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May Outstanding Achievement Awards Recognize District Students, Parents and Staff

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In May, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Anton and Emmerton Elementary Schools, Shandin Hills Middle School and Cajon High School.

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the district’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

Anton Elementary School, Principal Melanie McGrath:

Kindergartner Serenity Thompson is an Outstanding Student in the Dual Immersion Program. Thompson is a native English speaker who is quickly working towards fluency in Spanish while continuing to shine in both English and math. Thompson wants to grow up to be a veterinarian because she loves animals and wants to help them.

Kiran Samel is a fourth grader and Outstanding Student. Samel is a highly gifted scholar who consistently exceeds state standards in English and math. She is creative, humble, perseverant and works well with other students. She wants to help students be successful at school and improve mental health and plans to become a school counselor like her father.

Outstanding Grandparent Award winner Leonel Beiza supports the Anton school community by consistently attending special events and family nights. He volunteers whenever he’s asked, and he is always willing to answer any technology questions that come up.

Bilingual Clerk Teresa Sanchez Muniz goes above and beyond in all that she does. She is professional under all circumstances and keeps Anton running efficiently. She serves our parents, students, staff and community members with passion, commitment and dedication. According to the staff at Anton, she helps the school SHINE.

Bilingual Psychologist Dulcemaria Bec demonstrates emotional commitment and a deep sense of purpose for serving children with special needs. She is empathetic and compassionate as an advocate for students and their families. Her commitment to service is outstanding as she collaborates with parents, students, teachers and administrators to ensure our students receive the support they need.

Emmerton Elementary School, Principal Laura Ramos:
Mariana Rodriguez is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Rodriguez is a model Emmerton Eagle Scholar. She is a friend to all and is involved in Broadway Now and the District’s Expanded Learning Program. In the future, Rodriguez wants to be a third-grade teacher at Emmerton.

Fourth-grader Yuna Walsh is an Outstanding Student who has exhibited grit, determination and good citizenship as an Emmerton Eagle Scholar. She is involved with Broadway Now and the music program at school. Walsh would like to become a doctor and help people.

Outstanding Volunteer Award winner Adlemi Castillo is always willing to come support Emmerton Elementary, its students, families and staff. She has served for many years on the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), School Site Council, and PTO. According to Emmerton staff, Castillo helps make Emmerton a great place to learn.

Stacie Smith is an Instructional Tutor for learning and physically handicapped students and an Outstanding Classified Employee. Smith always goes above and beyond, even in the most challenging situations. She is a champion for Special Education students and also mentors new employees, providing the support they need to be successful.

Fourth-Grade Teacher Stefani Guzman is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Guzman is a dedicated teacher who always exhibits a positive attitude. She is a member of her site’s AVID Leadership Team. She tutors students to help them understand challenging concepts. She makes learning fun and does all that she can to support student learning.

Shandin Hills Middle School, Principal Dr. Persida Torres:
Seventh-grader Osvaldo Amaro Gildo is an Outstanding Student. With a flawless 4.0 GPA, Amaro Gildo is a model student and leader who excels in his studies and sets a high standard for his peers. He embodies the Spirit of Shandin Hills through his hard work, positive attitude and unwavering dedication to making the school a better place. He is interested in attending CalTech in Pasadena and pursuing a career in computer engineering or real estate development.

Cesar Burgueno is an eighth-grader and Outstanding Student. Burgueno is a shining star who has consistently exhibits resilience, determination and a strong commitment to excellence. From grades six to eight, Burgueno has demonstrated remarkable progress and achievement. For the first time, Burgueno has proudly secured a spot on the honor roll. He is interested in attending USC and majoring in either mechanical or construction engineering.

Teresa Negrete is an Outstanding Volunteer. From the moment Negrete became involved with Shandin Hills, it was clear that she was not just a passive observer, but an active participant in her children’s education. Whenever there’s a school event, you can count on her to be there and ready to volunteer in any capacity. She is the epitome of parental dedication and commitment.

Attendance Technician Francisca Rodriguez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She has made an extraordinary impact since joining Shandin Hills at the start of the school year. She exceeds expectations, and her dedication to supporting diverse families is evident in her attentive approach to connecting them with crucial resources and delivering exceptional customer service.

