MONTCLAIR, CA- Tracy Holmes, author of COLORS, a children’s book that uses colors to expose children to two languages, had a very successful book signing experience this past Saturday at the Barnes And Nobles bookstore in Montclair Plaza. COLORS names the colors in both English and Spanish, including a quiz designed to help the children remember pronunciations. It is the first book of the “Say It Twice” series by Holmes. COLORS is available online from Amazon as well as Barnes And Nobles.
LOS ANGELES, CA– Black Arts Los Angeles (BALA), in collaboration with Kingdom Day Parade organizer and Chairman of CORE-CA Adrian Dove, will hold the sixth annual Juneteenth Festival “Celebrating 150 Years of Black Lives That Matter,” on June 20 and June 21 in Leimert Park Village from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The two-day celebration will highlight the history of Juneteenth, the nationally recognized holiday that commemorates the 1865 Emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This year’s Juneteenth celebrates a very special milestone. It has been exactly 150 years since the emancipation of the last formally enslaved Africans in America.
The Juneteenth Festival will bring the surrounding community together for food, entertainment, health screenings, and unique shopping experiences. Activities include chess and dominoes lessons and tournaments, a fashion line recreating the fashions between 1863 and 1868, face painting, magic experiences and more! Various retailers will be on hand to provide festival-goers the opportunity to buy the perfect graduation and/or Father’s Day gift!
Guests will include The South African Consul-General, Hon. Cyril Ndaba, who will be giving remembrance of the Soweto Students Massacre. There will also be a Black Inventors and Juneteenth History tent presented by the Office of Los Angeles District 10 Council President Herb Wesson. Urban TechFair guru Jim Neusom, the man responsible for bringing wi-fi to Leimert Park, will also be honored at the festival. This year, Charles Drew Medical, UCLA, UMMA Clinic and Covered California will also provide free diabetes, blood pressure, and other health screenings in Health Ark in the Park.
The Juneteenth Festival in Leimert Park has grown to be a significant cultural festivity, garnering thousands of celebrants in previous years. The festival provides a platform for those in the community with an appreciation for arts, fashion, food and music. The festival is being sponsored by natural resources company, Freeport-McMoRan.
The celebration will take place in Leimert Park Village Vision Theater Back Lot on Degnan and 43rd Street. Admission is free to the public and open to all ages.
FONTANA, CA- Set at a Catskills resort in 1960, this is the sweetly comic story of Lois and Marge, two friends from Brooklyn in search of good times and romance over one wild Labor Day weekend. The score showcases 18 Neil Sedaka classics, including “Where the Boys Are”, “Sweet Sixteen”, “Calendar Girl”, “Love Will Keep Us Together”, and of course, the chart-topping title song.
Auditions will be held at Center Stage Theater Fontana, 8463 Sierra Ave. Fontana on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 from 7:30p.m. – 10:30p.m (by appointment)
Rehearsal begin July 6, 2015 and and continue through July 23. Rehearsals will be held weeknights from 7:30pm – 11:00pm and weekend afternoons. All rehearsals will be held at Center Stage Theater in Fontana located at 8463 Sierra Ave, Fontana, CA 92335. Performances will run Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, July 24 – August 2, 2015.
Please call 909-429-7469 ext 0 to schedule an audition appointment or email us at info@centerstagefontana.com. Please prepare 16 bars of an uptempo and ballad piece to sing in the style of the show. Bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided, Please wear body conscious clothing and be prepared to dance and read.
CARSON, CA – Returning to the stage after performing to sold-out crowds, Ron Parker, Chester Whitmore, and The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble present “The History of Black Dance in America,” a spectacular multi-media dance concert showcasing the African-American contributions to American social dance (www.HistoryOfBlackDance.org). Starting from the late 1800s and progressing to the modern era, audiences are mesmerized by authentic renditions of vernacular dances such as Zulu, Work Songs, Cakewalk, Spiritual Dances, Shim Sham, Lindy Hop, Foxtrot, the African inspired Latin-American dances, plus live singing and tributes to Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. The 2015 performances were funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign, and observe the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.
The goal of the History of Black Dance in America is to educate the public about the black cultural influence on American social dance in exciting and entertaining way. While most of the dances to be performed are recognized as an integral part of American culture, many Americans may not know of their history. For example, the Cakewalk began as a plantation dance danced by slaves to mimic high society Whites. The dance was so amusing that plantation owners held competitions, and the winning slaves would receive cake as their prize, hence the name, “Cakewalk.” This story and many more will be told through live performances and narrated video, starting with the plantation dances of the slavery era through today.
