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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino in partnership with California Culture Festival will be ringing in the Year of the Snake at its second annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 1 from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm at the downtown Court Street Square. The free family event will feature cultural musical performances, demonstrations, arts and craft activities, food vendors, art galleries and much more.

“San Bernardino’s Lunar New Year Celebration is a vibrant reflection of our diverse community and a wonderful opportunity to honor the rich traditions and contributions of our Asian American residents,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “It brings us together to celebrate culture, unity, and the shared hope for prosperity and happiness in the year ahead.”

The Court Street Square, located at 349 North E Street will be transformed by the San Bernardino Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, much like recent celebrations such as the Christmas themed Miracle on Court Street in December and the Dia de los Muertos festival in November.

“The Court Street Square is quickly becoming the primary location for festive gatherings in San Bernardino,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Ernesto Salinas. “The City is committed to bringing amazing cultural celebrations downtown that are fun, colorful, and educational.”

The festivities will include:

• Musical performances and cultural demonstrations, featuring traditional dragon and lion dances.
• Arts and Craft activities for the whole family, featuring Calligraphy, Origami, and Snake puppets.
• Multiple staged photo areas.
• A gallery highlighting San Bernardino’s Sister Cities from the East.
• Food vendors and merchants selling goods.
• Community Groups and Sponsor informational booths.

This year marks the Year of the Snake, and the snake will play a featured role in traditional musical performances and throughout the celebration.

Every year, a different animal is celebrated on a twelve-year rotating cycle with traits and symbols that hold meaning for what’s to come in the new year. The snake signifies charm, transformation, intelligence, and creativity, but can also be associated with mystery, independence, and cautiousness.

Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among Eastern and Southeast Asian cultures. It reflects the new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China, and widely observed throughout Asia, and in Asian-American communities throughout the United States.

In some countries, the Lunar New Year celebration lasts for fifteen days. This year, the celebration runs from January 29 through February 12.

“I am proud to see our city embrace such a meaningful celebration that highlights the beauty of our collective heritage,” added Mayor Tran.

Event sponsors include California Culture Festival, DAO Real Estate Group, H&H Lending, Inland Chinese Association, Lucky Star Marketing, MVS, Inc, Hiep Thanh Supermarket.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In collaboration with San Bernardino County, The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group (SBC Equity Element Group) has created a workshop series designed to increase the number of minority-owned businesses that can access the millions of dollars in contracts the county will award this year.

The goal of the event, “Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses: Your 101 Guide to Contract Bidding Success,” is to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to boost your chances in winning County contracts.

“The SBC Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. These workshops are designed to help people of color access and increase the number and size of contracts obtained through the procurement process,” said Rev. George Lamb, chair of the SBC Equity Element Group.

Workshop Objectives: 

1. Understanding and Managing ePro: Attendees will learn how to register, manage their vendor accounts, reset credentials, and navigate the ePro system to search for open bids.
2. Review Bid Proposals and Ask Questions: The workshop will cover County bid request templates, completion of the Local Vendor Self-Certification Form, and strategies for effectively posting questions to clarify bid requirements.
3. Respond to Bids Successfully: Participants will master creating and submitting precise quotes in ePro while avoiding common pitfalls.
4. Businesses can register online with ePro at the Purchasing Department website at: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/purchasing/vendor-registration/

Register for the workshop at a time and location that works best for you

Tuesday, February 4, 4 p.m.–7 p.m.  San Bernardino County Government Center 385 N Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA

Thursday, February 6, 4 p.m.–7 p.m.  San Bernardino County Children and Family Services, 15020 Palmdale Rd, Victorville, CA 92392

Wednesday, February 12, 4 p.m.–7 p.m.  San Bernardino County Children and Family Services, 9518 E. 9th St. Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Additional information will be available from the San Bernardino County Departments of:

• Workforce Development: https://workforce.sbcounty.gov/business-services/
• Economic Development: https://selectsbcounty.com/major-initiatives/entrepreneurship
• Purchasing Department: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/purchasing/getting-started/#procurement

“We are committed to increasing the number of local and minority-owned businesses contracting with San Bernardino County,” said San Bernardino County Director of Purchasing, Pete Mendoza.

