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YUCAIPA, CA— Crafton Hills College (CHC) is a 2021 Equity Champion for Excellence in Transfer for Latinx students, an award conferred by the Campaign for College Opportunity, for California institutions of higher education that lead the state in Latinx students earning Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT).

This agency will recognize CHC for its achievement during a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, November 16, at 10 a.m. This non-profit organization is devoted to ensuring that the next generation of college-age students in California has the chance to go to college and succeed. ??The Campaign for College Opportunity selected colleges for the award by comparing the number of ADTs awarded to Latinx students to their total number of ADTs.

CHC graduates, including those who earn ADTs, are well-received by universities. They have some of the highest admission acceptance rates to the University of California system among all Inland Empire colleges, with an average acceptance rate of between 70 and 80 percent for Latinx students who apply to UC campuses.

CHC President Dr. Kevin Horan said that ensuring student success and working toward academic equity for all students is what the College has always striven to achieve.

“This recognition is critical because it signals to students, both current and future, that Crafton Hills College is here to support you and wants you to succeed,” Horan said. “We want to see our students thrive while they’re here and set them up to be able to transfer to a four-year college or university where they can continue to work toward their dreams.”

CHC bolstered Latinx student transfer in recent years by creating many new ADT degrees and fully supporting a variety of student services across campus, according to University Transfer Center Coordinator Mariana Macamay. She described a cross-departmental effort to stay updated on legislative changes, transfer policy, collaboration, and best practices.

“The transfer center is not solely responsible for this achievement. It started with (CHC Communications Professor) Rick Hogrefe, who was instrumental in championing the creation of so many ADTs and the faculty who supported it,” she said. “Many of our students utilize a variety of CHC’s student services, including counseling services, EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services).”

Additionally, CHC has reached out to students nearing completion and created ADTs for programs with high Latinx enrollment. Macamay said CHC’s approach is unique because the various student support departments work collaboratively.

Since its creation in 2001, CHC’s University Transfer Center has focused on its mission: to advance the education of all students, particularly Latinx and other disproportionately impacted students.

By Kenneth Miller | Inglewood Today

Coaches push the athletes they train to put their all into mastering the mental and physical aspects of their sport, preparing them to edge out competitors and perform at the height of their abilities.

But there are real-life situations, it seems, when attaining excellence proves to be too much – or maybe just not good enough.

This seems to have been the case Oct. 29 when an impressive shutout victory for Inglewood High School in Los Angeles County ended up turning into a bitter crosstown game of guilt, blame and grievances. That day, Inglewood High football coach and former Cleveland Browns defensive back Mil’Von James led his team to a 106-0 victory over rivals Morningside high.

Since that shellacking, education authorities have blasted James and Inglewood High for being too focused on winning that they failed to exhibit a spirit of compassion and sportsmanship.

The California Interscholastic Federation -Southern Section (CIFSS), the governing body of high school athletics in the state, released a scathing statement regarding the wide margin of the game’s final score.

“The CIF Southern Section expects that all athletic contests are to be conducted under the strictest code of good sportsmanship. “We expect coaches, players, officials, administrators and students to adhere to the Six Pillars of Character – Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship,” CIF-SS fired off in a statement.

“A score of 106-0 does not represent these ideals,” the statement continued. “The CIF-SS condemns, in the strongest terms, results such as these. It is our expectation that the Inglewood administration will work towards putting in place an action plan so that an event such as this does not repeat itself.”

James, 38, said it was not his intention to degrade or demoralize the Morningside High team.

“I apologized for the way things turned out,” James said even though, during the game, he benched his defensive starters after the second quarter and most of his other frontline players in the second half.

But Inglewood continued to run up the score on its hapless opponent.

Anyone who knows James personally would know – and can attest to the fact — that his intent was never to bring shame to the game that he loves.

Coaches like James who have played college and pro-football understand the fierce competitiveness it requires for young people to succeed when pursuing careers as professional athletes. They train their students to be warriors, to dominate their opponents. Varsity sports is the highest level of competition in high school. Today, the advancement of training techniques and year-round coaching and development increases the likelihood that schools with the resources will outperform schools with sports programs that are underfunded or under-supported.

Since he became coach at Inglewood High three seasons ago, James has taken the team from a losing streak to being nearly undefeated. During that time, the team has moved from CIF-SS Division 13 to Division 2.

