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SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Thursday, January 21, the Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators (IEABSE) hosted a “Meet & Greet” to introduce the Inland Empire community to some influential leaders in education. IEABSE invited in the Inland Empire community to meet five prominent African American Male Administrators you may or may not have known existed.

San Bernardino City Unified School District Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Kennon Mitchell, Ph.D., Chaffey College Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Eric Bishop Ed.D., Moreno Valley City College Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Dyrell Foster, Ed.D., San Bernardino Valley College Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Ricky Shabazz, Ed.D., and California State University San Bernardino Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Bryan Hanes, Ed.D all came together to discuss “What it means to be an African American Male in Education, What is being done to support Student Equity, and what can be done to support them in closing the Achievement Gap.” 

The event located at Azusa Pacific University San Bernardino Campus was attended by over 75 school or college educators and community members. All were greeted by the low hum of instrumental hip hop, the smell of fresh baked “Grand Daddy” macaroni and cheese, Guest Panel and thoughtful conversations surrounding Black Student Achievement. Meriel Anderson-McDade of Riverside Community College remarked, “The energy in here gave me goose bumps, it’s not often we can ask questions of those in such high positions, let alone mingle with so many other educators and parents that are both passionate and positive about helping our youth.”

Keynasia Buffong and Alise Clouser of IEABSE said, “We wanted our communities to know that there are Black male educators in high positions, they are not unicorns, they do exist… we want to show our support while keeping them accountable.” The next IEABSE meeting is scheduled for April. At that meeting influential Black female educators and information regarding the 6^th Annual IEABSE High School Black Graduate Recognition & Scholarship Ceremony” will be presented.

IEABSE annually hosts the largest High School Black Graduate Recognition Ceremony in Southern California. The “IE HS Black Grad” will be held this year on May 14^th at 2pm on the CSU San Bernardino campus. For more information please contact IEABSE directly at ieabse@gmail.com.

Woodie Rucker-Hughes

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Boy Scouts of America California Inland Empire will honor Waudieur “Woodie” Rucker-Hughes, Child Welfare and Attendance Manager, Riverside Unified School District and Carl M. Dameron, Creative Director, Dameron Communications.  They are the 2016 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Honorees.

The gala is Thursday, March 10 at 6 p.m. at Shandin Hills Golf Club located at 3380 Little Mountain Drive in San Bernardino.  A table of 8, a full page ad in the program, and camp sponsorship for 3 youth is $1,000. Individual tickets are $75.

The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award is to recognize outstanding service by an individual for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds-this in fulfillment of Dr. Young’s dream of justice and equality for all.

The proceeds from The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Dinner will support the Assistance to Others Fund of the California Inland Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America, designed to help provide financial outreach for those youth and families in need of Scout registration fees, camperships, Scouting handbooks, uniform needs and training scholarships.

Whitney Moore Young, Jr. was an American civil rights leader, born July 31, 1921 and died March 11, 1971. He spent most of his career working to end employment discrimination in the United States and turning the National Urban League from a relatively passive civil rights organization into one that aggressively worked for equitable access to socioeconomic opportunity for the historically disenfranchised. On March 11, 1971, Whitney Young died of a heart attack after swimming with friends in Lagos, Nigeria. President Nixon sent a plane to Nigeria to collect Young’s body and traveled to Kentucky to deliver the eulogy at Young’s funeral.

“I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Boy Scouts of America Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. Mr. Young was a true Civil Rights advocate, a shrewd and politically aware advisor to President Lyndon Johnson, the president who history notes had some of the greatest Civil Rights legislation and programs created and passed during his tenure,” said Rucker-Hughes.

She added, “Mr. Young was also the recipient of a Presidential Medal of Freedom and in his capacity as a leader of the Urban League, he was a co-sponsor of the historic March on Washington which I had the privilege of participating in. I thank everyone who thought enough of me to nominate me for this Award.”

Rucker-Hughes has meritoriously served the Riverside community at large as a humanitarian and pillar.  She most recently was appointed to the California-Hawaii State NAACP Executive Committee, where she serves as its South East Area Director. Woodie also serves as the NAACP Region 1 Secretary, an elected position that she has held since 2010.

“I am pleased to serve my community and help where ever I can,” said Dameron.  “As a former scout I am honored to serve scouting and to receive the prestigious The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award.”

