Local

Linda Jackson

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Linda Jackson, a senior certified housing counselor and branch manager of NID Housing Counseling Agency of the Inland Empire, is encouraging women to make personal financial matters a priority. Seasoned financial counselors like Jackson agree that one of the first steps towards financial freedom involves reviewing one’s credit report for items that need to be addressed such as errors or even unflattering information like late or missed payments. In response, Jackson offers a free credit education class that teaches consumers how to improve their credit score, avoid costly loan products, and enforce their consumer rights when dealing with debt collectors. The class also teaches consumers how to spot identity theft. One of the first places to discover identity theft is on one’s credit report. Research indicates that women are more likely to be victims of fraud than men.

“The importance of a good credit rating cannot be underestimated,” said Jackson. “As we celebrate the lives of extraordinary women this month, I believe this is the perfect time for all women to consider their financial legacy by becoming educated on how credit works. We teach valuable information that should be passed on to one’s children and grandchildren.”

Linda’s credit education classes are held in two Inland Empire locations. Pre-registration is encouraged by calling the NID office at (909) 887-8700 or by visiting Eventbrite and searching, Financial Fitness with NID. The classes are on Thursday, March 10 and Thursday, 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Realty One Group located at 325 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 100 in San Bernardino. On Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. the class will be held at Faith Church located at 9239 Utica Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga.

Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers

ONTARIO, CA – Sacred Sistahs, Inc. will host its 8th Annual Awards Recognition and Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel Ontario Airport located at 2200 East Holt Blvd. in Ontario.

Sacred Sistahs will honor three high school seniors with a scholarship. Akua Adeneke McLeod of The Webb School, La Verne, CA, Kennedy Jordyn Parker Tucker of Colony High School, Ontario, CA, both of whom have each completed the Sacred Sistahs, Inc. rites-of-passage program, and Nia Lynn Rasshan, also of Colony High School, Ontario, CA will receive scholarships at the start of their fall semester in college.

Sacred Sistahs will also honor several outstanding African American women who have significantly impacted the lives of others in the community including Dr. Melina Abdullah, Professor and Chair of Pan-African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles and Black Lives Matter Organizer, Shannon Kim Carter, Founder and Executive Director of the Nationally recognized Time for Change Foundation for her commitment to helping women and children, and Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers, Founder and President Emeritus Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation and governing board member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, for her outstanding contributions in the field of education. Carolyn Tillman, Special Assistant to the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, will deliver the keynote address.

Sacred Sistahs, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission 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 information on how to register, please visit www.sacredsistahsinc.org/news_and_events or call (909)910-7564.

SAN BERNARDINIO, CA- Love meeting new people? Do you love to eat and read? Do you need some inspiration in your life? The come out on Saturday, March 5 to the Denny’s at 702 E. Highland in San Bernardino for a day of inspiration with author T’ana Phelice. Come purchase and get your book signed, take photos, engage in empowering topics, watch a monologue performance, and of course network and grub! The following day, Sunday, March 6, T’ana will be a guest on Empire Talks Back with Wallace Allen at 10 a.m. You can tune in by calling 800-982-3197 (#100766589), logging onto www.kcaaradio.com, or tuning your dial to 1050 AM.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Buffalo Soldiers made a visit to Newman Leadership Academy last week where students were able to experience the rich history of the soldiers.

Perennial Sports & Entertainment’s CEO Lamell McMorris and Tanqueray No. Ten joined together on Wednesday, Feb. 24 to sponsor Alfre Woodard’s Seventh Annual Oscars Sistahs Soiree at the Vivienne Westwood Penthouse, attended by several notable and influential women of color in the entertainment industry including Rosario Dawson, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aisha Tyler and Lorraine Toussaint.

The event provides an avenue for women of color in Hollywood to come together in celebration of their achievements and discussion of future opportunities in the industry. This year’s event is particularly poignant as the 2016 Oscars have come under immense scrutiny for lack of diversity in nominations. Woodard’s gathering aims to create a sense of sisterhood between invitees, acknowledging those who have been recognized by Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony, and in her words, “in a perfect world, those who should have been.”

