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Jimmie Lee Veal, age 85, passed away on December 15, 2019. Born April 23, 1934 in Doddsville, Mississippi, he was the youngest of eleven sons born to Mingo and Healena Veal.   

Mr. Veal attended school in a country school in Doddsville, Mississippi and received his High School from Okolona College in Okolona, Mississippi which was added to the National Register of Historical Places on August 9, 2002.  Upon graduation, he left to join the military, serving in the United States Air Force. He met the love of his life, Hazel Wells, while on military break in Drew, Mississippi. They corresponded by mail until the young private returned to Mississippi and asked her to be his wife. They wed, started their family and began their journey as a military family.   

Jimmie served in the Air Force for 20 years, attaining the rank of Master Sargent (MSgt.).  He was stationed on military bases throughout the world including temporary duty at Chateauroux Air Force Base (AFB) in France, and Landstuhl Medical Center Army in Germany, Mather AFB in Sacramento, California, Amarillo AFB in Texas, Tripoli AFB in Libya, Africa and The US Logistics Group (TUSLOG) in Ankara, Turkey. After multiple moves with his growing young family of four children, MSgt. Veal completed his tour of duty at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California where he served until his retirement in 1973.  He took a series of training courses at every opportunity and also matriculated in college courses through the University of Maryland. MSgt. Veal trained service personnel and provided Tactical Air Command training services to the Combat Support Group at George Air Force. During his service he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. 

Even before his retirement, MSgt. Veal laid the groundwork in 1968 for his post-retirement career by opening the first African American-owned business in the Victor Valley area and his first car lot, properly named Veal’s Auto Sales in Adelanto.  He understood what the service personnel needed – a clean, reliable car that was affordable on a military paycheck. After the success of the car lot he invested further in the Adelanto community by providing an entertainment alternative, Bo’s Lounge, complete with good music, affordable food and ready company on any given night. 

Jimmie sought to be the consummate provider to his family and even while operating two independent businesses took his natural penchant for sales and became an insurance salesman with Prudential Insurance Company.  His calming and honest approach to sales, allowed him to earn the honor of Top Salesman each and every year that he worked with the company. He often told stories of the many families that called to thank him for providing them access to the means for their comfort after the loss of a loved one.

MSgt. Veal continued to engage in car sales eventually relocating to Victorville and renaming the business J & H Auto Sales. His love for car sales and the art of conversation that comes with ascertaining ones need, led him to work part time at Sunrise Ford in Fontana.  Working only part time, he was still their Best Salesman and relished in training the younger, less experienced salesmen in the art of the trade. 

Msgt. Veal was an avid sports fan with his favorite teams being the Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers and Rams.  Msgt. Veal was preceded in death by his parents, Mingo and Healena and nine of his ten siblings Clifton, Charlie, Artie Palmer, Mingo, Ira, Lawrence, Joe, Percy, and Luther.  He is survived by his lone brother, James, his wife Hazel Veal, four children Patricia Veal, Steven Veal, Carolyn Veal-Hunter (Dale) and Bonita Veal, four grandchildren, Candice, Jennifer, Sydney and Jordan, two great grandchildren Nolan and Evan and a host of nieces and nephews. 

RIVERSIDE, CA—2020 is a prominent year. Not just because it is a new decade and that it is election year, but it is the 150^th anniversary of the right to vote for Blacks. On Saturday, February 8, 2020, the 41^st Annual Black History Parade and Expo will be paying homage to the anniversary. The theme for this year’s event is, “It takes a Village: Let’s Vote”.

When it comes to voting, the community plays a critical role in deciding who will head counties, states and the country, as a whole. For the past 41 years the Riverside Black History Parade has played an instrumental role in bringing the community, schools and local businesses together.

With this being a monumental year for the African American community, the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation has teamed up with the NAACP Riverside Chapter to have their President, Dr. Regina Patton Stell, as this year’s Grand Marshall. Vision Marshalls include: UCR’s Athletic Director, Tamica Jones; Assemblymember Jose Medina; Shauna Gates, Chief of Police at Riverside Community College District’s Board of Trustees; and Community Icons Charles and Elaine Bibbs.

This year, the Riverside Black Chamber of Commerce is assisting in ensuring that the Expo is a success. Tommy the Clown will also be returning as a performer in the 2020 Riverside Black History Parade and Expo. Vendors and parade performers are still wanted. To fill out a vendor application, please visit www.adcrfoundation.org

“Season of Giving” engaged Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion Knights to become active members of their community at American Legion Post 710 annual Toy Give-Away in San Bernardino, California on Saturday, December 21, 2019.   