Committed to the Inland Empire Dameron contributes his marketing skills to help non-profits elevate awareness of their service and increase donations. For more information on call Tracy Youden at (909) 793-2463 extension 123.

Sara Bartlett, 8, raises her fist to drive home a point as she delivers a speech during the13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest at the Shiloh Baptist Church of New Rochelle Jan. 15, 2012. Children, ages 8-15 took part in the contest, in which contestants wrote their own speeches and presented them before judges and congregants. ( Seth Harrison/The Journal News )

HEMET, CA- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Eta Nu Omega Chapterand Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.Mu Xi Lambda Chapter are pleased to announce their 27^th Annual Oratorical Contest to be held at West Valley High School in Hemet on Saturday, February 13 at 10 a.m.  The contest is open to students from Grades 1-12 and cash prizes are to be awarded. Special Guest Judge is Actor/Author Joseph C. Phillips. For information and/or to request an application, please contact Mr. Kevin Eastman at eastke1@yahoo.com or Ms. Samantha Dotson at samantha.dotson524@gmail.com.

RIVERSIDE, CA- Thousands of local area residents are expected to line the streets of downtown Riverside when the 37^th Annual Riverside Black History Parade, Expo and Car Show kicks off Saturday, February 13 starting at 10 a.m. The theme this year, “Riverside’s Legacy” will highlight the rich and proud heritage of the city.

Traditionally, parade-goers line up along the route excitedly waving and cheering on the procession, which is led by government and city officials riding in emergency vehicles such as Riverside fire trucks followed by local high school drill teams, vintage cars, and other parade vehicles. Distinct automobiles from several local car clubs will be showcased, including Cochér Car Club, The Ultimate Riders, and 12-15 Euro cars. Also joining the line-up of classic cars this year is Hispanic car club “Bomb Life”. Kids will be able to climb aboard a colorful caboose, a new attraction sponsored by T.K.’s Go Karts.

The route starts at Riverside City College (at the corner of Ramona and Magnolia) and will proceed north along Magnolia toward Downtown Riverside’s civic district to 10^th Street, turning on Main Street past the historic Riverside County Courthouse where parade participants are announced from the main parade stage as they go by. This year’s Grand Marshall is distinguished community leader, Jack B. Clarke, Jr.

The 37^th Annual Riverside Black History Parade, Expo and Car Show highlights the strength of the community by bringing people together from all walks of life and various cultural and ethnic backgrounds to celebrate Black history through food, music, and fun-filled family activities.

For more information visit www.adcrfoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Increasing diversity in corporate America, entrepreneurship and academia were the major issues discussed at the Select Committee on the Status of Girls and Women of Color hearing that was chaired by Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) in Fontana.

“We convened this hearing to examine issues that impact women of color in California who own businesses and work in corporate America.  Our major objective is to learn what the state can do to create a pipeline for girls and women of color to pursue business careers,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “Ultimately, our goal is to improve business opportunities for women of color.”

The hearing included testimonies by women of color who own and operate small to mid-sized businesses throughout the Inland Empire. Additionally, panelists from major corporations provided guidance on climbing the corporate ladder. Program participants included: Kimberly Freeman, Assistant Dean for Diversity Initiatives and Community Relations, UCLA; Dr. Adina Sterling, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford Graduate School of Business; Dr. Sacha Joseph-Mathews, Associate Professor, University of the Pacific; Dr. Michele Turner, Executive Director of the Black Alumni Association, USC; Hilda Kennedy, President, AmPac Tri State CDC; Maria Molina Solano, Executive Director, National Latina Business Women Association-IE; Kiana Webb-Severloh, President/CEO, Webb Family Enterprises; Quita Highsmith, Franchise Head/Sr. Director for Tamiflu, Genentech; Jennifer Fisher, Intellectual Property Counsel, Boeing; Evelin Martinez, Area President (Inland Empire), Wells Fargo & Co.; Annabel Chang, Director of Public Policy, Lyft; Mahlet Getachew, Senior Legal Counsel, GoPro, Inc.;  Luz Rodriguez-Roldan, Assistant Manager of Human Resources, California Steel Industries; Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo, Director of External Affairs, AT&T; and Kim Winston, Senior Manager of Government Relations, Starbucks.

