SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Continuing their efforts to serve, members of the National Council of Negro Women’s Inland Empire Section’s visited Meadowbrook Park and Mary’s Mercy Center in the City of San Bernardino on February 4th to give out over 200 hygiene care bags to the homeless.
“Our Section chose to collect items to prepare and give out ‘blessing bags’ to the homeless as a part of a regional Black History Community Service project initiative started this year by NCNW Southern California Co-Convener Dr. Helena Johnson,” said Inland Empire Section President, Milele Robertson. “Our members stepped up, donating much needed items for these men and women, but so did our community partners.”
The I.E. Section’s Director of Communication Kimberly Clark secured the help of Sam’s Club in Riverside that enlisted volunteers for the day, Sam’s Club in Ontario that donated 200 bags with giveaway items, and Thrivent Financial in Ontario, which donated funds to support the outreach. “Without their support,” said Clark, “our event would not have been able to serve so many. We appreciate their enthusiastic partnership.”
“We were happy to help,” said Kern Wilson, Club Manager of Sam’s Club in Riverside. “Sam’s Club is always willing to donate our services when needed in our community. In fact, we do this quite often and we look forward to future opportunities to work with NCNW.”
Responding to the NCNW I.E. Section’s Facebook recap of the event, Financial Associate Tara Walker also expressed Thrivent Financial’s pleasure in being part of the event. With these partners’ help NCNW members collected several hundred blessing bags filled with toothpaste and toothbrushes, chapsticks, socks, wash cloths, soap, batteries, sunscreen, lotion, and a variety of other essential hygiene items.
Having a key partner on the receiving end was equally important to the event’s success. Mary’s Mercy Center provided a great location to connect with people in need. According to Marsha Olguin, director of Mary’s Mercy Center, 250 to 300 people come through the Center each day seeking food, clothing, shelter, showers, and other needs. After enjoying a hot, healthy meal individuals also received a blessing bag from NCNW members and Sam’s Club volunteers.
“We are always willing to work with NCNW to assist the people who come through our doors,” said Olguin. “There is never too much that can be done to help others.”
In talking with the homeless, NCNW members learned how great the need really is. “We discovered there is a big need for blankets, shoes, and food,” said Jernine Williams, NCNW I.E. Section’s 1st Vice President, who led the service project’s coordination. “If anyone would like to donate any of these items, please email us atiencnw@gmail.com. On the subject line type ‘Donations’ and a NCNW member will promptly reply.”
To get a glimpse of the day visithttps://www.wevideo.com/view/848077621. Also, to learn more about the local NCNW’s activities, meetings, and events visit us on Facebook at NCNW Inland Empire Section@NCNWIESection or Instagram and Twitter @NCNW_IESection. You can also visit the Bethune Center, located at 141 S. Riverside Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376, or call us at (909) 874-6000.
Members of NCNW prepare table a Meadowbrook Park to deliver care packets to the homeless.
NCNW, in partnership with Sam’s Club and Thrivent Financial, collected and distributed over 200 bags to the homeless.
Volunteers also helped Mary’s Mercy Center give out food, along with care packets that included toiletries, batteries, and other items.
Award honors college and university administrators who go above and beyond their everyday leadership duties and give back to their campuses and communities
RIVERSIDE, CA- Deborah Deas, M.D., M.P.H, the Mark and Pam Rubin Dean and Chief Executive Office for Clinical Affairs at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, has received the 2017 Giving Back Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.
The award honors college and university administrators who go above and beyond their everyday leadership duties and give back to their campuses and communities.
Deas will be featured, along with 38 other recipients, in the April 2017 Leadership Support and Giving Back issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Giving Back Award recipients were nominated by their colleagues and selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on their outstanding demonstration of social responsibility; involvement with students, faculty, staff, and the community; and commitment to serving underrepresented populations. Each honoree is recognized for his or her passion, dedication, and support for diversity and inclusion.
“It is a great honor to be selected for this special award,” Deas said. “This is really the result of collective effort – both here at UCR and at my former institution, the Medical University of South Carolina – to inspire and help more students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their dream of becoming a physician.”
Deas was recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for her leadership in institutional and national efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in medicine, including creating of new student pipeline programs in the College of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina and participating in such national initiatives as the Association of American Medical Colleges Group on Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Planning Working Group.
“The Giving Back Award is being awarded to leaders of institutions of higher education who exemplify what it truly means to give back to others,” said Holly Mendelson, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “These administrators are role models, and we honor their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion on their campuses and in their communities.”
