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By La’Nae Norwood, CEO/ President, United Nations of Consciousness

Shots were fired into the crowd and chaos erupts. Many stared in shock as she took her last breath and her blood spilled across the pavement, another senseless act of violence, but why?

I’m left to wonder, how does an evening of frivolity turn into bloodshed? How does a parking lot turn into a war zone? These events are too familiar for San Bernardino residents, today as many family members and friends of the victims attempt to come together and pick up the pieces in mourning, sorrow and resentment.

With San Bernardino being bankrupt both morally and financially, violence is an expected symptom amongst economic despair and lack of representation. Tuesday night’s violent chain of events prompts a call for unity, education and peace

Due to pending investigations, we are unaware of what actually took place claiming the lives of 2 individuals and injuring 5, however this shows that our community is broken and immediate action needs to take place. As a member of the United Nations of Consciousness, we are making it our mission to be a resource for change in our community. In our attempt to make a direct impact, we must start with education. We need to educate our people on why violence is prevalent in our community. We must also, restore trust and focus within our communities. – Board Member, Natasha Lavera, United Nations of Consciousness

Consciousness is the ability to elevate from senseless violence. Consciousness creates the capacity to have understanding in the event you have been wronged, based on the sharing of one’s ancestry. A strive at the United Nations of Consciousness, is to foster unifying relationships between those of African ancestry to promote peace and prosperity, even at times of disagreement and conflict. Elevated and conscious minds can prevent the deadly incidents, like last night, that plague our communities. Too many African-Americans have suffered from these tragedies, and too many African-Americans have experienced these tragedies and have done nothing to unify the people amongst they have occurred. If ever there was a rallying cry it was last night, if ever there was a call to fight it was last night. A call to fight against lack of consciousness, lack of love and peace among our people. We shall rise up as we elevate our minds and our hearts, and the United Nations of Consciousness amongst African people is that start. I love you Black people, I love you San Bernardino.- Contributor, United Nations of Consciousness

United Nations of Consciousness will be hosting a Town Hall meeting to discuss the State of San Bernardino with community Leaders and members. If you are interested in participating, please contact us at uconsciousnations@gmail.com or you can find us on Facebook.

Question and Answer Session

Wallace Allen: Do you have specific plans? Are you recruiting help/volunteers from the community? Do you have regular meetings? Is there a rally or meeting being organized to get momentum from this shooting? How well do you know any of the dead, and injured? What qualifies you and other members of your group to lead a “stop the violence” campaign?

Were you able to get any photos?  Can you find a “person who was there and saw something”? I would like to hear from someone who was basically terrorized by what they heard and felt going on around them during the fight inside, outside in the parking lot or at the gas station…

La’Nae: We do have specific plans. We are a non profit organization that promotes unity, education and economic development with our priority and focus being the African/ American community. Our mission is to educate and empower as many as we can, starting right here in San Bernardino.

We are actively recruiting and fundraising to support our community programs. Our meetings are bi weekly at the 777 Community Center in San Bernardino. Our meetings require RSVP.

We also are in the process of contacting several community leaders, entertainers, influencers and political representatives to organize a town hall meeting and public protest.

In regards to the deceased and injured. I am very well acquainted with the family of one of the young men who was killed last night. I spoke to his sister briefly and she was really to upset to speak. I am very close friends with the Promoter of Stingers, Eugene Jones and he is very sad. When I spoke to him he was sobbing and mourning for those who were lost and injured last night. Eugene is a very jovial and outgoing person, that loves to make people smile and have a good time. He is filled with overwhelming remorse. I will meet with him later today to discuss the evenings events in more detail. I will encourage him to speak to you.

In regards to our qualifications,Natasha Lavera is a long standing employee at Cal State San Bernardino and Vice President of the 777 Community Center.  Daryl Pegram is an educator that works with the youth in San Bernardino.  All of us are community activist and volunteers. All College graduates and residents of this area since childhood. Now speaking directly about myself, I have over 12 years of organizational experience in the corporate setting and have worked with the business community and the youth throughout San Bernardino.

I have spoken to 3 people who were at the nightclub and the gas station, but I have not been able to acquire any photos, as of yet. The people I spoke to said the young lady who was shot at the club was breathing very hard and her blood was everywhere. One of my friends even stated, that “….it was apparent the young lady was not going to make it.” When they exited the nightclub there were injured people laying in the parking lot suffering form various injuries. There was pure chaos. There were a number of traffic accidents due to the pandemonium.

