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(center left) Community organizer and Executive Director of Parents of Watts, Sweet Alice Harris, and (center right) CEO of WWAM Inc./I.S.A.H., Dr. Deborah Winn.

By Dr. Deborah Winn

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Thursday, September 18, Willing Winn Associates and Mission (WWAM) Inc., launched its program “It Starts At Home” (I.S.A.H.). The launch event took place at Juanita Jones Blakely Elementary School, where there is a resource center for basic living needs and assistance for needy families and children.

I.S.A.H. was established in the memory of Dorothy J. Fielder. Fielder was not only the mother of CEO of WWAM, Dr. Deborah Winn, but a missionary, evangelist, and assistant pastor. Winn states that if it had not been for the love, protection, nutriment, and guidance from her parents, she would not be here spreading it abroad.

Stormy Jones doing a praise dance to “Take Me to the King.”

The event kicked off with a welcome by Ramon Velasco, principal of Jones Elementary. The emcee for the afternoon was Wanda Parker. Sweet Alice Harris, community organizer and founder and executive director of Parents of Watts, made a special appearance. She spoke on working together with WWAM to get the needs met for the youth in the community, Blacks and Browns (African Americans and Mexicans) coming together as one in the city, and on the importance of political leaders.  She also posed the question of the fact on why weren’t there any political leaders present at the event.

Another speaker was the assistant police chief of San Bernardino, Eric McBride. He mentioned how he believes in the notion of “It Starts At Home” and how it should be spread abroad throughout the city because the children and parents desperately need it.

In addition, residents gave their testimonies about “I.S.A.H.” and what it meant to them, as well as what WWAM has done in their lives. They included Mrs. Rasheda Ballard, Ms. Andrea Vejar, Mr. Robert Russell, Juanita Webster (San Bernardino Parks and Recreation), and Ms. Blanca Aguirre.

WWAM  would love to give a special thanks to Stormy Jones who did a praise dance to “Take Me to the King”, and Bishop Larry Jones who did all the artwork for I.S.A.H.

Stay tuned for Juneteenth 2015 at Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino and for another appearance by Sweet Alice Harris.

By Audrey Thompson

Wal Mart is very popular in the African American community, and other low income areas. Wal Mart hires African Americans and their prices are affordable for everyone.

Back when Ford Motor company started, Mr. Ford was adamant about his employees being able to afford his cars. He set affordable prices so not only could regular consumers buy his cars but his  workers too. This is the same for Wal Mart, employees and regular customers can afford Wal Mart products.

Now you have the Unions, Trades, Labor  and  Democrats crying foul. They argue that Wal Mart does not pay their employees fair wages, poor working conditions and poor health insurance coverage. In addition, they argue that Wal Mart closes small business, Mom & Pop stores. So, for that reason the Unions, Trades, Labor and the Democratic Party fight hard to prevent Wal Mart from building in low income communities. Translating into maintaining the high unemployment rate in the African American communities.

Well let’s look at their argument . Usually the so called Mom & Pop stores are family owned and hire less than 25 employees, if that many, and I doubt they have health insurance either. Remember, that was one of the issues regarding Obamacare, that small businesses could not afford healthcare, at all. Quiet as it’s kept, many of the so called Mom & Pop stores are really boutiques and we all know low income African Americans are not shopping at those over priced boutiques and specialty shops.

Let me tell you what’s really goings on. The Unions, Trades, Labor  and the Democratic Party are pissed off at Wal Mart because they won’t unionize, thus getting union dues from tens of thousands of Wal Mart workers. This translates into hundreds of millions of dollars to the Unions, Trades and Labor. Wal Mart hires more African American community members in the cities they build then Unions, Trade and Labor hire in the cities they are working. The Democratic Party needs to back the Unions with this argument because they know it is Union, Trade and Labor money that fuel their campaigns.

Don’t get me wrong, Democrats need money to run their campaigns, however, not at the expense of the African American community. Once again, the Unions, Trades, Labor and the Democratic Party are misusing the African American vote to keep their own personal agenda in full throttle. They continue to misrepresent the truth and hope we will continue to fall for the okeedoke.

