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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.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Hearts R Us is made up of a team of five dedicated future social workers in the Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Work program at the California State University, San Bernardino. Since the group’s implementation, they have assessed the need in San Bernardino with troubled youth and low-income families. They have acknowledged that this low-socio economic community represents a cycle of poverty within our youth and families in need. Instead of looking forward to a brighter future, most of these youth simply allow themselves to become another statistic. They continue the cycle of violence, criminal association, homelessness, poverty, and substance abuse. As future social workers, Hearts 4 Us strives to reach out to these youth and families in need to ensure that they  are privileged to earn a college degree and break the cycle of poverty within the San Bernardino community.

Some of the resources that the team provides include assistance with college and scholarship applications, resume building, applying to benefits such as cash-aid, food stamps, and medical. Hearts R Us has a primary mission of assisting the community and enabling all individuals to succeed.

Hearts R Us and Hope In The City will be having a weeklong event where they together will be making dinner to feed the families within San Bernardino County during the week of February 22 and February 23 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will also be a resource fair along on Friday, February 23 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Everyone is welcome!

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.