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April Outstanding Achievement Awards Recognize District Students, Parents and Staff

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—In April, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Mt. Vernon and Muscoy Elementary Schools, M.L. King Jr. Middle School and San Andreas High School.

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the District’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

Mt. Vernon Elementary School, Principal Sylvette Del Llano:
Gabriel Rios is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Rios shines as a beacon of academic excellence and outstanding citizenship. Beyond consistently achieving stellar grades, Rios is also kind, helpful, and he follows the rules. Rios wants to become a surgeon.

Dalilah Reyes Chiman is a sixth-grader and Outstanding Student. Dalilah stands out for her exceptional academic achievements and citizenship. She demonstrates commitment to her studies and she earns praise for her outstanding grades. Dalilah also has a kind and helpful nature. Dalilah is working towards her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Rubi Barrios-Vallejo is a dedicated and proud mother of two children. She plays a pivotal role in her children’s academic journey while maintaining strong involvement as a parent committed to the betterment of the Mt. Vernon Elementary community.

Attendance Verifier Viviana Enciso epitomizes excellence in her role as an attendance verifier and as an out-of-class secretary. Her exceptional work performance is characterized by her tireless work ethic and remarkable attention to detail.

Fifth-Grade Teacher Donna Kosman constantly embodies the spirit of service and leadership. Donna fosters a dynamic learning environment where students can explore their interests and develop critical skills. Her tireless efforts and commitment exemplifies her outstanding professionalism and dedication to excellence.

Muscoy Elementary School, Principal Dr. Dana Jamison:
Eduardo Sandoval Soto is a third-grader and Outstanding Student. Eduardo is hardworking and dedicated to his academics. He is kind, friendly and has a loving heart. He loves to make people smile and laugh. And Eduardo loves school so much that his career goal is to be a teacher.

Daniel Vazquez is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Daniel is being honored for academic excellence and citizenship. He is a shining example of a student who has grit and constantly strives for improvement. He is kind and goes out of his way to make others feel welcome. Daniel dreams about becoming a paleontologist.

Outstanding Grandparent Award winner Leticia Murrieta has displayed unwavering dedication to the education and well-being of Muscoy students. Her grandson, Daniel, was honored as an Outstanding Student Award winner. Leticia invests many hours to support Muscoy Elementary by attending meetings and family events, and she still offers to do more.

Bilingual Office Assistant/Health Aide Karen Cordova is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She excels at providing excellent health services to students, and she engages families so students can thrive. Just this school year, Karen has set up more than 400 Hazel Health telemedicine visits so Muscoy students receive the medical care they need.

Fifth-Grade Teacher Laura Cortez Cuevas is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. As Muscoy’s English Language Facilitator, Laura has assisted in the reclassification of over 34 students as English Proficient. She has helped to increase fifth-grade academic scores by analyzing student data and planning with her team how to increase student achievement.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Principal Ernesto Calles:
Seventh-grader Christopher Martinez is an Outstanding Student. He is a true representation of King scholars, showing exceptional character inside and outside the classroom. He is the ASB president, where he serves and leads the entire King Middle School student body. Martinez wants to attend university after high school.

Brittanny Melchor is an eighth-grader and Outstanding Student. Melchor excels in academics, citizenship and art. She is respectful, responsible and helps to provide a safe learning environment, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, which earned her recognition at the King Middle School academic award celebration in February. Melchor is focused on her goal of attending university after graduation.

Lydia Urrutia is an Outstanding Parent. She has been a positive partner with King Middle School. School staff appreciate Urrutia’s communication with administration and parents via the School Site Council, and she can always be depended upon to provide input to support the success of King scholars.

Custodian I Sam Arenivar is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Arenivar consistently demonstrates pride in his work. His enthusiasm and passion for upholding King’s values and fostering a positive learning environment serve as an inspiration to those around him.

History and Social Science Teacher Robert Almanza is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Every Monday, he prepares and produces student-created videos to support the open communication and information that is vital to students and staff. Almanza’s leadership, including serving as department chair, exemplifies his commitment to students and staff.

