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The Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa (CRY-ROP) was one of four agencies selected nationwide to participate in the Youth Action Council on Transition (YouthACT), a national initiative designed to get more youth with disabilities to partner with advocates and organizations to improve their opportunities for disabled young adults. Pictured from left are Fernando Olivarez, Nicole Drazin and Branley Acevedo who represented the agency in Washington, D.C. recently.

The Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program (CRY-ROP) was one of four agencies nationwide selected by the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth  to participate in the Youth Action Council on Transition (YouthACT).  YouthACT is a national initiative designed to get more youth with disabilities to partner with advocates and organizations to improve opportunities for disabled young adults.  The initiative is led by the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD/Youth). Program funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).

The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is a nationally recognized leader in workforce issues, and is often used as a model for other boards across the country.  CRY-ROP, one of the San Bernardino County WDB youth service providers, now joins the national ranks on the youth perspective, serving as a testament to how the Workforce Development Board’s funded youth employment programs are making a positive impact on the lives of at-risk youth.

CRY-ROP’s YouthACT team is working with teams across the nation to discuss and plan leadership, advocacy and transitional strategies for young adults.

“I am proud to be named the adult partner for the YouthACT team out of Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa ROP.  The partnerships between youth and adults that the program creates are powerful forces,” said Nicole Drazin, placement specialist.  “As we collaborate, we are creating a new energy in our communities that will pave the way to better opportunities for transitioning youth.”

The Workforce Development Board is making efforts to gain input from youth about what they need during their transitioning years.  This input helps provide the right opportunities, services, and support for this population.

YouthACT aims to increase positive youth-adult partnerships where young people and adults work together, share information and learn from each other. All individuals in the partnership have the opportunity to engage in planning, decision-making, and action consistent with their own interests and skills.

“It’s imperative for us to point youth in the right direction to succeed in life during their transitional years,” said James Ramos, Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.  “Colton Redlands Yucaipa ROP is a voice for our San Bernardino County youth community and their needs will be heard at the federal level.”

In 2016, the YouthACT team and peer leaders from CRY-ROP’s WDD-funded employment program will be making presentations at community and school organizations on how students with disabilities can advocate for themselves and their families, and identify short and long term plans to support personal and career goals.

“We are very proud that one of our youth service providers was selected as one of four national cohorts to be the voice for YouthACT.  This is a testament to the high caliber of our Workforce Development Board funded youth programs,” said Workforce Development Executive Director Sandy Harmsen.

Attorney Zulu Ali (PRNewsFoto/Law Office of Zulu Ali)

RIVERSIDE, CA- Attorney Zulu Ali of the Law Offices of Zulu Ali in Riverside, California has been named Top 10 Best Lawyers by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. The American Institute of Criminal Attorneys is an invitation only legal organization recognizing excellence of practitioners in the field. Each lawyer must be formally nominated, have attained the highest degree of professional achievement in his or her field, and have an impeccable client satisfaction rating.

Attorney Zulu Ali, a native of Shelbyville, Tennessee, is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who served with the Marine Security Forces. After graduating from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Attorney Ali served as a sworn police officer with the City of Shelbyville, City of Lewisburg, and Vanderbilt Police Departments, respectively.

Attorney Ali earned a Juris Doctorate (law degree) from Trinity International University Law School and a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in African Studies from Regents College through a consortium with Tennessee State University.

Attorney Ali has been admitted to the California State Bar; United States District Courts for the districts of Central California, Southern California, Northern California, and Colorado; United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits; and the United States Supreme Court.

In 2007, inspired by civil rights attorneys Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall, and Avon Williams, Jr., who used the law and courts as a vehicle to make change and protect all people against injustice, Attorney Zulu Ali opened the Law Offices of Zulu Ali with a focus on representing persons accused of crimes and seeking criminal justice, immigrants, victims of discrimination, and persons seeking civil justice. Attorney Ali and his law firm take on extremely difficult cases and matters that provide an opportunity to make changes in the law, through the courts, when the law is unjust.

Attorney Ali serves as Director of the American Committee for United Nations Oversight, an advocacy group lobbying the United Nations for police reform; Director of the Stop and Frisk Academy, which trains at risk youth and others to deal with police encounters; Director of the Southern California Veterans Legal Clinic, a legal clinic offering no cost and low cost legal services to military veterans; and a member of the National Conference of Black Lawyers. Attorney Ali was Honored Top 100 Lawyers by the National Black Lawyers-Top 100.

Attorney Ali resides in Southern California with his wife (Charito) of 30 years. Their four adult children, Christine, Whitney, Ashley, and Lynda; and two grandchildren, Amayah and Tye, also reside in Southern California.

Donovan Ferguson

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- “Young Men of Valor from Vision to Reality” is the theme of the 2015/2016 “Knights of the Beautillion Candidacy.’’  Three young men from Inland Empire schools are vying for the title of “Sir Knight 2016.’’