Other recipients of the 2017 Giving Back Award include:
Sefa Aina, Pomona College
Philip S. Bailey, PhD, California Polytechnic State University
Andra Basu, PhD, MEd, Lehigh Carbon Community College
Venessa A. Brown, PhD, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Marc Burnett, Tennessee Technological University
Marie Chisholm-Burns, PharmD, MPH, MBA, FCCP, FASHP, FAST, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Kathryn B. Chval, PhD, University of Missouri
Patrick Coggins, PhD, JD, EdS, Stetson University
Daryll Coleman, PhD, Lane College
Gail DePuy, PhD, University of Louisville
William E. Easterling, PhD, The Pennsylvania State University
Nitza Milagros Escalera, JD, EdM, Fordham University
Greer Glazer, RN, PhD, CNP, FAAN, University of Cincinnati
Natalie Gibson, Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Craig Hillemeier, MD, Penn State Health
Lisa Kirtman, PhD, California State University, Fullerton
Paul L. Koch, PhD, University of California, Santa Cruz
Ming Li, EdD, Western Michigan University
Elizabeth G. Loboa, PhD, University of Missouri
Linda Logan, PhD, Olivet College
Patrice Gouveia Marks, PhD, Raritan Valley Community College
Shane P. Martin, PhD, Loyola Marymount University
Maureen A. O’Rourke, JD, Boston University
Rafael Ortega, MD, Boston University
Tonantzin Oseguera, EdD, California State University, Fullerton
Jennifer Rosato Perea, JD, DePaul University
Clyde Wilson Pickett, MEd, Community College of Allegheny County
Yasmin S. Purohit, PhD, Robert Morris University
Fatima Rodriguez-Johnson, SUNY Geneseo
Paula T. Silver, PhD, Widener University
William Silver, PhD, Sonoma State University
Kelli Sinclair, Waubonsee Community College
Christina Swaidan, EdD, MEd, Westfield State University
Charles Taber, PhD, Stony Brook University
David E. Thomas, EdD, MEd, Community College of Philadelphia
Gregory Townsend, MD, University of Virginia
Roberta J. Wilburn, EdD, ThD, Whitworth University
Victor Wilson, MEd, University of Georgia
A call for nominations for the Giving Back Award was announced in October 2016. Award recipients include administrators of both community colleges and baccalaureate-granting institutions.
After a long but rewarding two year journey, on October 2016 San Bernardino based author, T’ana Phelice brought her books to life on the stage with a 6 woman cast in “The Diamond Monologues”. This heart-wrenching and life changing production received high reviews and praises that Phelice had to start a tour.
“The Diamond Monologues” will be coming back to Ontario, California on March 11, 2017 with a bigger cast and two powerful motivational speakers that will be giving the audience a dose of inspiration and motivation on how they can achieve the best in their lives no matter what struggle they may be going through, because your struggle is your testimony that will help and build up others.
As Ms. Phelice gears up for the next show, I wanted to get a little more insight on what inspired her to take things to the next level to become more than just a writer.
What was your inspiration behind bringing your books to the stage?
It started as a way to promote my books and reach a greater audience, but it soon became an additional passion. As I began to take the words from the books I saw the characters expressing themselves in a whole new light, with more depth and passion. I wanted the audience to connect with them and understand that my fiction is someone’s reality. I became more inspired because I knew that the protagonist would inspire the fans.
What do you hope the audience gets from watching this production?
I want the audience to see themselves. I want anyone watching to think about past mistake and learn to forgive themselves and others that have done them wrong. When I write I always want to drive my audience closer to redemption.
What can people except to see on March 11?
People will see monologues that are full of honest emotions. They won’t get the happily ever after that we tend to see in the movie theaters, they’ll get the reality that a lot of us live in every single day. The audience will be in tears as they watch but they will also laugh. March 11th will be a moment of empowerment.
What is next for you? What else are you working on?
I’m currently working on a web series called “Loving T’ana Phelice”. It will give the audience insight on who I am behind the scenes. It will showcase my day to day life as an up and coming writer. It’s an awesome way to promote my brand as well as show that I can write for television.
Proceeds from annual fundraiser will go toward much-needed scholarships and supporting our service programs
The Claremont Area (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will host its 5th Annual Heart Truth “Red Dress” Luncheon on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Pacific Palms Resort Hotel in the City of Industry. The theme is “From the Heart,” and the event is intended to raise awareness and supporting women who would otherwise ignore the threat of heart disease and other related issues. More than 300 attendees are expected at this fundraising event.