Inglewood student athletes have advantages in coaching and preparation that Morningside and many other schools do not.

James was a star on the football squad at Fremont High School in Los Angeles where he graduated in 2003. In college, he first played for the UNLV Rebels where he led the nation in passes; before transferring to UCLA and playing for the Bruins from 2003-2005.

After brief stints in the NFL and the Canadian Football League on the roster for the Cleveland Browns and the Vancouver Lions respectively, James began coaching high school football.

He is the founder and director of one of most successful 7 on 7 leagues in the nation, responsible for scores of future and current high school, collegiate and professional players.

Chances are, if you have observed any top football program in California, you have you witnessed his impact on young players, their development and their unmatched leadership skills – on the field and off it.

The Inglewood Unified School District also blasted James and Inglewood High.

“Regarding Inglewood H.S. vs. Morningside H.S. Friday night 10/29 game, we at the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) are saddened beyond words by the events that transpired at the football game Friday between Inglewood and Morningside high schools,” the IUSD stamen read. “We will conduct a full investigation and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that a similar outcome never happens again under an IUSD athletic program.”

High school sports, in many schools, is a training ground for college and pro athletes. Schools that have better resources will always have an edge.

It is unfortunate that this incident has placed a dark cloud over a  high school sports program. Inglewood High’s football program should be celebrated for its league championship and undefeated record in a school district that is still in state receivership.

About the Author

Kenneth Miller is the publisher of Inglewood Today.

The California Student Aid Commission will be hosting a “Cash for College Workshop” webinar via Zoom on Tuesday, December 7, 5:00 – 6:30 pm. The webinar will focus on helping Black and African students complete the FAFSA and get the financial aid they need to help pay for college.

The event is open to students statewide, and we are hoping to attract participants from every region. We would appreciate your assistance in sharing the attached flyer with students and parents, churches, community leaders, and community-based organizations and encourage them to register right away.

It is also encouraged for any dignitaries, community leaders and influencers to register for the event. Your support and presence will speak volumes to students and parents who continue to question the value of a college education and whose enrollment numbers continue to decline during the pandemic.

Registration link: https://t.co/JRFACUU68T?amp=1.

BLOOMINGTON, CA—- San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., in partnership with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino Code Enforcement and Special Districts invited residents out on Wednesday, November 17 to Kessler Park to see the new vehicles assigned to Bloomington.

By collaborating with the Sheriff’s Department and Code Enforcement, this event was aimed to increase the levels of protection and safety in Bloomington with dedicated personnel and specially marked vehicles.

By Lou Yeboah

Yeah, I know! But while very few people may want to hear this message that does not mean it is a message no one needs to hear. Repentance is difficult. No one wants to think about it. No one wants to contemplate it. No one wants to do it very often, and certainly no one wants to hear about it all the time. But the Word must be in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with great patience and instruction.

All throughout the Bible we see people being called to repentance. God, Jesus, Paul, Peter, John the Baptist, Prophet Isaiah, and many others, all were involved in clearly communicating to others to repent. Jesus came on the scene saying “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand. [Matthew 4:17]. The fact that you may have a problem with “Repenting” messages, speaks volume.

I write this not to condemn anyone, but this is the urgency we face. The Kingdom of God is at hand! [Matthew 3:2]. The wicked must forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts and seek the Lord while he may be found. There is no time to waste, no excuses to be made. Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. [2 Corinthians 6:2].

Because, Jesus, whose way John was preparing, has come. He has accomplished his mission of salvation. He took our place under God’s law and lived a life of perfect obedience. He demonstrated perfect love for everyone, friends, and foes alike, by not telling them what they wanted to hear, but what they needed to hear. He endured rejection from the very people he came to save. He did not complain when the rulers of Israel unjustly convicted and condemned him to death. He willingly took our place on a cursed cross and endured the hell our sins deserved. He demonstrated his power by crushing Satan’s skull under his foot and ripped the heart out of death by stepping out of the tomb. Everything that Jesus came to do – he did. And all that’s left now is to clear the threshing floor of this world; to separate penitent believers from stubborn, impenitent unbelievers. Wherever God’s Word – his Law and Gospel – are proclaimed, that separation is taking place. Right here, right now, Jesus is busy gathering his wheat and burning up the chaff.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Behold, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you that you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

I tell you, there are some warnings that we can afford to ignore, some at which we can even laugh, but this is not one of them. Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand! There’s no time to waste. Life or death. Eternal glory or eternal shame. Heaven or Hell.” Whatcha gonna do?

