte’s current Mayor, Phillip R. Reyes and ex-mayor and current city
councilmember, Lois Gaston for his participation with youth activities for the city of Duarte. Proving again,
and putting to good use his God-given talents. He is a huge supporter of our children….our future.
As a single father, he took on the responsibility of rearing his son for 10 years until he married in 2006. He
has been an awesome father to his wife’s children as well as his own. His children are all great students
and young pillars in the community. His son “G5”, is an honor student.
He is a wonderful husband, father and friend and always stresses the importance of keeping GOD FIRST
and blessings will follow.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 2, “To everything…there is a time…a time to be born…,” Clarence Bourne was born on
April 10, 1938 in Oak Vale, Mississippi. He joined the Christ Temple Church of Christ Holiness, and was
baptized at the age of 7, where he served on the Usher Board.
He attended Prentiss High School in Prentiss, Mississippi where he displayed his athletic abilities on the
football team as a line backer. He graduated in 1957 and moved to California.
He was employed by several companies, including Chemical Countour, Advanced Structure and Los
Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) as a bus driver, as he transported children, “our most precious
cargo”. He received several awards, including a 20 Year Safe Driving Award.
In 1964 he married his sweetheart, his pillar and his lover for life, Mercedes Bourne. They were blessed
with three children, Chris, Staci and DeMarcus, one daughter-in-law (Heather Bourne) and one
granddaughter (Savannah Bourne).
Clarence currently resides in Monrovia where he has contributed to the Monrovia/Duarte communities by
serving as a Little League Coach, a Pony League Coach and an Asst. Coach for the Monrovia Youth
Baseball League (MYBL). He was also a mentor, crossing guard and served as a member of the Monrovia
High School Booster Club.
In 2003 he retired from LAUSD after serving over 25 years. He now spends his free time with family and
friends. He enjoys fishing, barbequing, golfing, movies and attending sporting events. He has been a
member of the Bethlehem Church of Christ Holiness since 1957, where he is still GROWING IN THE LORD!
George Frazier IV
It all began with the Duarte Gorillas in 1981 as we now know to be the Duarte Hawks. A player so small, a
prayer went up every weekend hoping he would make the weight, but a heart so BIG, he was guaranteed to
shine at every game.
George excelled at Duarte High School in track and field; but most notably in football. A coach once asked
him, “what position do you play?” and his response was, “whatever you need me to.” Never one to be big
on words, he let his talent be the proof as he went on to lead the Duarte High Falcons in ’89, ’90 and ’91 as
quarterback, running back and safety. George played college ball at Fresno State University, however,
when his priorities shifted, he returned to Duarte to single-handedly raise his namesake, George L. Frazier,
V, (also known as “G5”).
Love for the game, community and our children kept him here where it all began and he has been an
influential part of the Duarte Hawks’ coaching staff for over 8 years. He has helped to provide these
players with productive extra-curricular activities and alternatives to keep them off the streets. George is a
great role model for our African American youth. He is more than a coach, he is a mentor, father figure and
friend to many of these children. He believes education is first priority and all the accolades will follow. In a
world where our African American youth dream of becoming a pro-ball player, he stresses, “that is only
temporary…….education is a lifetime.”
He has also been recognized by Duarte’s current Mayor, Phillip R. Reyes and ex-mayor and current city
councilmember, Lois Gaston for his participation with youth activities for the city of Duarte. Proving again,
and putting to good use his God-given talents. He is a huge supporter of our children….our future.
As a single father, he took on the responsibility of rearing his son for 10 years until he married in 2006. He
has been an awesome father to his wife’s children as well as his own. His children are all great students
and young pillars in the community. His son “G5”, is an honor student.
He is a wonderful husband, father and friend and always stresses the importance of keeping GOD FIRST
and blessings will follow.
Kenneth Bell
• Board vice president, 1992, 2004-05
• Board president, 1992, 1995, 2001, 2005-06
• Advocate for quality educational programs for all students
• Supporter of our culturally-rich and diverse community
• Recipient, Top Investigator of the Year Award, California District Attorney Association (CDAA)
• Recipient, twice named, The Outstanding Instructor Award, CDAA
• Recipient, Outstanding Investigator Award, Los Angeles District Attorney
• Faculty member, UC Davis, Golden West College, Fox Valley College
• Lecturer, consultant, trainer for law enforcement agencies on juvenile gangs
• 21 years with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department; 15 with the District Attorney
Clarence R. Shaw
Shaw was elected in 2009. Prior to serving on city council, Shaw was elected to the Monrovia Unified School District’s
Board of Education in 2005 where he served as Board Vice-President and Board Clerk.
Shaw, a career public servant, is employed by the County of Los Angeles as a Human Services Administrator. He
received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and earned a
Masters degree in Public Administration from California State University.
Shaw is married and has two children attending Monrovia schools. He is a Battalion Training Officer in the U.S. Army
Reserves and served as a Company Commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003-2004.
Council assignments include liaison to Community Media of the Foothills, Council liaison to the Planning Commission
and the Youth Employment Service (YES!) program, alternate representative to Animal Control, the Independent Cities
Association, the League of California Cities and the Southern California Association of Governments; and participation
in the Monroe Elementary School Adopt-a-School program.
Email: Shaw2005@verizon.net
• Board vice president, 1992, 2004-05
• Board president, 1992, 1995, 2001, 2005-06
• Advocate for quality educational programs for all students
• Supporter of our culturally-rich and diverse community
• Recipient, Top Investigator of the Year Award, California District Attorney Association (CDAA)
• Recipient, twice named, The Outstanding Instructor Award, CDAA
• Recipient, Outstanding Investigator Award, Los Angeles District Attorney
• Faculty member, UC Davis, Golden West College, Fox Valley College
• Lecturer, consultant, trainer for law enforcement agencies on juvenile gangs
• 21 years with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department; 15 with the District Attorney
Clarence R. Shaw
Shaw was elected in 2009. Prior to serving on city council, Shaw was elected to the Monrovia Unified School District’s
Board of Education in 2005 where he served as Board Vice-President and Board Clerk.
Shaw, a career public servant, is employed by the County of Los Angeles as a Human Services Administrator. He
received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and earned a
Masters degree in Public Administration from California State University.
Shaw is married and has two children attending Monrovia schools. He is a Battalion Training Officer in the U.S. Army
Reserves and served as a Company Commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003-2004.
Council assignments include liaison to Community Media of the Foothills, Council liaison to the Planning Commission
and the Youth Employment Service (YES!) program, alternate representative to Animal Control, the Independent Cities
Association, the League of California Cities and the Southern California Association of Governments; and participation
in the Monroe Elementary School Adopt-a-School program.
Email: Shaw2005@verizon.net
| 2009 / 2010 Mwalimu Award Recipients Men Who Value Education & Community Kenneth Bell, Vice President - Duarte School Board Clarence Shaw - Monrovia Council Member |