A special highlight of this year’s luncheon program is a spotlight on the Chapter’s current scholarship recipients.
Over the last five years, the Claremont Area Links have given over $49,000 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors and college students. In addition to the monetary support, all scholarship recipients become part of the Chapter’s College Connection program. Throughout the year, recipients receive gift cards and notes to provide support and maintain contact as they migrate though their college years. Awarding scholarships to deserving youth and supporting awardees provides an opportunity for the Chapter to establish a bond that is clearly focused on the expectation that the student graduates from college.
Proceeds from February’s luncheon will help further the Chapter’s commitment to providing financial assistance and support to our community’s youth, as well as supporting our service programs in the community. We invite you to join us for this important Heart Health Awareness event, and appreciate your support for our youth by purchasing a ticket, placing an ad in our souvenir journal or becoming a sponsor.
For more information, contact: Pamela Chavira, Chair at pmchavira@gmail.com.
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
On behalf of the Riverside Community Hospital’s Heart Care Institute, Cherie Russell-Crutcher, Riverside Community Hospital’s Assistant Vice President of Marketing & Communications, with Shannon Fox, “Ms California, 2017”, welcomed a near capacity and colorful (red dressed) audience to the Riverside Convention Center on Saturday, February 18 for the 8th Annual Red Dress Fashion Show & Health Expo.
The evening consisted of Health expo, Health & wellness info, free screenings, Massages, and a fashion show. The American Heart Association was a sponsor.
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
(Photo Credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)
The awards gala featured pomp and circumstance, as industry legends and rising stars accepted accolades and made inspirational speeches here, February 11.
The award winners, however, were not film or entertainment celebrities.
They were engineers honored for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) achievements at the 2017 Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) Awards gala – an annual event many call “the Oscars of the STEM industry”.
Akin to the Academy Awards to be presented in Hollywood later this month, BEYA Award recipients were applauded for a myriad of professional categories, including career achievement, community service, outstanding technical contribution, professional achievement, technical sales and marketing, research leadership, affirmative action, educational leadership, entrepreneur leadership, most promising engineer, senior investigator, and senior technology fellow in addition to the most promising engineer and most promising scientist.
In all, 41 awardees – including Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) engineer Dwayne Nelson – walked the proverbial red carpet.
Nelson, known for his extraordinary success in mentoring middle to high school students, received the 2017 BEYA Award for Community Service.
“His career already embodies outstanding civil service and the Navy keeps him busy,” Naval Surface Warfare Center Commander Rear Adm. Tom Druggan told the gala audience at the 31st BEYA STEM Global Competiveness Conference.
“He’s advancing the science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers and improving the lives of those around him,” said Druggan as he introduced the NSWC Dahlgren Division engineer. “The Navy is proud. I know his family is proud.”
At that point, Druggan presented Nelson with the BEYA Community Service Award.
“This award has inspired and challenged me to contribute more towards empowering our youth and others to serve our community while encouraging interest in highly-rewarding science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields,” said Nelson. “Giving back and empowering people to reach their full potential is vital to stimulating enthusiasm about STEM. Every step, no matter how large or small, helps strengthen the arduous efforts in sustaining monumental, long-term, positive change within our communities.”
The NSWCDD commanding officer’s letter to Career Communications Group nominating Nelson for a BEYA award put the spotlight on the civilian engineer’s ability to determine where others are in need and his quick action to craft a solution.
“This skill set is not only invaluable in his work role, but in his role as a Big Brother with Rappahannock Big Brothers and Big Sisters where he participates in weekly one-on-one mentoring programs offering guidance, support, and encouragement to children at a local elementary school,” according to the letter.
Nelson applies the same problem solving skills in his leadership role with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) where his contributions impact students and future engineers of all ages.
“I would like to thank Rear Adm. Tom Druggan, the Rappahannock Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division for supporting me throughout my career,” said Nelson. “The endless encouragement and invaluable learning have changed me forever.”
Meanwhile, Nelson has been changing the lives of middle and high school students forever.
As part of NSBE’s Pre-College Initiative program at a local middle school, Nelson inspires students to attend college in pursuit of STEM degrees by helping them discover how engineering and technology relates to the world around them.
“He helps them to realize the excitement that comes with academic excellence, leadership, technical development, and teamwork,” the nomination letter states.