Bilingual Math Teacher Marisol Montejano is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Beyond her academic duties, Montejano exemplifies dedication and passion for her students’ academic growth and takes a heartfelt interest in their overall well-being, building genuine, professional relationships with students and families. Her approachable nature and open communication foster trust and mutual respect.

Cajon High School, Principal Dr. Chris Jackson:
Alexandra “Alex” Gilbreth is a senior and an Outstanding Student. Alex Gilbreth is the embodiment of a committed Cowboy. She earned a 3.75 GPA, was a member of the aquatics program and this year served as the Associated Student Body president. Gilbreth is planning on studying Agricultural Marketing at Purdue University in the fall.

Senior Javier Cueto Sanchez is an Outstanding Student. He earned a 3.70 GPA, was a cross country athlete, a leader in the Cadet Corp program and completed the automotive technology pathway, having taken all three years worth of courses. Cueto Sanchez will be attending Loyola Marymount University in the fall to study business management and accounting.

Carrie and Keven Gilbreth are Cajon’s Outstanding Parents. The Gilbreths continually rise to the call for any and everything they are asked to do. They are an integral ingredient that comprises the secret sauce of what makes Cajon High the special place it is. With both of their children being Cowboy alumni at the conclusion of this year, the Cajon staff hope they will stay connected to the school community. Carrie Gilbreth has also served on the District’s Athletic Strategic Planning Committee and is a Cajon High grad.

Custodian II Maria Alvarado is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Not only does she possess an exemplary work ethic that results in impeccable craftsmanship in her duties, but she does it with the perpetually positive demeanor that helps set the tone for many members of the Cajon family. Cajon is grateful for the hard work and positive contribution that Alvarado makes on a daily basis.

Linked Learning Program Specialist Elizabeth Kackery is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Kackery is the embodiment of a bolt of lighting in her enthusiasm, energy and passion for her work. Her commitment to her pathway teammates goes well above the call of duty. She is constantly chasing the best possible systems and outcomes for students.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In celebration of Fatherhood Well-being Month in June, San Bernardino Fatherhood is excited to announce its 2nd Annual Walter Beasley Jazz / R&B Concert: “A Tribute to Fathers,” scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2024.

Walter Beasley, considered to be the highest selling full-time Professor/Recording Artist in modern history, is an award-winning alto/soprano saxophonist and singer, composer and producer. Since 1987 Walter has released 26 albums. He has been in the top 10 best-selling African American saxophonists in the world since 1998, winning several awards like the title of Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year in 2019 and Soul Tracks’ Instrumentalist of the Year award in 2023.

The opening act will be NOJAC, a local funk/soul band, which has performed all across Southern California. NOJAC has grown tremendously since their start in 2019 and is now comprised of 12 members, featuring an amazing horn section.

This special event serves as a fatherhood celebration and a fundraising initiative to sustain the vital work of San Bernardino Fatherhood in providing ongoing educational services and resources in communities. San Bernardino Fatherhood offers educational programs such as “24:7 Dad Fathering,” “Boot Camp for New Dads,” and “Understanding Dad for Moms,” and more.

The 2nd Annual Walter Beasley Jazz / R&B Concert: “A Tribute to Fathers”, will be held at the Indian Springs High School Performance Arts Center located at 650 N. Del Rosa Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92410. Doors will be open to the public at 5:30 p.m. The event starts at 6 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com. The General Admission Seating is $25 per person and Premium Admission Seating is: $45 per person. Ticket purchases at the door will be: $45 per person for General Admission Seating and $55 per person for Premium Admission Seating. So, purchase your tickets early!

San Bernardino Fatherhood serves fathers and families of all demographics and economic backgrounds by providing educational services, resources and advocacy. For more information, visit: https://sbfatherhood.com/ or contact Ryan Berryman at (909) 567-9508.

Gloria Jetter Crockett, California has been named executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter. In her role, Crockett will be responsible for  the overall strategic and operational functions for the chapter, including program delivery, fundraising, community engagement, government and private grant funding, media relations and growth and delivery of the Association’s mission. Crockett also serves as the Alzheimer’s Association Regional 3 Leader, overseeing the four chapters serving Central and Southern California (California Central Coast, California Southland, San Diego and Orange County).

“Alzheimer’s disease impacts over 700,000 people in California alone, some of whom are my own family and friends. I am thrilled to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s. I am very inspired by the Alzheimer’s Association’s ability to accelerate global research, drive risk reduction and early detection and maximize quality care and support for all families living with this disease, and I am honored to bring my expertise to the table.”