“Seize the chance to empower your business and improve your bidding skills,” said Rev. Lamb.

For more information, please contact Sandra Abarca at (909) 387-4261.

For additional information about the SBC Equity Element Group, contact Info@SBCEEG.org.

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About The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group

The SBC Equity Element Group’s mission is to identify and address systemic inequities within San Bernardino County. It focuses on creating a more just and equitable society for all residents, particularly Black residents and people of color. The Group strives to dismantle barriers, promote inclusivity, and empower marginalized communities through data-driven strategies and community-centered solutions.  We believe that Equity Elevates Everyone.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA–– Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega Chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Xi Lambda Chapter will be holding the 37th Oratorical Contest for students in grades 1st through 12th on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rancho Cucamonga High School. Please view the flyer and encourage students to participate. This contest will help all age groups with their critical thinking and public speaking skills. Application available by using the QR code or the link below: https://forms.gle/VLh4EivgoH6gYuXS8. Should you have any questions, feel free to email Twillea Evans-Carthen at tevanscarthen@icloud.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Diana Alexander partners with the San Bernardino County Equity Element Group (SBC Equity Element Group) as a representative of the County Administrative Office. Alexander, a seasoned public administrator with extensive experience in the San Bernardino County government, collaborates with the group in its ongoing efforts to identify and address racial disparities and promote equity for all San Bernardino County residents.

A Leader Committed to Equity

Alexander oversees operations for seven County Human Services departments, including Veteran’s Affairs, Aging & Adult Services, Transitional Assistance, Child Support, First 5, Preschool Services, and IHSS-Public Authority.

Alexander also oversees the equity work the County committed to as part of the unanimous resolution of the Board of Supervisors Declaring Racism A Public Health Crisis. She leads the Countywide Vision Leadership Team on behalf of the County’s Chief Executive Officer, Luther Snoke.

“Alexander brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to social justice to the role. As San Bernardino County’s Assistant Executive Officer since 2020, she has overseen critical County departments and spearheaded the county’s equity work following the Board of Supervisors’ declaration of racism as a public health crisis,” said Snoke.

“I am honored to partner with and support the Equity Element Group in its vital mission to create a more just and equitable San Bernardino County,” Alexander said. “We will work collaboratively with community leaders and stakeholders to identify and dismantle systemic barriers that hinder progress for Black residents and people of color. As the Group’s slogan states, Equity Elevates All, we will build a brighter future for everyone.”

Building on a Strong Foundation

The SB County Equity Element Group was established in 2020 and incorporated into the Countywide Vision. Initially focused on the Black community, the group is committed to expanding its reach to include all ethnicities, fostering an inclusive vision for San Bernardino County.

A History of Success

Alexander has also served in many county, community, and church organizations. She has received many awards and accolades, including the Public Service Award for Excellence, the American Society for Public Administration 2024 Outstanding Senior Administrator award, the 2020 County Women’s Network “Extraordinary Woman ” award, and the San Bernardino County Association of African American Employees “County Trailblazer” award.

She also received a resolution from the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors for her work in partnering with California State University, San Bernardino, to establish a Master of Public Administration Cohort for County employees.

Alexander has an associate’s degree in liberal arts from San Bernardino Valley College and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in public administration, both from California State University, San Bernardino, where she was an adjunct professor in the Public Administration graduate school.

Alexander lives in San Bernardino County. She attends the Mt. Rubidoux SDA church in Riverside, CA, where she is the first-ever female Head Elder. She is the proud parent of four children: two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, and six grandchildren.

For more information on the Equity Element Group, email Info@SBCEEG.org.

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About The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group

The Equity Element Group’s mission is to identify and address systemic inequities within San Bernardino County. It focuses on creating a more just and equitable society for all residents, particularly Black residents and people of color. The Group strives to dismantle barriers, promote inclusivity, and empower marginalized communities through data-driven strategies and community-centered solutions.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

You know, there is a story told of a vessel that was wrecked and was going down at sea. There were not enough lifeboats to take all on board. When the vessel went down, some of the lifeboats were near the vessel. A man swam from the wreck to one of the boats, but they had no room to take him on. When they refused, he seized hold of the boat with his right hand, but they took a sword and cut off his fingers. When he had lost the fingers of his right hand, the man was so earnest to save his life that he seized the boat with his left hand. They cut off the fingers of that hand too. Then the man swam up and seized the boat with his teeth. Now they had compassion on him and relented. They could not cut off his head, so they took him in, and the man’s life was saved. Why? Because he was in earnest.

