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SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Kingdom Culture Community Development Corporation in partnership with All Nations Worship Assembly San Bernardino, is gearing up to host their largest annual free Egg Hunt in the San Bernardino County.

The “Easter Eggstravaganza” lives up to its name by being a dynamic experience for the community. On March 31st, at 1 p.m., over 2000 San Bernardino County residents will arrive with their families at Indian Spring High School to join in on the fun. The Easter Eggstravaganza allows families to enjoy free food, live entertainment, and 12,000 plastic eggs full of candy and treats.

“We do this Easter Egg Hunt every year because we want to be God’s extension of love to our city. It’s for the smiles on each child’s face when they walk away with eggs full of candy. If we can bring joy what’s deemed a dying city, then we’ve met out goal”, said Senior Pastor, Apostle Sherman Dumas.

Children of all ages will enter age appropriate Egg Hunts and enjoy numerous activity booths. This experience welcomes all residents of the San Bernardino County.

For more information visit AllNationsSBD.com.

FONTANA, CA- Students from several schools around the Inland Empire made their way to Heritage Intermediate School in Fontana, as community service organizations Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosted their 29th Annual Oratorical Contest. The event was emceed by local author and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member, Kevin Eastman, and Candra Loftis, Heritage Intermediate School Academic Advisor and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member.

Forty-eight students, in grades two through twelve, delivered speeches on pre-determined topics. The young people took full advantage of the opportunity, impressing the panels of judges with their interpretations of the importance of education, what happens when a person stands up for themselves, and the effects of the modern media on today’s society. Each topic was incorporated into a celebration of Black History Month.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Oh what a majestic evening for the thirteen Knights of the Social Lites, Inc. 51st Beautillion Ball presented to society on Saturday, March 24 at the National Orange Show of San Bernardino.  Over 400 guests witnessed over $45, 000 in scholarships and gifts presented to these young men.  An additional $8,500 was awarded from “The Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” Scholarship sponsored by the Social Lites, Inc.

Sir Knight Malachi Davis of Highland California who attends Citrus Valley High School and a member of Life Changing Ministries received a $9,000 academic scholarship, $800 scholarship from “The Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” Scholarship and various gifts.  Jonathan Moreno was first runner-up and awarded a $7,000 scholarship plus gifts; Tyree Walk was second runner up and awarded $5,500 plus gifts, $6,000 scholarship for winning “The Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” Essay Contest in addition to sharing the title Mr. Congeniality with Devin Clay. Kamau Osonduagwuike was third runner up and awarded $3,000 in scholarship plus gifts. Scholarships awarded to all Knights of various amounts to help fulfill their future educational career and gifts.  

LA QUINTA, CA- La Quinta residents and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC) laced up their shoes and came together in support of critically ill children and their families at the annual Inland Empire Walk for Kids, a fun, family-friendly 5k (3.1 miles) event that raises funds for the life-changing services provided by the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House. The walk took place at a Quinta Civic Center Park.

 This year the fundraising goal was $250,000 with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to serving local families right here in the community, continuing its mission to provide a “home away from home” when it’s needed most – enabling families to stay near their hospitalized child at little to no cost. No eligible family is ever turned away due to inability to pay.

KMIR-TV’s Kitty Alvarado was the emcee of the walk-a-thon this year. Other special guests included The Hernandez Family, La Quinta Walk for Kids Ambassador Family; and Karen Hooper, Executive Director of Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House. The Walk had on-site experiences including family-friendly carnival games, activities, Kids Zones, food, music and more.

Whitney Ashley, graduate of J.W. North High School and former Olympian, will be the keynote speaker at the “I Am Enough” women’s conference.

RIVERSIDE, CA- “I Am Enough” is the theme for the 17th Annual Empowering Young Women Conference, a collaborative effort of the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation, Riverside Community College District, the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, Riverside Police Foundation, Blumenthal Law Offices, and Dr. Kathy Wright. The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 in the Landis Auditorium located on the Riverside City College campus at 4800 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside.

This free conference, geared to young women ages 12 to 21 and their mothers/guardians, will feature informational workshops about health, nutrition, domestic violence, human trafficking, cyperbullying, social media issues, self-image and dress, college and careers as well as a fashion show, a poetry contest and a talent competition.

The morning keynote speaker, Whitney Ashley, is a J.W. North High School graduate and a former Olympian, whose specialty is the discus throw. She represented the United States at three consecutive Global Championships in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Dr. Leita Harris, professor at UC Riverside’s School of Medicine, and Obstetrician-Gynecologist, will be one of our afternoon keynote speakers.

The afternoon career panel includes Virginia Blumenthal, Member of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees and one of the top 100 lawyers in the nation; Dr. FeRita Carter, Vice President, Student Services, Riverside City College; Carmen Cuevas, Senior Field Representative for California State Assembly Member, Jose Medina; May Lynn Davis, Founder of the Asian Lunar Fest; Commissioner Belinda Handy; Ninfa Delgado, Vice President and COO Riverside Community Health Foundation; and other notable female leaders and entrepreneurs. These dynamic and accomplished women will share their experiences and the steps they took to achieve their personal and career goals with the conference participants.

“We are very excited about this year’s conference as we have a cadre of excellent keynote and workshop speakers willing to share their knowledge and personal experiences with the young women,” said Conference Chair Wanda Scruggs. “Participants will receive breakfast, lunch, a goodie bag and information on everything from how to defend themselves to identifying human traffic perpetrators — all at no cost, thanks to the generosity of our wonderful sponsors.”

Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz praised the conference for its excellence. “The Empowering Young Women Conference is a wonderful opportunity to expose young women to inspiring role models. The participants also receive practical advice for academic and professional success,” said Chief Diaz. “I am proud that the Riverside Police Department is able to contribute to the conference”.
 