San Andreas High School (SAHS), Principal Dorie Stratton:
Alaysha Nash is a senior and an Outstanding Student. Nash is involved in everything from the Student Leadership Advisory Council to dual enrollment in college and several extracurricular activities. She always has a smile on her face and is happy to help as needed. Nash plans to be a social worker because she loves helping people.

Senior David Renteria is an Outstanding Student. He is an outstanding scholar who excels in academics and citizenship and is a standout student in the Health Pathway Program. Renteria is a quiet leader, always ready to lend a helping hand, and actively engaged in extracurricular activities and leadership roles. He will be attending a certified nursing assistant program in June and hopes to become a Physical Therapist in the future.

Amber Ploehn is an Outstanding Parent, with two children attending Cajon High and one at San Andreas. Ploehn is active in the School Site Council and serves as the school’s District Advisory Council representative. She is always ready to help as needed, even bringing in lunch treats.

Bilingual Attendance Technician Cristina Topete Velazquez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She is a very resourceful problem solver. Velazquez helps ensure that students are in class daily and connects families to important resources in the community. She has been an integral part of the San Andreas attendance team, helping to launch the Attendance Campaign.

San Andreas Teacher Rawan Fakhoury is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Fakhoury’s tireless efforts have resulted in a rich and positive school culture where inclusivity and respect are paramount. She has transformed countless lives and empowered students to reach their full potential.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, will present their annual concert under the stars with fireworks on Saturday, June 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. on the football field of San Bernardino Valley College. Will you be there?

Explained Maestro Parnther, “Our annual July concert has quickly become a community staple as well as our largest crowd of the year. It’s great to see so many people from throughout the Inland Empire joined together as we celebrate America and put on this spectacular show!”

Los Angeles-based vocal group DC6 will join with the Symphony to perform the music of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked as well as traditional Patriotic fare culminating in Tchaikovsky’s bombastic 1812 Overture performed to a fireworks display.

This concert will also see a world record breaking piccolo attempt as players from all over the state have been invited to participate in performing John Phillip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” at the concert. The record – 189 – previously set July 4, 2016 at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas.

Symphony piccoloist Kathleen Dyer is leading the charge to break the record.

“It has been an absolute joy to receive the registrations – the enthusiasm is contagious – and more will be accepted all month long!” explained Dyer.

The Symphony is also seeking to welcome more Veterans than ever before to this annual event and hopes you will want to partner with them to make this happen.

The Symphony has been honored to welcome thousands of Service Members to their concerts through a longtime partnership with VetTix which coordinates donated tickets to vetted members of all branches of currently-serving Military and Veterans, as well as immediate family of troops KIA.

While the Symphony-VetTix partnership applies to all concerts, the annual concert under the stars is held at an especially relevant location for the requested support.

The San Bernardino Valley College Veteran’s Resource Center provides assistance through education, certification and guidance to active duty, reserve, and veterans and their dependents in achieving their educational objectives and promotes the retention, graduation, and transfer of military veteran students and their dependents. They offer tutoring, mentorship, VA benefits assistance, mental health counselling, free books and supplies, and much more.

Shared District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez. “This event is a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together in celebration and unity. We look forward to welcoming our military veterans to join us. Their service and dedication inspire us, and we are honored to celebrate Independence Day alongside them. This evening will be an unforgettable blend of live music, connection, and community pride.”

The concert begins at 7:30 pm, but the public is invited to arrive by 5 p.m. to take part in the College’s annual SUMMERFEST which will include information on the Veteran’s Resource Center, as well as many other educational opportunities, kids activities, campus tours, and a number of food trucks. Concert attendees may also bring their own picnic baskets into the stadium for the concert.

Members of the public who wish to fund a $10 General Admission ticket for one or more of our local heroes, may visit the Symphony Sponsorship Page, click on “Click to Make a Gift,” and select “Seats for Service Personnel” from the drop down menu. Donations may also be mailed to the Symphony at PO Box 109, San Bernardino, CA 92402 (be sure to indicate your check is for Seats for Service Personnel) or made via credit card by phone to (909) 381-5388.