Nelson led the NSBE Potomac River Professional Chapter’s engagement in more than 70 programs promoting technical excellence among young professionals in addition to the chapter’s impact in the community through educational programs for middle and high school students.
“Through his hundreds of hours of technical outreach community help, principally focused on the advancement of STEM among minority community members, he has developed partnerships with local schools and agencies to give back to the community,” the letter continues. “For example, Mr. Nelson’s leadership and passion for the community led to a partnership with the local King George Family YMCA to host a 5K run-walk fundraiser with a goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle while using STEM principles to assist in improving participant’s health and wellness.”
He also participated in A Walk for Education, Habitat for Humanity, United Way Day of Caring, Adopt-a-Highway, Back to School Supply Drives, and Collegiate Mentorship Programs. The engineer also established an annual STEM Innovators Scholarship to assist graduating high school seniors in paying for their education so they can also succeed professionally and positively impact their community.
As the Deputy Information Officer for two NSWCDD technical departments, Nelson supervises a mixed government and contractor team in the administration and compliant operation of multiple mixed domains and networks, comprising more than 2,000 individual seats that support multiple, geographically dispersed locations.
“Working with Dwayne is a real pleasure – he simply makes everyone’s lives better,” said Ed Hudson, NSWCDD Cyber Technologies and Software Systems Division head. “As an information technology professional, he enables the success of his co-workers, customers and peers by streamlining, automating, and simplifying what can be very expansive compliance requirements.”
The BEYA conference and awards gala – hosted by Career Communications Group’s U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology Magazine, Lockheed Martin, and the Council of Engineering Deans at Historically Black Colleges and Universities – is a talent-rich environment for recruitment, networking and professional development.
The conference’s prestigious awards ceremony provided employers with the unique opportunity to acknowledge and share the achievements of minorities who are leaders in the fields of math, science, engineering, and information technology.
The purpose of the BEYA STEM Conference is to shed light on the underrepresentation of all minorities in the STEM industry, and to honor the successful modern-day minority inventors, technical innovators, gifted scientists, budding engineers, and high-level managers and executives whose careers are “Going Beyond the Limits” in private industry, government agencies, and the military, and who are living proof of the benefits of opening doors to opportunity.
The three-day February conference attracted several thousand attendees, including students, college administrators, recruiters, engineering and IT professionals, scientists, and high-level decision-makers from the corporate, government, and military communities, in an effort to broaden diversity in this country’s technical and scientific workforces.
Attendees participated in training and networking events focused on career development, diversity in STEM, and innovation.
Nelson holds bachelor’s degrees in applied mathematics from Morris College in Sumter, S.C., and in computer and electrical engineering from North Carolina A&T State University. Nelson also holds a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va.
The conference was held February 9-11, 2017 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington D.C.
LOS ANGELES, CA- Last weekend Kiss & Tell Networks celebrated two years of “advocacy with style” in the LGBTQ community. Launched in 2015, the team of movers and shakers has successfully hosted seven live panel discussion events creating candid conversation around topics from pop culture, politics, sexual health, and social stigmas surrounding same sex relationships. Ranging from drag queens to political activists, all of racially diverse of color, the event opens the door to publicly address current issues and ways to solve and unite the society. The California State Assembly awarded the trailblazers of Kiss & Tell Jazmyn Simone, Gabriel Maldonado, Michelle Michaels, “Amber Closet” and Shar Jossell with official state sealed Certificates of Recognition. Leo Jimenez, a thriving product of foster care, was always given the Youth Award for his involvement in the community.
Following live music from Los Angeles singer AJ Calloway, guests celebrated at the “Lovers Ball” Champagne Reception at Redline DTLA powered my In The Meantime, Men’s Group.
Organically meant to be a single Valentine’s Day event, Kiss & Tell Networks has expanded to shows across the country including New York City, Las Vegas, and introducing Puerto Rico in junction with Xscape Music & Arts Festival Memorial Day Weekend 2017.
Kiss & Tell Networks fans enjoy the biweekly comedic yet informative podcast Kiss & Tell Radio with creator Jayce Baron and media junkies Shar Jossell and Kendall Wright. Kiss & Tell Networks has collaborated with the Los Angeles LGBT Center for “Models of Pride”, the largest national LGBTQ youth conference, is now signed on with REVRY to co-produce upcoming “queerrated” digital content, among other accolades achieved since the first show in Downtown Los Angeles.
