Solano County Hometown Hero: Patricia Hunter's work still speaking volumes

Patricia Hunter has a motto - "Let the work speak for you."

She's done a ton of work in Vallejo over the years, and the Solano community has noticed, nominating her as a finalist for this year's Richard Freedman Solano County Hometown Hero.

The longtime Vallejoan is in her fourth year as President of the NAACP Vallejo branch, a group she has helped increase in membership from 200 to 360. Hunter took over as President of the branch - No. 1081, covering Crockett, Martinez, Vallejo, Benicia, and Napa County - in early 2023, just a few months after the death of Jimmie Jackson.

"I don't see this as a challenge, but more an opportunity," Hunter told the Times-Herald when she was selected to replace Jackson. "I want to be more visible in the community and have more outreach in the community. Just have a total commitment to the community."

Before taking over as President of the Vallejo NAACP, Hunter was letting the work speak for her. She was awarded the 2022 NAACP California/Hawaii State Conference Youth and College Division Advisor of the Year Award. She also serves as co-chair of the Religious Affairs Committee for the NAACP California/Hawaii State Conference.

"My job is to listen to the community, and then it's also our job to hold people accountable," Hunter told the Times-Herald earlier this week.

"She has the leadership qualities that you see so often in that she is friendly and compassionate while understanding other people's issues," Joey Carrizales said about Hunter. "That makes it easy to follow her. She asks very simple questions, but what sets her apart is that she has a great heart. She is a person with empathy."

Elissa Shanks, who helped nominate Hunter, says Hunter made an immediate impact on her community.

"Ms Hunter has worked in our community for years, but she kicked it into high gear when she became president of the local chapter of the NAACP," Shanks told the Times-Herald on Saturday. "Immediately, everything and everyone became organized! Her leadership sparked enthusiasm and engagement in all the committees she set up and the community at large."

Hunter says the most important factor in being a hometown hero is communication.

"With our meetings, we make sure we fill the house and participate, but we also go virtual and make sure people who can't make it in person can still participate," Hunter said on Thursday. "Then I put together an email on Facebook twice a month, kind of a Cliffnotes version of the meetings. Our membership is increasing, including our youth."

Hunter said that the NAACP constantly meets with dignitaries in the city, whether it be the city manager, city staff members, or city council members. She brought up the Sunset Rotary Club as one of many groups asking the important questions.

"How the city is going to handle the budget," Hunter said. "What's going on at White Slough? What's going on in our schools?"

Hunter first got the itch to help her community by learning from her dad, who served in the military and in the school district. She has also been heavily influenced by churches.

"The church is a big component for me," Hunter said. "That's where branches often begin in the community."

Hunter has been looking forward to this weekend's Juneteenth parade and festival. Hunter helped out by organizing a blood drive at the Vallejo JFK Library. But the aspect she's most thrilled about concerning Juneteenth?

"I love how much the youth are involved," Hunter said. "I love how they've improved with the storytelling. Our freedom was delayed, but not denied."

Hunter says people underestimate her hometown at their own peril.

"There are plenty of opportunities here," Hunter said. "You watch and see how Vallejo will start to turn itself around. We have a new city council and a new interim city manager, and I have a lot of hope for the City of Vallejo. Look, people aren't moving away from Vallejo. They are coming here and staying here, so there must be something going well for the City."

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.