All conference participants will receive a free continental breakfast, lunch, a goodie-filled tote bag and opportunities for great door prizes. Participants are requested to pre-register no later than Wednesday, April 11 at
www.empoweringyoungwomenconference.com.

About The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation
The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation (formerly Riverside Black History Parade Committee) is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization established in honor of founders Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts. The foundation focuses on the development of events and activities such as: the Riverside Black History Parade, Expo and Car Show; Empowering Young Women’s Conference, and the Back-to-School Back Pack Giveaway event, which promotes positive family and cultural interaction in a cross section of communities.

L/R: Shero Cherilynne Hollowell, Shero Twillea Evans-Carthen and Shero Gail Martin-Mathews

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Sacred Sistahs, Inc.  10th Annual Shero and Scholarship Fundraiser Breakfast was held on Saturday, March 17 at Immanuel Praise Fellowhip Church.  Dr. Tonia Causey-Bush, Founder and Chief Executive Officer was pleased to honor Shero Twillea Evans-Carthen, University Ombuds Officer and Director of Ombuds Services at California State University, San Bernardino; Shero Cherilynne Hollowell, Educator for Riverside Unified School District; and Shero Gail Martin-Mathews, Retired Assistant Superindent of Curriculum and Instruction. 

Congratulations to the following 2018 scholarship recipients: Thandiwe Bush, Summit HS; Alondra Duncan, Summit HS; Jada Simone Gray, St. Bernard HS, and Kandace Simmons, Summit HS. 

The mission of Sacred Sistahs, Inc. is to empower serve, and improve the overall health, well-being, spirit, and vitality of African American and African women and children by nourishing and elevating the mind, body, and spirit.   For more information visit www.sacredsistahsinc.org.

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

FONTANA, CA- The North Fontana Black Awareness Parade Committee and Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana held their 50th Annual Black History Month Parade and Expo, Saturday, February 24 in a North Fontana shopping center.  The celebration this year was on the theme, ‘Our Legacy’, purposely connected to the date February 24, 1968, during the period when the Black People of Fontana were prevented from obtaining housing or residing south of the roadway still known as “Baseline”.

The Parade honors Fontana’s early families who despite racism, segregation and other adverse circumstances opened businesses, raised families and like the Turners, contributed to the growth and welfare of the community.  Former longtime resident of North Fontana, Whitman Mayo, became an actor in Hollywood and co-star of the “Sanford & Son” sitcom. He served as Grand Marshall of one of the first North Fontana Black History Parade.

Following the Parade community service organizations, clubs, food vendors and neighbors mingled and filled the streets of the post-parade Expo event.

The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana meet monthly at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Monday.  Currently, they are continuing to ask people to help collect photos, records and/or memories of old North Fontana for the growing History and Archive Project.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Pastors United (SBPU) will be having another Community Block party on Saturday, April 2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Highland Pacific Elementary School located at 3340 Pacific Street in Highland.

For the first block party of 2018, they want to take a stance against violence on our school campuses; a stance against crime and increasing gun violence. SBPU wants to bring God back into the community. The Pastors believe that we must show more love, more togetherness by helping and letting community residence know they are here. The Churches of San Bernardino will take a stand together as a united front to encourage the community.

There will be free food, free groceries, free shoes, free clothes and free health checks. There will be a life-saving message by Bishop Ernest Dowdy of Church of the Living God. There will be powerful gospel music, dancing and good fellowship, face painting, free prizes and much fun!  Please preregister by phone, email or visit www.sbpastorsunited.org.

It’s going to take the whole village to turn our community around.  SBPU is here to help make a difference in our community, by providing, “Healing, Change and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino. To volunteer call (909) 353-7977. Good things are coming out of San Bernardino.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Celebrating A Vision honored two dignitaries whom are cancer survivors at Casey Elementary School on the morning of March 12.

Third grade teacher, Ms. Stitt, and Principal Mr. Velez were both honored with a treasure chest full of cookies, gift cards, scented candles, inspirational books, chocolate covered strawberries, cake pops, popcorn and more! Velez did not except to be honored and was under the impression that only Ms. Stitt was being honored.

They both were whisked away to brunch in a stretch limousine to Beola’s Southern Cuisine in Ontario to enjoy a piping hot plate of her famous Chicken and Waffles. There is a never a cost to the survivor.

Celebrating a Vision was launched by Sonya Adams, President and CEO, as a non-profit organization that provides random acts of kindness to cancer survivors. They provide several services, such as concert tickets, groceries delivered right to the doorstep, wig services, limo rides, trips to Malibu, sunset sails, gift baskets, hotel stays for two, a nice fine dining experience for two and a host of others.

“We measure success by the lives we change,” Adams stated.

You can help to keep Celebrating a Vision alive by donating via PayPal to celebratingavision@gmail.com. Most of the services rendered are out of Adams’ own pocket. If you don’t have the money to donate, then you can send a letter to ‘Celebrating a Vision’ at P.O. Box 415 Pomona, CA 91769. You may also call for more information at (909) 896-9041.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Thirteen distinguished young men will be presented to society on Saturday, March 24 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino during the Social Lites, Inc. 51st Beautillion Ball. The theme this year is, “Reflections of Our Past and Visions of Our Future.” Formal attire is required. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $50 per person. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

The Beautillion Program was started in the Inland Empire out of concern for the future and survival of young, Black men in the community in which they live and serve. High school seniors who participate in the program are known as Knights. This program is designed to help young men who are seniors in high school prepare for college through the solicitation of ads, leadership development, accountability, responsibility, etiquette, attire for all occasions, spiritual growth, public speaking and community service. The all-around Knight will be identified at the conclusion of the program as Sir Knight. Other awards are given for academics and other achievements.

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