Kiss & Tell Live was Sponsored by In The Meantime, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Jack’d
SASEBO, JAPAN-Capt. Jeffrey Ward, (center) commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), and representatives of the ship’s Heritage Committee participate in a cake cutting following an African American/Black History Month celebration on the ship’s mess decks. Bonhomme Richard, forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, is serving forward to provide a rapid-response capability in the event of a regional contingency or natural disaster.
RIVERSIDE, CA- You and your family are cordially invited to join us at the Third Graduation of the University STEM Academy (USA). USA provides Mathematic and Science enrichment activities for predominantly African American students in Grades 6 through 9. Our scholars will be presenting at the 3rd Annual Black Health Expo, which will take place on Saturday, February 18, from 9:00am until 2:00pm, on the University of California, Riverside campus. This event will be held in Room 302 of the Highland Union Building, better known as the HUB.
The scholars will be presenting a workshop entitled: Future African American Medical Professionals: The Engineering of Bio Medical Devices from 10:00am to 11:00am. The luncheon and graduation will take place between 11:00am and 1:00pm. The Expo, the luncheon, and parking are free (Lot #1).
Besides the scholars’ presentations, the following will be available at the event: Health screening vendors, Community resources, Yoga exercise, Workshops, Food, door prizes, and a lot more.
On Saturday, October 1, 2016, the University STEM Academy (USA) registered 40 African American male and female scholars. The theme this academic year was Quality Health for All. We are training our students to be aware of the gold standard of knowledge (i.e., best practices to maintain health and cure disease). Also, scholars are being taught to understand how physical and mental trauma impact the human body. Moreover, the scholars are training to lead the charge, by sharing health values with their families, classmates, and the surrounding community, you!
Dr. Victor Rodgers (Bio-Engineer) and Dr. Prashanthi “Shanthi” Vandrangi (Bio-Engineer) are the Resident Scientists. Mr. Brandon Copeland is the Resident Mathematician, and Ms. Darling Paul-Richiez, a Registered Nurse, Researcher, and Certified Public Health Educator is the Mini-Medical School Dean and Coordinator. The Black Health Expo will spotlight various aspects of what the scholars has been learning to-date.
Your presence will let our scholars know they are supported, and what they are learning is both worthwhile and appreciated. This event is open to the public, so please share this invitation with family and friends.
For further information, please email me at carolyn.murray@ucr.edu.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In celebration of Black History Month, San Bernardino Valley College remembers Hall of Fame alumna Dorothy Ella Inghram, class of 1932: the first African-American teacher in San Bernardino County, composer of SBVC’s Alma Mater, and one of Southern California’s most iconic educators.
Dorothy was born in 1905 on 6th Street in San Bernardino. Her father, Henry, worked as a custodian in the Opera House on Court Street?—?one of the many places African Americans weren’t allowed to attend.
Dorothy began school at Mt. Vernon Elementary in 1911. She later attended Sturges Junior High School and San Bernardino High School, becoming one of 123 students. Music played an important role in Dorothy’s life. While attending San Bernardino Valley College from 1928 through 1933, Dorothy wrote the music for the hymn that was selected as the college’s Alma Mater.
Dorothy earned an elementary teaching credential in 1939 after student teaching at an East Highlands school, and in 1942, Dorothy was hired to teach second grade at Mill School?—?the first African-American teacher in San Bernardino County.
Three years later, she became a teaching principal?—?splitting her duties between the classroom and administration?—?and became a full-time principal in 1951, a job she thoroughly enjoyed.
Dorothy was promoted to District Superintendent of Mill School District in 1953?—?the first African-American in the state of California to hold that position, and somehow also found time to earn a masters degree in education from the University of Redlands in 1958.
In 1977, one of San Bernardino’s library branches (on the corner of Highland and Western Ave.) was named for her.
At the age of 97, Dorothy received an honorary doctorate degree from Cal State San Bernardino. She authored five books over the course of her lifetime: Dear Meg, Improving the Services of Substitute Teachers, Beyond All This,Incredible You and What’s on Your Mind?
In Beyond All This, Dorothy documents her family’s drive and determination to succeed during a time when blacks were not considered an integral part of the community. She recalls how her parents stressed that their children not carry any bitterness because of the racial tension around them, emphasizing the importance of education and following their own ambitions in order to become successful.
In 1989, Dorothy was inducted into San Bernardino Valley College’s Alumni Hall of Fame.
“San Bernardino Valley College provided the opportunity for me to pursue the professional career which I thoroughly enjoyed for 30 years,” Dorothy said. “For this, I shall always be grateful.”
Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
