Alumna co-authors comprehensive Black history book
As the pages of "The Chronicle of Heroes: Black Contributions to America" turn, the stories of countless individuals who helped shape the history of the United States come to life.
Denicia Crutcher-Lyons, the book's co-author, spent two years meticulously researching and crafting a narrative that would honor the triumphs and struggles of Black Americans. The result is a book that profiles 740 trailblazers, including abolitionists, inventors, explorers, educators, political leaders, activists and more.
Surprisingly, Crutcher-Lyons said she never expected to become a researcher and author. When she enrolled at Citrus College in her mid-30s, her primary goal was to create a better life for her daughters. However, she quickly became immersed in the campus community. Not only did she enroll her toddler in the college's child development center, she also joined clubs, participated in the college's dance company and took part in student activities.
"I was involved in several events and went to all the home football games. My girls even enjoyed the activities," she said. "In fact, during the 2008 football season, I was chosen as the college's homecoming queen!"
With the help of her Citrus College counselor, Crutcher-Lyons also became part of the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program. She would go on to work in the EOPS office as a student worker.
"I received amazing support from everyone in the office," she said. "Serving as a student worker provided me with flexibility that worked with my class schedule and my daughters' schooling."
After graduating with an associate degree in mathematics and another in fine arts, Crutcher-Lyons transferred to Nevada State University. It was there that she discovered a passion for history, which would ultimately lead her to co-author her book.
According to Crutcher-Lyons, this accomplishment wouldn't have been possible without Citrus College.
"Citrus taught me that the sky was the limit, and that it was possible for dreams to come true as long as you never give up on yourself or your goals," she said. "After graduating from Citrus College, I truly believed I could do anything I put my mind to."
This article originally appeared in the May 2025 edition of the Citrus View.