All panelists agreed that we need to inform women of color that business is a viable career path. Additionally, we need to make intentional efforts to encourage them to pursue business careers because they ultimately create more jobs for both men and women. Kiana Webb of Webb Family Enterprises spoke about her experience as the owner and operator of 16 McDonald’s restaurants and employer of approximately 1,300 individuals.

“As a business owner, one of the best things about what I do is that I get to create my own experience,” said Webb. “It’s not necessarily just the challenges that we’re facing, it’s also the opportunities that we are creating, and the path that you can make for yourself.”

Ms. Webb suggested that we need to continue to have conversations about what we can do to help women of color succeed in business professions. Likewise, panelist Quita Highsmith of Genentech, a biotechnology company, suggested that women of color need an advocate to open doors for them.

“For women of color, you need a sponsor that can open the door for you when the door is closed as they are having discussions about talent. You need someone in a position of power who can be your advocate; someone who’s willing to put their neck on the line for you. You need a champion, and a personal board of directors to provide you with professional guidance and emotional security,” she said.

Evelin Martinez of Wells Fargo Bank called upon corporations to rise to the challenge of supporting students and their educational needs. She stated, “I would not be where I am today if I did not have mentors along the way. I think the hardest thing to do is to ask for help. We can’t wait for people to ask for help, we need to reach out to them. We need to have a call to action for corporations to provide access to mentorship and information so we can fix the issues that we have.”

The academia panel echoed some of the same concerns, and added that not enough women are pursuing business degrees.

“Women of color are more likely to pursue degrees in social sciences than in business,” said Dr. Adina Sterling, Stanford University. “The UC system indicated that 209 women of color graduated with an undergraduate degree in business last year compared to almost 3,000 that graduated with social sciences degrees. One way to encourage girls and women of color to pursue degrees in business is to increase the number of professors and teacher assistants who look like them.”

Many studies suggest that faculty makeup has a direct impact on academic success among students of color. According to Dr. Sacha Joseph-Matthews of the University of Pacific, women of color represent only eight percent of faculty nationwide.

“We really need more faculty of color in positions on campuses,” said Dr. Joseph-Matthews. “Often, on campuses, women of color do not feel they’re included. They feel this is not a place where they can get a sense of community and that becomes a huge problem. If we do not have women of color in key administrative roles, where they can influence campus-wide decision making on recruitment, admissions, retention and student life; and furthermore, how can we make campuses inclusive spaces for women of color?”

The committee concluded that additional mentorship programs are needed to encourage women of color to pursue business. To view the hearing in its entirety, please visit: http://asmdc.org/members/a47/.  For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.

A study and recommendation by Keith McCarter, B.S., J.D., McCarter University

Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17980-17992, the city, county, state, health department or other relevant governmental agencies may bring an action in the courts to appoint someone to manage and repair a distresses property.

In our case, the government entity is the City of San Bernardino.  Currently the court has appointed one person as the receiver.  This article will examine more plausible solutions to the receivership program and to suggest to the San Bernardino City Attorney’s Office more viable solutions which will include the benefiting of San Bernardino citizens opposed to benefiting only one particular party.

To the City’s Attorney’s Office credit, they have informed me that they will soon be preparing an RFQ to find more viable receivers for the program.  Thus prior to the RFQ I have some specific suggestions on how we can have this program benefit our residents more.

I will start with a brief summary of the law:

The Law

17980a. THE CITY MAY CLAIM GIVE NOTICE TO DISTRESSED PROPERTIES OF 30 DAYS OR LESS.  AFTER EXPIRATION OF NOTICE THE CITY CAN A COMPLAINT IN THE COURT AGAINST THE PROPERTY AND ITS OWNER.

NEW PURCHASER OR POSSESSOR OF A DISTRESSED PROPERTY MUST BE GIVEN AT LEAST 60 DAYS TO CORRECT THE DISTRESSED ELEMENTS OF THE PROPERTY.

17980b  PREVIOUS LIEN HOLDERS MAY RELEASE THEIR LIEN AND NOTIFY THE CITY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RELEASING THE LIEN.

17980c  IF THE BUILDING IS IN REALLY BAD SHAPE, among other things, THE CITY CAN ORDER THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE.