All donations will be recognized at the July 6th Concert and in concert program books for the following 12 months.

“Once again, Maestro Parnther has curated a concert that will exceed expectations! This annual evening under the stars has never failed to bring the entire community together to share in the uniting power of music,” declared Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano.

Tickets, Location Details, and Piccolo Registration

Table seating tickets for “America, the Beautiful” are available at $30-$100 per seat and may be purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. General admission lawn seats are $10 per person with children under 12 free. General admission ticketholders are encouraged to bring low lawn chairs or blankets.

San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available throughout the campus. General admission tickets will be on sale at the event.

Piccoloists who register, rehearse, and participate in the performance of “The Stars and Stripes Forever” will receive General Admission tickets for themselves and their families.

Assigned table seating tickets for “America, the Beautiful” are available at $30-$100 per seat and may be purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. General admission lawn seats are $10 per person with children under 12 free. General admission ticketholders are encouraged to bring low lawn chairs or blankets.

San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available throughout the campus on concert day. General admission tickets will be on sale at the event.

Piccoloists who register, rehearse, and participate in the performance of “The Stars and Stripes Forever” will receive General Admission tickets for themselves and their families. For more information or to register, visit the Symphony webpage.

By Bo Tefu, Joe W. Bowers Jr., and Lila Brown | California Black Media  

A recent survey by the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS), commissioned by the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, indicates that over three-quarters (78%) of California’s registered voters are highly likely to participate in the upcoming general election on November 5. However, the survey of 5,095 voters highlights significant disparities among different voter demographics.

White voters show the highest likelihood of voting at 89%, compared to 66% for Black voters, 70% for Latino voters, and 62% for Asian American voters. Age differences are also notable, with 89% of voters aged 65 or older likely to vote, compared to just 60% of those aged 18-29.

The primary motivation for voters is the Presidential election, with 70% citing it as their reason for voting. Other significant factors include supporting specific issues (66%), fulfilling civic duty (63%), and protecting democracy (60%).

For those less likely to vote, dissatisfaction with Presidential candidates is a major deterrent, cited by 40%. Additionally, 36% are discouraged by the influence of special interests and big money.

John Kim, President and CEO of Catalyst California, emphasizes the importance of understanding voter motivations to address these disparities. “Knowing what is motivating California voters to participate in elections, and to what degree, is key to understanding our democratic systems,” he said. “This state has made strides in recent years to make voting more accessible. Yet the racial disparities that persist are a call to action for advocates and state officials to work together to address continuing structural impediments.”

Christian Arana of the Latino Community Foundation points out that investments in voter education are essential for a well-informed electorate capable of influencing state policies.

Eric Schickler, IGS co-director, notes that while overall engagement is high, the significant gaps in voter interest across different demographics highlight the need for continued efforts to mobilize underrepresented groups. “The big gaps across racial and ethnic subgroups and age cohorts underscore that interest in this election is far from universal, and that dissatisfaction with the two major party candidates may be a substantial obstacle in mobilizing turnout to the level seen in 2020.”

By Bo Tefu, Joe W. Bowers Jr., and Lila Brown | California Black Media  

The California Legislative Black Caucus CLBC) has partnered with the California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF)  for a tour that raises awareness about the fight for reparations in California.

The CBFF is a community-based organization and non-profit leading a five-year initiative that aims to invest $100 million towards Black power-building and movement-based organizations statewide.

The organization announced the “State of Black California Tour,” a series of six community events that bring together lawmakers, local leaders, and community members.

During the events, attendees raise questions and concerns that address historical, current and emerging challenges in various Black communities across California. Those discussions will focus on educating and motivating the public about the work the California Reparations task force has completed and why it is critical to compensate Black Californians for historical wrongs they have endured.

The first event in the series was held in San Diego on June 15.

Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) was the host of the San Diego event and moderated the discussion, “on the state of the Black community and how we work to secure the future all Black Californians deserve,” the organization stated.

“I am deeply honored to stand before you as we gather to discuss a matter of profound importance: The State of Black California,” said Weber, Secretary of the CLBC. She was speaking on June 15, making the opening statement during the San Diego stop of the tour.

“Today, we come together not only to acknowledge these injustices but to reaffirm the California Legislative Black Caucus’ commitment to rectifying many of the harms outlined in the California Reparations Task Force report.”

Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber also spoke at the San Diego event.

The elder Weber said when she was a lawmaker many of her colleagues in the Legislature were reluctant to support AB 3121, the reparations bill she introduced that garnered bi-partisan support and made the task force possible. They were hesitant because they thought a bill that provided monetary compensation to Black Californians “would divide California.”

“We used the United Nations model in terms of what you’re supposed to do for reparations across the world. So, we had the backing of the international community,” said Weber. This is the standard across the world: to do reparations.”

“The fact that we have not given African Americans reparations is a blemish on this country,” said Weber. “The nation and the world have standards of justice, and this nation has never met those standards. Reparations is one of those standards that needs to be met for African Americans for the 400 years of injustices we have suffered.”

Leaders of local organizations, grassroots advocates, and community members are encouraged to attend an event in their respective communities.

The tour will continue to various cities across the state, including Santa Barbara, Fresno, Sacramento, Oakland, and Moreno Valley. The events will be held once a month starting in June up until October 2024.

Californians interested in attending an event in their area can find additional information on State of Black California website. Details for events held in each city are available online including registration, speakers, and necessary updates.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference (Cal-Hi NAACP) honored actor and political activist Danny Glover and social justice leader Rev. Amos C. Brown at its 12th annual Legacy Hall of Fame Ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Sacramento on June 10.

With that honor, Glover and Brown join a long list of activists, leaders and changemakers who have fought tirelessly for equal rights for African Americans, changes in law, and to advance the civil rights movement.

“These are nationally, known heavyweights,” said Cal-Hi NAACP President Rick Callender.

“They are both humble and national leaders. (The Hall of Fame) shows that they are here in attendance, reaching back into the community, and letting Mr. Glover and Rev. Brown know that they deserve this prestigious honor,” Callender continued.

The ceremony brought together a diverse group of guests, including NAACP members from across the state, corporate partners, supporters, and future leaders and delegates of the Youth and College Division.

State lawmakers in attendance were Sen. Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) and Sen. Susan Rubio (D-West Covina).

Rubio presented Glover and Brown with Senate resolutions outlining their civil rights accomplishments.

Secretary of State Shirley Weber gave remarks focused on the character and achievements of the honorees.  When she was the president of the National Council for Black Studies, Weber remembers Glover advocated for the academic discipline at San Francisco State University before he rose to fame in the film industry.

Weber also thanked Brown for his leadership as a member of the California Reparations Task Force, a nine-person panel created based on Assembly Bill (AB) 1321, legislation she authored when she served in the Assembly representing the 79^th District in San Diego. After a two-year investigation and study, the task force delivered a 1,100-page report with 115 reparations recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

“Despite all the things they have done they’ve never forgotten where they once came from,” Weber said of the Hall of Fame inductees. “They continue to hold up the banner for us and to fight for us every day. Their task now is to make sure that you pick up the banner and move forward.”

Glover was born July 22, 1947, in San Francisco. His parents, Carrie and James Glover were both United States postal workers and active members of the NAACP. While at San Francisco State College, the young Glover led a student strike. The demonstration led to the first ethnic studies department in the country.

Glover studied the art of acting at San Francisco State College and trained at the Black Actors Workshop of the American Conservatory Theater.  Glover has and continues to nurture a long career in stage plays, television, and films.

Glover has produced social justice documentaries that align with his advocacy work. He has received numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts and once served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

“I certainly have so much respect for this particular moment,” Glover said of receiving NAACP honors. “But just to be around men and women of all ages, all ethnicities who work for a better community. That’s what it is all about — what it means to be a human being working on the half of humanity. Thank you for this honor.”

