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Alumni, whom are also professors at San Bernardino Valley College. (Photo Credit: Lou Coleman)

By Lou Coleman

On Friday, May 26, San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) bid farewell to another Graduating Class.   It was a wonderful graduation – the largest class of seniors, great speeches, a huge crowd, many alumni in attendance, plenty of emotion, and no rain as we gathered in the heart of the campus.

The graduation ceremony was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by students from many cultures, countries and walks of life. Many have overcome personal, financial or other barriers to achieve their success and now have reached their graduation from SBVC, a venerable 90-year old institution.

We salute the graduates from all the different schools and divisions of San Bernardino Valley College and we look forward to seeing them follow in the footsteps of thousands who have made a difference in the community, the city, the country and the world.

“Sending you a day full of sunshine, a heaven filled with rainbows, and a pocket full of dreams. May the future ahead of you be as wonderful as you are.” [Judith Wibberley]

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– Local youth can get around town a little cheaper this summer, thanks to a special discounted bus fare on Omnitrans.  Riders 18 and under will pay just $1 per trip in June and July.

While Omnitrans offers Youth discounts on its 7-day and 31-day bus passes, there was not a youth discount for single trips until this summer.   In comparison, the regular one-way cash rate is $1.75; a 1-day pass is $5.

“Summer is a great time to get out and explore,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams. “We hope the discounted summer youth fare will make it more affordable for youth and families to get to the community pool, the library, the mall or the movies.” 

The discount is good on all Omnitrans bus routes serving the San Bernardino Valley including 26 local routes, three freeway express routes, five OmniGo community shuttle routes and the sbX bus rapid transit line in San Bernardino and Loma Linda. 

During the traditional school year, Omnitrans averages nearly 40,000 youth trips per month.  That drops to about half during the summer months.

Students who appear to be close to age 19 should be prepared to show bus drivers proof of age or a high school ID card to prove they are eligible for the discount.

Personalized routing assistance is available at 800-9-OMNIBUS (800-966-6428) or online at www.omnitrans.org.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Pediatric patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) were treated to an afternoon of crafts, reading and fairy tale visits at the annual “Spring into Reading” event in the hospital lobby on Monday, May 15.

Hosted by the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild, each patient received an age appropriate book to keep and a teddy bear. Young family members were also able to take a book and do crafts. 

As a special treat, author Shereen Rahming read aloud her new children’s book, “Ahni and Her Dancing Secret,” to those in attendance.

Patients who were not able to leave the units were given kits to craft at their bedside, as well as books and a teddy bear.

LLUCH patient Nixxin Castille, 2, from Hemet enjoyed making crafts with her mom, Nastacia Jones, who also helped her pick out a new book.

The Loma Linda Guild is committed to supporting the children hospitalized at LLUCH by developing programs and projects that address the critical needs of these children and their families. They have raised over $1.6 million since its inception in 1999.

MORENO VALLEY, CA- On Saturday, May 13, Music Changing Lives, (MCL) hosted a spectacular evening of student performances at the 6th annual Changing Lives Showcase.  The Showcase was held at the Moreno Valley Conference Center and featured talented students from Moreno Valley Unified who have worked passionately for 21 weeks on their performance to see ‘Who is the Best at Music and Art.’ 

The Showcase is no ordinary school competition, MCL rolled out the red carpet for its talented performers and  the fate of these young artists were in the hands of  celebrity guest judges from the EDMHipHopRebels group ZupaNova and the popular Pop group Holiday State.

The evening was a night to remember. As nearly 500 guests arrived they walked onto the red carpet, which led them to an art display to view the incredible student paintings, and then they entered the theater to be entertained by fantastic vocal, instrumental, audio production and dance performances. Guests were also treated to delicious food, delectable desserts, exciting raffles and the event was completely free for everyone invited.

Five schools from the Moreno Valley School District, where MCL offers its programs, brought their A-game to compete for the Bruny Awards. Participants competed for the Bruny Award in five categories – Musical Instruments, Vocal Performance, Production, Dance and Visual Arts, while the schools competed for Overall Performance.  Plus one student from each MCL school-site who held the highest GPA and had the best School Attendance was awarded with laptops!

The competition was fierce, but in the end Butterfield Elementary beat Edgemont Elementary and Mountain View Middle triumphed over Palm Middle and Bayside High reigned on top!