The three senior high school students are  Elijah Little, Redlands East Valley High School in Redlands; Donovan Ferguson, Grand Terrance High School in Grand Terrance; and Royce Rogers, San Bernardino High School in San Bernardino.  These young men are currently canvassing the community for businesses and individuals who will support their efforts to become “Sir Knight 2016.”

Elijah Little

The Beautillion Scholarship Foundation Program has been sponsored by the Social-Lites of San Bernardino for 49 years.  The Beautillion Scholarship program provides an opportunity for outstanding college-bound young men to participate in a series of leadership and organizational activities that prepare them to challenge their future success.  The participants have also been exposed to a variety of community, charitable, and social events that began in October 2015 and will conclude at the Beautillion Scholarship Foundation Ball on Saturday, April 2, 2016.

The college-bound participants will be awarded scholarships and other prizes during the presentation of which they will be escorted by their “fair-maidens and their Pages and Squires,” which are the future

Royce Rodgers

“Knights of the Beautillion Scholarship Foundation Program.”

The 2016 Beautillion Chairwoman, Mrs. Edyie Tillie-Wade, and Mrs. Brenda Daniels, Co-Chair, has announced the this year’s Beautillion Scholarship Ball will be held at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

The Social-Lites Inc. are also seeking all Beautillion Alumni and participants from prior years to attend the event this year.  For more information, and to obtain invitations to the Scholarship Ball contact Mrs. Bettye Brewster Social Lites President at (951) 204-0022 or Joyce Smith- Social Lites Vice President at (909) 534-2929.

RIVERSIDE, CA – The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. hosted it s 40th Annual Black and White Scholarship Ball at the Riverside Convention Center on Saturday, March 5.  The stately gala raised thousands of dollars in support of academic scholarships and mentoring programs for local youth.

The evening began with a festive social hour, which included professional photography and disc jockey services with classic rhythm and blues music.  Welcome and introductory remarks were made by Polemarch Demarius Carmichael and Vice Polemarch Eric V. Isaac, who acknowledged community leaders and dignitaries.   Those in attendance include Danny Tillman, Member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education, Joanne Gilbert, Community Action Partnership Board Member, Hardy Brown II, Board Member of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Robin McIver Brown, President of the San Bernardino Valley Chapter of the Links, Inc., Tracy Tillman, President of the Inland Empire Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and Tammy Martin-Ryles, President of the Black Chamber of Commerce.

Highlights of the evening include a dance by the Kappa Omicron Court of Cal Poly Pomona and the announcement of honorees Dr. Judy White, Superintendent of the Moreno Valley Unified School District for community service, Theodore Davis, recipient of the Edward Moore Lifetime Achievement Award, and Kappa members Larry Clayton and Thomas Fisher for outstanding achievement.

Angela Clayton, President of the Riverside Alumni Chapter of the Silhouettes (wives of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. members) presented two college scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to local high school students Cynthia Price and Sierra Smith.

For more information about the Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. visit www.rackapsi.com.

(from left to right (front row): Derrick Norwood, Heru Bush, (kneeling) Anaiah Hollis; (middle row): La’Nae Norwood, Nana Kweku, Kimberly Phillips, Akyl Phillips, Kimberly Johnson-Calvin (Back row): John Griffin, Dumisani Phomello (Photo by Wallace J. Allen)

By Wallace J. Allen

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Last Saturday, March 19, members of the United Nations of Consciousness (UNOC), a non-profit community based organization, gathered at San Bernardino’s Ann Shirrells Park and picked up about ten large garbage bags of trash. The clean up was part of the group’s, “Adopt a Community Project.” The clean up takes place once per month for two hours from March through November. During that time they pick up trash and debris, do landscaping, clear any safety hazards and meet and greet community residents and share information about their organization.

You are invited to inquire about UNOC and to join in their efforts, one of which is the  “Adopt A Community” Project.  They provide the clean up tools and supplies, including water and refreshments. Bring your gloves, a hat and some “elbow grease!” For more information about UNOC, call (909) 575-8862

By Gloria J. Ingram

POMONA, CA- Heart and Soul Line Dance celebrated its’ 12^th Anniversary on Saturday, March 5, at the Palomares Community Center in Pomona with a Mardi Gras theme. Harriette Coggs Stuckey, Founder/Director of the line dance organization, welcomed new and experienced line dancers to the annual event, always held on the first Saturday in March.

The festive affair was sold out well in advance. An excited crowd started gathering at the entrance around 12 noon, an hour before the doors opened for admission. Many line dancers were dressed in green, purple, and/or gold…Mardi Gras colors, as well as costumes, including several ladies wearing a tri-colored tutu! Approximately 200 enthusiastic line dancers seemed to always rush to the dance floor as songs were played for popular and standard line dances. A King and Queen presided over the event. King Ulric Jones and his Queen, Jean Woods wore royal regali, both wearing a crown, he in a royal robe and sash, she wearing a sash, beads and gold fringed attire led the diverse crowd of revelers in a customary “Second Line.” The room seemed to reach a higher level of brightness because of so many happy, smiling faces. And, the floor seemed to reverberate as partygoers energetically stepped, pranced, and danced around, up and down the dance floor to lively music.