You can keep your Trade, Labor, Unions and Democratic Party. I’ll take a job, minimum wage, ability to move up in the company with a pay raise, some health and dental care and  products my family can absolutely afford.

It’s all about jobs in our community. If Wal Mart in our community bring  jobs at minimum wage and some health insurance without Unions, Trades, Labor and the Democratic Party, how bout this – 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing! 100% of nothing is what the Unions, Trades, Labor and Democratic Party is offering the African American family and community.

Youth Auditions is WHAT IT DO this Saturday! The auditions are being sponsored by LUE Productions, Westside Story Newspaper, Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Cities, Family First Entertainment, Pretty Pockets, and Cold Cutz Barber Shop.  Youth will be auditioning for the ‘Youth Showcase’ which will be held on Saturday, December 13th .

This is a Great opportunity for our FUTURE TO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENT! We are calling all Gospel Acts, Singers, Singing Groups, Poets, Spoken Word Artists, Dancers, Rappers, Comedians, and More! We are also looking for youth hosts and models. All participants must be 19 and under.

The auditions will take place on Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 114 S. Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino (92408). You may send us an audition tape if unable to make auditions. All final contestants will be contacted by Monday, September 29.

For more information, please contact LUE PRODUCTIONS (909) 567-1000 or by email at Lue.info@yahoo.com. You may also contact BossRell of LUE P. at (909) 496-2151, TeeAuna of Pretty Pockets (model coordinator) at (310) 866-7545, or Deeveatva Foy of LUE P. (model coordinator) (909) 556-7637

Actress Erika Ringor

RIVERSIDE, CA – The 2nd Annual Pink and White Celebration is on Sunday, October 5 at D and D’s Dance Center in Riverside at 1445 Spruce Street.  “We are honoring local breast cancer survivors.  We also honor two women who are positive role models relative to health and wellness,” said breast cancer survivor Carrie Madrid, founder and CEO of Lady Huskies, Inc.

This year the “Woman of Excellence Award” has been added to the 2nd Annual Pink and White Celebration.  “The two honorees chosen this year have overcome adversity and excelled in their personal lives to not only achieve greatness, but have dedicated themselves to raising awareness of women’s health and wellness,” said Madrid.The honorees chosen are actress Erika Ringor and 2012 track Olympian Brigetta Barrett.

Erika is known for her role in the motion picture Love and Basketball, among other movies and is now a Fitness and Health Coach for a major health and wellness company.  Brigetta Barrett is a high jumper from the United States. Her biggest success is winning the silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. She is returning to the 2016 Olympics.

Brigetta Barrett

This breast cancer awareness month fundraising gala was created by Madrid a Stage III breast cancer survivor of two years.  Madrid shares her story in hopes of raising awareness and inspiring others to beat breast cancer. The “Woman of Excellence Award” honorees will be presented with an original work of art created by artist John Barge III  www.johnbarge3.com. The official unveilings of these works of art will take place at the 2nd Annual Pink & White Celebration.

“We invite everyone to attend and enjoy this celebration of hope,” said Madrid.  She added, ”Special appearances at the celebration include: jazz saxophonist, Mark Allen Felton and vocalists, “L.A. the Don” with Jazmine Culpepper; World Champion Mixed Marshal Arts (MMA) Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Jenae Noonan and artist Brandy Loves2Draw”, said Madrid.

Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased on the website or at the door.  Tables of eight are available for $200 if purchased by October 1. All breast cancer survivors must be registered by October 1. For more information or to register a survivor, make a donation; please contact Carrie Madrid at 951-707-7965 or carrie_madrid@yahoo.com.

Rita Jordan, Parent Interviewed

By Angela M. Coggs

On September 11, 2014 the District’s African American Advisory Council (D.A.A.A.C.) held its second meeting of the year. The meeting was called to order by the President Gwen Rodgers promptly and the panel of new officers was introduced. The new officers include Angelia Watts (Vice President), Nikki Chambers (Secretary), Devona Robertson (Palimaentiran), Miesha Porter (Historian) and Angela Coggs (Press Media). The parents were greeted by officers as they entered the Community Room at the Board of Education.