Rev. Amos Cleophus Brown was born Feb 20, 1941, in Jackson, Mississippi. He is one of only eight students who had the pleasure to take a college class taught by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while he was a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta.

In 1961, Brown and King were arrested at a civil rights lunch counter sit-in. As a youth, Brown’s mentor was Mississippi NAACP Field Secretary Medgar Evers.

Brown has been the pastor of San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church in the Fillmore District since 1976. He served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 1996 to 2000. Brown was first appointed to the position by former San Francisco Mayor and California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown before being elected to a two-year term.

Brown has served as national chairman for the NAACP Youth and College Division and the National Baptist Commission on Civil Rights. He is currently the president of the San Francisco branch of the NAACP.

“I want you to know that I am 83 going on 84 but I am going to stay in the struggle (for equality),” Brown said. “I am going to stay in the struggle because God has given me strength and God has been my light. I am going to stay in the fight until Black folks receive equality and opportunities in the United States of America.”

Every year, the NAACP CA/HI State Conference inducts individuals into the Hall of Fame who exemplify the commitment and courage to advocate for the betterment of Black people in California. The event also creates funding for youth leadership programs and initiatives.

“The one thing that I really like about this event is that we really are honoring folks that have been doing the business of civil rights for their entire life,” Callender said. “We’re just saying, ‘We’ve seen what you’ve been doing, we’re watching you, and yes, you deserve to be in our Hall of Fame.’”

EDD customers can choose the most convenient payment option for their needs

SACRAMENTO, CA—– The Employment Development Department (EDD) is now offering its unemployment, disability, and Paid Family Leave benefit customers a direct deposit option to receive their payments. Direct deposit is a safe, fast, and convenient way for individuals to have their benefits automatically deposited into their personal checking or savings account. This enhancement follows the Department’s transition to Money Network for benefit payment services earlier this year which included issuing new prepaid debit cards.

“We have been focused on improving our benefit systems as part of our ongoing effort to modernize and improve the customer experience for all Californians,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “Direct deposit offers our customers the safest and most convenient means of receiving the benefit payments that they need.”

EDD customers will need a myEDD account to select the best payment option to meet their needs. For help setting up a myEDD account, customers can view myEDD Registration and Overview (YouTube). Once logged in, customers can update their preferred payment option within UI Online for unemployment benefits or SDI Online for disability or Paid Family Leave benefits, after selecting Profile on the main menu.

EDD encourages customers to learn more about direct deposit and other payment options by visiting the Department’s Benefit Payment Options webpage. There are also videos available to assist existing customers with how to set up direct deposit if they so choose. New customers will make their selection when applying for benefits online.

The new direct deposit option is considered a secure, fast, and convenient way to receive payments for customers who have a bank account. Other options include a prepaid debit card as well as mailed checks for receiving benefit payments.

The new direct deposit option is available for workers who are accessing EDD’s services online starting June 17. In early July and again in August, EDD will be alerting these customers to the expanded benefit payment options through direct emails and text messages. Customers will also see online notifications when logging in to apply for benefits or manage their benefit claim.

For unemployment customers, notifications will be made available in the top eight languages, including English for those who have indicated a preference to receive translated communications.

Beware of Scammers

EDD will never email, text, or call to ask for login information or bank account details to enroll in direct deposit. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or text messages that request personal or financial information with a sense of urgency. EDD emails only contain links to websites that include “edd.ca.gov.” Visit the Fight Fraud webpage for tips on how to avoid scams.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Rep. Pete Aguilar recently announced that Neighborhood Partnership Housing Service, Inc. (NPHS) will receive $1,666,279 in federal funding to make critical infrastructure upgrades for affordable housing units.

The funding will be used to make improvements such as plumbing, roofing, weatherization and other energy conservation upgrades to affordable housing units. This will make the units safer and more resilient to extreme weather events, and significantly lower energy costs for residents.

