Local

Sixth Annual Pioneer Breakfast Recognizes Contributions, Awards Scholarships

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Local community members were honored for their service and student scholarship recipients were announced by the Cal State San Bernardino Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association at the sixth annual Pioneer Breakfast on February 23.

The event, which was held in the university’s Santos Manuel Student Events Center, coincides with the celebration of Black History Month.

This year’s theme was “Our Legacy Defines Our Future” and binds with the university’s vision of defining the future. The scholarship recipients were: Darnell Collins, Belva Holder Memorial Scholarship; Christopher Akwaja, Dr. Milton Clark Tenacity Scholarship; Malinda Hendrix, John Overton Memorial Scholarship; Chloe Patterson, Dr. Mildred Henry Scholarship; Austin Warren, Terrylin Monette Memorial Scholarship; and Breeona Bright, Dr. Jean Peacock and Walter Hawkins Memorial Scholarship.

The 2018 Pioneer honorees were: Denise Benton, Staff Award recipient; Edward Harrison, Administration Award recipient; Charlotte Black, Faculty Award recipient; Dia Poole, Alumni Award recipient; and Olivia Rosas, Lorraine Frost Ally Award recipient.

This year’s event distinguishes itself from past breakfasts, with a new branding, more scholarships and a change in the concept of the annual essay competition that CSUSB students compete in, said Anthony Roberson, the BFSSA Pioneer chair.

“The Pioneer Breakfast is important to have here at CSUSB to showcase our diversity and inclusiveness,” said Roberson. “This event bridges our CSUSB community with our local service communities and brings back our alumni.”

The Pioneer Breakfast serves as a fundraiser for scholarships and also supports the annual African American Graduation recognition ceremony.

Visit the CSUSB BFSSA website to learn more.

52 San Bernardino County Women Nominated for 2018 Woman of the Year at Annual Luncheon

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes hosted a Woman of the Year luncheon last weekend to honor and celebrate the 2018 Woman of the Year finalist from her district. The luncheon was held at the Don Day Neighborhood Center in Fontana.

In total, fifty-two women were nominated from the community for the 2018 Woman of the Year award which recognizes local women for accomplishments in their respective fields and for their dedication to improving the lives of others in conjunction with Women’s History Month.

Nominees came from a variety of different backgrounds ranging from educators and community advocates to county employees, students, business owners and heads of local non-profits.

“In the current political climate it is more important than ever to lift up the amazing women in our community. These women exemplify courage, dedication and determination to build a better quality of life for our community, and to face the challenges that are put in front of them,” said Assemblymember Reyes.

On Monday, March 12 Assemblymember Reyes honored one of the 24 finalists as the 2018 47th Assembly District Woman of the Year. The award was be presented to the Woman of the Year at the State Capitol.

The 2018 Woman of the Year Finalist for the 47th District included: Ana Carlos – Bloomington; Yesenia Gonzalez – Bloomington; Jessica Sutorus – Colton; Neli Gutierrez – Colton; Nina Torres – Colton; Victoria Mendoza – Colton; Lori Sanchez – Colton; Gloria Martinez – Fontana; Tamika Casey – Fontana; Mary Sandoval – Fontana; Denise Ferris – Grand Terrace; Rose Keller – Grand Terrace; Arlene Garcia – Muscoy; Suzanne Schaeffer – Muscoy; Lea Michelle Cash – Rialto; Joshlyn Earls – Rialto; Abigail Medina – San Bernardino; Cynthia Frazier – San Bernardino; Diana Z. Rodriguez – San Bernardino; Dr. Deanna Stover – San Bernardino; Dr. Jean Peacock – San Bernardino; Gigi Hanna – San Bernardino; Lieutenant Shelisa Williams – San Bernardino; and Tamara Ellison – San Bernardino.

Torres Meets with Local Superintendents to Discuss Gun Violence Prevention in Schools

ONTARIO, CA – U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres met with superintendents from the Fontana Unified School District, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, Ontario-Montclair School District, Pomona Unified School District, and the Chino Valley Unified School District to discuss strategies to prevent gun violence in schools. In light of the tragic high school shooting in Parkland, Florida last week, Torres and the superintendents focused on the importance of providing students with support and encouraging community involvement.

