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Black on the Block will bringing together millennial entrepreneurs of color in an engaging, empowering and entertaining community block party

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIALTO, CA— What is a way to empower, educate and entertain young adults of the community all at the same time? This is the premise of what Black on the Block is about. This community block party will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Rialto City Park, 130 E San Bernardino Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376.

“Our intention is to build a legacy,” Vickie Davis, curator of Black on the Block, explains. “This event is more than an expo. This will be the genesis of our narrative as a community: united in love, support, entrepreneurship and determination to define our own destinies.”

Black on the Block, hosted by Tomorrow’s World, will feature local vendors, raffles, prizes, guest speakers and FREE lunch will be provided for children under the age of 12 on a first come, first serve basis.

There will be live performances from artists of Forte Culture Media. The artists include: BduhGod, UhSantay, Saint Wicks and Shi-D.

The event is free to the public, so bring a friend, family member or child and mingle with some of your local neighbors.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), a longstanding leader in dual language immersion, has earned statewide recognition for its commitment to bilingualism.

The group Californians Together will honor the District with the prestigious Multiple Pathway to Biliteracy District Recognition Award on March 22. The award will be presented during the California Association for Bilingual Education’s Seal of Excellence banquet in Long Beach.

SBCUSD’s long history of valuing biliteracy and multilingualism, including the establishment of the successful Dual Immersion Program 19 years ago, are among the reasons for its selection. In addition, Californians Together highlighted the District’s launch of the Multilingual Initiative as a “bold plan to engage all students in high-level multilingual learning opportunities.” The state group also commended the introduction of the innovative, new Trilingual Immersion Program as evidence of the District’s pledge to encourage all students to reach high levels of proficiency in two or more languages. The trilingual program will fully launch at Belvedere Elementary School in August, promoting English, Spanish, and Vietnamese starting in kindergarten.

The community’s rich linguistic diversity is one of our greatest assets because speaking a language other than English is vital in a multilingual workforce, said Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden.

“In San Bernardino City Unified, we have long recognized that bilingualism and biliteracy are strengths that will help our students in college and the workforce,” Marsden said.  “We recognize that a child’s home language is an asset that should be cultivated.  We have an amazing opportunity to capitalize on our community’s linguistic and cultural strengths and position ourselves as leaders in preparing our students for careers in the global economy.”

Marsden lauded the District’s English Learner Programs Department for its work to serve students who have not yet mastered the English language and those who want to learn a second or third language. Lead by Director Ana Applegate, the department is behind the thriving Dual Immersion Program, which is offered at 20 District schools.  In fact, 6,500 District students are enrolled in the District’s 26 biliteracy programs.

“Speaking more than one language is almost an expectation in our multilingual society,” Applegate said. “It makes our students competitive when they enter the workforce, and it opens them up to a whole new world.”

Every year, the English Learners department honors students who are making progress toward English proficiency and those who are working toward bilingualism and biliteracy. The department also supports students’ efforts to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy upon high school graduation.

By Lou Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— “What you’ve done to me is already done back to you….Celie: [holding a knife to Albert’s throat] I curse you. Until you do right by me; everything you think about is gonna crumble! [Sofia]: Don’t do it Miss Celie. Don’t trade places with what I been through. [Shug]: Come on Miss Celie let’s go to the car. [Sofia]: He ain’t worth it, he ain’t worth it. [Albert]: Who you think you is? You can’t curse nobody… [Celie]: Until you do right by me, everything you even think about gonna fail! The jail you planned for me is the one you gonna rot in! Time for me to get away from you, and enter into Creation. And your dead body’d be just the welcome mat I need. [Grady]: It’s been a pleasure meeting all of you. Good-bye.”

“You reap what you sow” is a well-known idiom, but this principle is also Biblical. The Lord gives principles in Scripture to serve as warnings and as an encouragement. In [Galatians 6:7], His Word states, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” The principle applies to everyone, both Christians and non-Christians. This principle is irrevocable; there is no escape, either for the believer or for the unbeliever. It is a law of life. But herein lies the root cause of the careless and indulgent lifestyle of many people. They are deceived. They either do not believe the truth, or they think they will somehow be the exceptions to God’s laws. But as [2 Corinthians 5:10] reveals: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

The fact that we reap what we sow is good news for those who sow good habits, but a frightening thought for those currently involved in ungodly activities such as promiscuity, drug and alcohol abuse, neglect of family, or mistreatment of others in order to climb the ladder of success. We cannot sow crabgrass and expect to reap pineapples. We cannot sow disobedience to God and expect to reap His blessing. What we sow, we reap. Let us not deceive ourselves: We will reap the harvest of our lives.