Crockett most recently served as the President and CEO of Make-A-Wish ® Orange County and the Inland Empire, an organization that grants wishes to children battling critical illnesses. Prior to that role, she was the chief development officer for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and formerly served as the interim executive director for development and the senior director of development for the cancer programs for the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. In this role, Crockett led a team of seven and was responsible for $10 million in fundraising annually.

Prior to the University of California, Irvine, Crockett spent 17 years in advanced roles with the American Cancer Society culminating in the state senior vice president for Maryland, managing a team of 45 and raising over $7 million dollars annually.

Crockett holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and currently resides in Greater LA with her family.

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, including nearly 720,000 in California. An estimated 1,373,000 California residents provide unpaid care to a family member living with dementia. Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of death in the United States and one in three Americans age 65 and older  dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter provides free education programs, support services and care consultations across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties while also supporting critical research toward new treatments.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest Alzheimer’s advocacy organization in the world. The Alzheimer’s Association advocates for the needs and rights of people facing Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia. The Association is driving policymakers in Washington, D.C. and across the country to take historic steps to address the growing Alzheimer’s public health crisis. The Association’s efforts have secured robust increases for Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and critical legislation, such as the National Alzheimer’s Project Act to make a positive and meaningful impact on people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia^®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

RIVERSIDE, CA— Coinciding with Pride Month, Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D – Riverside) joined with federal, state, and local community leaders in celebrating the grand opening of the Inland Empire LGBTQ+ Resource Center (the Center), held at TruEvolution’s Project Legacy campus in Riverside.

“The Inland Empire LGBTQ+ Center is what we can accomplish when we meet the moment with bold ideas and when we dream big for the next generation,” said Assemblymember Cervantes, who is one of three co-founders of the Center. “I am proud to have secured $3.063 million in the 2023-24 state budget for this transformational center, and kickstart future investments directly to organizations that serve our LGBTQ+ community. Our collective work exemplifies the spirit of Pride in our fight for justice and equity!”

Powered by TruEvolution, the IE LGBTQ+ Resource Center will serve as a space for LGBTQ+ people and their allies to access community resources and establish networks of support and mentorship. A second location is anticipated to open in Southwest Riverside County in the future.

“At TruEvolution, we have always championed the health and human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals,” stated co-founder Gabriel Maldonado, CEO of TruEvolution. “This Center is a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to ensure that every person has access to the care, support, and opportunities they deserve. It stands as a testament to our resilience and our resolve to build a more inclusive community in the Inland Empire.”

Additionally, the funding secured by Assemblymember Cervantes will also support the creation of the Legacy Fund, which will invest in local LGBTQ+-serving organizations and expand access to resources in Southern California.

“This Center represents a commitment to our future, ensuring that the progress we make today will continue to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ residents in our region for generations to come,” said co-founder Jesse Melgar, advisory board member for Equality California. “It is an investment in our collective strength, resilience, and will serve as an important gathering space for members of the community.”

“Every person deserves to be seen and to live as their true, authentic selves,” added Assemblymember Cervantes, who is also the first LGBTQ+ Latina to serve as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. “I am happy to have delivered results for communities who have been marginalized and long left behind.”

More information about the Inland Empire LGBTQ+ Resource Center can be found at TruEvolution’s website.

Congratulations to the 21 graduates of the Millionaire Mind Kids 2024 Law and Justice Academy! This wonderful program is a collaboration between San Bernardino County Law and Justice agencies, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. It’s a fantastic initiative that equips young minds with valuable knowledge and skills related to law and justice.

The community liaison Paul Marsh was honored to attend the event and present certificates of recognition to both the students and volunteers.

A huge congratulations to all the graduates! The community is impressed with the youth’s dedication and hard work. We wish them the very best as they continue their education and set new and exciting goals for the future.

By Joe McKendrick | Senior Contributor, Forbes

Mira Murati, chief technology officer of OpenAI, stirred up quite a bit of controversy last week in a discussion when she proclaimed that with generative AI, “some creative jobs maybe will go away, but maybe they shouldn’t have been there in the first place.”

While’s Murati’s remarks were framed within a context that AI is helping to boost creative pursuits, that’s not how many read it. The pushback was fast and furious. “OpenAI’s mission is to create AGI that can replace people in every viable economic activity. Killing jobs is the end goal,” wrote Dare Obasanjo in an X post.