There were several topics on the agenda for DAAAC meeting, such as, the African-American Task Force Results, Aeries: Parent Portal, New Elementary Report Card, and DAAAC’s new meeting series S.W.A.G. (Success With Academic Goals).

Two SBCUSD Board Members, Danny Tillman and Mike Gallo, were also in attendance at the DAAAC meeting. Both members gave an impromptu greeting to the audience and congratulated the officers for their commitment to volunteering their time and dedication to serving the community. It was great to have their support as Board Members and also as parents.

One important part of the evening was the presentation by Dr. Lori Caruthers-Collins of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (C.O.P.E.).  She discussed the final report and recommendations of the Task Force for African American Student Achievement and using it as a starting point for addressing African American student achievement in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. African American parents were sent a survey in the mail and asked for them to be answered and returned while other parents were given the survey at other community events. As a result, the following are the strategic developments that are recommended for achieve success:

1. Improve proficiency in math and English Language Arts among 3^rd grade students.
2. Improve Algebra One proficiency rates among African American students who are on track and complete UC/CSU courses by 12^th
3. Increase the percentage of African American students by improving school attendance.
4. Address chronic absenteeism among African American students by improving school attendance.
5. Reduce suspensions through effective implementation of positive behavior support systems.
6. Strengthen engagement among parents/caregivers of African American students.

In addition to DAAAC’s agenda topics for the year, other items that are scheduled to be covered this include: A-G graduation requirements, AVID, How to navigate the school system, school police, Rigorous Curriculum Design (RCD)/Common Core (CCSS), Promise for students to attend Cal State San Bernardino, Promise for students to attend San Bernardino Valley College MOU, K-16 Bridge, Richardson/Rodriguez/IB, Program Entrance Requirements and Affirmative Action.

The teams of officers have worked together since the beginning of the school year to come up with new and improved ideas and strategic plans to increase and retain parent involvement throughout the district. A new approach that was implemented recently was a proactive method. The officers went out in teams and attended 20 back to school nights armed with DAAAC and AAPAC informational brochures and sign-up sheets with a mission to engage parents and get commitments to become actively involved in DAAAC and AAPAC. This approach was a monumental success because they were able to sign-up 190 new parents. These were parents not previously involved in DAAAC or AAPAC. Going out, meeting parents, and making connections with parents was a group effort and the commitment of the officers made a big impact on the overall outcome.

“I feel like I have a support system,” stated Rita Jordan. Not only is Jordan the mother of a child at Bonnie Oehl Elementary, she is also an employee of the SBCUSD who also works at her son’s school. According to Jordan, the principal at Oehl Elementary, Robert Morales, approached her last year to start an AAPAC at the school and to get involved in DAAAC. Ever since she has been attending the DAAAC meetings she feels like she has learned a lot. For example, how better prepare for her son’s educational future. She stated that there is always a wealth of resource information available at every meeting. She was very interested in the results gathered from the Task Force survey because she participated in planning process and was one of the employees that were interviewed for the survey.

As a component of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, DAAAC has goals and expectations as a whole however; it is also important to note that each officer also has their own personal goals they would like to achieve within their perceptive position they want to see realized this school year.

Gwen-Rodgers, President

Gwen Rodgers (President)- “My goal as the District African American Advisory Council President is to rebuild parent relationships that will encourage more parent engagement and interaction on campus in the community to ensure student success at all levels.”

Angelia Watts (Vice President)

Angelia Watts (Vice President) – “I believe the collective efforts of DAAAC should be geared toward penetrating the hearts of African American parents from all social, educational, and economic backgrounds. I want to evoke them to get involved in their children’s educational process. As African American parents we must represent a united objective, and that is to create a healthy and happy learning environment where our children can thrive.”