McMorris’ involvement rests on his ongoing support of civil and human rights initiatives and his aim to see these efforts pervade throughout the entertainment industry, and beyond. In his work with professional athletes, McMorris has seen the impact that young African American men have on their communities and sees the same reach stemming from these women. His sponsorship was inspired by this alignment and his belief that Woodard’s event provides recognition and a voice to a group that deserves to be heard.

“By setting the stage to empower women of color, Alfre has fostered a key channel for changing the tone toward minorities in entertainment, and I couldn’t be more proud to support her and the women here tonight,” McMorris stated. “Now more than ever, African American women are given a unique platform to be positive role models both on and off the screen and I have no doubt that the conversations held tonight will reverberate far past Hollywood.”

The high-profile affair attracted significant press interest with coverage in The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and InStyle. These articles captured the sentiments and goals of attendees through words and images, before doors were closed and the women moved to share their experiences privately. The coverage isn’t limited to the written word; US Weekly and People Magazine both shared images from the event, and HipHollywood released a video that compiles guests’ reactions.

The cast of “Underground” gather for a photo outside of the White House. Pictured left to right: Alano Miller, Amirah Vann, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Jessica de Gouw, Christopher Meloni (PRNewsFoto/WGN America)

LOS ANGELES, CA- In celebration of Black History Month, the White House Office of Public Engagement hosted a panel and screening event for WGN America’s “Underground,” the upcoming original series, produced by Sony Pictures Television and Tribune Studios, set to premiere Wednesday, March 9 on WGN America. The February 22 White House event was attended by Senior Administration Officials including Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States of America, who welcomed attendees with opening remarks about the powerful and gripping new series being a perfect fit for the Black History Month event entitled “These Hallowed Grounds and Underground Screening.”

Cast and creative team from WGN America’s “Underground” participated in two panel discussions that included executive producers John Legend and Akiva Goldsman, creators Misha Green and Joe Pokaski and director and executive producer Anthony Hemingway, and cast including Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Christopher Meloni, Alano Miller, Jessica de Gouw and Amirah Vann, along with president and general manager, WGN America/ Tribune Studios, Matt Cherniss. The event was also attended by Peter Liguori, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tribune Media Company and Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht, Presidents, Programming & Production, Sony Pictures Television, as well as leadership from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Young Women Empowerment Foundation will host their fourth annual Spring Event, “Girl Talk IV” at San Bernardino Valley College, 701 South Mount Vernon Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92410, on Saturday, March 19th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. YWE invites schools, faith based and community supporters to empower girls, age 12-21, to realize their purpose in life. This is a free event for young women in the Inland Empire.
This year’s theme is “My P.U.R.P.O.S.E., My Plan.” P.U.R.P.O.S.E means Passion, Uniqueness, Resilience, Perseverance, Opportunities, Self-Worth, and Empowered. The young women will have the opportunity to participate in workshops based on each area of P.U.R.P.O.S.E. There will also be a free continental breakfast, lunch, entertainment, give-a-ways, and opportunity drawings.

The guest speakers for Girl Talk IV will focus on issues that are important and relevant. Topics such as Human Trafficking, Self-Care, Digital Foot Prints, Life Challenges, Personal Decisions, and Choices will be discussed. The keynote and guest speakers are as follows: Danielle Willis – Passion; Porshe McCoy-Nichols – Uniqueness; Trinity Wallace-Ellis – Resilience (Keynote); Jazmin Garcia – Perseverance; Alise Clouser – Opportunity; Amber Thorney-Croft – Self Worth; Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (C.A.S.E.) – Empowered; and Carletta Lofliin – My Plan (Vision Board)

The first 100 girls who register online will receive a free t-shirt when they check in. Please register on Eventbrite under “Free Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) Girl Talk IV Annual Spring Conference My P.U.R.P.O.S.E My Plan.” Also, please encourage and invite family and friends to register and attend this noteworthy opportunity focused on empowering young women.

All inquiries, pre-register individual or groups, please email Devona Robertson or Tiffany James at ywefoundation@gmail.com.Visit their website at www.youngwomenempowerment.org.

Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Public Library is presenting an African-American History program with Dr. Dennis Morgan Brown on Tuesday, February 23 at 10 a.m. In this musical presentation, attendees will learn about significant African-Americans, including activists, leaders, and recording artists. From Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King to Muhammad Ali, learn how these individuals molded a generation.

Dr. Brown has presented his programs all across the country and has spoken before the State Assembly, the Senate at the State Capitol, the Mayor’s mansion in Los Angeles, and at the Martin Luther King Center for Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia.

This free program will be located in the Bing Wong Auditorium at the Feldheym Library at 555 West Sixth St., San Bernardino.

Contact Linda Adams Yeh at (909) 381-8238 or visit www.sbpl.org for more information.

Participants of the 2016 Alpha Phi Alpha/Alpha Kappa Alpha Oratorical contest, with committee members Samantha Dotson, Kevin Eastman, and AKA chapter President, Linda Gaines-Brooks.

HEMET, CA- Students from Inland Empire schools converged on West Valley High School, for the 27^th annual Alpha Phi Alpha/Alpha Kappa Alpha Oratorical Contest, sponsored by the Mu Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and the Eta Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.  The contest was co-chaired by Kevin Eastman, of Alpha Phi Alpha, and Samantha Dotson, of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Twenty-five students, in grades 2 through 12, delivered oral presentations on pre-determined topics.  They took full advantage of the opportunity to dazzle the panel of judges, with breath-taking speeches on the importance of education, the effects of bullying, and how modern media affects today’s society.

Members of Alpha Phi Alpha, and Alpha Kappa Alpha served as judges.  The judges were: Educators Linda Gaines-Brooks and Charlotte Black, City of Perris’ Mayor Pro Tem Tonya Burke, and Actor/Author Joseph C. Phillips.  The City of Rialto’s IT and Purchasing Manager William Jernigan served as the Head Judge.  At the competition’s conclusion, Mr. Phillips commended the participants on their efforts, and offered some personal coaching on public speaking.

Each participant received a certificate from California State Assembly Member Cheryl Brown.  The 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place finishers in each grade group each received a trophy and a cash prize.  The winners were: in the elementary school group (grades 1 through 5): 1^st place – Aisa John-Niece Ingram, 2^nd place – Jennifer Aravelo, and 3^rd place – Asia Ingram.  In the middle school group (grades 6 through 8): 1^st place – Kiana Martinez (the only competitor).  In the high school group (grades 9 through 12): 1^st place – Fiona Monte, 2^nd place – Annika Kim, and 3^rd place – Cynthia Gould.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s Mu Xi Lambda chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Eta Nu Omega chapter, are community service organizations in the Inland Empire, and are involved in social activities and causes throughout the region, such as voter education and registration, and mentoring programs for young adults.  For more information on Alpha Phi Alpha, visit the fraternity’s website at: www.apa1906.net.  For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha, visit the sorority’s website at: www.aka1908.com.

L/R: Twillea Evans-Carthen (Social Lites Beautillion Committee Member), Kevin Eastman, Joseph Phillips (Actor and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.), Elijah Preston Little, Edna Wade (Social Lites Beautillion Chairperson), William Jernigan; Second Row: Conlan Baker and Royce T. Rodgers

BEAUMONT, CA- Surprise guest judge for the 27^th Oratorical Contest, Mr. Joseph Phillips, well known actor and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity made it a point to share words of wisdom with participants on how to enhance their public speaking skills.  Following the contest, Mr. Phillips took time to exchange words of encouragement to the young men of the Beautillion.  The reality of choosing to participate in this contest has shown these young men they are all winners!

Participants of the 49^th Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion program under the leadership of Mrs. Edna Wade, Beautillion Chairman took part in the 27^th Oratorical Contest sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.  This event was held on Saturday, February 13, at West Valley High School in Beaumont, CA.

The 49^th Beautillion Ball will be held at the National Orange Show on April 2.  For more information please contact Mrs. Edna Wade, Chairperson at 909-947-8774 or Mrs. Brenda Daniels, Co-Chairperson at 909-856-6341 or Mrs. Bettye Brewster, President at 951-204-0022.