“Aside from this despicable soundbite, Murati keeps stressing that generative AI will make people ‘more creative.’ But how?” asked Giovanni Colantonio in another X post. “You literally aren’t creating. A machine creates the thing for you. It kneecaps creativity, not fosters it.”

AI advocates “talk about democratizing creativity, but that’s not what the tech does,’ Colantonio adds. “It discourages people from actually doing the real creative act of bringing an idea to life and instead encourages ‘creativity’ to be a thing that can be assembled and served like a Big Mac.

Is AI, particularly generative AI, on a path to usurp the jobs of creatives, as well as the very essence of creativity? Whether its graphic illustrations, written content, photos, films, games, or other creative pursuits, could AI produce new things at the touch of a button?

It’s early, but so far, the evidence seems to point away from that.

“There’s no easing up in the race for creative talent in 2024,” a talent report published in the first quarter of this year by Robert Half suggests. A majority of creative and marketing managers covered by the placement service, 55%, “are hiring for new roles, from graphic designer to UX designers, while 43% need to recruit for vacant positions.”

At least 200,000 creative jobs were added to corporate payrolls in 2023, Robert Half estimates. The unemployment rate for graphic designers and web designers was at a relatively low 2.6% and 2.9%, respectively, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Still, underneath what appears to be a solid creative job market lurks uneasiness about its long-term prospects. Close to seven in ten of 4,000 global marketing and creative leaders, 69%, expressed concern over potential job loss across industries due to AI. a survey by Canva attests.

The surveyed leaders also welcomed the addition of AI tools to their activities. At least 69% believe generative AI is enhancing the creativity of their teams. And almost all, 97%, are comfortable with the rise of generative AI — with 72% stating they are “very” comfortable and 25% “somewhat” comfortable.

“We’re in a golden age of creativity and design right now,” said Deepa Subramaniam, vice president at Adobe, which now supports more than seven billion AI-generated images available through its Firefly models. At Adobe Summit in March, I put the question of creative job-killing to Subramaniam, who disagrees with such an assessment, and actually foresees expansion of creative roles.

AI provides the capability to customize and produce art and content on an increasingly wide scale that today’s organizations need, she said. “The hungry consumption for personalized content is not going to be satiated any time soon,” she pointed out. It’s only going to increase. But it’s really hard to create that volume of content manually, and manage it at scale, especially in a world where you’re marketing at a global level. There are many languages and cultures that need to be reached.”

Generative AI “is taking the tedium out of content distribution, she said. “You still have to create creative concepts for marketing campaigns. But when you have that concept, you need to create it, localize it, and personalize it at scale.”

To meet these demands, there are “more people doing creative work across all sorts of industries across all sorts of job roles more so than ever before,” Subramaniam added.

For an example of technology’s impact on design-oriented professions, look to engineering, she illustrated. “Engineering has been growing as a really critical domain and group of people with the explosion of technology over the last few decades,” she said. “You’re not seeing a shrinking of engineering.”

The takeaway is that technology took on many of the mundane, lower-level tasks of engineering. “Technology and software and coding has taken rote calculations away, but engineering has only been growing, because that unlocks the craft of engineering to figure out higher and higher complex problems.”

Likewise, in creative fields, “there’s something like that happening right now,” Subramaniam continued. “Tedious time-consuming tasks can be obviated if not wholly accelerated by AI, opening creatives up to do that higher level thinking.”

As AI and technology open up more creative avenues, “it’s actually going to invite more people in to take on more creative roles,” she continued. “Whether it’s as a creative professional, as a marketer, in any of the creative roles that digital content is powering our entire world.”

LOS ANGELES, CA— When LA Carnival launched on Crenshaw Boulevard last year, the seeds were planted to grow an economic development vehicle using the carnival parade as the mechanism for community engagement. One hundred drums led an inaugural procession with an exuberant, multicultural starlight jamboree into Leimert Park Village. Produced by Marikel Productions in association with Mandrill World Music, and sponsored by International Eye LA, this year the festivities continue to explode with “LA Carnival on the Shaw,” June 30, 2024, starting at 4:00 p.m. As a historic expression of freedom, the carnival provides a fitting culmination of Juneteenth celebrations and a closing exclamation to Caribbean American Heritage Month. “LA Carnival on the Shaw” is designed to use arts and entertainment to “engage, activate and revitalize” businesses on the Crenshaw Strip. The Crenshaw Strip runs parallel to the Metro K-Line between Obama Boulevard and Leimert Park, creating a vibrant business and cultural oasis.