“It is my top priority to lower the cost of housing so that folks who want to live here and be a part of our community are able to do so,” Rep. Pete Aguilar said. “I’m proud to have fought for this funding to lower energy costs in affordable housing units while improving resident safety.”

“On behalf of the communities that will benefit from this investment, I extend my deepest gratitude to Congressman Aguilar for his unwavering support. The Community Project Funding award will play a crucial role in our mission to preserve affordable housing units in the City of San Bernardino,” stated Clemente Mojica, CEO of Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, Inc. “This support not only strengthens our community but also ensures that more families have access to safe and affordable housing. Thank you, Congressman Aguilar, for championing housing affordability.”

Since 2023, Rep. Aguilar has announced over $72 million for affordable housing developments in the Inland Empire. These investments range from increasing the supply of affordable housing to renovating affordable housing units.

Rep. Aguilar also helped pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 into law, which included over $17 million in federal investments for 15 local projects across the region Rep. Aguilar represents in Congress.

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

When South Central Los Angeles native Nedric Miller was in the third grade he wanted to be gang member. He dropped out of high school when he was 16.

Two years later, Miller was in prison.

“Education wasn’t valuable to me,” he said. “Everyone around me was shooting up, doing drugs — doing this, that, and the third. No one was talking about education. People were trying to survive.”

When was Miller released from prison, he moved to Sacramento with a family friend and enrolled in Woodland Community College as a way to get off parole. He took science classes and discovered he enjoyed learning. Miller eventually received his associate degree and enrolled in Sacramento State. He graduated from the university this year.

“A lot of people lent a hand to me,” Miller said. “Kept me positive. Kept me motivated. Thank you for allowing me to graduate because I really didn’t believe I could.”

Miller’s remarks detailing his journey from the streets to walking across the stage to receive his degree in kinesiology, clinical rehabilitation, and exercise science came during the final day of Sacramento State’s Juneteenth Symposium.

Dr. Nadine A. Kelley, Sacramento State’s senior director of University Housing Services, said it was important for symposium attendees to hear Miller’s college journey.

“We save lives on college campuses,” she said. “You don’t have to be at a hospital to save a person’s life.”

The June 13-14 symposium was held to celebrate and recognize African American history and achievement, while also highlighting the anti-racism work being done at Sacramento State, which has a student body that is 10% Black, and the California State University system’s other 22 campuses.

The event was one of many celebrations scheduled across the Golden State in celebration of Juneteenth on Wednesday.  The national holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

On June 19, 1865, Black people enslaved in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom from Union soldiers. This happened two months after the Confederacy had surrendered in the Civil War and more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

On June 13, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a Juneteenth proclamation.

“California is proud to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday, honoring the centuries of struggles and triumphs that have brought us to this moment,” the Governor’s statement read. “Amid misguided efforts to rewrite our nation’s history, California is committed to confronting the dark chapters of our past to continue moving forward in pursuit of a more perfect union.”

“This Juneteenth, I urge all Californians to reflect on the ongoing cause of freedom for Black Americans – remembering that, though General Granger’s announcement in 1865 called for “absolute equality,” that vision was, and remains, far from complete. Let us celebrate how far we have come and take stock of how far we must go to truly realize our nation’s founding ideals,” the statement continued.

Across the state, several events are scheduled for Wednesday, including Pleasant Hill’s second annual Juneteenth Celebration at the East Bay Area city’s city hall. The celebration will feature numerous activities such as chess tutorials by West Coast Chess Alliance, a reading by author Mackenzie Lee Foster, and African and Caribbean musical and dance performances. Additionally, there will be a reading of the Juneteenth Proclamation and the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

In an announcement video, the Pleasant Hill Diversity Commission noted Juneteenth was initially celebrated at family and church center gatherings. There were also annual trips to Galveston Bay by formerly enslaved people and their families.