First place winner for the Bruny Award in Musical Instruments was Tanya Hernandez from Butterfield Elementary, Bonnie Murillo from Palm Middle and Isaac Ramirez from Bayside High!  In the Vocal category, Travonn Lester from Butterfield, Jehnny Carrion from Mountain View and D’ashawn Brown from Bayside reigned in first place.

Butterfield Dance Team dominated the elementary Dance category and took home the first place Bruny Award. Kamarie Henderson from Mountain View Middle triumphed over all other dancers and also took home the first place Bruny Award.  The very talented Ariana Gomez from Butterfield and Gabriela Sandoval from Palm both took home first place in Visual Arts.

Every student who participated was honored with a certificate from Senator Richard Roth’s office and Assemblymember Jose Medina for their dedication to make a difference in their community through the arts.  Each student who performed was required to volunteer for a minimum of five hours. Participants were instilled with the message, “Together we can be the change we would like to see in our community.”

Music Changing Lives, (MCL) created the Showcase six years ago for youth in Moreno Valley, and since then they have produced several musicians, artists, fashion designers and more.  The program was designed to ignite passion through performance by using music and art as a motivation for students to stay focused on their education and their future.

The Showcase is sponsored by Moreno Valley Unified School District, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Edison International, Wells Fargo Foundation, Niagara Cares Foundation, Kaiser Family Foundation and more. 

For more information about Music Changing Lives, please contact Josiah Bruny at MusicChangingLives@gmail.com or call 951-992-0721.  You can also visit them on the web at www.musicchanginglives.org.

By Angela M. Coggs

On Wednesday, May 10, the San Bernardino County of Behavioral Health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (N.A.M.I.) hosted the 1^st Annual Peer Support Summit at the Double Tree Hotel in Ontario from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The keynote speaker was Mental Health Advocate and former Los Angeles Lakers small forward Metta World Peace. A continental breakfast and lunch was provided to the attendees. The summit was free and open to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness or have lived experience, having a family member diagnosed with a mental illness, as well as mental health direct service providers.

The summit featured theme was “Engage, Collaborate, Empower”. Assistant Director-San Bernardino County Behavioral Health, Sarah Eberhardt-Rios, welcomed the attendees and provided the opening remarks to the summit to help kick off May Mental Health Awareness Month in the department. The audience was the serenaded with an inspirational and interactive rendition of, “Lean on Me” by a Department of Behavioral Health staff member, who engaged and invited audience participation. The President of the San Bernardino Chapter of N.A.M.I. May Farr was also in attendance for the augural event.

The goals of the event was to enhance peer support and positive relations by identifying key barriers. By removing as many barriers as possible, that keeps individuals from seeking help and understanding, individuals are more likely to access resources and assist in their own recovery. This event was an opportunity for peer-run program leaders and participants to share ideas, challenges and best practices. It also encouraged connecting with one another to increase the overall network of peers. Studies show individuals diagnosed with a mental illness are more likely to seek help from others that they feel can identify with them on a personal level.

The highlight of the summit was keynote speaker Mental Health Advocate and former Los Angeles Lakers small forward Metta World Peace.  His topic of discussion was, “Living Your Truth.” He was introduced by Edwin Henderson, Mental Health Education Consultant with San Bernardino County Behavioral Health, who gave a brief summary about how the summit was conceived and the importance of eradicating stigma associated with mental illness. He gave a brief synapses of World Peace’s turbulent early years in the NBA, acknowledging and seeking treatment to maintain his mental health, as well as his effortless work as an advocate for Mental Health Awareness.

“I’m very happy to participate in this mental health awareness event. Events like this one help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health,” World Peace said in a statement. “It is vital that we educate our communities and let people know there is nothing wrong with seeking out help when you need it.”

Not only did he give a noteworthy account of his long family background with mental health issues, his struggles with mental illness on and off the court, and how he continues to look toward the future in a positive manner and how he continues to better himself on a daily basis. He admitted to the captivated group that when was younger he did not value education. He did not place it as a high priority in his life. However, four years ago that ideology all changed. He proudly disclosed that he is now a student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). That news initiated an impromptu roaring applaud from the mesmerized audience.  His story resonated with everyone in the room on one level or another.

“Metta World Peace’s testimony was so amazing.  I have been a Los Angeles Lakers fan for years, but his testimony was amazing. It brought tears to my eyes. The fact that he preserved through his own personal storm, refusing to give up,” said Sara Rourke, Department of Behavioral Health employee. “Having a giving heart towards others in need, with no expectations in return. I was so touched. I asked for a hug, and a hug is what he gave.  I was blessed and grateful to hear an amazing testimony of encouragement.”

