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(left to right) Hattie Inge, President of Rialto Black History Committee; Myron Hester Sr., Master of Ceremonies; Joanne Gilbert, Community Service Award Recipient; Elvis Brown, Minister; Sup. Gonzales, Dr. Joel McCloud, Chancellor; Valerie Singleton, Psalmist; Pastor Chuck Singleton, Community Service Award recipient; Assemblymember Cheryl Brown; Congressman Pete Aguilar; and Mike Story, City of Rialto Administrator at Rialto Black History Committee, Inc. 30th Annual Dr. MLK Luncheon.

FONTANA, CA- Residents throughout the County of San Bernardino gathered over the weekend to honor one of the most inspiring and influential activists in United States history. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a testament to how the strength and service of one individual can uplift a community and collectively change the world,” Supervisor Josie Gonzales stated. “I was honored to join friends and colleagues at the Rialto Black History Committee, Inland Empire Concern African American Churches, and Bethel AME Church in Fontana to celebrate the life of such a historically iconic individual.”

King High School senior Brooke Tolson with her parents Andamo and Gayla at the Posse Foundation awards event.

RIVERSIDE, CA- Brooke Tolson, a senior at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, was awarded the highly acclaimed Posse Foundation scholarship in Los Angeles on January 7. The Posse Foundation founded in 1989 identifies the best and brightest multicultural students from public high schools with exceptional academic and leadership potential. These students are awarded a four-year full tuition scholarship to attend one of 51 top colleges and universities in the nation. The Posse model is rooted in the belief that a small diverse group of talented students, a Posse, carefully selected and trained can serve as a catalyst increased individual and community development. For 25 years, Posse has awarded $668 million scholarship awards. Over 2400 students were nominated out of Los Angeles for the 100 scholarships that were awarded.

Brooke is in the top 10 percent of her graduating class and has a 4.33 GPA. She is involved in Cheer, Link Crew, BSU, the Adventure Club, California Scholastic Federation and National Honor Society, while having perfect attendance at King High School. She is a tutor at Mathnasium and has traveled to Haiti with Vacation Bible School to teach English. Brooke will be attending Pepperdine University in the fall to study elementary education with career aspirations of becoming a teacher. Brooke is the daughter of Gayla and Andamo Tolson and the sister of Enrico and Austin Tolson.

Cheese Chisholm and young fans

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, will bring their unrivaled family show to the Greater Los Angeles Area for nine games at six different arenas from Friday, Feb. 6 through Monday, Feb. 16.  The 2015 “Washington Generals Revenge Tour” will entertain the Southland during the following schedule:

Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank

Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. Galen Center Los Angeles, CA

Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. Saddleback College Gym Mission Viejo, CA

Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7p.m. UCSB Events Center Santa Barbara, CA

Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. Honda Center Anaheim, CA

Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. Honda Center Anaheim, CA

Sunday, Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m. STAPLES Center Los Angeles, CA

Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5:45 p.m. STAPLES Center Los Angeles, CA

Monday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. Honda Center Anaheim, CA

The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to beat the Globetrotters.  The Generals are on a mission and will do whatever it takes to win.  They plan to evoke a new strategy that is sure to give the Globetrotters a run for their money, despite the Globetrotters’ 98.7 winning percentage and over 25,000 wins since 1926.

The Generals are the master mind of the late Louis “Red” Klotz, who passed on July 12, 2014.  The last time one of Klotz’s teams beat the Globetrotters was on Jan. 5, 1971, thanks to a last-second basket by Klotz in Martin, Tenn.

Bull Bullard

Known worldwide as the Ambassadors of Goodwill™, the Globetrotters will honor a “Hometown Hero” at each of their 310-plus games in North America.  The team is searching for active, wounded or retired members of the military who have made their community proud with their brave service and exemplary character.  Fans can nominate “Hometown Heroes” at harlemglobetrotters.com.  The Globetrotters will also play a portion of each game with a camouflage basketball as a sign of respect to all who protect our freedom.

With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard, Firefly Fisher and Moose Weekes,  plus female stars TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Sweet J Ekworomadu* – the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. With incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.

Tickets are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com and the respective arena box offices.  Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at harlemglobetrotters.com. A partnership with Metro allows riders to receive a $7 discount on select seats by showing their Metro transit receipt/pass at the box office or by using the promo code METRO when purchasing online.

Greetings, from Trudy Coleman, Founder of Juneteenth Education Technology Mobile Arts Center, Inc., (J.ET.M.A.C), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, We invite you to the “14^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Unity Breakfast and Tribute”, on Monday, January 19, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Breakfast and Program, Discussion Panels from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m..   This is event is to celebrate the life, struggle, and accomplishments of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his dream for equality, justice, and freedom for all. This year we are working to encourage the youth to get prepared for leadership roles, how to become economically prepared for the future, and be a part of improving America.