Why not seek your soul’s salvation as that man sought to save his life? Don’t wait until it’s too late! Time is running out for our world. Consider today with some urgency your eternal life. For as Martin Luther King, Jr. said in his I have a dream speech in August 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C, “We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW.” What a phrase that is. “The FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW.” Some things simply can’t be put off forever. Sometimes we must RESPOND NOW, we must ANSWER NOW, we must ACT NOW, we must NOT WAIT or DELAY or put things off.

Run to the only refuge there is, the refuge of Jesus Christ. If you go there, you are going to be safe from the coming judgment and the coming wrath. But, if you go outside of it, you’re going to be killed. You’re going to perish. [2 Thessalonians 3:3].

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through Jesus. [1 Thessalonians 5:9]. Run – Run for your life! There is no time to waste! For the Bible speaks of a time at the end of the present age in the books of Daniel, Revelation, and Matthew, among others — when there will be seven years of tribulation culminating in the battle of Armageddon in Israel and the return of Jesus Christ to the earth, in which right now, the stage is being set by Satan and his puppets. [Revelation 13].

Remember the Bible spoke of the Antichrist – a man who will appear on the world scene in the Last Days just before the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. Described in both the Old and New Testaments, he will be the very incarnation of evil cleverly disguised as a dynamic, charismatic, visionary leader. He will astound the world with his solutions to human problems. His empire will span every continent, and his rule will be the most demonic individual the world has ever experienced. He will rise to world domination by declaring himself a Man of Peace [Daniel 8:23-25; Daniel 9:26-27; Daniel 11:36-39; Revelation Chapter 6; Ezekiel 38; 2Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:2,4,5; Matthew 24:15].

But will later plunge the world into global war. Eventually his true character will be revealed. He will be opposed to Jesus Christ and will offer himself to the world as the savior of humanity. Together with his False Prophet, he will control the global economy and force his followers to receive a mark on their hands or their foreheads which most of the world will willingly follow him. [Revelation 13:16-17]. But after 3.5 years of his reign, all Hell will break loose. Talking about a fierce urgency, I tell you, NOW is the time run for safety. Repent before it is too late and get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God. He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge. [Psalms 91:4]. Don’t wait any longer but put your life in God’s hands TODAY!

[Echoing]: US President Donald Trump on Monday cast himself as a peacemaker in his second inaugural address, pointing to the hostage release-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that went into effect on Sunday. “My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier. That’s what I want to be — a peacemaker and a unifier,” he said after being sworn in inside the US Capitol.
In parroting, let me say this. “The Bible predicts that the Antichrist will come to power as a peacemaker. He will be firmly committed to globalism, the belief that the massive problems in the world can only be solved by bringing all nations under one banner. Through economic, political, and religious reform.

While we don’t know who the Antichrist is or will be, Scripture provides a few explanations of his characteristics and actions. We should always ask God for revelation and wisdom to be able to discern correctly. May we be those that can hear and then respond accordingly. [Revelation 13:9].

For terrible are the days which lie ahead. The rumblings of the coming judgment can be heard in the distance. The clouds are gathering. There is only one way out, and that is through Christ, who is the door to absolute safety. Those who receive Him and enter through the door by faith are safe. They are described as those whose names ‘are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.’ Is your name written there? Are you ready for His coming? If not, will you turn to him [Christ] and be saved now?” [M.R. DeHaan].

Will you?

This is critical for this day as we see the mystery of lawlessness at work and we see the chess pieces fall into place.

Even then, they would still not believe. [2 Timothy 4:3-4].

So, Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the DOOR. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved. [John 10:9].

Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction.” [Jeremiah 17:23].

These wicked people refuse to listen to me. They stubbornly follow their own desires and worship other gods. Therefore, they will become like this loincloth—good for nothing! [Jeremiah13:10].