La’Nae Norwood will be a guest on this Sunday’s “Empire Talks Back” Radio talk Show. Hosted by WssNews Publisher, Wallace J. Allen, ETB broadcast each Sunday at 10:00AM on KCAA-1050 AM Radio. The program can be seen on your computer via www.kcaaradio.com and heard directly on your phone by dialing 832-999-1050.

ABOUT TUESDAY’S SHOOTING

A total of seven victims were located between the two scenes.

The two victims who died were described only as males. Police have not released their names yet.

Of the five people who were injured, two were in extremely critical condition.

A motive for the shooting was not immediately known, but the area was known for gang activity, according to Lawhead.

Read more at KTLA 5 News

What up my beautiful folks! This week nominations are WHAT IT DO! Inland Empire artist’s stand up, this is for you! LUE Productions presents, “MY MUSIC, MY MIC”, an Indie Artist Award Show! The show will be taking place on Saturday, June 6.

Are you a talented artist or know of a talented artist in the IE? If so, then nominate them for an award! Information and  Nomination form is located on the LUE Productions Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Lueproductions, or vote from your mobile device at www.jotform.us/form/43547972384164.

The nomination deadline is Sunday, March 15 and the announcement of nominees will be on Sunday, April 15. There are also plenty of opportunities to be a sponsor (affordable sponsorship packages available), a vendor, or a volunteer. For more information on volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, please leave voicemail message at (909) 567-1000, or send a text to (909) 495-0848, (909) 496-2151, (714) 833-3196, or (909) 556-7637.

The nomination categories include: R&B Best Mix Tape, R&B  Best Album, R&B  Best Song, R&B Best Male Performer, R&B Best Female Performer, R&B Best Group, R&B  Best Video, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Mix Tape, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Album, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Song, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Male Performer, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Female Performer, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Group, and Rap/Hip-Hop Best Video.

Other Categories are: Hottest Music Producer, Hottest Song Collaboration, Hottest Female Video/Model, Hottest Battle Rapper, Hottest Gospel Rapper, Hottest Dance Crew, Hottest DJ, Hottest Urban Designer, Hottest Internet Radio Show, Hottest Indie Artist Publication, Hottest Graffiti Artist, and Hottest Video Production.

(L to R) Sam Appiah-Kubi (AARP staff), Nancy McPherson (AARP Interim State Pres.), Assemblymemer Brown, and Antoine Cook (AARP staff). Photo by Jon Gaede

SACRAMENTO CA- Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino), chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, was honored with The Capitol Caregiver Award by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) on Friday, February 27, at the Fontana Senior Center. The Capitol Caregiver Award recognizes elected officials who advance and support policies that make it possible for older Californians to live independently in their homes. Assemblymember Brown was selected for the award based on her leadership in introducing AB 1744, also known as the California Caregiver Act of 2014. The ceremony was attended by AARP staff, elected officials and community members.

By John Coleman    

RIVERSIDE, CA- Riverside Community Hospital presented its 6th Annual Red Dress Fashion Show and Health Expo on Saturday, February 28, at the Riverside Convention Center.   While there was no mistake that the hospital’s motivation for the event was on women’s health, the energy and excitement rippling through the crowded convention center hallways demonstrated that most who registered for the event came prepared to look good and have fun.  The fashion show began, hours earlier, when the doors opened and the guests arrived.

MR. ED LEWIS

LOS ANGELES, CA– The California African American Museum (CAAM) celebrates Women’s History Month by hosting a discussion with Mr. Edward Lewis, co-founder of EssenceMagazine, Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m.

Moderated by television writer Kathleen McGhee Anderson, Mr. Lewis will discuss how he and three men came together to ignite the importance of giving Black women a “voice” and highlight the beauty, intelligence, and passions of African American women often overlooked by mainstream media. Additionally, he will discuss the founding of Essence, his views on “beauty culture” as it relates to black women.

Mr. Edward Lewis, who grew up in the South Bronx, co-founded Essence Communications Inc. in 1970. Beginning as a novice in magazine publishing, his drive and ambition nurtured what eventually became a media powerhouse and what The New York Times calls “the pre-eminent voice for black women.” He has acquired many accolades during his tenure of 35 years as a Chairman, CEO, and publisher for Essence including becoming the first African American Chairman of Magazine Publishers of America, receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of New Mexico, and a receiving the Henry Johnson Fisher Award from Time, Inc.  In 2014, he was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame, and received the inaugural IPPIES Lifetime Achievement Award from City University of New York’s Journalism School’s Center for Community and Ethnic Media.  His admiration for civic responsibility and creating opportunities for the younger generations has provided him with many opportunities to speak at several known colleges, and serve on boards for President Obama and throughout the United States.