The MLK program consist of live musical performances from Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pastor Brian Kennedy of Ontario, CA, Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ, Bishop Terrance Rhone, of Pomona, CA, and others. Our special guest recording artist is Mr. Juan Santiago, of Uninhibited Praise from North Carolina, he has had appearances and opening performances with artist such as: Bobby Jones Gospel, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Stage Plays “In Times Like These” and “Lord, I’m Coming Home” featuring Karen Clark-Sheard, Vicki Winans, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Tampa, Florida.

As Co-founder and sponsor of the “California National Juneteenth Freedom Day”, A Holiday Observance Bill, originally signed by Governor Gray Davis in June 2002, the dream continues on.  This holiday observance is the celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed into law, freeing all people born on American soil, by President Abraham Lincoln, in 1863.  The news of that freedom order did not reach the last slaves in Texas, until June 19, 1865.  This June 19, 2015, will be the 150^th Anniversary of the Juneteenth, and completion of that freedom.

As Co-Chair of the National Education Committee, with the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, (N.J.O.F.), along with Dr. Ronald Myers, Chairman, we are continuing our efforts to make Juneteenth a Holiday Observance across the United States of America and abroad. June is Black Music Month, and June 2015, is the “25^th yr. Anniversary of the Juneteenth Celebration in Pomona Valley, the birthplace of the holiday bill for California. An Enshrinement for the Holiday Bill Observance was placed in Ganesha Park, to serve as a reminder of that time in history. I have dedicated my life to keeping Juneteenth alive, and educating our youth, and our communities about its significance. On Saturday, June 27, 2015, will be the “3^rd Annual Emancipation Proclamation Dinner & Phineas Newborn Jr. Music Arts Scholarship Fundraiser”, an Extravaganza musical event, and Juneteenth Student Contest.  Please check website for location announcement. So, save the date and be involved.

Donations are needed, and welcome throughout the year. We are seeking sponsorship for both events.  Deadline is January 15^th for Advanced tickets sales. Donations: $35.00 in Adv, and $40.00 at the Door, VIP $45.00. Tickets can be purchased for the MLK breakfast now online, using Paypal, or go to website: www.jetmacinc.com, and click on Payment/Donate, mail check or money order to mailing address: J.E.T.M.A.C., INC., 7640 Broadmoor Place, Rancho Cucamonga, CA  91730; or call for locations to pick up your tickets.  Please check our website to download sponsorship information, advertising in our program book, or vendor booth, at www.jetmacinc.com.  We look forward to seeing you next year and your goodwill is appreciated. I can be reached at (909) 418-8530,

Jewel Speaks to professionals

By John Coleman

Jewel Taylor

Jewel Diamond Taylor was the ‘trainer’ who addressed the Inland Empire  Non-Profit Resource Development Coalition for it’s monthly meeting last week at the San Bernardino County Dept of Behavioral Health Education Center.    Taylor is a well known and highly regarded motivational speaker who is known for speaking to packed auditoriums. This time she was able to switch gears and focus her attention on this small class of non-profit, public service young professionals.

Jonathan Buffong, Facilitator, IE NPRDC; Jewel Diamond Taylor, (2nd from the left), & Frank Kelly, (3rd from the left), receive a “Certificate of Commendaion” from Assembly Member, Cheryl Brown; & Terrance Stone, CoChair, IE NPRDC.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Music is a business and the artists and production teams behind them grind hard at crafting their perfection and making sure their message reaches the masses. This summer, San Bernardino entertainment and management company, LUE Productions, will be acknowledging music artists within the Inland Empire at the 2015 Inland Empire Indie Award Show, “My Music, My Mic.” Nominations are now being accepted.

The award show will highlight Indie R&B, Rap, and Hip Hop Artists from around the Inland Empire. There will also be special awards given to the hottest music producer, model, battle rapper, Gospel rapper, dance crew, DJ, Urban fashion designer, Internet radio show, publication, graffiti artist, and video production.

If you know an artist out there that has been working hard and making major moves, go to www.Facebook.com/LUEProductions and fill out the 2015 Indie Award Show nomination form. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, March 5. The announcement of nominees will be held on April 5 with voting opening that same day until May 31.

The award show is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 7 2015 at 7 p.m. at the National Orange Show Sports Arena in San Bernardino. For more information, please email lue.info@yahoo.com.