“LA Carnival on the Shaw” kicks off with exquisite masquerades, colorful revelers, jubilant drummers, boisterous music trucks and spectacularly lit vehicles and bicycles imbuing merriment at the official LA Carnival Assembly Hub on Obama Blvd., east and west of Crenshaw. The party then transforms into the carnival procession as participants begin traveling toward Leimert Park at 6:00 p.m. The procession will flow from Obama and Crenshaw Blvd. to Vernon and Leimert Blvd, bringing an exuberant display of lights, dancing, and celebration into Leimert Park Village to augment the finale of the Ancestor Mask Festival and Leimert Park Art Walk. Leimert Park Village is located at 4395 Leimert Blvd. Festivities will conclude at 10:00 p.m.

LA Carnival continues to be inclusive of the diversity of Angelenos across our great city. Immigrants from across the globe have made Los Angeles a culturally complex and creatively rich region. Artists, art consumers and practitioners have contributed to California’s designation as the creative capital of the nation and LA Carnival, held during Caribbean American Heritage Month, embodies this! The ingenuity, imagination and innovation that will be on display during the Carnival will be mind boggling and inspirational!” notes LA Carnival founder, Marie Kellier.

Migrating from its Hollywood beginning in 1998 to its Westchester home of over 17 years, founder Marie Kellier, of MARIKEL Productions, has nurtured LA Carnival as an innovator, trendsetter, and pioneer. At its root, LA Carnival is part of the worldwide chain of Caribbean carnivals imported into global communities by Caribbean immigrants. It is now the longest running Caribbean-based carnival in Southern California and served as a training

Having weathered many storms, LA Carnival now comes home to its true community, the iconic Crenshaw Boulevard, and historic Leimert Park Village.  Embracing a powerful multicultural theme, Kellier has evolved LA Carnival into an economic initiative that will establish ‘The Crenshaw Strip’ as a global tourism destination in anticipation of the 2028 Olympics.  Over the next few years of growing “LA Carnival on the Shaw,” artists, business owners and independent producers will be invited to host “Activity Hubs” and “Carnival Vibe Spots” along Crenshaw Blvd.  Kellier’s plan is to engage artists to work with business owners, extending the project into a monthly creativity-based series of activities with multidisciplinary arts and entertainment that invigorate the businesses in the area.

All Angelenos across the city and county of Los Angeles and beyond are invited to help build this vision by being part of “LA Carnival on the Shaw” and experience the diversity of cultures that is the fabric of Los Angeles and the basis for its designation as the creative capital of the nation. For sponsorship, special events and advertising information contact the LA Carnival corporate offices at (213) 761.4475 or (213) 656.3663 or lacarnivalarts@gmail.com.

For more details and information about attending the LA Carnival, go to losangelescarnival.com or email the Los Angeles Carnival’s production office at lacarnivalarts@gmail.com.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

You see, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote of the time of the great apostasy that is to come in the last days. Paul wrote of the coming of the lawless one and that he would come to the world according to the working of Satan with power, signs, lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception [2 Thessalonians 2:8-10]. And in [Matthews 24:24] Jesus said they will do this with the intent of deceiving people into following them. So, “Whatcha Gonna Do When They Come for You, Bad Boys, Bad Boys?”

Understand, our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” [Ephesians 6:12].

I encourage you to receive Christ as your Savior. For Christ is the only way of escape. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Remember, God invited Noah and his family aboard the ark with the words, “Enter the ark” [Genesis 7:1]. That’s His invitation to you today. God has not yet closed the door of salvation. At the end of the Bible, after warning of the judgment to come, God’s final appeal is, “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. [Revelation 22:17].

I do not know any language I can use to plead with you any more plainly. Turn to Christ before it’s too late! Do not be outwitted by Satan. Understand Satan seeks our ultimate destruction, which would be being thrown into the fiery pits of hell and then into the lake of fire [Revelation 20:10].

Be reconciled to God. [2 Corinthians 5:20]. The time is near!

ONTARIO, CA— Game after game, A.C. Green showed up, setting a National Basketball Association record for durability and helping the Los Angeles Lakers to three world championships.