On the significance of the presentation, HBDA director, producer, and dance historian Ron Parker says, “Vernacular jazz dance, the original American dance form, and it’s history is not performed by major American dance companies, nor is it funded by the major arts funding organizations. If we don’t do it, no one else will. I also like the fact that, in addition to educating the public about Black dance history, we are bringing awareness to the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the U.S.”
The History of Black Dance in America will be performed at University Theater at California State Dominguez Hills, 1000 East Victoria St. Carson, CA 90747. Performances are on Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m. General admission is $37.50, and VIP Seating is $40. Tickets may be purchased online at centralavedance.tix.com, by calling (800) 595-4TIX, or at the theater box office one hour prior to show time.
Photo credit: Nick Koza
By Johnni Matthews
Home openers for the Los Angeles Sparks bring back a lot of memories at Staples Center over the past 18 years of coverage.
The Sparks just as many WNBA teams are rebuilding their organizations to maintain their role as one of the marquee summer attractions for female professional sports.
Photo credit: Nick Koza
The LA Sparks had great fan support for the 2015 Home opener against the Seattle Storm at Staples Center. Owner, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and his wife, Cookie were sitting courtside with another Laker legend, Kobe Bryant at Staples Center to support the LA Sparks.
Season ticket holder, Producer/Actress Vivica Fox was also at courtside supporting the LA Sparks in the home opener against the Seattle Storm.
The Sparks started the game with a lot of energy feeding off of the Staples Center fans. New Head Coach, Brian Agler who was the Storm’s Head Coach for seven WNBA seasons is very familiar with the players, but was unable to get a victory against his former team dropping the second game in eight days 60-54 to them.
Playing without star player, Nneka Ogwumike, and welcoming back home veteran, Temeka Johnson a former LA Spark fan favorite and feisty point guard!
With all the new faces on the Sparks team, it may take a few more games before the team gels the way Coach Agler expects.
The Sparks were in control of the game most of the first half shooting nearly fifty percent from the field while the Storm shot a low 33% from the field. The Sparks took a ten point lead into halftime while holding Seattle Storm’s All-Star, Sue Bird scoreless. The 34-24 halftime lead dwindled in the third quarter as the Sparks began to turn the ball over and take tough shots leading to a poor second half performance.
Photo credit: Nick Koza
The Sparks finished the game shooting 38.6% while the Storm didn’t burn the nets shot 38.9% from the field. The slight field goal percentage in the second half proved to be enough to squeak out the 60-54 victory.
Sue Bird didn’t score until 6:50 seconds left in the game, but she was able to bring the Storm within two points before taking the lead at 4:43 mark on back to back baskets by Abby Bishop who led the Storm with 18 points and the team was able to secure the victory.
Veteran, Alana Beard said, “We just lost our focus in the second half and we came up short tonight.” Beard also noted there were several positive times the team executed properly and stuck to the scouting reports, so there are things to build on and correct in order for the team to be better the next game.
Sparks forward, Jantel Lavender led the team in scoring with 12 points while Alana Beard and Erin Phillips added 10 each.
Well, the next game is a short turn-around when the Sparks welcome the Minnesota Lynx to Staples Center on Tuesday, June 16th. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m.
POMONA, CA- The City of Pomona and Trudy Coleman, Founder/CEO, of Juneteenth Education Technology Mobile Arts, (J.E.T.M.A.C.), Co-founder of the California National Juneteenth Freedom Day Holiday Observance Bill sponsored by Juneteenth America, Inc. This bill signed by Governor Gray Davis in 2002, states that “Juneteenth” is to be celebrated every June 19, and every third Saturday in June. We are inviting you to come celebrate at the “25th Yr. Anniversary of Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Gospel & Jazz Arts Festival, on June 20, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Ganesha Park, 1575 White N. Ave. Event is Free and Open to the Public.
June is also Black Music Month/African American Jazz Heritage Month, World Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness month. It is also the 150th year anniversary of Juneteenth (June 1865 – June 2015), representing when the last slaves in Texas were freed 2 1/2 yrs. after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. There is also a National Campaign to have President Obama sign the Resolution to have Juneteenth on the National Calendar.