About LUE Productions

Launching Unique Entertainment Talent & Production Company, known as LUE Productions, was established in 2005 with the mission of offering a safe and productive venue for artists of all ages to display their talents. They pride themselves in bringing forth unique and entertaining shows for all to enjoy. Their events over the years have provided a public forum for families to enjoy special presentations from our communities most talented. As the organization has expanded, they have held successful shows which allowed artists in the Inland Empire and surrounding cities gain exposure through special events such as Musical Concerts, Talent Shows, Open MIC Nights, and Theatrical Plays. LUE Productions is community-oriented and has committed it’s time and resources to giving back to the community.

The 35^th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast will be held this year on January 19 at the National Orange Show Valencia Room at 468 N. Arrowhead at 7:30 am. Tickets are $25.00 and may be purchased at the following sites, Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and Temple missionary Baptist Church.

This year’s speaker is Assemblyman Chris Holden a bright, articulate new star who is exhibiting dynamic leadership at the state capitol on behalf of our communities. His message will address the theme of “Remembering the Past to Strengthen the Future”.

IECAAC once again is sponsoring the event, community award recipients this year are Ratibu Jacocks, Creative Business Services, “Gertrude Whetzel Award”, Carolyn Tillman,  “Public Service Award”, from the Office of County Schools,  Andre Bossieux, “Public Service Award” of Behavioral Health Services, Westside Action Group, “Community Service Award”, Jack Hill, “Patriot Award”, of Jack Hill Catering Services, Beverly Earl, “Trailblazer Award” of Catholic Charities, and Keith Lee, “Beyond the Boundaries Award”, of San Bernardino County CAO Office.

It promises to be an atmosphere of unity and enjoyment as we salute and pay tribute to an honorable individual who dedicated his life to civil justice for us all.

For further information please call the IECAAC office at 909-474-7036

Eric Holder

The Honorable, Attorney General of the United States, Eric H. Holder, Jr. is set to receive the NAACP Chairman’s Award during the 46^th NAACP Image Awards, broadcast live on Friday, February 6 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT tape-delayed) on TV One, the civil rights organization announced today.

The Chairman’s Award, chosen by Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, Roslyn M. Brock, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. Past honorees include United States Navy Vice Admiral Michelle Howard, Radio One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, Tyler Perry, Former Vice President Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai, Aretha Franklin, Bono, then-Senator Barack Obama, The Dave Matthews Band, Danny Glover, and Forest Whitaker.

“Eric H. Holder, Jr. has a national reputation for his significant work around civil rights and race in America, voting rights, and criminal justice reform.  In honoring Attorney General Holder, the NAACP focuses on his life’s work and accomplishments as our nation’s first African American Attorney General” stated Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “I am personally inspired by his many civic commitments including service on the board of Columbia University, the National Center for Victims of Crime, the Meyer Foundation, and the Save the Children Foundation, his expansive legal career including working for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, as well as his positions on a number of tough race-related issues to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all Americans.  It is my honor and privilege to recognize Mr. Holder.”

President Barack Obama nominated Mr. Holder to be Attorney General and his nomination was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 2, 2009. Mr. Holder began his service as the eighty-second Attorney General of the United States the next day. Eric H. Holder, Jr. was born in New York City and attended public schools there, graduating from Stuyvesant High School, before earning a B.A. in American History from Columbia College in 1973 and a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1976.

Upon his graduation from law school, Mr. Holder joined the Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honors Program.  He was assigned to the newly-formed Public Integrity Section, where he investigated and prosecuted corruption involving officials in local, state, and federal government.  In 1988, President Reagan appointed Mr. Holder to serve as an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, where he presided over hundreds of criminal and civil trials during his five years on the bench.  In 1993, President Clinton appointed Judge Holder to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.  In 1997, President Clinton appointed Mr. Holder to serve as Deputy Attorney General of the United States, a position that he held until the end of the Clinton administration.  At the request of President George W. Bush, Mr. Holder served as Acting Attorney General in 2001 pending the confirmation of Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Mr. Holder has received numerous awards in recognition of his professional and civic contributions, including the Department of Justice’s Special Achievement Award, the District of Columbia Bar Association’s Beatrice Rosenberg Award, and George Washington University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal for Outstanding Service in Human Rights.  The District of Columbia Bar Association recognized Mr. Holder as its Lawyer of the Year in 1997.

The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishment of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Winners will be voted upon by NAACP members and announced when the envelopes are opened on Thursday, February 5 during the Awards Ceremony for non-televised categories. The remaining categories will be announced LIVE on stage during the two-hour star-studded TV One telecast on Friday, February 6 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT tape-delated). The telecast will also include a one-hour pre-show airing live from the red carpet (8:00 p.m. ET/PT tape-delayed).

The 46^th NAACP Image Awards are sponsored by: AT&T, Bank of America, FedEx, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Gilead Sciences, Hyundai Motor America, PepsiCo, Southwest Airlines and Wells Fargo.

For all information and latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at http://www.naacpimageawards.net.