South Oroville African American Historical Society

09/05/2026

✨ SOAAHS Legacy Tribute: Theoplis “T.C.” Dennis ✨

Today we honor the life and legacy of Theoplis Collier Columbus “T.C.” Dennis (1933–2021) — a pillar of South Oroville whose service shaped our community for more than seven decades.
T.C graduated from Oroville High School, Class of 1950. After attending Yuba College, he built a life rooted in family, hard work, and unwavering civic commitment.

T.C. dedicated over 50 years to California Water Service, ultimately serving as District Manager for the Oroville/Marysville districts, where he oversaw water treatment, groundwater systems, and infrastructure that supported thousands of local homes and businesses. His leadership extended into public utilities as a long‑time board member for the Oroville Area Public Utility District, helping guide the region’s growth and essential services.

His community involvement was extraordinary. T.C. served in and led numerous organizations, including:

*Oroville Elk Ho**er Oak Lodge No. 1197 – 69‑year member, Exalted Ruler for over 60 years
*Oroville Rotary District 5190 – Past President
*Ben Ali Shriners
*Oroville Mason Lodge 103 – Third Degree Mason
*Oroville Downtown Business Association Board
*Oroville Area General Plan Revision Committee
*Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 196
*Boy Scouts of America – Century Member

He also contributed to local governance and education through roles with the Oroville Union High School District, Oroville Hospital, Butte County committees, and more than 40 years on the Lake Oroville Area Public Utility District Board.

Despite his vast service, T.C. always made time for joy! Model A cars, bowling, fishing, and time spent with family and friends.

T.C. Dennis leaves behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, and devotion to the people of Oroville. His impact lives on in the institutions he strengthened and the community he loved.

The Oroville community honors you, T.C. Thank you for a lifetime of service.

08/28/2026

SOAAHS is bringing a night of Blues, Old School R&B with Motown vibes, and community pride to the Oroville State Theatre. Honoring legacy, uplifting youth, and celebrating culture.

Mark your calendars and join us on November 14th for this community fundraiser. We hope to see you there! More details to come...

08/11/2026

Short video of the presentation to the Beast Club Basketball Family during the Oroville Youth Partnership and Giving Event...

08/11/2026

Live segments of the Oroville Youth Partnership and Giving Event

08/09/2026

What an incredible community showcase today! A massive thank you to all our amazing partners for uniting to empower the next generation. We are proud to announce that our team has made a $500 donation to Oroville Youth Forge and a $500 donation to Beast Club Basketball Family to support their incredible work. We are grateful for this partnership and honored to be a part of the team!

​Special thanks to Shawn Webber for being an incredible MC, and to Brian and Louisa Wong for graciously hosting us at Union Restaurant.
​This is truly just the beginning...More to come! 💙🤝🔥
Oroville Youth In Action
Oroville Youth Forge
South Oroville African American Historical Society
Beast Club Basketball Family
Cultivate Power Fighting Arts
Oroville Boxing Club
Oroville Youth Sports Center
Paradise Boxing
The Valley 105.7

​

08/04/2026

💙 YOU'RE INVITED: Oroville Youth Partnership & Giving Event 💙
​Discover incredible opportunities for the next generation at our upcoming community showcase!

​📅 When: Saturday, August 8 | 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
​📍 Where: Union, 2053 Montgomery Street, Oroville, CA 95965

​WHAT TO EXPECT:
​Local nonprofits and youth organizations are uniting to empower local young people through scholarships, mentorship, athletics, and leadership programs.

​FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS:
​SCHOLARSHIPS: Oroville Youth Forge, South Oroville African American Historical Society, Oroville Youth In Action

​ATHLETICS & YOUTH PROGRAMS: Paradise Boxing, Beast Club Basketball Family, Oroville Boxing Club, and Cultivate Power Fighting Arts.

​A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO PARENTS:
​Bring your children and teenagers! Join us and meet the leaders, coaches, scholarship recipients and skilled athletes to learn about and sign up for valuable scholarship programs, mentorship initiatives, and structured athletic activities. Give your kids the tools and support they need to build a bright future.

​One Community. One Mission. Endless Possibilities!
The Valley 105.7

08/03/2026

💙 YOU'RE INVITED: Oroville Youth Partnership & Giving Event 💙
​Discover incredible opportunities for the next generation at our upcoming community showcase!

​📅 When: Saturday, August 8 | 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

​📍 Where: Union, 2053 Montgomery Street, Oroville, CA 95965

​WHAT TO EXPECT:
​Local nonprofits and youth organizations are uniting to empower local young people through scholarships, mentorship, athletics, and leadership programs.

​FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS:
​SCHOLARSHIPS: South Oroville African American Historical Society, Oroville Youth Forge and Oroville Youth In Action

​ATHLETICS & YOUTH PROGRAMS: Beast Club Basketball Family, Oroville Boxing Club, Paradise Boxing, Cultivate Power Fighting Arts and Oroville Youth Sports Center

​A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO PARENTS:
​Bring your children and teenagers! Join us and meet the leaders, coaches, scholarship recipients and skilled athletes to learn about and sign up for valuable scholarship programs, mentorship initiatives, and structured athletic activities. Give your kids the tools and support they need to build a bright future.

​One Community. One Mission. Endless Possibilities!
The Valley 105.7

🤝 Join Us for the Oroville Youth Partnership & Giving Event! 💙

Come see what happens when our community comes together to invest in the next generation.

This special presentation brings together local nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering youth through scholarships, mentorship, athletics, leadership, and structured programs. Together, we're building one another up and creating lasting opportunities for young people throughout Oroville.

📅 Saturday, August 8 🕛 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM 📍 Union 2053 Montgomery Street Oroville, CA 95965

Participating Organizations: ⭐ SOAAHS Scholarship Program ⭐ Oroville Youth In Action Scholarship Program ⭐ Oroville Youth Forge Scholarship Program ⭐ Oroville Beast Club Basketball ⭐ Oroville Boxing Club ⭐ Paradise Boxing Club ⭐ Cultivate Power Fighting Arts, Mixed Martial Arts

Whether you're a parent, student, community leader, or simply want to support local youth, we invite you to attend and learn how these organizations are working together to create brighter futures.

One Community. One Mission. Endless Possibilities.

Please like, share, and help us spread the word! Together, we can build stronger youth and a stronger Oroville. 💙🧡

07/22/2026

Join us for the Oroville Youth Partnership & Giving Event as we work together today to build a stronger tomorrow!

We're excited to be a part of ​this inspiring collaboration that brings together local non-profits and athletic organizations to empower youth through scholarships and structured programs. Stronger Together. Investing in Our Youth. Building Our Community.

​DATE & TIME: Saturday, August 8th at 12:00 PM

​LOCATION: Union, 2053 Montgomery Street, Oroville, CA 95965

​Thank you for supporting the young people of Oroville—your partnership makes a lasting impact!

Oroville Youth Forge
South Oroville African American Historical Society
Beast Club Basketball Family
Paradise Boxing
Cultivate Power Fighting Arts
Oroville Youth Sports Center
Oroville Youth In Action
OrovilleBoxing Club
Exchange Club of Oroville
The Valley 105.7
The Scrap Yard Boxing Club
Knuckle Game Boxing Academy

06/24/2026

🌟 Honoring the Remarkable Journey of Roz King 🌟

A Northern California native, Roz has spent her life redefining what’s possible. She excelled early as both a scholar and athlete. A member of the California Scholastic Federation, the Latin Club, the Girls Athletic Association, the field hockey team, and even a drum majorette. “Balancing academics with athletics,” as the document notes, was her norm.

After graduating from Oroville High School in 1956, she earned a full scholarship to Kaiser School of Nursing, launching a decades‑long medical career that eventually led her to San Diego, where she became one of the early pioneers of the nurse practitioner profession. She later rose to Director of Primary Care Services for Kaiser, overseeing 18 medical offices across 100 miles.

But her second act is what makes her legendary.

Roz didn’t start playing tennis seriously until her mid‑40s, inspired by watching players in a public park. “I visited this park several weekends just to watch, thinking I could do that!” she recalled. With no country club background, she trained entirely on public courts, relying first on speed and endurance before developing the technical game that would take her to the top of the world.

Her rise was steady and stunning:
• USTA Gold Balls on all four major surfaces
• World No. 1 ITF rankings in multiple age divisions
• A national slam in 2017
• 11 USTA World Cup teams, competing across Spain, Turkey, Austria, Croatia, New Zealand, and Australia
• Multiple Hall of Fame inductions
• And her own Roz King Day in San Diego

Even now, she continues to train, stretch twice daily, garden, play duplicate bridge, and hit with players from their 40s to their 90s. Her discipline and joy for movement keep her thriving as she prepares to enter the 90s division.

Roz remains a fierce advocate for public tennis, helping secure funding to repair 400 public courts in San Diego. A full‑circle contribution to the same spaces that shaped her.

Her message is simple and powerful: it’s never too late to start, grow, or excel. Roz proves every day that the best set of your life might still be ahead of you.