Nikki Chambers (Secretary)

Nikki Chambers (Secretary) – “Parental involvement is a critical, and proven, technique in helping African American children be successful and lessening the achievement gap. My goal is for parent to become actively engaged advocates for their children and their future. Our community can no longer sit back and wait to change to happen. We must begin to affect change in our communities and our lives.”

Devona Robterson (Paraliemarian) – “As a mother of three students in the SBCUSD I know the importance of being my children’s advocate. During my time with DAAAC I hope to encourage and empower parents. The partnerships between the school district, community organizations, and churches are in place, we must now include the voice of the parents. The parent voice represents the future of our children here in the district. So along with discussion and planning we must also have some action. I look forward to working with DAAAC board members, parents, teachers, principals, and school district staff. In the words of Malcolm X, ‘Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today’.”

Meisha Porter (Historian)

Meisha Porter (Historian) – “My goal as an DAAAC officer is to support our African American parents and students to help them realize that there is a great need for us to become active in our community. To help be a voice for those who are afraid to speak up and to be an example for those who want to become more involved. I want to be there when history is made with the help of our team to ensure and establish success and expose opportunities for our children and their future. I see DAAAC officers as a group of leaders who will inspire other parents to become leaders. To help make a difference on how our kids learn, how they interact with teachers and their peers. To show them that we care for them and their education is important.”

Angela Coggs (Social Media/Public Relations Coordinator)

Angela Coggs (Social Media/Public Relations Coordinator) –“My goal for this school year is to increase parent engagement and involvement and visual exposure of DAAAC via printed and digital media. Making connections with the community and supplying parents with much needed information is very crucial to the success of each and every student in the SBCUSD district. I want to reiterate to parents the importance of not only being involved in their children’s educational journey when they are young but to also continue to stay involved through middle school and high school and beyond. We must encourage our children to challenge themselves, to step away from their comfort zone and not to be afraid to have dreams and big goals. Big dreams lead to big success. I believe that it certainly takes a village to raise a child. We have to advocate for our children.  As Frederick Douglass once stated, ‘it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men’.”

Jon Gaede, a representative from Assembly Member Cheryl Brown’s office, presented each new officer with a certificate in recognition of their nomination to provide the community with leadership and initiative. The parent turnout for the meeting was very encouraging and D.A.A.A.C. looks forward to the rest of the school year and hopes that numbers continue to increase from here on.

Elect-Hardy-Brown-II

DAAAC would like to invite all parents and caregivers of African American students who attend SBCUSD schools to the meetings during this school year. The meeting dates are as followed:

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Kohl’s Department Stores’ San Bernardino EFC, located at 825 East Central Ave., and San Bernardino DC, located at 890 E Mill St., are hiring for the holidays! The facility plans to hire approximately 2,200 associates at the San Bernardino EFC and approximately 90 associates at the San Bernardino DC over the next few months for seasonal positions.

New hires will help support Kohl’s commitment to providing excellent service to customers throughout the year.

Seasonal associates will enjoy an immediate associate discount, climate controlled facilities, shift pay premiums and a comfortable, friendly work environment.

Kohl’s is hiring for all shifts from now through November. Applicants must be at least 18-years-old and be able to lift 30 pounds. Prospective employees are asked to visit KohlsCareers.com/dc to apply for open positions.

New interactive science museum will use Sept. 24 and 27 job fairs to fill 100 full- and part-time positions in the Valley

LOS ANGELES, CA- Come November 13, there will be 71,000 square feet of new reasons for L.A. residents to visit the Hansen Dam Recreational Area of the San  Fernando Valley.

That’s the date Discovery Cube Los Angeles officially opens to the public – and to  host and inspire the 180,000 visitors expected during the first year, the Discovery Science  Foundation is partnering with the local America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) to host two  job fairs designed to fill more than 100 new job positions in the Valley.

The new positions will staff the Discovery Cube Los Angeles, a new interactive science  center taking shape on the site of the former Children’s Museum of Los Angeles in the Lake  View Terrace neighborhood. In partnership with the local AJCC, Discovery Cube LA will host  job fairs on Wednesday, Sept. 24, and Saturday, Sept, 27, in search of qualified employees  for the two-story, state-of-the-art museum facility.