“As the nation continues to grapple with yet another tragic school shooting, we are struck by the courage and activism of the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The meetings with our local superintendents were an important opportunity to ensure that children throughout the district have the support and encouragement they need to take action in their own communities,” said Torres. “Our kids should feel empowered to make their voices heard and engage with their elected officials. This is a powerful moment to work alongside our superintendents and teachers as they proactively forge a path forward to enact change.”

Torres represents California’s 35th congressional district and is a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. Last year, she introduced the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act to require a federal firearms licensee to report the sale of two or more long guns, including semi-automatic rifles such as the AR-15 and the AK-47, within a five-day period.

Senator Toni Atkins to Become First Woman to Lead California Senate

Senator Toni Atkins

By Manny Otiko, California Black Media

This month, State Senator Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) will become the first woman to lead the California Senate. She will replace former Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) who is running against Dianne Feinstein for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Before being elected to the State Senate, Atkins worked as director of clinic services at Womancare Health Center and served as a city council member and mayor of San Diego.

She was later elected to the State Assembly eventually serving as the first female speaker. Atkins was elected President pro Tempore by the Senate Democratic Caucus in January and will officially take office on March 21.

Atkins was elected President pro Tempore by the Senate Democratic Caucus in January and will officially take office on March 21.

“Leading this great State Senate and our united and always productive Caucus at this crucial moment in history is an extraordinary opportunity and a great responsibility – and I believe every senator has a vital role in building a brighter future for the Californians we represent,” said Atkins.

Atkins, who represents the 39th District in the San Diego area, grew up in Virginia, the daughter of two blue-collar parents. She cites this as one of the reasons why she has supports affect policies such as universal healthcare coverage. Atkins also supported the state’s first Earned Income Tax Credit.

As Speaker of the House, she also helped prevent the University of California from implementing a 27 percent fee increase. She has also authored SB 2, which provides permanent budget funding to address affordable housing, which is a major issue for many Californians.

“Homelessness has become a humanitarian crisis in many areas of California, and my home city of San Diego has been hit hard. There’s far too much suffering on our streets,” said Atkins. “SB 2 will help by providing desperately needed funding for permanent housing with supportive services to stabilize people who are living with significant medical or mental-health issues.”

As leader of the State Senate, Atkins will have her hands full dealing with the #Metoo movement, which has raised national awareness about sexual harassment. Democratic Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) has already resigned due to the scandal, and Senator Bob Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles) is currently under investigation for sexual harassment.

“Our first priority is to create a safe working environment for our employees, and accepting Tony Mendoza’s resignation is consistent with that goal. Going forward, I will work with my colleagues to ensure that our zero-tolerance policies on sexual harassment are backed up with strong enforcement in order to guarantee that all employees are protected,” said Atkins.

Majestic Hearts Non-Profit Launches New Beginnings

CARSON, CA- Newly established non-profit, Majestic Hearts, announces its existence. On Saturday, February 24, at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). Majestic Hearts is an organization for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, whose mission is to convert victims into survivors. The purpose of the event was to raise funds for its shelter and counseling programs.

The launch event introduced Majestic Hearts to close friends, family and the public. The celebration opened with live performances from Saxophonist Keschia Potter, who’s performed alongside celebrities like Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson and Lady Gaga, to name a few. She and her band set the tone for the event playing music from Potter’s newly released album “Rebirth of the Soul.”

Hosted by comedienne Chelley Chelle of LesTalk Radio, the event took on a humorous turn as Chelley Chelle lightened the seriousness of the topic with her comedy performance. Poetess/artist Estee “E dot” Marie delivered two spoken word pieces, “Love Is” and “Beautifully Made.” Both poems spoke to the subjects of domestic violence, sexual assault, self-worth, royalty and love.

Several raffles took place with prizes from Sephora, The Byrds Nest, B.A.L.L. (Build A Lasting Legacy), Her Trendy Décor, ANS Photography and more. There was also a Silent Auction that featured an autographed photo of LA Lakers Center, Brook Lopez.

After the last raffle, Majestic Hearts’ Chief Financial Officer, Ricsyhelle Davis, took the stage to introduce the Chief Executive Officer, Kanishia L. Jackson. Upon stepping on stage, Jackson read Majestic Hearts’ mission statement and announced its first two programs: shelter and counseling, prior to telling her story of survivorship.

The 33-year-old CSUDH Alumna was a staff writer for the school’s newspaper during her senior year. During her stint as a staff writer, she wrote an article about her experience with her abuser in Greensboro, NC. The CEO states, “In the moment of me being abused, I didn’t realize that was my purpose. I had to go through [the abuse] to get…where I am, today.”