I don’t know who this is for, but spitting out a bunch of hostile, angry, mean, resentful words at someone is not going to help. It is not going to make you a better person, it is not going to make them a better person, and it won’t improve your relationship. Just because you feel something doesn’t mean you have to say it. And you don’t have to let your feelings control your actions. Much of living the Christian life comes down to how well we get along with other people. Scripture makes it plain that God places tremendous value on unity.

As you go through life you’re going to find some people who simply rub you the wrong way. Maybe they don’t do anything specific—but there’s something about them that gets under your skin. Also, there will be times when you find that you rub someone else the wrong way. You might not have anything against this person, but they’ve got something against you. No matter how hard you try, they’ve decided in advance not to like you. I tell you, take the high road. Your actions are more important than your feelings. Sometimes you have to cover your feelings by “putting on” the right behavior. Your feelings may be sending you in one direction emotionally, but you can clothe yourself with attitudes and behavior that move you in the right direction. Paul said, “Put on compassion…put on kindness…put on gentleness.” You may not feel these things, but you can “put them on”—at least temporarily. Some people say, “That seems hypocritical,” but it’s not. If you feel dislike for another person, and you show them kindness, you’re not being hypocritical, you’re being holy! Besides, the Bible never tells us that we will be judged according to our feelings. It says again and again we are judged according to our actions. You can’t always control the way you feel, but you can control the way you dress. So, dress for success! Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. When you deal with conflict you put your feelings aside and you put a layer of holiness between you and the other person.

As [Matthew 7:12] says, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” It is written in Proverbs to “ponder the path of your feet, and … remove your foot from evil.” [Proverbs 4:26-27].  We need to think about our choices and what the consequences of our choices are. They can lead to corruption, or to eternal life. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Everything in life goes exactly according to what is written in God’s Word. There are no exceptions. This is a law of life that affects everyone, whether a believer or a non-believer.

As [Celie] said: Dis life be ova soon. Heaven last always.

The Color Purple – a film based on Alice Walker’s novel, directed by Steven Spielberg

Photos By John Coleman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA— For more than a week it already had been raining, sometimes quite heavily.  San Bernardino’s annual Black History AND Culture Parade, traditionally scheduled for the first Saturday in BLACK HISTORY & CULTURE Month–FEBRUARY   had been washed, even ‘flooded’ out.  And on this Riverside ‘Parade Day’  puffed-up, dark clouds were crawling down area mountain sides. And it was raining.

Questions asked: What to do? Who to ask? Is the parade still on? Even in the rain?

Dell Roberts answered, “This is Riverside! A little rain doesn’t stop us!”

The clouds above the 10 Freeway appeared to thin as we approached Downtown and a patch of blue let sun through to illuminate the  off-ramps.  The corner where i parked was flooded into mid street;  but the rain had stopped.

Grant will fund the Los Angeles County Human Trafficking Task Force Program; since 2015, the task force has made 1,624 arrests in connection to human trafficking activities and rescued 324 victims

Torres previously led efforts to secure nearly $70,000 in federal funding to fight human trafficking and prostitution in the Inland Empire

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a $749,982 grant to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to combat human trafficking. The grant will fund the Los Angeles County Human Trafficking Task Force (LACHTTF) Program to develop, enhance, and implement collaborative approaches to identify victims of human trafficking within the County, investigate and prosecute sex and labor trafficking cases at the local, state, and federal levels and address the individual needs of victims through the provision of comprehensive array of quality services.

“Human trafficking isn’t something that only occurs in faraway places, it’s happening in our own backyards every single day. To crack down on this horrible crime, we need to ensure that our local law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to put perpetrators behind bars and keep our communities safe,” said Congresswoman Torres. 

“This support from the Department of Justice will enable the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to enhance its already successful efforts to thwart human trafficking in the Inland Empire and provide survivors with the justice and services needed to help them reclaim their lives. Local agencies should take advantage of the training opportunities available to them by joining this task force—it’s the first step to make certain that this vital program continues.”