 

 

ONTARIO, CA— The 3rd Annual Inland Empire Human Resource-BIZ Conference, hosted by the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Insight HR Consulting, will take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Ontario Airport Hotel & Conference Center. This highly anticipated event brings together HR professionals, local business leaders, and industry experts to explore emerging trends and critical workforce challenges.

As businesses navigate evolving labor laws, workplace culture shifts, and talent retention challenges, this conference provides a unique platform for HR professionals to gain strategic insights, best practices, and solutions that drive organizational success. Attendees will also gain valuable knowledge about the recent changes to California’s labor laws, including updated wage regulations and expanded worker protections. Sessions will focus on practical strategies to help businesses remain compliant, safeguard their workforce, and foster sustainable growth in today’s complex regulatory landscape.

This year’s conference will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Vilma Brager, COO at Insight HR Consulting, who will share her expertise in HR transformations and talent management. Anne K. Smith, Attorney and Partner at AALRR law firm, will provide key insights into employment law and compliance. Angel Guerra-Chagolla, Managing Partner at 3B National Consulting Group, and Stephen Stewart, Owner/Operator at United Agencies Inc. Insurance, will offer their expertise in risk management and strategic planning.

“The success of any business starts with its people. Our goal is to empower HR professionals with actionable strategies to support their workforce and drive organizational growth,” said Edward Ornelas, Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The conference is expected to draw over 250 attendees, offering valuable networking opportunities and the chance to gain industry-leading knowledge. Registration is still open, and tickets can be purchased on the Chamber’s website at www.iechamber.org/events.

This year’s event proudly welcomes back Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) as the Title Sponsor.  Additional event sponsors include Thrive Inland SoCal, James P. Bennett & Company, Paycor, United Agencies Inc. Insurance, Paylocity, California State University San Bernardino, and Changing Lives Staffing. These organizations are dedicated to empowering businesses across the Inland Empire by providing the tools and insights HR professionals and business leaders need to achieve long-term success and growth.

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About the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce: The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC) is dedicated to driving economic growth, fostering collaboration, and empowering businesses across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Representing a diverse network of businesses—from startups to established enterprises—the Chamber serves as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and opportunity in the Inland Empire.

About Insight HR Consulting: Insight HR Consulting is dedicated to helping organizations of all sizes and industries successfully navigate people matters, create inclusive environments, mitigate risk, and remain legally compliant. Their approach focuses on developing practical HR policies, best practices, and customized solutions that align workforce strategies with business objectives.

By Jasmyne Cannick

What do Snoop Dogg and Caitlyn Jenner have in common? No, this isn’t the setup for a bad joke—it’s a tragic reality. They’ve become poster children for the misguided belief that cozying up to power structures that openly despise them will somehow buy them a permanent seat at the table—or at least a pat on the head from the same people pulling the strings. Spoiler alert: it won’t.

Take Caitlyn Jenner, for example, who’s stanned for Trump who continues to actively work to push legislation that threatens her very existence. While she’s off applauding his presidential win, the ink is barely dry on his executive orders mandating she be referred to by her birth name, Bruce.

Rather than taking a stand against these policies, she’s leaned into her wealth and privilege, banking on it to shield her from the harm those same policies inflict on the trans community. Why? Because she’s rich and insulated from the struggles and discrimination most trans people face. She can retreat to her Malibu mansion and comfortably tune out everyone else’s reality. Because as long as Trump is coming up with ways to keep her rich–that’s all that really matters. Newsflash: privilege isn’t bulletproof, and proximity to power doesn’t erase the hate aimed in her direction.

Then there’s Snoop Dogg and his ilk, rappers who once stood as cultural titans now bending over backward to cozy up to the Trump tax bracket. After years of using the community to build their stacks, they are perfectly content to throw the same people who put them in their comfy tax bracket under the bus for a front-row seat at a table that was never built for them. They’ve swapped authenticity and influence for the illusion of inclusion, all while pretending the check is worth it. It’s not–they know it, we know it. It’s the reason at the domino table we say, “All ain’t good money.”