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. [John 6:60, 66].

Repentance – A message No One Likes to Hear!

By Lue Dowdy

Spinning on the 1z and 2z we got Ty-tyanna Tarkington aka DJ TAI.

I met this talented DJ through a good friend that goes by the name of Yung Miss. I instantly fell in love with her beautiful spirit, voice, and work ethic. I’ve had the opportunity to hire her for several events and let’s say I was not disappointed. This Queen is truly putting in the work. Below are 5 questions I asked her to answer so you’ll get to know her too. Until next time L’s!

Where are you from and currently residing? 

When asked I always said I’m from Palmdale, but really, I spent most of my life right here in the Inland Empire- more specific Moreno Valley. I’m always grateful of my start in Palmdale, but really Moval is home. I’ve met so many amazing people while growing up out here that, When I think of home, I automatically picture the big Murda “M”. Currently, I live in Riverside because I studied at the UC, Riverside (Go Highlanders!) for my Undergrad in Political Science and just never left.

What inspires you? 

I would say my family and my curiosity inspires me. My family because without my family’s support I wouldn’t be who I am, but really, it’s true. My parents taught me to never give up or to cut myself short, no matter what. This has been my standard of life in everything that I do from academia to my music to even the company I keep.

My curiosity inspires me because without it I would have held myself back from learning/doing everything that truly makes me happy now. For instance, I taught myself how to play the guitar with no guitar… like how you learn how to do anything without the most important element! However, I was determined. I remember, I was watching video, after video, after video of guitar legends talking about the fundamentals and even printing out guitar chords so I could finger along. Despite it obviously being regular printed on printer paper, in my head, I could really feel the smooth glossy neck of the guitar and hear each nickel-plated string. Honestly, I think my dad was more excited than I was to hear what I would sound like that, he gave me my birthday gift a week early! My mom laughed and said, “your dad was so excited to give you your own guitar that he couldn’t wait anymore.” So, all that to say, my curiosity and family really inspire me to really be the best me I can possibly be. If it weren’t for my family being a positive reinforcement of love and support, then I wouldn’t have the curiosity I do to just challenge the difficult/unknown.

How and when did you get started performing?

I got started in performing with my family at a young age (I think like 3-5?). My family would do talent shows in our front living room on like Friday nights. My mom loves Sade and has her live performance DVD that she would like, perform for everyone, which I would say really piqued my interest in singing in front of an audience. But, once I started praise dancing in church, I really fell in love with performing and entertaining people. 

What are some of your hobbies?

When I get the chance to relax and just be, I like to practice new songs on my Guitar. I, also, like to knit, skateboard, and figure out samples and originals to songs. It’s something I just started doing more with Yung Miss, so what I’ll do is send her a song and ask her to identify the sample. I like trivia questions, so it keeps me on my musical toes. 

Past and Current projects?

It’s funny because I’ve been songwriting and singing for about 12 years, but I just started releasing music myself as of last year. My first ever released song is called “You and I.” I dropped it back in May2020; when I wrote the song, I had just had a bad break-up and I felt so lost. I had built a whole identity around being with this person and now they were gone… so the song is about my process how dealing with that transition. 

I just dropped my 2nd song called “That Sux”! I’m not gonna lie, I loved writing this song so much. I love R&B and Neo-Soul, so I wanted to make an R&B song. I wrote it while I was on my way to my shitty job (at the time) when the beat for “That Sux” came on, and all the words just came out of me so easily. I feel powerful when I sing it because it’s so different from “You and I”. Especially my mindset during each time period, it’s crazy to hear myself be confident now when like 5 years ago I was so “I can’t go on without them.” I love it, so make sure to check it out, it’s call “That Sux.” It’s out on all platforms, be sure to check it out and let all your friend’s family and coworkers know about it! 

And as far as new projects go… it’s top secret so I have to keep it on the hush hush haha. So, just make sure to follow me on my Instagram: @tymashoe for more music update like show performances, music video releases *wink wink*, and new music exclusives. 