After his hour long testimony of resilience, recovery and wellness, Metta entertained a few questions from the audience. Many thanked him for coming to share his story and while others posed questions to the NBA champion. The last question asked was probably the most profound, “What would the current Metta World Peace tell the past Ron Artest?”

“I was very, very self-destructive. There was no talking to me. I just would not listen. Not as far as suicide but somewhere in that same family. I didn’t care where my career went. I didn’t care if I threw it all away,” admits World Peace. “I think the only that I could say to him (Ron Artest) is ‘you’re making and you’re going to ruin it for yourself. You need to change but, understand, that it’s not going to happen overnight.”

He indicated that he could have grown and developed to the person he is today a lot sooner if he had taken advice from people who attempted to guide him in a positive direction. Two of those people were Mitch Kupchak, former general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Reggie Miller, retired NBA shooting guard who played his entire 18 year career with the Indiana Pacers and current NBA commentator for TNT.

He concluded the question and answer segment by encouraging people to be true to themselves, “It’s important to be yourself because it’s hard to be someone else. Being someone else requires you to act all the time. It’s not worth it.”

His last piece of advice for Ron Artest was to “Be yourself. Acting out and getting in trouble can’t be you. Take your time. You’ll make mistakes along the way. Keep going, eventually you’ll become the person you want to be.”

After the Q&A segment, World Peace was joined on stage by Angela M. Coggs, Mental Health Specialist with San Bernardino County Behavioral Health, and one of the Commissioners with San Bernardino County Behavioral Health. Together they presented him with an appreciation award that read in part, “We hereby presented to Metta World Peace for your ongoing commitment and dedicated service as an advocate for mental health and imparting your valuable insights and inspirations.”

“It was amazing to witness this event develop. It was astonishing to see how many consumers and San Bernardino County community members related to Metta World Peace’s story,” said Jessica Romo-Gutierrez, La Sierra University Social Work Intern with San Bernardino County of Behavioral Health. “It was an amazing feeling to be under the same roof with other programs and/individuals with the same passion to contribute to improving others quality of life.”

Ethan Mink with KVCR, the local PBS TV station out of San Bernardino, conducted a brief interview with the former Laker following his speech. He asked a few questions before World Peace was swept away for pictures. Later World Peace joined the other attendees for lunch in the dining hall. When he entered the room he received a resounding show of appreciation and a standing ovation. Although individuals approached him during lunch he did not turn anyone away. He signed basketballs, basketball cards, hats, and programs as well as posed for a few pictures. 

In addition to Metta World Peace’s story of struggle and resilience, there were several other notable aspects of the summit including a presentation from the San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Office of Cultural Competency and Ethnic Services Justine Rangel and Victoria Hall, Table Discussion Questions breakout sessions and a Peer Programs Panel. The panel consisted of staff from the Department of Veteran Affairs Loma Linda VA Healthcare System, San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Transitional Ages Youth (TAY) Program, Victor Community Support Service Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) Program, San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Clubhouse Expansion Program and a Case Manager/Peer Support Specialist. The purpose of the panel was to share best practices with other departments and programs that would be shared and utilized. The importance of sharing what works and what does not work can assist in going forward in the ensuring that programs are focused and result in positive outcomes.

In addition interactive sharing sessions/workshops, there was a photo opportunity drawing that allowed twelve attendees to pose for a picture with the former Los Angeles Laker. The winners were randomly selected and given a special golden tickets to for the group photo.

One attendee, who is a client of the Department of Behavioral Health, really made an impact on World Peace. Although she was not selected for the group photo, she had painted a picture for him and wanted to give it to him. She asked one of the Program Managers if she could make sure he received it. The Program Manager not only made sure he received it, she made it possible for her to present to him herself. He expressed his gratitude and stated that he really loved it. He noticed it was not signed. He said that he would love it if she signed it because “you (she) an artist and that all artist should sign their work.” This made her very happy. She signed it, said thank you and began to walk away. He stopped and said ask if she would take a picture with him. She was elated. This was only one instance how World Peace interacted with the attendees on a personal level.

He took pictures and signed autographs for anyone who ask, even during lunch. He was described as genuine, honest, sincere and unpretentious by those who approached him. “Very inspirational speech given by Metta. He talked about mental health issues he struggled through and the positive things he’s doing to help others going through the same fight,” said attendee Jorge Brown. “Really down to earth guy I had the pleasure of meeting.”