What they don’t seem to realize—or flat-out refuse to—is that their proximity to whiteness (in the case of Snoop and company) or wealth and privilege (in Caitlyn’s case) doesn’t shield them from
the systems they claim to have transcended. Those systems will gladly facilitate (and celebrate) their selling out while continuing to dehumanize and disenfranchise the very communities they come from and should be fighting for. It’s not respect they’re earning—it’s betrayal.

It’s not just disappointing—it’s dangerous when public figures like Snoop Dogg or Caitlyn Jenner trade their influence for proximity to power, they’re not just letting down their communities–they’re actively legitimizing the systems that harm them. They’re showing the next generation that progress is negotiable, everyone can be bought, and that fighting for equity can take a back seat to personal gain.

There’s a gut-punch of disappointment we feel after building up people like Snoop, only to watch them back systems that harm their own. And the pity for someone like Caitlyn, who thinks her money outweighs her self-respect. We need to hold folks accountable—mark this date on your
calendar. So when these celebs inevitably flip-flop and come crawling back for the community’s support–be it a new album, reality television series, film–whatever–we remember, decline the call, and leave them on read.

Selling out isn’t just a choice for them—it’s become their brand.

Singing the hook to Chris Brown’s “Loyal,” “Aww, these h–s ain’t loyal.”

A member of hip-hop generation, Jasmyne Cannick is based in Los Angeles and is an award-winning journalist and political commentator who speaks and writes to challenge, critique, and hold the culture accountable.

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

Every day or so, he will deliver another controversial Executive Order (EO) that cuts into the infrastructure of our laws and the Constitution. These EO’s are designed to keep us so confused, that we shift our eyes away from what appears to be his real goal! We know Mr. Trump loves his cult supported power! Some say that he intends to be President for life.

I suggest that his cult members will soon be seeking relief! The poor and hungry among them are going to get poorer and hungrier. The middle class among them will not enjoy the restraints of inflation and the loss of government agencies that facilitate access to their middle-class lifestyle. I predict that many of the Trump cult members will soon be seeking a way to spit-out the Kool-Aid! His Anti-Christ-Economy will definitely hurt them, and they are going to raise hell!

However, they, like the unfortunate members of the Jim Jones Cult, need our help! We should take care to not ridicule them. They need a clear lane to redemption! I look forward to and will accept and support their shift to reality.

We should consider supporting them in an impeachment wellness campaign, as opposed to the civilian war that the Anti-Christ is fostering! A civilian war would become his ultimate shield of chaos. No matter who the combatants, his chaos-based opportunity would crystalize!

I expect that chaos is his chosen route to an extended reign on his seat of power! There will be no need to discuss or vote on it. A declared State of Emergency and Martial Law will become the anti-law of the land.

He will create chaos to justify a State of Emergency Declaration, which he will manipulate into more chaos, generating his obvious step to dictatorial power. He will declare Martial Law, and as Commander in Chief, will have the world’s mightiest military to enforce it!
His most recent actions show that he is actively securing the bureaucracy. He has the Court. He has the Military, and a deadly Militia, and most alarming, he has the audacity!

Our Congress and Senate have the power to take charge. Impeachment needs to be a talking point!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA–– NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer John Thomas Salley, father, athlete, actor, serial entrepreneur, talk show host, philanthropist, wellness advocate, vegan, and champion, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 San Bernardino Black History Parade.

“We are pleased and excited to welcome John Sally as the Grand Marshall of the 46th Annual Black History Parade,” said Black Cultural Foundation President Carl M. Dameron. “Amy Malone, President of the NCNW Inland Empire Section and Founder and President of Girl in Charge Public Relations, successfully secured John Salley for the parade.”

“It is an honor to participate in the San Bernardino Black History Month Parade.  Anytime I can celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Black people, I will do so with pride.  This parade is a way for me to honor the visionaries of the past and those who are on the forefront now advocating for our rights and liberties today,” said Salley.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Salley developed a passion for basketball early on. He earned a full scholarship to Georgia Tech, where he played under legendary coach Bobby Cremins. Selected as the #11 pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, John’s 15-year career is marked by historic milestones.