“I would like to thank Congresswoman Norma Torres for her tireless work in the field of combatting the scourge of human trafficking. Her bipartisan efforts as part of the Congressional Human Trafficking Caucus have helped secure funding for this very important law enforcement and humanitarian effort,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. “Today’s grant award will help continue to fund the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force.”

Last year, Torres led a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations calling for $50 million in funding nationwide for DOJ grant programs that support anti-human trafficking task forces, such as the LARHTTF. Torres is also a member of the Congressional Human Trafficking Caucus. She previously helped secure nearly $70,000 in DOJ grants to combat human trafficking and prostitution in the City of Pomona.

Torres is a member of the powerful House Appropriations and Rules Committees.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— More than 225 middle and high school students are scheduled to perform at the fourth annual San Bernardino County Performing Arts Showcase on the stage at the California Theatre of Performing Arts on April 2.

The students represent eight county school districts and cover performances by bands, drumlines, choirs, dance and theater groups. The event is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. on April 2 at the California Theatre, located at 562 W. Fourth St. in San Bernardino.

The public is invited to attend the free performance.

The Performing Arts Showcase is a collaborative effort between the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and The California Arts Project. Among the participating school groups are:

• Bloomington High vocal ensemble and Grand Terrace High theater group, Colton Joint Unified;
• Chaffey High chamber singers, Chaffey Joint Union High School District;
• Frisbie Middle advanced band, Rialto Unified;
• Pinon Mesa Middle advanced band, Snowline Joint Unified;
• Riverside Prep chamber singers, Oro Grande;
• San Bernardino City middle and high school drumlines, San Bernardino City Unified;
• Vernon Middle advanced dance, Ontario-Montclair;
• University Prep theater ensemble, Victor Valley Union High School District.

For more information about the event, contact County Schools’ Communications office at (909) 386-2413.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Please join in on the celebration of The Social Lites, Inc. 52^nd Beautillion Ball and witness five intelligent young men be presented to society on Saturday, March 30, at the National Orange Show.   “A Brighter Future is Yours to Write” is the theme for this year’s program.  Formal attire is required.  Tickets are $50 per person.  Doors will open at 6 p.m.

The Beautillion Knights and their court (Fairmaidens, Squires, and Pages) are participants in a mentorship program sponsored by The Social Lites, Inc. of San Bernardino. The five-month extracurricular program centered around academic and community service projects, is focused on leadership, character, life development skills, spiritual growth, public speaking, accountability, and health education for students of color from elementary to high school.  High school seniors who participate in the program are known as Knights.  The all-around Knight will be identified the evening of the Beautillion Ball as Sir Knight.  Other awards are given for academics and other achievements. 

For more information, please contact: knight.beautillion@gmail.com.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work as a social worker? How about a teacher or maybe a negotiator? How about all three jobs at the same time? Find out on March 14 during the Principal for a Day event.

Since its launch more than two decades ago as a collaboration between the District and the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, the Principal for a Day program has hosted hundreds of private and public sector professionals.

Participants spend nearly half a day leading a District school alongside the actual principal. Besides a brief gathering first thing in the morning and an afternoon review, little else is scripted. A typical day for a guest principal may include greeting students, meeting teachers, and eating lunch in the cafeteria.

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— March is Women’s History Month. Women have been making strides for decades now and we continue to make our mark in the community through leadership and service. Local McDonald’s franchises, Kiana Webb is one of those woman who is worth looking up to. She is a true inspiration in our community. 

Ms. Webb, daughter of the local, iconic entrepreneurial legend, Reggie Webb, is a five-restaurant franchisee and is the President of Webb Family Enterprises, which operates a total of 16 McDonald’s restaurants. The company also invests in business incubation opportunities for young entrepreneurs of color. 

Kiana’s passion within the McDonald’s system is people and creating an environment where everyone who enters feels special and appreciated. I chatted with her more on her passion for the community in a recent interview. Listen below:

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

Photos by John Coleman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Maulana Karenga, PhD, Professor of Africana Studies at  California State University, Los Angeles was the guest speaker on February 27. He was invited by faculty, staff and students of San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and other Inland Empire Organizations.

Dr. Karenga is internationally recognized as the creator of Kwanza,  the Pan-African and African American concept and holiday celebration. He has been a relatively frequent visitor to the area and has lead local observances of Kwanza festivities.