I really appreciate @Lueproductions hitting me up and asking me to write a little snippet, even though I almost wrote a whole 10-page essay haha. I am so grateful for the chance to speak about my experience as an artist and share it with everyone. So shoutout to Lue for allowing me on her platform! *DJ air horn noises* 

Thank you so much and don’t forget to check me out at the Next Lue Production Event, “SO YOU SAY” December 29th at Shooters Bar & Grill in Temecula! The open mic starts at 8:15pm-9:15pm & performances the rest of the night. I’ll be DJing until Midnight or until they kick me out the club- whichever happens first- so I hope to see you there!!!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Since students across the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) returned to in-person learning in August, it’s become evident that the extended COVID-related lockdowns and social distancing during the 2020–2021 school year had an impact on all aspects of youth development, including mental health.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reported that mental-health related emergency room visits among children increased in 2020 anywhere from 24 to 31 percent, depending on the specific age range. Published reports suggest that the pandemic has had a negative effect on children’s mental health.

SBCUSD is responding to these concerns with the Roadmap to Reopening and its four guiding principles. Among them is Mental & Physical Wellness, which has already manifested in a focus on social-emotional learning, offering youth mental health first aid training, and a robust school counseling program.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps guide students in developing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, positive relationship, and responsible decision-making skills, which in turn help students cope with change and adversity, build and maintain positive relationships, and learn how to set and achieve goals. These core social skills can help students thrive personally, academically, and professionally throughout their lives.

“We’re teaching students how to be resilient, advocate for themselves and others, and be responsible community members,” said Colleen Williams. director of Student Wellness & Support Services. “When students know how to manage their emotions and be aware of others, we reduce instances of bullying and conflict, but we also help students who are in difficult situations learn to recognize how those situations impact them and when they need to reach out for help.”

Research shows that when schools incorporate SEL, students feel more connected to their peers and adults, do better academically, engage in fewer negative behaviors in the classroom, and have better ways to cope with anxiety and conflict.

While social-emotional learning is an important tool in helping students become more resilient so they are better able to handle life’s challenges, there will always be circumstances that can stress even the strongest person’s mental and emotional health.

The Making Hope Happen Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting the District’s educational mission, is stepping in to make sure SBCUSD staff can recognize when that happens and lend a helping hand.

“Every 11 minutes someone dies by suicide, and 18 months of social distancing has been especially hard on our youth,” said Program Coordinator—Mental Health Gerzón Ceseña. “We want to make sure SBCUSD staff have the skills to recognize the signs of mental health and substance abuse issues and get our students the help they need as early as possible.”

The Foundation is offering free Youth Mental Health First Aid training to teachers, principals, and other school staff who work directly with students. Mental health first aid is similar to traditional first aid. People are taught how to evaluate if someone is in need of assistance and how to provide basic aid to keep them alive while waiting for a professional to arrive to do the real life-saving work.

“In collaboration with the Foundation, the Student Wellness & Support Services Department developed the training model for Youth Mental Health First Aid during the COVID-19 lockdowns,” said Foundation Director of Programs & Development Erin Brinker. “They were critical to making this available for teachers and staff, and when Student Wellness had to move on to other projects, the Foundation was proud to step in and offer both the financial support and staff time to keep the program running.”

In addition to making the training available for free to SBCUSD staff, the Foundation is helping schools to coordinate training sessions so that both individuals and entire groups of teachers can be trained, depending on the needs of the school community.

“We feel this is so important that we’re willing to cover the cost of a substitute teacher so our regular classroom teachers have the time to attend the training,” Brinker said. “We know it’s important that our teachers be present in the classroom for the best instruction, but we also know that it’s worth missing a few hours to get this vital training because it may mean all the difference for students suffering from mental health issues, now more than ever.”

Even before SBCUSD switched from distance learning back to in-person instruction, SBCUSD schools considered the importance of mental and emotional health to student learning and overall success in life. Sierra High School earning a RAMP designation was just one piece of evidence for that.

RAMP stands for Recognized ASCA Model Program. ASCA (American School Counselor Association) bestows the title on schools that align their counseling program and services with the ASCA National Model; deliver a data-informed, comprehensive school counseling program; and make a commitment to their school counseling program.