Toys and bikes received much laughter and tears to so many children of all ages.  Parents too!  This community event included complimentary lunch. As Oscar Wilde stated, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”  Thank you to all donors including Social Lites, Inc. under the leadership of Lisa Blacksher (president), American Legion Post 710 under the leadership of Commander Willie Bennet along with other organizations. 

The 2019/2020 Beautillion Scholarship Program is in its 53^rd year.  The program will commence on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at the National Orange Show of San Bernardino.

For more information regarding the Beautillion Scholarship Program, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Tina Darling at tribicu2@msn.com or Ms. Lisa Blacksher, President at lisasocialities@gmail.com or Mrs. Bettye Brewster, Business Manager, bettyebrewster@yahoo.com

On Sunday, December 22, the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) had the pleasure of treating youth from CHORDS to a Holiday Lunch in appreciation for all the dedicated and committed work that the founder of CHORDS, Edwin Johnson Jr., does for the community.

On Saturday, December 21, Kappa Alpha Psi gave back to the community by partnering with God’s Pantry. The two organizations paired up to give away food at Fontana Middle School.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Dale Marsden has resigned as superintendent of San Bernardino City Unified School District after seven years in the post, announcing his departure at the Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday, December 10.

The veteran educator said Wednesday he will remain in his position, possibly through the end of the school year, as board members discuss a transition timeline and next steps.

Hired in 2012 to lead the county’s largest school district, Marsden is one of the longest-tenured superintendents in the state.

In a phone interview with The Sun, Marsden declined to say what role he plans to assume when he leaves the district but said his departure will allow him to focus on blazing a trail regionally for some of the efforts started in San Bernardino.

“This is a big district and a very active place,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of momentum going, and I want to continue that momentum forward to lift similar efforts countywide and regionally, too.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Over 200 attendees witnessed Social Lites, Inc. honored for their dedicated service for over 60 years in the Inland Empire and for over 50 years working with youth through the annual Beautillion program at the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Delta Rho Chapter 9^th Annual Educators’ Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.  Swans Club and Carolyn Tillman were also honored for their dedicated service in working with youth.  Keynote speaker, Twillea Evans-Carthen addressed the importance of “the village” highlighting the theme “It’s A Gift….Teach Them and Teach Them Well.”

The 2019/2020 Beautillion Scholarship Program is in its 53^rd year.  The program will commence on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at the National Orange Show of San Bernardino.

For more information regarding the Beautillion Scholarship Program, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Tina Darling at tribicu2@msn.com or Ms. Lisa Blacksher, President at lisasocialities@gmail.com or Mrs. Bettye Brewster, Business Manager, bettyebrewster@yahoo.com

Advocates for seniors and disabled adults living in long-term care facilities are needed in San Bernardino County.

The Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) is recruiting volunteer advocates who will be trained and certified to investigate and monitor long-term care facilities and resolve complaints on behalf of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.
 
Ombudsmen investigate reports of abuse, neglect or mistreatment of individuals in long-term care facilities. They also monitor nursing homes and board and care facilities regularly to ensure residents understand their rights and other free services available to them. Volunteers must be over the age of 18, submit to a free background check and not have worked in a long-term care facility for at least one year.  Free training is available to obtain state certification with classes forming in the San Bernardino area. Schedules are flexible and include evenings and weekends.

“This is an opportunity for members of our community to come together to support resident rights and achieve the best possible quality of life for all long-term care residents in our county,” said Sharon Nevins, director of DAAS. “We look forward to training new volunteers to make a difference in the lives of seniors and disabled adults throughout our county.”
 
For more information on becoming an ombudsman volunteer, call 1-866-229-0284.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Inland Empire Media Academy announces that submissions for panels, artists, and student films are now open for the Wolverine Con and 9th Annual SBVC International Student Film Festival.

The SBVC Media Academy continues its annual celebration of student filmmakers and additionally calls all area artists and media enthusiasts to this year’s event. Starting on April 7, 2020 then continuing thru April 9-11, 2020.

The event will open Thursday, April 7 with a media expo, zine fest, and CosPlay competition focused on this year’s theme “We Are the 80’s”. It will continue Thursday, April 9 with panels and a screening of SBVC College’s own Malik Stalbert’s film “Derelict,” in the campus’ beautiful Auditorium.

The official SBVC International Student Film Festival kicks off with screenings Friday, April 10 through Saturday, April 11. These screenings include student films from Thailand, Australia, and of course San Bernardino, California.

Student filmmakers please submit films at https://filmfreeway.com/SBVC_IEMA. Categories include, short narrative and fan films and documentary short, animation, and experimental. This is a juried film festival with Hollywood connections.

