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48 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JANUARY 2026 Earl Doucette Jr. (EJ) is making history as the African American Culture Club's (AACC) first male president, elected for the 2026- 2028 term. In the club's 20-year history, he is the sixth president, following five female leaders: Founder Betty Ann James, Joyce Allen, Regina Thomas, Wanda Valentine, and sister, Jocelyn Doucette. EJ's election marks a significant new chapter for the organization. He is an active member of the AACC, having served as a chairperson for the 2024 Juneteenth event. Born in Los Angeles on May 3, 1960, EJ moved at age two to East Orange, New Jersey, with his mother JoEllen and sister Jocelyn. His father, Earl Sr., is from Slidell, Louisiana, where the massive Doucette family is commemorated by a named road. At age 25, EJ received a plane ticket from his father to visit California. This trip allowed him to reunite with his father after many years, along with thirteen other family members. He fell in love with California and moved in with his father, who gave him a car, and he began working part-time at an aunt's Video Depot business. EJ began his professional career at the Kirk Paper Company in the City of Commerce, supplementing his income by detailing the cars of the sales representatives. One rep., Phil Woo, saw EJ's potential, for being an "excellent salesman" and gifted him a book on salesmanship. Inspired, EJ sought a sales role but was crushed when an HR representative explained the company would never hire any African Americans on their sales team. Having grown up in the diverse environment of New Jersey, this was his first direct experience with overt racism. Determined to be in sales, he found an ad for New York Life. He was immediately hired at age 27, receiving assistance for his insurance license and a two-year training salary. EJ has been successful as a licensed broker/owner for over 35 years. EJ met his wife, Cissy, in Sacramento in 1993, marrying her two years later in 1995. The couple moved to Moreno Valley for better sales opportunities that same year. They have three adult children: a son, Shaiim, and two daughters, Tara and Jasmine. They purchased a home in Four Seasons in 2020. The next AACC monthly meeting is on Monday, Jan. 5, at 6 pm in The Lodge Game Room. For more information, contact Club President, EJ Doucette at earl@theinsuranceprofessor.net. ~ Regina omas African American Cultural Club