SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Akoma Unity Center proudly hosted its 5th Annual Earth Day Celebration, marking five years of service focused on environmental education, food justice, and sustainable community development. The event brought together youth, educators, elected officials, funders, and community partners to celebrate environmental stewardship and unveil Akoma’s Advanced Agricultural Hydroponics & Aquaponics Lab.
Akoma Unity Center has spent the last ten years serving the community through hands‑on community gardening initiatives, providing fresh fruits and vegetables directly to families, seniors, and local residents. Through these efforts, Akoma Unity Center promotes food access, nutrition, and environmental awareness while fostering community connection.
Akoma Unity Center has also worked to expand community understanding of sustainability, clean water, and clean air, while intentionally introducing educational pathways for scholars in agriculture, science, water education, automation, and robotics. By blending environmental justice with workforce development and youth leadership, Akoma Unity Center continues to prepare the next generation of environmental stewards and innovators.
This year’s Earth Day celebration was made even more special with the ribbon cutting of Akoma’s Advanced Agricultural Hydroponics & Aquaponics Lab, a space designed to support experiential learning, innovative farming practices, and future career pathways in sustainable agriculture and water systems.
The event welcomed special guests and supporters, including:
- Representative Curt Lewis and Frank Ramos of Congressman Pete Aguilar Office, Michael Townsend of Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes Office, Anais Franco of Assembly James Ramos, San Bernardino City Mayor Tran and City Council Members Dr. Treasure Ortiz and Mario Flores, San Bernardino County Board of Education President, Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers, former City Councilman Rikke Van Johnson, Akoma Board Members Darcel Canady and Dolores Armstead, AVHS Key Club, Teacher Facilitator Richard McClendon, CTE Teacher Victor Suarez, who joined in support of Earth Day and Akoma’s mission
Akoma extends sincere gratitude to its funders and partners whose support made the celebration and ongoing programming possible:
- California Climate Action Group, Golden Volunteers, Keeping California Beautiful, Inland Empire Resource Conservation District, and Southern California Edison.
Community members also engaged with a wide range of Environmental Education Partners who provided resources and hands‑on learning opportunities, including:
- San Bernardino Municipal Water Department, El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center, Institute for Public Strategies, People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PC4EJ), Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ), UC Master Gardeners, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources, South Coast Air Quality Management District, and First 5 San Bernardino.
“Earth Day is more than a celebration, it’s a reflection of the work we do every day,” said Kimberly Calvin, Akoma Unity Center Executive Director. “For five years, Akoma has been committed to growing healthy communities, educating future leaders, and creating systems that honor both people and the planet.”
As Akoma Unity Center looks toward the future, the organization remains dedicated to expanding environmental education, strengthening food systems, and building pathways that empower youth and families to thrive sustainably. Pho
For more information about Akoma Unity Center or future events, please contact Jessica Esquivel, (909) 217-7956, Info@akomaunitycenter.org, www.akomaunitycenter.org.