During his speech, World Peace spoke about how his mental health issues stemmed from alcohol abuse, anger abuse and an unstable household. The former Ron Artest, who infamously drew an 86-game suspension for his role in the Palace Brawl in 2004. He has since cemented a stronger reputation based on his work with mental health advocacy.

Perhaps the most memorable part of his testimony was when the one time NBA Champion eloquently stated, “We accumulated mental debt. Years of building-up of fear, tension, anxiety, and other maladaptive behaviors. It takes time to pay back once you’re ready to free yourself from the debt,” recalled Matthew L. Talley, Clubhouse Specialist with Pacific Clinics, an organization that offers mental healthcare and behavioral therapy for children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and the homeless. “This statement had a huge impact on me because it informs/reminds me that RECOVERY takes time and that’s okay!”

In 2007, World Peace founded Xcel University, which raises funds for those same causes. He publicly thanked his psychologist following the 2010 NBA Finals and later auctioned off his championship ring for $650,000 to help various mental health charities.

Chase Enriquez

By Lue Dowdy

The Hip-Hop/Rocker, Chase Enriquez, is WHAT IT DO! I became a fan immediately the first time I saw this artist perform. Chase Enriquez is an artist whose song writing approach and live show blends the skillful lyricism of Hip-Hop’s golden age and the raw vocal energy of Rock n’ Roll’s yesteryear with an attack that differs from the styles of previous genre-crossing.

Born and raised in San Diego, Chase bounced between Chicago and Atlanta for some time before making Los Angeles his home. Influenced by artists such as Guns N’ Roses, Nas, Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) and Big Pun, his sound mashes up big anthemic hooks with skillful rhymes over assorted production styles. Chase has collaborated with several artists which include: Don Cannon, (Aphilliates/The Acadamy) Greg Street, the Grammy Nominated Track Slayerz, SnL (Young Money) and a host of other local and national acts.

Chase’s first single with major distribution, “Tell Me Why,” was released on December 4, 2013 via INgrooves|Fontana. Since then he has followed up with a slew of singles including “Another Night,” and “Light it Up,” and a few EP’s with the most recent being “Til the Flame Burns Out: Muse Edition” released on February 5,2016.

Upon releasing his latest EP, Chase enlisted the help of some local hired guns to build the live shows. Dubbing it the “Chase Enriquez Trio,” with the help of Eduardo Lizarraga and featuring assorted musicians including Jason Dickie and others; they play locally around the Los Angeles area. Notable Venues consist of the Viper Room, Loaded Hollywood, Silverlake Lounge and The Study-Hollywood.

Chase Enriquez music and videos have been featured on sites and music programing such as indierapblog.com, hellhoundmusic.com, indiebandguru.com, CMC Beat Lounge, H2oTv, Skilly Magazine, along with many others. Please make sure you follow this amazing talent. Until next week Lz!

MORENO VALLEY, CA- On Monday, May 29, the City of Moreno Valley will host several Memorial Day events to honor the sacrifices of our military men and women who selflessly laid down their lives defending our freedoms.

The day of somber remembrance begins in the morning with the annual West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Bike Ride/Parade along Sunnymead Blvd. The City of Moreno Valley will hold a Memorial Day Ceremony beginning at 2 p.m at the City’s Veterans Memorial.  

“It is important for the community to come together to honor the sacrifices made by our service men and women, and their families,” said Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez. “As a nation and as a community, we must always remember the high price of freedom – and those who paid that very dear price.”

West Coast Thunder Motorcycle Parade  

After the flag unfurling parade passes Riverside National Cemetery, the West Coast Thunder Bike Run/Parade will exit the 60 Freeway at Frederick St./Pigeon Pass Rd. at 9:30 a.m., then continue eastbound along Sunnymead Boulevard, re-entering California State Route 60 at Heacock St.

Riders will continue to Soboba Casino’s outdoor arena for a musical tribute to those who have given their lives for their country. 

The parade will last approximately an hour. Moreno Valley Police will begin closing the necessary streets at 8 a.m. to assist with the safety of all pedestrians and vehicles during this event. For road closure details, please visit the City of Moreno Valley’s website   

For information about the West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Bike Run, please visit www.westcoastthunder.com.

City of Moreno Valley Memorial Day Ceremony

Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez will preside over the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial beginning at 2 p.m.

Major General Randall A. Ogden, Commander of the nation’s 4th Air Force, will deliver the keynote address.