At the close of the event, the CEO thanked all the donors, supporters and attendees; the fundraising event brought-in close to $900. These funds will go toward this year’s grand goal of $50K.

To learn more about Majestic Hearts and to register for this event, visit www.majestic-hearts.org.

For the First-Time Ever, an African-American is California’s Highway Patrol’s Top Cop

By Madlen Grgodjaian, California Black Media

Day’s before the close of Black History month, a bit of black history was made atop the ranks of the California Highway Patrol.

Governor Jerry Brown swore in Warren Stanley, a CHP officer of over three decades, as the California law enforcement agency’s commissioner during a Feb. 26 ceremony at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Stanley is the first African-American ever to lead the CHP. The man of law said he is very humbled to be appointed to his new post by Brown.

“I’m going to do everything I can everyday to make the state of California a little bit safer and a great place to live,” Stanley said.

The new CHP commissioner has held every rank in the department including field training officer, lieutenant of the Border Division Investigative Services Unit, commander of the CHP Academy, and deputy commissioner.

Employed by the CHP since 1982, Stanley now leads the largest state law enforcement agency in the nation composed of over 11,000 employees. Stanley will earn nearly $260,000 a year in his new role.

Raised in Central Valley’s Merced County Dos Palos, the commissioner always knew he wanted to be in law enforcement. Stanley graduated from the CHP academy when he was 20 and worked his way up the ranks.

The Sacramento resident graduated from the FBI’s National Executive Institute, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Los Angeles.

Stanley was appointed to the rank of Assistant Commissioner, Staff in 2010 and two years later earned the rank of Assistant Commissioner, Field – making him one of few to hold both positions within the CHP.

Brown made Stanley acting CHP Commissioner in 2017, taking the reins from former Commissioner Joe Farrow.

On Feb. 9 Brown announced Stanley’s appointment as Commissioner of the CHP. Acting Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Annis said Stanley would excel in his position.

“CHP Commissioner Stanley has served the public for more than 35 years with the California Highway Patrol, excelling at every role from patrol officer to deputy commissioner where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the CHP,” Annis said.

“Warren has led the CHP’s response in the face of some of the worst natural disasters in this state’s history. We know that under his leadership the department will continue to uphold its mission.”

The 56-year-old is a proud public servant who is determined to create trust among the public and CHP by breaking race and ethnic lines. Stanley and his team are actively involved in a variety of communities, including the African American community.

“Our CHP officers in L.A. County a few years ago created a community engagement team,” said Stanley. “That team works directly with educational leaders, spiritual leaders, political leaders, and other community leaders in the African American community, so we can get better ties and be better engaged. Find out what their needs are and what services they’re looking for. I’ve been meeting with several leaders down there in Southern California.”

In 2015, Assembly Bill 953 was enacted which prohibits a peace officer from engaging in racial profiling and requires training to prescribe patterns, practices, and protocols that prevent racial profiling. Existing law requires the Legislative Analyst’s Office to conduct a study of the data that is voluntarily collected by jurisdictions that have instituted a program of data collection with regard to racial profiling.

AB 953 requires the Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board produce a report each year on past and current statuses of racial and identity profiling with policy recommendations for eliminating it. Stanley is a RIPA board member and will be implementing this process into the CHP in July.

“I can use the feedback from that data and bring it back to my executive staff and to my personnel and say, ‘Here is what the data is showing us that is going on in these communities, here are the stops they are making and here is how they’re handling them,’” Stanley said. “It’ll give us a lot of feedback we can use for training and to enhance our operations, and to enhance our trust with the communities that we serve.”

Photo Recap: 2018 Riverside Black History Parade

Photos by Sam James, Community Photographer

26th Annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival Announces 2018 Winners

Director Aminah Bakeer Abdul-Jabbaar accepts the “Audience Award – Narrative Feature” for “Muslimah’s Guide to Marriage”. Standing with her is her father, author/filmmaker, Donald Bakeer, and Ayuko Babu. (Photo Credit: Koi Sojer/Snap’N U Photos)

LOS ANGELES, CA – It’s a wrap! The 26th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) has reached its end, and after 12 full days of showcasing an impressive slate of 173 films, PAFF has finally announced the winners of its 2018 season.