The following are other events taking place at CAAM in honor of Women’s History Month:

Sunday, March 8, 2015 12:30 pm-2:20 pm/ Film Screening

Things Never Said(2014,111 min.)

An aspiring poet, in an abusive marriage, reignites dreams deferred and gains confidence and a new love.  This film is suited for an adult audience 18 years and older.  Writer and director of Things Never Said, Charles Murray will be on-hand for a “talkback” and Q&A following the screening. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Sunday, March 8, 2015 2:30 pm-4:00 pm/ “Talkback” and Panel Discussion

Rejuvenation: Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Writer, director of Things Never Said, Charles Murray will join representatives from Peace Over Violence to discuss domestic violence and strategies for successful intervention. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Friday, March 13, 2015 9:00 am-2:00 pm/ Screening and Panel Discussion

Young Voices at CAAM: High School Symposium—Mirror Mirror on the Wall

One hundred high school students will spend the day at CAAM, connecting, touring the galleries and engaging in a documentary screening, The Beauty Culture. Also featured are excerpts from the short film, Rapunzel Jackson, followed by a discussion around beauty, media propaganda and how it impacts youth.  Teachers can contact Education Curator, Elise Woodson for participation and more information at ewoodson@caamuseum.org.

Sunday, March 22, 2015 2:00 pm/ Comedy Set

The Funny of Love and Romance

Four hilarious and critically acclaimed comedians will riff on love and romance: Yvonne Orji, Daheli Hall, Ayana Hampton, Kimrie Davis. RSVP at 213.744.2024

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS IN THE CAAM GALLERIES:

Light Catchers opening March 20 – June 7, 2015

Visibly Invisible ongoing through March 1, 2015

Curvature: Lines & Shapes ongoing through March 15, 2015

CAAM Courtyard Series: From Women’s Hands ongoing through May 3, 2015

Lookin’ Back in Front of Me: Selected works of Mark Steven Greenfield, 1974-2014 ongoing through July 5, 2015

The 50^th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965: A Photographic Remembrance From The Spider Martin Civil Rights Collection ongoing through August 9, 2015

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

The California African American Museum (CAAM) researches, collects, preserves and interprets for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans. Chartered by the California State Legislature in 1977, CAAM is a state supported institution and a partner with the 501(c)(3) non- profit organization Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum. In addition to its permanent collection of over 3,000 objects of art, artifacts and historical documents, CAAM also houses a research library containing more than 20,000 volumes, employs and trains high school students through its Young Docents program, and hosts in-house curated exhibitions and traveling exhibitions on a regular basis.  The museum also tours CAAM exhibitions throughout California and the nation.

Photos by John Coleman

To celebrate Black History Month at Riverside’s Kansas Ave SDA Church, members and guests were invited to march into the church’s regular Sabbath service on February 18 with an Island twist. The church celebrated Black History in conjunction with giving recognition to the national Caribbean flag which symbolizes their birth and cultural identity. Participating members also wore Island colors, clothing, or something else symbolizing their cultural identity. It was a comfortable, joyful, and proud ceremony of recognition.

Summary and Photos by Jon Coleman

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Janet Goeske Foundation of Riverside held its 15th Annual Black History Program in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Legislation.  Sponsors included:  Fair Housing of Riverside County; Heart and Soul Line Dance; Riverside African American Historical Society; and the City of Riverside. In a dramatic performance, EMPOWER-U Productions presented the history of struggle that was necessary to bring about passage of that legislation.

Presented By WSSNEWS… Hosted By The IMPROVE Association… Produced By Empire Talks Back Radio

FOOD Directed By Jo-MaMa

Every Friday beginning Friday March 20, Friday Fish Fry (FFF) will be available for your nutritional and cultural fulfillment! Jo-MaMa (Co-Publisher Westside Story Newspaper, Josephine M. Allen) has earned her cooking reputation and will monitor the preparation of the fish, coleslaw, beans and rice, and dessert. You will not be overwhelmed with choices; however, you will be overwhelmed by taste!

The FFF Variety Show will be just as tasteful with high entertainment, which will consist of music, dance, spoken word, recognition awards, and much more.  The dinners will be available for order and pick-up beginning at 4:30 p.m to 9: 30 pm. every Friday. The stage show begins at 5:30  p.m. with family friendly acts until 7 p.m. After a short interlude, Grown-up entertainment will take the stage with “Empire Talks Back” Radio Host, Wallace Allen performing MC duties. If you want to perform call Wallace at (909) 384-8131.