Only 22 schools in California and 130 across the nation received the designation at the 2021 ASCA Annual Conference, held both in person and virtually in July. Since RAMP’s inception, only about 1,100 schools have been honored. The RAMP designation is valid for five years, meaning Sierra High will retain the honor through 2026.

“These are services and supports that SBCUSD can offer students and families that other smaller school districts or charter schools may not be able to provide,” Superintendent Doc Ervin said. “Partly it’s due to the resources we have, but more so it’s because our staff, from the top down, truly care about the whole child.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Prof. Anthony Castro does everything he can to make learning math as easy as pi.

Castro finds that a lot of students enter his classroom believing that math is difficult, and they are learning things they won’t ever need to use, saying and it “in large part due to the examples that textbooks we use,” he said.

Castro wants his students to discover “the joy of mathematics,” and does so by “teaching the content in a manner that engages them.”

“Want to know how to beat a car dealership? Want to know how to buy a house? Want to be a millionaire?” he said. “This can all be done through the math content we are required to teach in our courses.”

These real-world examples motivate Castro’s students to learn, and there’s no better reward than when he sees them overcome “the obstacle of math,” he said.

“Many students ‘feel’ they are not good at math,” he said. “Being ‘good’ at math is just a misconception, I tell them. We just have to find a way to attack the material that works for you.”

His lectures are anything but boring — Castro jokes that he is fueled by Mountain Dew, and he brings that energy and sense of humor into the classroom. By making the subject fun, it opens up a new perspective for his students, and they no longer see math as “a challenge that they struggle to beat.”

“I’ve had so many students tell me that they understand math because of the way I presented it to them,” he said. “I tell them, ‘I didn’t take your test. I didn’t study for you. I didn’t do your homework for you. This was all you. And now that you know how to take down a challenge, don’t ever let one stop you again from being successful.”

Castro is an SBVC alumnus and graduated from Middle College High School in 2008.

“When I first came to Valley College, I didn’t know of my abilities to succeed in college, or how far I wanted to push my education,” he said. “The faculty and staff here at the campus poured their passion for student success into me. This care changed my own personal perception and instilled a confidence in me that I had what it takes to succeed in college.”

Armed with his associate degree at 18, he was able to earn his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) at 20. His love of math and drive to help others led him to become a math professor, and he started working full-time at SBVC in the spring of 2016.

“This is an opportunity for me to have an impact on thousands of students’ lives by the time I retire,” Castro said. “I take this responsibility very seriously and I give my heart to show all my students their potential.”

He still remembers his SBVC professors that “brought out my potential and always believed in me,” he said.

“It’s is an honor to work side-by-side with these amazing professors now. At each stage of my journey, they were there for me, and they still support me as their colleague now,” Castro said. “This is the main reason I am a professor. I have the opportunity to do what my professors did for me.”

Castro was named one of SBVC’s Outstanding Professors for 2021, and this is a testament to “the love I have for this campus,” he said.

“I pour my heart into each lecture and student I teach because I know what it means to have someone in your corner,” he said. “And my students know they have someone that has their best interest at heart with me as their professor.”

When he is not teaching, Castro enjoys working out, cars and finding the best burritos. He is a self-described “workaholic,” and said he wants to “make a change in the math world on how we teach math.” He is currently developing a YouTube channel, Instagram account and college course on mathematical finance, with the goal of starting “the conversations that we should re-evaluate what math we should be teaching students.”

Castro is constantly striving for more, and wants his students to know there’s nothing they can’t do, as long as they are willing to put in the time.

“You want to know the secret to success?” he said. “When no one is watching, you are working. And you are working to be the best version of yourself. I can only teach you so much in the classroom. I can only pass on so much of my skills. But you don’t want my skills, you want to bring your touch into this world.”

He suggests studying ahead of what is being taught in class and watching YouTube videos to learn more about a subject. This can continue beyond the classroom, he said

“Study to learn more skills to reach the top of your profession,” Castro said. “Be humble, reach out to people above you in your career to learn how to make it to the top. Learn from the best and then make that career your own.”

Castro doesn’t see failure as a setback, because “it awakens a beast in me to reach a new level,” he said. Struggles he had during college to understand some material made Castro realize that it is okay to fail, and pushed him to “study like I never had before.”