17980.1  CITY MUST TELL THE COURT SPECIFIC ELEMENTS OF SAFETY VIOLATIONS IN ORDER FOR THE COURT TO ACT.

RECEIVER MAY BE APPOINTED AND THEY HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF RIGHTS WHICH INCLUDES PLACING LIENS ON THE PROPERTY, GETTING LOANS TO REPAIR THE PROPERTY, MAKING REPAIRS AND MUCH MORE

17980.2  RECEIVER MAY RECORD LIEN

17980.3. THE RIGHTS OF A RECEIVER DURING AN ABATEMENT PROCEEDING IS NEAR EQUAL TO THAT OF A BANK DURING A FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING

17980.4  THE CITY MAY SUE ALL DEFENDANTS TO COLLECT FEES AND EXPENSES

17980.5  CITY MAY KEEP AN ACCOUNT SPECIFICALLY FOR THE PURPOSES OF REQUESTING AND COLLECTING JUDGMENTS AGAINST DISTRESSED PROPERTIES.

17980.6.  CITY MUST POST A SIGN ON DISTRESSED PROPERTY SAYING IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A DISTRESSED PROPERTY

17980.7.  AN OWNER OF DISTRESSED PROPERTY MUST COMPLY WITH THE CITY’S DEMAND TO REPAIR SAID PROPERTY.  IF NOT, THE CITY MAY SEEK A JUDGEMENT AND IMPOSE ADDITIONAL PENALTIES.  IF THE OWNER STILL DOES NOT COMPLY, THE CITY MAY REQUEST THE COURT TO APPOINT A RECEIVER.  A RECEIVER IS A PERSON who TAKE POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY, MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS AND SELL THE  PROPERTY TO PAY THE COST OF THE RECEIVER AND THE LIENS ON THE PROPERTY.  IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT AS A RECEIVER, A PERSON OR ORGANIZATION MUST. “demonstrated to the court his or her capacity and expertise to develop and supervise a viable financial and construction plan for the satisfactory rehabilitation of the building.”

IN ITS DISCRETION THE COURT MAY APPOINT A NON-PROFIT OR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION AS A RECEIVER

THE RECEIVER MUST SUBMIT MONTHLY REPORTS TO THE COURT.  THE RECEIVER’S JOB IS FINISHED ..” when the conditions cited in the notice of violation have been remedied in accordance with the court order or judgment and a complete accounting of all costs and repairs has been delivered to the court.”

THE COURT MAY CONTINUE TO RETAIN CONTROL OF THE PROPERTY FOR AN ADDITIONAL 18 MONTHS.  THE ORIGINAL OWNER CAN BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REGAIN THE POSSESSION OF HIS PROPERTY IF HE PAID ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE PROPERTY AND THE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPERTY

17980.8.  COURT MAY REFER MATTER TO ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS.

Rationale to Benefit the Community

With this summary OF THE LAW, we must keep in mind the goal of any program in which the city intends to initiate.  The goal is for the programs to benefit the residents of the City of San Bernardino as much as feasibly possible.

Here are things we must attempt to obtain with this particular program.  Firstly, any opportunity to buy, remodel and sell distressed homes should first be offered to the citizens of the ward where the property is located.  Secondly, if there are no takers, the opportunity should be offered to the residents of the city.  Third, the opportunity should be offered to people who are located in the county of San Bernardino.  Last but not least, if no one from the first three categories wish to purchase the blighted home, the opportunity may be offered to others outside the county.  In no instance should this benefit be offered directly to companies or people outside of our county first.

Let us go a little deeper into this conversation.  Taking into consideration the importance of the role of receiver, local people, non-profits and businesses must first be given the opportunity of becoming a receiver of a particular property because with this position lies the power to reap financial benefits.

Suggestions for giving ownership to the Community

First and foremost the City Attorney’s office must halt all appointments of receivers until a viable list of receivers which represents the community can be created.  These receivers must then be categorized by wards.  This is a must.