On Sunday night (June 30), Green will join four other legends – University of Southern California All-American and 15-year National Football League quarterback Rodney Peete, San Diego State and NFL superstar Marshall Faulk, baseball super-agent Scott Boras and reknowned sports photographer Andrew D. Bernstein – as the newest members of the California Sports Hall of Fame.

Roy Firestone (Hall of Fame Class of 2022) will be the Master of Ceremonies for the Inductee Gala, to be held at the Ontario Convention Center.

“A.C. Green was a true basketball Iron Man, never missing a regular season game over the course of a decade and a half while playing championship basketball and serving as one of the great role models for our youth. It is a privilege to welcome him as a Hall of Famer, an honor he has earned through his performance and the example he set,” said Christian Okoye, a former NFL star who founded the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Green was born in Portland, OR, and was a standout in basketball at Oregon State University, where he finished second in school history in rebounding and fourth in scoring and would eventually earn a place the Pac-12 Basketball Hall of Honor.

He was a first-round draft pick of the Lakers in 1985 and helped the team capture back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988. He led the Lakers in rebounding for six of the eight years he was with the team and in 1990, was voted a starter for the Western Conference All Star Team.

Green spent time with the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks before returning to the Lakers for the 1999-2000 season, which culminated in another championship. He finished his career the following year with the Miami Heat.

Green’s missed just eight games during his career, amassing a record-setting streak of 1,192 consecutive games played between November 1986 and April 2001.

A devout Christian, Green established the A.C. Green Youth Foundation, which operates youth camps to promote abstinence until marriage. In 2011, he was awarded the Bobby Jones Award by Athletes in Action for character, leadership and faith in the world of basketball, in the home and the community. Green’s humanitarian efforts earned him a spot in the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame.

“Treat people the way you want to be treated. Character is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Always be the best version of yourself,” Green said.

Tickets are still available for the California Sports Hall of Fame Gala at: https://californiasportshalloffame.org/induction-ceremony-golf-event/. The event starts with a reception at 4 p.m., followed by a dinner and induction ceremony beginning at 5 p.m.

In honor of Pride Month, Black Public Media (BPM) brings viewers a new short film that is an Afrofuturistic homage to Black Queer culture, as Artificial Intelligence meets Black Queer ASL (American Sign Language) meets vogue and flex dance styles to create a one-of-a-kind visual and sonic experience.

From the mastermind of acclaimed artist Rashaad Newsome, Hands Performance focuses on a performance by Being the Digital Griot, an AI in a non-binary robot body, who takes audiences on a unique exploration of movement and Black Queer ASL to Newsome’s original poetry. The Oakland-based creative premiered Being the Digital Griot during his exhibition Assembly at the Park Avenue Armory in 2022 and they were more recently seen as part of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Now audiences across the country have the opportunity to experience Being as part of the AfroPoP Digital Shorts series from BPM.

Taking place on a space station, Hands Performance transports viewers to outer space where a voiceover announces that the performance is “for the deaf and hard of hearing girls” while asking them to “listen with your eyes.” As Being twists, dips and slides with the skill and precision of top vogue and flex dancers against a backing pulsating score, they also translate Newsome’s poem, signing the words using Black Queer ASL.

An unique union of short film, AI and music video, Hands Performance takes its title from the well-known element of vogue fem, highlighting a dancer’s ability to tell a story with their hands while showcasing their musicality.

The film continues Newsome’s exploration of mapping Black cultural production as a form of movement research, data storage and collective wayfinding. Working with a team of Black Queer ASL interpreters, various vogue fem performers, flex dancers and motion capture technologists, Newsome translated his original poetry into a movement dataset exhibiting the uniquely Black and Queer aspects of sign language. Set against the backdrop of stunning visuals and a futuristic score filled with booming bass, synthetic snares, snaps, claps and glitchy computer sounds, Hands Performance is a must-see. Now viewers can stream it as part of BPM’s AfroPoP Digital Shorts by visiting the BPM YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPPyVyE-bMQ.

Black Public Media is a Harlem-based national nonprofit which has funded and distributed films about the Black experience since 1979. For more information on the AfroPoP Digital Shorts series and other programs and events from BPM, visit blackpublicmedia.org or follow them on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook at @blackpublicmedia and on X at @BLKPublicMedia.