“Celebrations spread across the South became more popular in the 1920s and 1930s,” said Carson Sprott, the commission’s chair. “In 2020, the country’s important social justice movement renewed national interest in racial equity including the day that many consider our country’s second Independence Day.”

On June 19 in Los Angeles, actress Wendy Raquel Robinson will host Juneteenth at the Wilfandel, the oldest African American women’s club in L.A. This alcohol-free event will feature food, vendors, live entertainment and more.

In Oakland, the Hella Creative, an arts and culture collective is hosting Hella Juneteenth, a cookout featuring live music, Black chefs and Black-owned restaurants from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum.

In Pasadena, the local branch of the NAACP hosted the third annual Roller Jam at Pasadena City Hall. The event had arts and crafts, a live DJ, and roller skating.

On June 15, the third annual Juneteenth Festival at Black Miners Bar in the Folsom Lake Recreation Area featured a performance by the Grammy-award winning R&B group Club Nouveau. There was also beer and wine garden featuring Black-owned wineries and distilleries, food vendors, a petting zoo, a kid’s zone, and horseback riding.

Sacramento State’s Juneteenth Symposium featured award presentations, musical performances and panel discussions and speeches by a number of scholars and educational leaders, who discussed topics such as racial injustice and the lived experiences of everyday Black Californians.

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, the founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research, discussed anti-racism.

“We have been taught the opposite of racist is not racist,” he said. “The actual opposite of racist is anti-racist. The heartbeat of the being racist has historically been denial, and the sound of that denial has historically been, ‘I’m not racist.’ What we should be striving to be is anti-racist.”

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is bringing back its popular “Sizzlin’ Summer Nights” Concert Series at Perris Hill Park’s Historic Roosevelt Bowl for eight Thursday nights starting June 6 and running through August 1. Now in its third year, the free series will feature music, food, artesian vendors, and activities.
Perris Hill Park’s Roosevelt Bowl is located at 1003 East Highland Avenue in San Bernardino.

Musical styles during the series will include Funk and Soul, Motown, Country, Big Band Swing, Latin Soul, Top 40, as well as performances by two popular Southern California tribute bands.

“Evenings at the Roosevelt Bowl are amazing, and the Summer Concerts turn it into one big dance party,” said San Bernardino Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director Lydie Gutfeld.
Kicking off the series on Thursday, June 6, will be Nojac, a San Bernardino based funk and soul group. Nojac has opened for bands such as Tierra and Malo, and their set includes favorites from artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Tower of Power.

Other performers during the series are:
June 6: Nojac (Funk and Soul)
June 13: Blue Breeze Band (Motown)
June 20: Nubes – Pride Night (Caifanes Tribute)
June 27: Pulp Vixen Band (Classic Rock)
July 11: Country Nation (Country)

July 18: Wise Guys Big Band (Big Band Vegas Swing)
July 25: Latin Soul Band (Cumbias, Salsa, Reggaetón)
August 1: No Duh (No Doubt Tribute Band)

Gates will open at 5:30 pm with each concert starting at 7:30 pm. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Activities, booths, food, and vendors will be available at 5:30 pm.
One of the new activities this year will be an “Art in the Park Sip and Paint Experience,” in which attendees will have the opportunity to try out their painting skills under the guidance of an instructor while enjoying a beverage.

There will be no performance on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

The 1,800-seat Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park was built and dedicated in 1934 as part of the depression era Federal Work Progress Administration. Since then, the outdoor amphitheater has been a featured gathering place in San Bernardino for musical, artistic,
and cultural performances, civic events, and graduations.

By Lila Brown | California Black Media

Before becoming a nationally recognized social justice leader and a member of California’s Mandated Reporting Taskforce, Shane Harris spent 13 years as a foster care youth after he lost both of his parents. As President of the national civil rights organization, People’s Association of Justice Advocates (PAJA), he’s aiming to solve some of the toughest challenges Black and Brown children in the foster care system face.

During National Foster Care Month in May, Harris visited the Sanctuary of Hope in Los Angeles to host a roundtable meeting with current and former foster youth, many of whom, like Harris, have beat the odds and become successful professionals — government officials, social workers and community activists leading their own organizations.