There will be a variety of Gospel Performances, a Jazz Zone – African American Jazz, Cuban Jazz, Poetry, guest performance by Jay Jackson & Lou Rawls Revue, Mel Cole, the Las Vegas Al Green Impersonator, and Denise Lyle-Cook “Oracle”, spiritual poetic, and Songstress Amore, and many more. There will be Multicultural Food Vendors, Arts & Crafts Vendors, swimming pool will be open, and other fun activities for the kids. Bring your blankets and lounge chairs and enjoy one of Pomona must beautiful parks. In honor of the Ancestors, there will also be a Healthy Living 5K Run/Walk in the morning, meet-up time is 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., to pre-register, Walk/run kick-off at 9:00am, in Ganesha Park. For the 5K Walk/Run pre-registration information, please call Dr. Bettye Anderson at (323) 737-2323.
This multicultural celebration of American Unity is coordinated by the Southern California Juneteenth Committee. For vendor and sponsor opportunities information, ask for Trudy Coleman at (909) 418-8530 or (909) 989-4844, or by email: at trudycoleman@jetmacinc.com. You may also visit www.jetmacinc.com.
Dorothy Pryor Rose and daughters Tekesha and Tedra
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) is proud to recognize Mrs. Dorothy Pryor Rose, founder of Mommie Helen’s Bakery, as her Small Business person of the Year. Mrs. Pryor Rose will be acknowledged with an award during the annual California Small Business Day hosted by the California Small Business Association on Wednesday, June 10, in Sacramento.
Mrs. Pryor Rose’s business has been in the Inland Empire for nearly 15 years. Her menu consists of: Sweet potato pie, pecan pie, rose berry pie, peach cobbler, apple cobbler, lemon cake, 7-up cake, sock-it-to-me cake, red velvet cake, and a variety of cookies, all made from scratch.
Her cakes and pies are enjoyed by people around the world, especially by renowned celebrities. Her list of celebrity clientele include: Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, NFL players Ronnie Lott and Willie Gault, NBA player Dr. J, and her regular customer, NBA legend Magic Johnson, to name a few. One of her most notable achievements include baking and serving 250 peach cobbler pies for the wedding of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and his wife Shaunie O’Neal. Additionally, every year, she participates in the annual Celebrity Golf Tournament hosted by NFL player Marcus Allen.
“Her passion, love and dedication to this community led me to select her as my Small Business person of the Year. Although other cities have tried to lure her away, she chose to stay here and bring a positive influence to our area. Despite adversity, she is a constant source of inspiration,” said Assemblymember Brown.
In 2000, Mrs. Pryor Rose established Mommie Helen’s Bakery in the city of Colton.
She credits her mother as her inspiration for starting her business.
“My mom’s baking inspired me. She was a very good cook,” said Mrs. Pryor Rose. “As I was praying to the Lord, as I regularly do, He instructed me to open up a bakery. I told him, I don’t know the first thing about running a bakery, but I trusted Him and He directed me.”
She said the most rewarding aspect of her job is witnessing the expressions on the faces of her customers. “Some of our clients are brought to tears when they taste the pies. They say it reminds them of the pies they enjoyed as youngsters. Many of them no longer have the experience of enjoying the cakes and pies made by their loved ones because they’ve passed on. It’s wonderful to know that people are satisfied with our products. We put a lot of love into our work,” said Mrs. Pryor-Rose.
Currently, she serves as a consultant to the business while her daughters, the second generation of family-owned business entrepreneurs, manage the bakery.
Mrs. Pryor Rose and her husband Bobbie currently reside in San Bernardino and have two children, Tedra and Tekesha.
For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.
Photos by Naomi K. Bonman
RIVERSIDE, CA- On Saturday, June 6, the City of Riverside celebrated its annual Juneteenth celebration. It was a fun and educational day filled with live entertainment, food from Big Dees BBQ, and plenty of vendors.
GARDEN GROVE, CA- R. Byron Stringer, a Las Vegas Cop for over 26 years, took the stories he saw on the street and created the Toe Tag Monologues. He presented the Toe Tag Monologues last weekend at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Garden Grove.
The Boys and Girls Club hosted their 1st Annual Teen Leadership Conference from May 29 to 31, and was pleased to include Toe Tag Monologues. This performing troop, coming from Las Vegas, consists of teenagers who performed life changing monologues about Bullying, Teen Suicide, Human Trafficking, Gang Violence, Drug Abuse, Drunk Driving, School Violence and much more. There is no other program like it in our country!
Stringer, a native of San Bernardino, believes that the rest of America is only a moment away from becoming a Ferguson or Baltimore. The Toe Tag Monologues uses Drama to help kids get through their own Drama.
“We have to do what the City of Garden Grove, California is doing and begin to heal our children. We can no longer just lecture our kids but we have to learn to listen as well,” Stringer said. “This conference, “Turn Up For Success”, is laying a template for others to follow.”
For more information on the Toe Tag Monologues, please visit byronstringer.com.
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