After countless hours of hard work, he earned a 4.0 in his upper-division math classes and graduated with departmental honors.

“I could have taken that defeat and said no, I’m not good at math, this is the best I can do,” Castro said. “If you are my student reading this or not my student, don’t you ever think that this is the best you can do. The only limits you have are the ones you put on yourself. And if you need anything, my student or not, I’m here to support you.”

Castro invites all SBVC students looking for advice or encouragement to email him at acastro@valleycollege.edu. “We can bring out your beast mode as well!” he said.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Last month, Lawrence Lucas, founder of the United States Department of Agriculture Coalition of Minority Employees (USDA-CME), testified before the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans.

Lucas said racism is the prime reason there are just a little over 400 Black farmers in California.

“The income of Black Farmers has been drastically reduced and the amount of wealth that has been taken from Black farmers is tremendous,” Lucas said. “What you would call reparations, we call justice. It is why you must do what you have to do in California to right the wrongs suffered by Black people.”

Lucas is not the only one concerned about mounting evidence that documents a long history of race-based discrimination in American agriculture.

The United States Department of Agriculture recently created the Equity Commission (EC) to study racial discrimination and government policies that have disempowered Black farmers, depleted their wealth and nearly wiped out their presence for over 100 years.

EC will advise the Secretary of Agriculture by identifying USDA programs, policies, systems, structures, and practices that created barriers to inclusion or perpetuated racial, economic, health and social disparities.

USDA-CME was founded in 1994 to address discrimination within the USDA, which Lucas referred to as the “Last Plantation” during his testimony. The coalition also focuses its work on the historical loss of Black land and how government policies deprived African Americans of generational wealth.

The EC is expected to issue a preliminary report and provide “actionable recommendations” within the next 12 months, and a final report to be finished within two years.

“The Equity Commission is taking important steps to dismantle barriers historically underserved communities have faced in accessing USDA programs and services,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a Sept. 24 statement.

Lucas said despite the USDA’s efforts to address decades-old discrimination practices, he does not see it “getting any better” for Black farmers. Non-Black farm producers are fighting back in the courts, Lucas said.

“You have White farmers, who own most of the land and get all the benefits from the land; they are the ones now bringing court cases around the country. They are saying that it’s discriminatory to have debt-relief for Black farmers,” Lucas said.

The CME’s biggest accomplishment is its involvement in securing debt relief for Black farmers as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The ARP package included a multi-billion-dollar fund for socially disadvantaged farmers throughout the United States.

The coalition has worked alongside U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) to create the Justice for Black Farmers Act, which will provide even more aid to socially disadvantaged farmers.

Of the approximately 70,000 farms in California, more than 90% are White-owned or White-managed and fewer than 1% are Black-owned or Black-managed, according to the 2017 federal agriculture census.

The 2012 census reported that California had 722 Black farmers. By 2017, that number had decreased to 429. Nationally, there are 45,508 Black farmers or 1.3% of all farmers according to the 2017 agriculture census. Their properties account for 0.5% of the country’s farmlands.

In contrast, about 14% of all U.S. farmers in 1920 were Black, according to that year’s agriculture census. At the time, there were 925,708 Black farmers. Nearly all of them farmed in Deep South states. Lucas blames the USDA for the depletion of Black farmlands over the last century.

However, the USDA says it is in the process of reversing harmful policies and taking restorative action for programs that affected the progress, financial stability, and productive livelihood of Black farmers.

“We are serious about our efforts to end discrimination across all areas of the Department and to improve access to services for key stakeholders,” said USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh in a statement.

In March, the U.S. Congress passed a $4 billion debt relief program for farmers of color to address past discrimination in USDA programs.

The debt relief program was passed as part of the ARP. It includes funding to pay off USDA loans held by 16,000 Black, Native American, Alaskan Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic and Latino farmers.

Claiming discrimination, a group of White farmers have filed a dozen lawsuits against the program including one class action suit. Preliminary injunctions by three courts have momentarily blocked the program from issuing funds from the program.

According to Khubaka Michael Harris of the California Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association (CBFAA), “The debt relief was written in a way to help Black folks, but it is not just for Black folks. That’s why it’s in the courts. It was written where anybody who is a farmer can say, ‘Hey, I’ve been affected by COVID, too.’ Then, you are going to say that this money is just earmarked for Black folks? Now, the legislators have to go back to write in a language that targets underserved communities.”