At the highly anticipated PAFF Filmmaker Awards Brunch, which was held yesterday on festival grounds at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, PAFF Executive Director, Ayuko Babu, presented various awards to competing filmmakers who have proven to be the greatest up-and-coming storytellers of our time. The experience was an exciting celebration of both accomplishment and next level success.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL LIST: PAFF 2018 Award Winners

Best Narrative Feature

Borders (Frontières) (Burkina Faso)

Directed by: Woye Apolline Traoré

Best Director-First Feature Narrative

Kalushi (South Africa)

Directed by: Mandlakayise Dube

Best Documentary Feature

Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me (US)

Directed by: Samuel D. Pollard

Best Narrative Short

Kyenvu (Yellow) (Uganda)

Directed by: Kemiyondo Coutinho

Best Documentary Short

Mama (US)

Directed by: Nicholas Brennan

Programmers’ Award-Narrative or Documentary Short

Lalo’s House (Haiti/US)

Directed by: Kelley Kali

Programmers’ Award-Documentary

Barrow-Freedom Fighter (Barbados)

Directed by: Marcia Weekes

Programmers’ Award-Narrative Feature

Love Jacked (South Africa)

Directed by: Alfons Adetuyi

PAFF Directors’ Award-Feature Documentary (TIE)

King of Stage: The Woodie King Jr. Story (US)

Directed by: Juney Smith

Maynard (US)

Directed by: Samuel D. Pollard

PAFF Directors’ Award- Feature Narrative

The Train of Salt and Sugar (Mozambique/South Africa)

Directed by: Licínio Azevedo

Audience Award- Documentary Short

’63 Boycott (US)

Directed by: Gordon Quinn

Audience Award- Documentary Feature

Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me (US)

Directed by: Samuel D. Pollard

Audience Award- Narrative Short

For Evan’s Sake (US)

Directed by: Kirstin Lorin

Audience Award- Narrative Feature

Muslimah’s Guide to Marriage (US)

Directed by: Aminah Bakeer Abdul-Jabbaar

PAFF FESTIVAL DATES CONFIRMED FOR 2019

The 27th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival will take place Thursday, February 7 through Monday, February 18 in Los Angeles, California. Stay tuned to the festival’s official website, www.PAFF.org, and social media channels for exciting updates, festival news and information!

: Attendees enjoying a hearty brunch. Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

: Everyone seated in anticipation of award announcements. Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

: (L to R) Borders (Frontières) director, Woye Apolline Traore, and Senagalese actress, Amelie Mbaye, take home coveted staff awards for “Best Narrative Feature.” Photo Credit: Venus Bernardo Photography

: Lalo’s House Executive Director, Lisa Wilson and Director, Kelley Kali, accept “Programmers’ Award – Narrative or Documentary Short.” Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

: PAFF Executive Director, Ayuko Babu, greeting the crowd. Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

: Filmmaker and comedian, Oduduwa Olatunji, accepts the “Audience Award – Narrative Short” from Ayuko Babu on behalf of Kirstin Lorin, director of For Evan’s Sake . Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

: Director Kemiyondo Coutinho accepts the coveted staff award for Kyenvu (Yellow) winning “Best Narrative Short.” Photo Credit: Venus Bernardo Photography

: Director Alfons Adetuyi accepts the “Programmers’ Award – Narrative Feature” for Love Jacked. Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

Photo Recap: Community Members Take Action at the Social Justice Summit Held at CSU San Bernardino

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- It began early on Saturday, February 17, a situation in which many might expect college students to be anywhere other than back on campus and committed to an intense, high expectation workday that focused on improving their knowledge, skills and effectiveness at CITIZENSHIP!

Former Sir Knight Inspires 2018 Beautillion Knights

On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, Beautillion Knights spent time worshipping on February 18, at one of the former Sir Knight’s church, Dr. Regional Woods, Senior Pastor of Life Changing Ministries (LCM) and President of the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC).

Social Lites, Inc. has been in the Inland Empire for 61 years and have been sponsoring the Beautillion Program for 51 years. Weekly meetings for Beautillion participants are held on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino. The 51st Beautillion program will commence on Saturday, March 24 at the National Orange Show.

For more information, please telephone Mrs. Donna Little-James, Chairperson at (909) 528-9793 or Mrs. Bridgette Shaw at (909) 648-6165 or Mrs. Twillea Evans-Carthen, Publicity Chairperson at tevanscarthen@yahoo.com.

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