Other special guests will include:

Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Baca

Council Member Jeffrey Giba

Council Member David Marquez

Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard

Moreno Valley Master Chorale

Valley View High School Vocalist Yensid Anderson

Vista Heights Middle School Student Speaker Morgan Lowry

 Light refreshments will be served and student artwork will be on display following the ceremony.  

Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive

The City of Moreno Valley is collecting donations of jars of peanut butter and jelly in support of a volunteer-led hospitality service for departing and returning war zone soldiers at March Air Reserve Base. Chunky peanut butter and strawberry and grape jelly are always in high demand. 

Please bring your donation of peanut butter and jelly to the Memorial Day ceremony to support our military members. 

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

After a teacher at a Moreno Valley elementary school allegedly referred to a student as a slave, a local group of black men decided to hold an impromptu “men’s mob,” on Monday, May 24, to show support for students and emphasize the importance of education.

Moreno Valley is located about an hour and a half east of Los Angeles in a region called the Inland Empire. The city is about 20 percent white, 30 percent Latino and 20 percent black.

The Men’s Mob gathered at Edgemont Elementary School and formed a welcoming line to encourage and support students. A women’s group held a similar event on Tuesday morning.

“The goal was to show the administration that we, as black men, support education,” said Jerry Green, a community advocate and member of the group.

The group was also joined by Moreno Valley School Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora and Moreno Valley School Board President Cleveland Johnson. Kedziora said he was appreciative of Green and his group. 

Kedziora said he attended the event to show students that adults care about them. He added that children absorb a lot of the negativity they see in the media, and it’s important for them to know that adults value their welfare.

“It (the men’s mob event) sends a valuable message to our community,” said Kedziora. “I wish it happened more often.”

According to Green, the teacher in question has been put on administrative leave while the issue is being investigated. The situation will also be addressed at a school board meeting on Wednesday.

“The district handled it correctly,” said Green.

A school district representative said he couldn’t comment on the situation while it was being investigated.

Blake and Kappa (Photo Credit: Jason O’Brien)

By Angela M. Coggs

On Saturday, May 20, the Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. hosted the 2nd Annual Kappa Youth Leadership & Development League End of Year Luncheon at Castaways Restaurant in San Bernardino from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each Kappa League member played an integral part of the program that included giving the invocation, making speeches, introducing peers and guest speakers as well as conducting the master of ceremony duties. The celebration set against the elegant, breathtaking backdrop provided an intimate affair high on the rolling hills of San Bernardino.

Deltas and KLers (Photo Credit: Jason O’Brien)

The Kappa League Program has a mission to provide educational college readiness opportunities for economically disadvantaged young men of color. The Riverside Alumni Chapter Kappa League focuses on training young men of color (but not exclusive to) 9th-12th grade for leadership, achievement and service in every field of human endeavor. The fundamental purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi is ACHIEVEMENT, it is therefore the Fraternity’s primary purpose to help these young men achieve worthy goals for themselves, and make constructive contributions to their community when they assume leadership roles.

This year marked Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi’s second year of conducting this leadership development program for high school young men.  After a successful inaugural year with eight participants with a primary focus of introducing them to our 6-phase program:

1. Self-Identity? – Discipline, Assurance, Awareness, and Appearance
2. Training – ?Academic, Career-Choice, Preparation, and Organization
3. Competition? – Politics, Career Advancement, and Sports
4. Social? – Religion, Arts, Entertainment, Conversation/Communication, and Etiquette/Manners
5. Health Education – ?Physical Fitness, Sex Education, Drug Education, and Health and Safety.
6. Financial Literacy – Budget and financial planning

“As Chairman of the 2016-2017 Kappa League program I am extremely proud of the accomplishments attained by our 16 young men. The end of the year luncheon at the Castaways restaurant gave us an opportunity to put on display some of the skills that our young men were exposed to and developed over this course of this year,” said Zack Stewart, Kappa League Chairman and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. “It also gave us a chance to recognize the young men, their parents and those that played a role in making this year such a success.”

(Photo Credit: Jason O’Brien)

In addition to celebrating the young men as a group, the only two graduating seniors Jeremiah Evans (attending University of California, Riverside in the fall) and Cameron Miles Scruggs (attending University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the fall) both received a $1,000 scholarship.

Another organization that played an amazing part in ensuring the program’s success was Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) Program is designed to refocus the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with the support and action of other major organizations, on the plight of African-American males. EMBODI addresses issues related to STEM education, culture, self-efficacy, leadership, physical and mental health, healthy lifestyles choices, character, ethics, relationships, college readiness, fiscal management, civic engagement and service learning.