The festival will open with a Gala event on April 9 and close with an awards dinner on April 11. Prizes include cash, filmmaker technology, and much more.

For more information contact Festival Director, Lucas Cuny at 909-384-8546 or lcuny@valleycollege.edu.

Bonnie Sheree Johnson was born on Christmas day 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri to Oscar and Mary (Celestine) Buckles. Her family moved to San Bernardino when she was 10 years old and attended Mills Elementary School, Sturgis Jr. High School and San Bernardino High School. Bonnie enrolled in San Bernardino Valley College and received a Certificate in Stenography. She also received her AA degree from a state college in San Francisco. 

Bonnie married Arthur R.D. Johnson and raised three children, Larry, Deborah, and Kae Johnson. Art was the breadwinner and Bonnie was content as a wife, mother and homemaker. 

From the time of Bonnie’s birth into her early adult years the civil rights movement was nonexistent. Even though the Founding Fathers had labored years before to devise a document that would be humane and just for all, it didn’t apply to all. During her childhood Bonnie saw the New Deal, the Fair Deal, the New Frontier, and a Great Society; however, for blacks, there was no deal at all. This situation became apparent to Bonnie when her children entered the public school system. As a ‘stay at home mom’ Bonnie was enthusiastically engaged in the P.T.A and other activities involving her children. That’s when she noted the disparity in segregated schools. Bonnie adamantly refused to deny her children the “American Dream”. 

By this time, the Civil Rights movement had begun. Led by Martin Luther King Jr.’s example, Bonnie was inspired. Before Dr. King’s famous “I have a Dream” speech, Bonnie had a dream. Her dream was to educate her children and to reach that goal, Bonnie challenged the school system. Working side-by-side Bonnie, along with Francis Grice and Valerie Pope formed the Community League of Mothers, where she was elected President. They led an anti-segregation boycott of the San Bernardino School District. The Dynamic Trio instituted “Freedom Schools” and took their children along with other students out of the public school system. 

Newspapers ran articles regarding the Community League of Mothers’ claims that “Black Schools” were inferior to “White Schools” and were not giving their children a chance at the “American Dream”. The White Schools had better books, better teachers, and a wealth of resources. The School Board and Local Politicians kept saying ‘Everything is okay… or will be  tomorrow’. While at the same time policies were perpetuated that denied Blacks the rightful chance to the “American Dream”. 

This became a dangerous fight of personal sacrifice to the members of the Community League of Mothers, with threats of hanging, cross burning, KKK activities and shootings as the protests heated up. With the aid of the NAACP, many court battles ensued, ending with the California Supreme Court’s ruling that San Bernardino was guilty of segregation and discrimination and mandated an end to segregation in the San Bernardino public school system. 

In the 1970’s, Bonnie became the owner of Greenwood Bail Bonds. A business that she had ran successfully for over 40 years. Often, she has looked outside her office window and remarked how she remembers when Waterman Avenue was just a dirt road. She keeps those thoughts in her memory as she often states, “I can only move forward if I remember where I came from”. That attitude has made Bonnie a torchbearer and catalyst in the City of San Bernardino. Her compassion and generosity motivated her to personally give away millions of dollars which has been recognized and honored by many Civic and Community leaders and politicians. 

On January 15, 1999, Bonnie was recognized by the San Bernardino Unified School District for her fervent devotion to students in bringing about desegregation/integration and fostering a sense of equality in San Bernardino City schools. She has also received certificates of recognition from past Mayors of San Bernardino, Senators Joe Baca and Reuben Ayala, Congressman George Brown, and numerous organizations throughout the Inland Empire. All those recognitions documented her tireless efforts and dedication as a role model for youth. Also noted is the legacy she created through the Community League of Mothers in her struggle for Freedom, Equality, and Justice. 

Bonnie’s life has been a tough journey; from dirt streets to paved roads, dreams to reality and struggles to freedom. Her accomplishments have been a source of pride for her children, who have benefited from her tireless efforts and determination. She truly demonstrated that nobility is not a birth right, it must be earned. 

Those who have preceded Bonnie in passing are; Father, Oscar Buckles; Mother, Mary Celestine E. Washington; Stepfather, Robert Washington; Sisters, Mary Belle McGinnis and Jacqueline Grace Beavers; Brother, Samuel Fellows and Son, Larry Johnson. 

Bonnie has left to cherish her memory her Sister; Sheree Louise Yarbrough; Daughters, Kae Johnson and Deborah Johnson; Granddaughters, Kelle Sheree Johnson and Heather Sheree Johnson; Great Grandson, Arthur R.D. Johnson II (A.J.) and a host of nieces, nephew and friends.