Fresno City College Associate Dean of Athletics and Physical Education Dr. Derrick Johnson was honored by the African American Historical & Cultural Museum (AAHCM) of the San Joaquin Valley as a recipient of its 2026 Trailblazer Award. Johnson was one of 12 individuals to receive the honor and was recognized at the annual AAHCM Trailblazers Award Banquet on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Veterans Memorial District in Clovis.

Johnson has been with Fresno City since July of 2020, originally named the college's athletic director before being promoted to the dean position.

According to the AAHCM, the Trailblazers Awards honor Central Valley African American leaders and are "a celebration of local heroes who have made significant contributions to the advancement of our community. These individuals, through their perseverance, innovation, and dedication, continue to inspire others to blaze their own trails toward success."

The African American Historical & Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley is located in downtown Fresno. AAHCM's mission is to celebrate and promote the richness of African and African-American history and culture in the San Joaquin Valley through exhibition, theater, music, and education.

The AAHCM states "our main goal is to educate the community about the local history of African Americans from throughout the Central Valley. We are committed to educating through our Museum, one exhibit or event at a time. There is always something new and exciting happening, and our knowledge is always expanding."