Based in Sacramento, CBFAA advocates for socially disadvantaged California Black farmers, and agriculturalists of color nationwide.

Lucas said it is actions such as the lawsuits that “deny Black farmers their dignity,” “a right to farm,” and deny Black farmers the “right to the same programs and services that White farmers get in this country.”

In California, farming is classified under the term “agricultural activity.”

The state defines it as “the harvesting of any agricultural commodity, including timber, viticulture, apiculture, or horticulture, the raising of livestock, fur bearing animals, fish, or poultry, and any practices performed by a farmer or on a farm are also agricultural activities.”

“That goes for licensed cannabis farmers too,” Harris said. “If you cultivate cannabis you are a farmer in this state.”

Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, titled “The Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans,” was a law created to investigate the history of slavery in the United States, the extent of California’s involvement in slavery, segregation, and the denial of Black citizens their constitutional rights.

The nine-member task force is expected to hear more testimonies from Black farmers in California, including producers from the Central Valley.

“I see what all of you in California are doing is what needs to be done across this country,” Lucas said during his testimony. “It is the courage of your governor and the courage of the people on this reparation committee to take on this daunting task of talking to other people about their pain and suffering. Black farmers are suffering.”

CABINDA/ANGOLA – 09JUN2010 – African farmer to watering plantation.

Local Las Vegas professional beauty school, the Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas (CILV), donated 20 wigs handmade by school students and completed several complimentary beauty makeovers to local breast cancer survivors during its 5th annual “Wig-A-Thon” event on Friday (11/5) afternoon.

Spearheaded by Denise Dixon, longtime philanthropist and founder of The Cosmetology Institute, the heartfelt charity event touched the hearts of many. During the uplifting “Wig-A-Thon” event, The Institute’s beauty students provided four breast cancer survivors, three of which were currently still battling the horrific disease, with complimentary handmade wig installations as well as makeup, nail and hair services. Emotions ran high from the survivors, students and school instructors as the survivors were overcome with joy and gratitude, even being invited to come back for ongoing complimentary wig maintenance services as needed.

Additionally, through its partnership with the American Cancer Society of Nevada, CILV donated 16 handmade wigs to be gifted to women.

“The American Cancer Society is grateful for the continued support of the Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas,” said Angela VanBrackle, executive director of American Cancer Society of Nevada. “Providing wigs to those undergoing treatment is a great boost to self-confidence to those women and being able to share in the moments of them receiving the wigs is inspiring. With our strong partnerships with several cancer treatment centers here in the Las Vegas valley; we are able to distribute the donated wigs to those in need.”

Additionally, 18 women received on-site mammograms at the event from the Nevada Health Centers Mammovan, a mobile, medical 3D mammogram station, that was stationed at The Institute during the Wig-A-Thon. Determined to give back for this special cause, The Institute paid for all uninsured recipients to receive the same-day mammograms. In honor of her family members recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Dixon will also donate $1,000 to the Nevada Health Centers Mammovan to thank them for their support.

The “Wig-A-Thon” event concluded with lunch in the courtyard with the breast cancer survivors, staff and students, complimentary catered by Kountry Boi Catering & BBQ, and a heartwarming award ceremony praising the participating students.

About Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas 

The Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas opened in 2015 to serve the Las Vegas community with a professional beauty school and outlet aiming to lift up disenfranchised youth, especially BIPOC, in need of professional skills, direction and career opportunity within the beauty industry. CILV offers young students an educational facility with affordable tuition, professional training, and the necessary skills to start and maintain their own business. Programs include: cosmetology, esthetics, hair design and nail technology. The school received National Accreditation in 2019 and has since seen hundreds of graduates. CILV was founded by Denise Dixon, a small business owner, serial philanthropist, author, and community advocate in Las Vegas. Dixon’s mission is to pay it forward and give other women and minorities in her community a helping hand via CILV and its related scholarships, grants, programs and events.

For more information on the Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas, please call 702-756-2208, visit the school at 3249 W. Craig Rd., #100, North Las Vegas, 89032, or browse their website at CILV.com. Follow them on social media at facebook.com/CosInsLV and on Instagram at @CILVegas.