Friday Fish Fry will be taped for web and TV broadcast. All attendees to the taping of the show are required to become members of the FFF Association, which is covered by your dinner purchase. You will become eligible for a variety of member benefits. FFF will be taking place at 777 Allen Street in San Bernardino.

Valley Star Community Services is pleased to invite the community to its first annual Black History Month presentations at three different schools in the San Bernardino Unified School District from February 25-27. This program is being offered as part of a contract with the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health to promote resiliency among African-American students and their families. Services are funded through the Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63).

Students will perform African dances in traditional attire that were choreographed by “Sista” Jewel Jackson, the choreographer for Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams and a professor at Cal Poly Pomona. Reverend Dennis Morgan Brown will perform an oratory of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Black Voice will have an African-American artifacts show as well.  The students will also share more about the inventors, educators and scientists that they have learned about.

The schedule for the program is: Wednesday February 25, at 2:30 p.m. at Del Rosa Elementary School, 3395 Mountain Ave, San Bernardino; Thursday, February 26, at 10:00 a.m. at Jones Elementary, 700 N. F Street, San Bernardino; and Friday February 27, at 9:30 a.m. at Hunts Elementary, 1342 Pumalo Street in San Bernardino.

“We look forward to continuing our great relationships with these schools, parents and students and rewarding them with a day of pride and recognition for their hard work,” said Wandalyn Lane, Program Manager of the Promoting Resiliency in African American Children (PRAAC) program.  PRAAC has served more than 500 youth in its first year. “This program is making a difference in kids’ lives.  I had one girl tell me that this program is making a big difference for Black kids like her younger brother and that she wished there was a program like this when she was in school.”

For more information about the Black History Month programs through PRAAC, call (909) 388-2222 or 711 for TTY users.  Valley Star is a program of Stars Behavioral Health Group:  www.starsinc.com

L/R Grade School: Mr. Kevin Hall (President), Devorlyn Celestine (Vice President), Robert Hawkins, , Jerimiah Ingram, Lanah Boyd, Lorelei Hartman, Lawson Bush (3rd Place), Morgan Hawkins, Jayla Ingram (1st Place ), Aisa Ingram, Asia Ingram (2nd Place), Twillea Evans-Carthen (Co-Chair), and Kevin Eastman (Co-Chair)

FONTANA, CA- On a beautiful sunny Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2015, high school scholars eloquently moved the crowd at Jurupa Hills High School, Fontana, CA with their thought on “major issues students face related to educational achievements in light of the staggering dropout rates among today’s students” at the 26th Annual Oratorical Contest sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Eta Nu Omega Chapter.  Mr. Kevin Eastman, Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Ms. Twillea Evans-Carthen, co-chaired this event and created a festive atmosphere by including Mr. Aaron Lash Jr. a Senior at California State University San Bernardino to inspire all through Spoken Word poetry and a pizza party as the participants awaited for the announcement of the awards.  Young scholars took part in this competition too ranging from 1^st through 8^th graders who were passionate with their response to “Why is education important to your future?”

1st Place: Khari Bush, Sr. Carter High School

This annual speech contest provides the opportunity for students grades first through twelfth to have a platform to enhance their public speaking skills, promote self-confidence, educational enrichment, and to further facilitate character building in a safe environment. This contest was developed under “The Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, and uses the International Toastmasters Guidelines.”

Winners for the following categories were: Group 1 (1^st through 5^th) 1^st Place – Jayla Ingram; 2^nd Place – Asia Ingram and 3^rd Place – Lawson Bush. Group 2 (6^th through 8^th) 1^st Place – Emma Jean Gilliam, 2^nd Place – Kiana Martinez, 3^rd Place – Isaiah Keaton.  Group 3 (9^th through 12^th) 1^st Place – Khari Bush, 2^nd Place – Brandon Watts, 3^rd Place – Kevin Jackson.

L/R Middle School and High School: Mr. Kevin Hall (President), Devorlyn Celestine (Vice President), Kiana Martinez (2nd Place MS), Khari Bush (1st Place HS), Brandon Watts (2nd Place HS), Justine Lee, Emma Jean Gilliam (1st Place MS), Kevin Jackson (3rd Place HS), Taya Ingram, Kelechi Okoro, Kamilah McMillon, Isaiah Keaton (3rd Place MS), Twillea Evans-Carthen (Co-Chair), and Kevin Eastman (Co-Chair)