Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt
Born in 1955 and raised in a small town in Mississippi, Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt is no stranger to racism. Supported by an aunt and uncle already living in Santa Maria, California, Lawanda moved to the Central Coast to pursue higher education, followed by a 21 year career as an Investigator with the Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office. The first African American woman to earn the title of Chief Investigator in California, and a long-time president of the Santa Maria-Lompoc branch of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), Lawanda leads a dynamic life dedicated to civil rights on California's Central Coast. But, as Part 2 of her interview reveals, it has been a life marked by profound personal tragedy and loss.
Audio Interview
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Our Roots/Our Routes is more than just an archive of history: it’s a project devoted to recognizing and honoring the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of communities that have shaped the local region. It is fueled by a commitment to supporting community pathways of self-definition and self-determination, and ultimately contributing to a more just and sustainable future for the Central Coast.
Through these stories, we aim to strengthen community bonds, foster cross-cultural understanding, and give voice to the rich diversity that defines our region.