Cheryl Nichols and Estella Wells, of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., presented each of the young men who completed the yearlong program with a certificate of completion, a bow tie with “EMBODI” embroidered on it, and a book entitled, “101 Things Every Young Man of Color Should Know” by Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields. The book was given to inspire the young men on their continued journey in life.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Kirk Kirkwood, Ed.D., Vice President of Educational Services for College Bound. The mission of College Bound is to provide comprehensive programs and services that prepare students for admission into and graduation from accredited four-year institutions of higher education Kirkwood is also a successful graduate of the nonprofit he now helps to oversee. His inspirational message to the Kappa Leaguers about writing their story before someone else does resonated with everyone in the filled room.

Kirkwood invited the young men to write their three chapter “Book of Life” by unfolding stories of their life’s journey. Chapter 1- “We’ve Come A Long Way- History- Remember your history and what you’ve been able to accomplish thus far by the Grace of God. Keeping alive our rich ancestry history from Africa as the sons and daughters of Kings and Queens- Royalty.” Chapter 2- “We Shall Not Be Moved- Don’t be afraid and intimidated, listen to your parents, take care of your responsibilities and have an attitude of gratitude. Given the turmoil of today, making the world great again and stand fast on the guiding principles of the Lord.” Chapter 3- “The Best is yet to come”- These pages are blank but what you do today will effect what is written about you tomorrow. You are now in the process of writing your own story and accomplishing your goals. You are in control.”

Kappa League 2016-2017 members: Agyei Butler (President), Jailan Spencer Blackwell, Timothy Bolton, Jeremiah Evans, Julian Garrett, Blake Gilmore, Yonathan Habtemariam, Joshua Hudson, Matthew Ruan Issac, Ahmir Khalid King, Brian Palmer Jr., Keyvon Rankin, Stanun Rudley, Cameron Miles Scruggs, Deon L. Thomas III, Brandon A. Wells, and Christopher Williamson.

Dr. Kirk Kirkwood (Photo Credit: Jason O’Brien)

The event was well attended with guest including the Kappa Leaguers parents, grandparents, mentors and supportive community members. This year’s sponsors were Riverside Alumni Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Akil Manley and Wal-Mart. Partnerships and Special Thanks goes to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – EMBODI Program– Cheryl Nichols and Estella Wells, Abundant Living Family Church (AALFC) Sondra Mc Ginnis, University of California, Riverside- Dr. Kenneth E. Simmons, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Male Success Initiative- California State University, Fullerton, and Corbin J. Pickett- The Candid Professional.

“We are extremely proud of our Kappa Leaguers and expect them to continue pursuing achievement in every field of human endeavor,” said Stewart. 

The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. would like to invite interested young men grade 9^th to 12 grade to join the current members of their Kappa Youth Leadership and Development League to learn more about their unique program and the achievements of their outstanding young men by visiting http://www.rackapsi.com. To become a sponsor, new member or to attain information about the program, please contact Zack Stewart at Stwe2z@aol.com.

Yonathan and Kappa (Photo Credit: Jason O’Brien)

By Naomi K. Bonman

Do you have life insurance? Most will answer that question with the response of, “Well, why do I need it?” or “No and it really doesn’t benefit me right now.” People don’t think of getting life insurance until it’s too late or when they realize that they are in a situation where they urgently need it.

I recently had a deep conversation with two women who know the importance of having a policy. Life insurance just doesn’t cover death expenses, but it is also good for other occurrences that life throws our way. Angela Alexander and Jessica Poche both went through different situations where they learned the benefit of having life insurance and the circumstances of not having it.

Jessica, who was insured, was married to her husband for a year and five months. During their marriage, her husband fell terribly ill and had a $700,000 life insurance policy that just needed to be updated with Jessica’s information. He insisted that she update it, but Jessica believed with all her heart that her husband would be healed. When he later passed, she then realized why the policy would have made a difference.

Angela is the author of “Miracles in Action”, which is a book based on her story of her twin 8-year-old boys who were killed in a car accident when she was deployed in Japan. The day before she lost her boys a friend called her asking her about life insurance. She was given a month free trial and just signed up, not knowing that the next day after getting coverage on the entire family, that she would need it for her babies. The boys had written letters prior to their passing saying that they would. So, for her, not expecting to lose her children, but being responsible, she was taken care of when it came to their funerals and other expenses.