He became the first player to win four championships with three different teams: the iconic Detroit Pistons “Bad Boys,” Michael Jordan’s record-breaking 1996 Chicago Bulls, and the 2000 Los Angeles Lakers under Phil Jackson.

After retiring from the NBA in 2000, Salley transitioned seamlessly into television and film. His credits include Bad Boys, Bad Boys II, Bad Boys 4 Life, Eddie, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and Disney’s Sneakerella. Salley co-hosted the Emmy-nominated The Best Damn Sports Show Period and has led multiple shows, including The John Salley Block Party, Ballers on BET and VH1’s Basketball Wives Reunion. He also helms his production company, John Salley Presents, and consulting firm, Sal Sal Consultants, where he develops unique projects for TV, film, and digital platforms.

As a serial entrepreneur, Salley has embraced his passion for building impactful businesses. He co-founded a vegan supplement company and partnered with his daughter to create a cannabis brand focused on wellness.

His latest venture, Black Folk Media, developed in partnership with the Pan African Film Festival, aims to launch the first Black-only media app. This platform will make the entertainment industry accessible to creators at every level, partnering with universities and high schools to nurture emerging talent.

Salley is a dedicated advocate for wellness, plant-based living, and social causes. He is actively involved with Operation Smile, PETA, and PCRM. A recipient of PETA’s highest honor, Salley has also addressed Congress on the Child Nutrition Act to promote healthier vegetarian options in public schools.

He frequently speaks at VegFests across the country, sharing his passion for plant-based lifestyles and healthy living. John, an early investor in Beyond Meat, also contributes articles for Wine Spectator, Cigar Aficionado, and LA Confidential.

“Salley continues to inspire and engage millions with his active presence on platforms like Instagram (@johnsalley), Twitter (@thejohnsalley), and VLAD TV’s YouTube channel,” said Dameron.

Salley es in Los Angeles with his wife and daughters,  which proves his commitment to family, wellness, and innovation.

Black History Parade Details:

• Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
• Time: 9:00 a.m.
• Route: Baseline Ave. and Mt. Vernon to California Street

“The Black History Parade, a cherished tradition since 1968, will proceed along Baseline Avenue from Mt. Vernon to California Street in Westside San Bernardino, uplifting the community with its vibrant energy and cultural importance,” said Dameron.

Parade coordinator Russel Ward said, “Five marching bands are set to perform. The Cardinal Marching Band from San Bernardino High School will lead the parade. San Gorgonio High School, Indian Springs High School, and the Arroyo Valley High School marching bands will end the parade and lead us all into Arrow Vistas High School for the festival.

“Cheer squads from Arrowview Middle School, Chavez Middle School, Curtis Middle School, Del Vallejo Middle School, Emmerton Elementary School, Fairfax Elementary School, Indian Springs High School, King Middle School, Lytle Creek Elementary School, Marshall Elementary School, Paakumá Elementary, Rio Vista Elementary School, San Gorgonio High School and Urbita Elementary School will perform, along with Steppers from Fairfax Elementary and Cajon High,” added Ward.

Black History Festival Details:

• Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
• Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. immediately after the parade until 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Arroyo High School, 1881 W. Base Line St., San Bernardino

According to Dameron, the festival will feature various vendors, performers, and community organizations. Attendees can enjoy delicious food, cultural arts, and live entertainment, including comedians, dancers, and singers.

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About the Black Culture Foundation

The Black Culture Foundation’s purpose “…is to foster an interest and a greater understanding of Black culture, to heighten community awareness of the accomplishments of Black people, past and present, and to plan, coordinate and direct an annual Black History Month parade and related cultural activities…and bridge the gaps across cultural lines by bringing the local community together to celebrate this event in unity.”

For more information about the Black Culture Foundation, go to SBBCFoundation.org.

On Monday, January 20th, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega chapter honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in the Blood of the Martyrs Blood Drive. The blood drive was in partnership with LifeStream and the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino Catholics of African American Descent Ministry. There were 28 volunteers (17 HNO members, 9 Community Members, Members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., and Tuskegee Airmen. There was a total of 81 blood donors (22 in Ontario, 35 in San Bernardino, and 24 in Riverside). The sorority is thankful to all who have served in honoring the legacy of Dr. King.