One of the many highlights enjoyed by all was a delicious soul food meal of BBQ chicken, red beans and rice, collard greens, and peach cobbler prepared by Executive Chef Terry Cleveland. Other highlights included, awarding gift cards as door prizes and a generous donation to the American Heart Association from the proceeds of a Money Raffle.

Heart and Soul Line Dance class members from Beaumont, Eastvale, Fontana, Menifee, Pomona, Rialto, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Walnut were well represented. The Line Dance Family at-large was also well represented by members of other line dance companies i.e. Jus Dancin, Marva Black and her L.A. Country Strutters, LA and Natalie Kelley, K- Stepmobile, L A. Others came from the Bay Area i.e. Novella Peterson, Shirley Jefferson, and Yvonne Carnelus. Congratulations to Harriette Coggs Stuckey for another stellar celebration of bringing line dance to so many throughout the Inland Empire and the San Gabriel Valley.

T’ana Phelice (left) at her event Lunch With T’ana and her childhood friend NaKendra (right)

By Naomi K. Bonman

LOS ANGELES, CA – Need a new book to read? Want to read a book that will not only hold your attention, but that is inspiring and powerful at the same time? Then come on down on Saturday, March 19 to Zahra’s Books & Things from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to pick up T’ana Phelice’s books, get them signed, and engage in an insightful conversation with the author herself. Pigs & Pearls is $18, Bratty Tatty (for the kids) is $9, and JADED Diamonds is $16. So mark your calendars and let’s continue to support our Black entrepreneurs and keep Black literature alive! Zahra’s Books & Things is located a 900 N. La Brea Avenue in Inglewood

Patricia L Nickols-Butler, President, & CEO, CAPSBC, (center) & Members , Community Action Partnership Board of Directors, (not in the order named): Dr Margaret Hill, Joanne Gilbert, Nancy R White, John ‘Fred’ Sagoe Dr Joshua Beckley, William Anthony Ruh, Eladio ‘Eddie’ U Garcia, Deborah Robertson, Daniel Enz, Thomas Rice, Socorro Enriquez, Bob Lemley, & Tyneia Merritt.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Almost everywhere we in the Inland Empire, whether via media outlets, social media, television, or through the windows of our cars as we go about our busy I.E. lives we see spreading signs of poverty,   social disruption and in some, a fading sense of confidence.   Who among us feels economically ‘secure’?
The Symposium identified excellent leaders and provided opportunities for their interaction, sharing, and support.   They dug deeply enough to expose not only the surface signs, but also the destructive interconnection of poverty’s ‘magnifier’, effects across modern lifestyles.   In today’s world, we depend on many and diverse kinds of knowledge, skills, and resources to advance common wellbeing. Join them !!!

RIVERSIDE, CA-  “Gurl…Ask Me Anything!” is an evening of storytelling and sharing, all part of a dynamic conference aimed at building authentic relationships to help women break free from the fears that hold them back from doing what God has purposed for their lives.

On Saturday, March 19, at the Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 5320 Victoria Avenue in Riverside, this amazing girls’ night out will feature soul-stirring praise and worship, spoken word, dance, a vendor expo, and inspiring stories by three women who will share how they moved from fear to freedom (#FromFearToFreedom).

Conference goers will hear from former professional soccer player, motivational speaker and author Jasmine Henderson. Her first book, A Broken Vow, was inspired by her life changing journey from virgin to single motherhood at age 25. Josie Aiello, a national recording artist, will share how she chose to leave a successful yet unfulfilling singing,songwriting career to answer “The Call” to sing for the Lord; and Dr. Sally D. Williams, an educational psychologist, author, and life coach, will speak on the importance of keeping your integrity when faced with fearful decisions.

“It’s time to have safe, open, relevant and needed conversations between women of all ages,” said Desiree Foster-Collins, president and co-founder of Excellence by Design.

“Gurl…Ask Me Anything” is open to women from ages 16 and up. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for general admission and 5:30 p.m. for VIP premium ticket holders. VIP guests will be treated to a Meet and Greet with the featured guest speakers, an “Hors d’oeuvres Hour” before the conference, reserved seating, a special VIP gift and more. The program begins at 7 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $10 for students (ages 16-22 years) to $40 for the VIP package. There is also a special pricing for groups of 10 or more and an early bird ticket price of $20 that is available through March 12. After March 12 general admission ticket prices will be $25 per person. Vendor opportunities are also available. Child care will not be provided, and nursing mothers are welcome. For more information, to register as a vendor, and to purchase your tickets online visit excellencebydesign.us.

If you have questions about the conference, or want to know more about Excellence by Design (EBD) call 951-888-0398 or send an email to info@excellencebydesign.us.

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.