Only after this has been completed should the City Attorney’s Office  be allowed to use their discretion to recommend an appointment of a receiver to the court.  I suggest the use of the rationale stated above where the opportunity is first offered to a receiver which lives in or near the ward of the property in question

Option 1 to consider.  “It takes two to tango.”  Pursuant to Health and Safety Code 17980, after giving due notice the City can elect to file an action to initiate court proceedings.  However the city may use its discretion to facilitate an offer for a person or company to buy the property from the owner and promise to make repairs within a certain period of time after the purchase prior to filing a claim against the delinquent property owner.  Furthermore, pursuant to 17980b, the city can agree to release the fees and penalties on the property if the new purchaser makes the necessary repairs within a certain period of time.

This option will save the time and money of having to go to court.  Also, from the list of entities the City chooses from the future RFQ, they can chose a person or entity in the ward to solicit a purchase bid for the property.  These actions are wholly within the City Attorney’s discretion

Option 2. 

Pursuant to 17980.1.(a)  The city may request an “order to show cause” which is basically the first step in asking the court to appoint a receiver for the distressed property.

My suggestion is simple, at this point, while the city is submitting the required elements of 17980.1.(a)1  to  17980.1.(a)3, they can also submit a recommendation as to which receiver they wish to be appointed.  It is true that the final decision over who is appointed as the receiver is that of the court.  However, the court relies heavily on the recommendation of the city because the city is the party who initiates the action.

If in fact the city make a recommendation, then that recommendation should be that of a person or entity which lives in the ward, city or county respectively as stated above.

Option 3.  Simply stated, create a first time home buyer program centered around the revitalization of the distressed properties

These are very simple suggestions which will benefit the San Bernardino residents greatly.  I personally wish to see community groups, however non church affiliated, to become receivers of these properties   Bringing the element of religion into this already complicated equation will be detrimental to the efficiency and proper use of the public policies expressed in this article.  For this reason I do not recommend allowing church organizations to be appointed as receivers.  Last thing we need is someone injecting a 1^st amendment claim into a receivership matter.  This will undoubtedly cost much more time and money for a process which does not need to be so complicated.

One possible barrier to being listed as a possible receiver is the setting of an arbitrary level of needed capital.  According to 17980.3.(a) the receiver has the authority to get a loan to cover the cost of the repairs.  Thus, as long as a person has the ability to obtain a loan, they should be given due consideration for being appointed as a receiver

For Members of the Community

I suggest all organizations, not for profit organizations or even individual people who are interested in becoming a receiver to do two things. 1. Apply to the San Bernardino Superior court to be appointed as a receiver when and if needed.  2.  Complete the RFQ which the city will create in the near future concerning the blight of distressed properties.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In honor of Black History Month and African American Mental Health Awareness Week, the Department of Behavioral Health’s African American Awareness Sub-Committee, in partnership with San Bernardino Valley College, will host a Black History Month celebration, From Trauma to Triumph.

The event will be held on Tuesday, February 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at San Bernardino Valley College, Liberal Arts Building Room 100, 701 South Mount Vernon Ave., in San Bernardino. The event is open to the public and is free of charge; pre-registration is required and can be completed by contacting Jonathan Buffong at (909) 386-8234 (711 for TTY users) or via email at Jonathan.Buffong@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

This Black History Month celebration will include activities, performances, a behavioral health focused resource fair and presentations from San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Commissioners, Dr. Monica Wilson, Assistant Professor at the College of Letters and Sciences in the Psychology Department of National University, and Dr. Akin Merino, Chair of the Masters in Counseling and Doctorate Program at Argosy University.

“DBH’s Office of Cultural Competence and Ethnic Services participates and hosts cultural events like these in an effort to increase behavioral health awareness and promote the importance of culture in our overall wellness,” said Imo Momoh, DBH’S Cultural Competency Officer. “We invite members of the community, from every culture, to attend and participate in this event as an opportunity to connect with others, celebrate diversity and learn more about the important connection between culture and behavioral health.”