“Since the San Fernando Valley is the new home of Discovery Cube LA, we are  delighted to be able to bring exciting new employment opportunities to our neighborhood,”  said Discovery Cube LA Executive Director Kafi Blumenfield. “We’re confident that we can  find local talent here in the Valley and candidates who share our passion for hospitality,  science and hands-on learning.”

Interviews will be for both full- and part-time positions, which will vary in daily duties,  required skills, and experience. In addition to hosting the job fairs, the local AJCC will offer  resources, expertise, and community network to applicants. For more information on the  Discovery Cube Los Angeles job fairs, please visit www.discoverycube.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA –Carolina Beltran steps down as Miss Cardinal City on Saturday, September 20, when the new Miss Cardinal City is crowned. Miss Cardinal City, along with reigning Mr. Cardinal City, will represent San Bernardino High School at school and community functions throughout the year. According to pageant director and Bilingual School Outreach Worker Jamie Rios, the goals for Miss Cardinal City are to develop students’ confidence, raise community awareness and pride in the school and community, and make people aware that San Bernardino High School is also a chartered city.

During the two-hour pageant, Miss Cardinal City contestants will be ranked by a panel of judges in on-stage categories, including sportswear, evening gown, and on-stage question. Off-stage rankings, tabulated before the pageant, include grades, attendance, and personal interviews.

The pageant begins at 6 p.m. at Sturges Center for the Fine Arts, 1850 North E Street in San Bernardino. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Jamie Rios at (909) 881-8217.

Aaron Swift

So, who will it be this week folks! Ya’ girl is back and Aaron Swift is What It Do! The first time I heard him spit, I was like, okay then. His style and flavor is definitely UNFORGETTABLE and UNTOUCHABLE.

Aaron Block, known as Swift, was born in 1982 at Gardena memorial. This talented artist grew up listening to artists such as Ice cube, Digital Underground, and other well-known legends in the industry. Swift developed the talent for writing poetry before ever knowing how to write music. After the passing of his beautiful mother Jean Shaneatha Hall in 1991, Swift found a new way to express himself which was putting his poetry into bars and making Hip-Hop music.

Since then he has developed in every aspect and is known for his witty metaphors and catchy hooks.  In 1999, Swift was fully confident in his delivery and decided he was going to let the world know what he is capable of, but some were still skeptical as to how versatile he was, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing dreams.  Skipping a couple rough patches and shady deals with record labels and management, Swift has come into his own, working with artists which include Tony Touch, Westside Bugg, Sylk-E-Fyne, Dirty Birdy, Way2Much, and many others. Swift is currently running a full studio production company called Swifts Production and is currently the CEO of an upcoming filming company called OnMyMama.tv. Please check out his music on face book and YouTube. Till next time, Peace & Blessings!

T’ana and daughter reading Bratty Tatty

SAN BERARDINO, CA- SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, September 20 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Littlefield/Shultis Park located at 2525 Kendall Way in San Bernardino, local author and philanthropist T’ana Phelice will be hosting “Love & Literacy Block Party,” to amp the release of her latest book, “Bratty Tatty.”

In efforts to promote literacy in a fun and engaging way, ‘Bratty Tatty’ serves as a multicultural book that engages parents and their little ones ages 3 to 7 with raps and riddles inspired by Phelice’s 8-year-old daughter, Tanai. This colorful tale is an educator that parents can use to weapon against naughty behavior by teaching children accountability.

“I’ve fashioned a reputation for my fictional short stories and poetry for the more mature crowd”, Phelice states. “But my child’s outbursts and right on time tantrums every time I’d drop her off to head-start triggered the creative youngster in me. I decided to write something fun, something our kids can identify with, and something they can actually learn from.”

This is a free event for the community to come out and enjoy a family oriented day filled with activities ranging from live performances, a live DJ, a jumper, food, prizes and more! In addition, each person that purchases a book they will receive a free popcorn or cotton candy.