Sanctuary of Hope is a non-profit organization that works to empower youth through education, stabilization initiatives and the dismantling of social and economic barriers that may impede their progress.

According to the federal government’s Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, there are nearly 370,000 American children and youth in foster care. Approximately 18,500 youth are emancipated from foster care without a permanent family annually and in 2021, 77% of eligible youth in foster care, ages 14–21 years old, left care without receiving the federally funded services necessary to prepare them for adulthood and independent living.

Nationally, Black children are overrepresented in foster care. According to datacenter.kidscount.org, Black children represented 14% of the total child population in the United States. However, they represented 23% of all children in foster care. Harris pointed out that one out of every four foster youth go homeless upon exiting foster care in California. Across the state, there are nearly 65,000 children in foster care, he added. Of the 65,000 children in foster care across California, 14,000 of them are Black American.

Harris also announced a new effort already underway to push for the removal of the term “case” in L.A. County when referring to foster youth during the roundtable which featured Hafsa Kaka, Senior Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and Janet Kelly, the Founder and Director of Sanctuary of Hope. The session focused on solving problems foster youth face.

Sharing personal stories, insights, and various visions for policy changes, the participants discussed numerous solutions and addressed specific concerns about ongoing challenges with the foster care system.

One top priority was how to close the foster care to homelessness pipeline for the disproportionate number of Black and Brown children in LA County’s and the state’s foster care system.

Los Angeles County has the highest number of children in foster care of any county in California, with roughly 25,000 children.

“When you see the direct connection between the disproportionate rates of Black children in foster care and the disproportionate rates of Black people in the general homeless population, there is a very clear connection there in which our foster youth are coming out of care,” stated Harris during opening remarks. “Even though there are more programs, housing programs and transitional housing programs, we are still not nearly doing enough. The State’s budget cuts play a role into services being provided, and how that then could create a homelessness pipeline.”

Kaka said the governor has been intentional about making sure that foster children are homeless prioritized as the state addresses homelessness across different sectors.

“This is a critical moment for foster care,” said Kaka. “The systems that are working together are looking at leveraging federal, state and local funds. Prop 1 funds will create more dollars for youth, as well as the general population experiencing mental health, substance abuse and abuse at the intersection of homelessness.”

Harris said he has already begun efforts in San Diego County to drop the word “case” when referring to homeless youth.

“We are asking for a 90-day public input period, in which the county CEO and leadership can facilitate discussions with the community on replacement terminology. There’s plenty of ideas,” Harris elaborated. “It is a criminal justice related term. Foster care to prison pipeline is already large and vast.”

Kelly said a majority of the youth who go through the Sanctuary of Hope program are young people who have experienced some form of housing instability or housing crisis.

“The goal of the work that we do is really centered around helping young people leave here with leadership skills and other forms of what we call protective factors in order for them to continue on with their stabilization journey and become loving, caring and active citizens in this world,” Kelly said.

“It’s always great for me, especially during national foster care month, to see many of the young people that I’ve seen from the time that we founded almost 14 years ago, to see them grow or whether they are getting married or they’re graduating, becoming doctors, having children, because it really talks to the promise and the possibilities, because as individuals, we need to invest in their being, their social being, their emotional well-being, all of those things,” she added.

Last year, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have allowed foster youth to keep the money they accrue through Social Security benefits when they become adults.  The bill would have also required the state to pick up the tab for foster care costs.

A similar bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 2906, has since been introduced by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan to address the issue.

AB 2906 would require social service agencies to ensure that a foster child’s federal Social Security survivors’ benefits are not used to pay for, or to reimburse, the placing agency for any costs of the child’s care and supervision. Existing law requires every youth who is in foster care and nearing emancipation to be screened by the county for potential eligibility for SSI. The bill would also increase benefits and access to Social Security benefits for foster children.

If passed by the Legislature and signed by Newsom, AB 2906 would take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.