For additional information on this event, contact Jonathan Buffong at (909) 386-8234 (711 for TTY users) or Jonathan.Buffong@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

From the Left: Sen. Bill Monning, Sen. Isadore Hall, III, Lisa Moreno, Sen. Holly J. Mitchell, Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, Sen. Mark Leno, Kim Carter, Sen. Connie M. Leyva, Sen. Mike Morrell, Sen. Jean Fuller and Sen. Marty

SACRAMENTO, CA- Local nonprofit leader, Kim Carter, was presented with a Senate Resolution at the State Capitol on Monday, January 25, 2016. Senator Connie M. Leyva, Senate District 20,  presented the resolution on the Senate Floor on behalf of Carter’s recognition as a 2015 Top 10 CNN Hero. “When we hear negative things about San Bernardino, we forget to talk about some of the really amazing work that’s going on there,” stated Senator Leyva. Recognized as a national model Senator Leyva noted Time for Change Foundation’s 0% recidivism rate achieved through their Positive Future Program. She went on to express that the work being done by Time for Change Foundation is truly remarkable as it fosters complete transformations, “It is truly amazing when people are given an opportunity, and shown what they can do, how they actually thrive.”

In a rare moment, Presiding Officer Senator Ricardo Lara allowed Ms. Carter an opportunity to speak. Carter electrified the room as she thanked the “body” for its leadership and expressed her commitment to making a difference in the great State of California. As Carter addressed the floor, she thanked all of the members for the work they do that makes rehabilitation possible. She now seeks to obtain an Official Governor’s Pardon.

With a compilation of support letters from various esteemed elected officials, prison wardens and high ranking members of law enforcement in support of her pardon, she hopes that somehow Governor Jerry Brown will hear of her request and give it careful consideration.

Carter exclaimed, “My goal in obtaining a Governor’s Pardon is to demonstrate that we have a system of governance and keepers of the law that would consider exercising its ultimate power of redemption on my behalf.”

At the conclusion of her address, many of the elected body stood in amazement as Carter’s inspirational testimony demonstrated her passion to help others. She tearfully thanked Senator Leyva for this pivotal moment in her life.

To view the entire address, please visit http://bit.ly/leyvahonorscarter.

T’ana Phelice

RIALTO, CA— It was wall to wall packed as Inland Empire, and out of state residents, came out to support San Bernardino native and author, T’ana Phelice, at her book release party for “Pigs & Pearls” at Raquel’s Jazz Lounge on Saturday, January 30. Guests took plenty of photos with Phelice on the step and repeat, had their books signed, and celebrated the author’s birthday. It was definitely an epic night!

The journey for Phelice is just beginning. “Pigs & Pearls” is part two of her Jaded Diamonds series which is her platform of promoting and discussing the importance of women’s empowerment. These days and times, women are one of the most important assets in our communities. From the start of building and maintaining families, when we as women support each other, our male counterparts will also put forth a greater effort in respecting women.

In addition to the Jaded Diamonds series, Ms. Phelice has plans on taking the book to the stage in the fall, as well as hosting a variety of book signings. The book is now available for purchase at www.tanaphelice.com. T’ana will also be calling into Empire Talks Black this Sunday at 10 a.m. To listen in, please visit www.kcaaradio.com.

(L-R) Terrell Wheeler, Damian Thompson and Brooks Brantly rehearse a scene in “FLY.”

PASADENA, CA- Preview performances of the West Coast Premiere of FLY begin tomorrow and play through Feb.21, 2016 at The Pasadena Playhouse. The production, which is presented in association with Crossroads Theatre Company, will officially open on Sunday, January 31, 2016 to usher in Black History Month. FLY tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and dramatizes the historic contributions made by the heroic men to desegregate the American military and further civil rights.

Co-written and directed by Ricardo Kahn, FLY explores themes in overcoming adversity and pursuing dreams. The story follows four main characters’ experiences through training in Tuskegee, Alabama, whose common goal was to defend their country despite the persistent racism they dealt with daily. Unable to express their emotions as military men, director Ricardo Kahn brought in the unique character Tap Griot played by Omar Edwards to express the airmen’s resentment toward racial inequality through the artistic output of tap dancing.

“Trey and Ricardo have conceived of a wonderfully theatrical and exciting way to approach this important chapter of American history,” says Sheldon Epps, artistic director of The Pasadena Playhouse. “Their work will be excitingly brought to life by this fine group of actors and the rest of the creative team.  I know that all of them will bring their artistry to the creation of our production in a way that will truly make the play soar.” The New York Times hailed the play as a “superior piece of theatrical synergy.”

FLY plays from January 26 through February 21, 2016.  Tickets start at $25 and are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529, online 24 hours a day at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.