Local

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing teen, Aleena Garcia.

Aleena, 15, was last seen at the Stonewood Center in Downey, California on December 26, 2023. Aleena had gone shopping with her mom and grandmother, after a phone call Aleena was visibly upset and walked out of sight and is believed to have exited the mall. That was nearly two weeks ago, and Aleena is still missing.

Aleena’s mom, Laren Turner, shared that her daughter has never gone missing before and this is very out of character for her. Aleena is very close with her friends and family, and she has not been in contact with anyone. Her mom fears something may have happened to her daughter. Laren told NCMEC “I need her home and to know that she is safe,” she said. “I love her so much and will not stop looking until she is brought home to me”.

In an effort to bring more attention to Aleena’s case, her poster is being featured on the Ring’s Neighbors app as a part of a partnership between NCMEC and Ring. This feature reaches millions of users, providing real-time assistance in locating missing children.

Aleena is described as 5’4″, weighs 160 lbs., and has brown eyes with black hair. If you have any information about Aleena her disappearance, PLEASE contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Downey Police Department (California) at 1-562-861-0771.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- It’s time for the 44th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, hosted by Inland Empire African American Churches (IECAAC). This year’s theme “From Dream to Action” Inspiring Change and Equality, Galatians 3:28. The breakfast will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Entrepreneur High School located at 26655 Highland Avenue in Highland, California 92346. To purchase your ticket, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/44th-annual-martin-luther-king-jr-breakfast-from-dream-to-action-tickets-779217659997.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino M.L.K. Day Parade and Extravaganza Committee is excited to reveal the distinguished grand marshals for the upcoming 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Extravaganza, hosted by the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and YouthBuild Inland Empire. The parade and expo will be held on Monday, January 15, starting at noon in Downtown San Bernardino, starting at YouthBuild Inland Empire, located at 624 W. 4^th Street. The theme this year is, “Making a Difference in the Lives of All: ‘Justice, Unity, Inclusiveness for a Better Today.”

This year’s grand marshals include:

• Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers: Member of the San Bernardino County Board of Education in California, representing Area D.
• Pepe Serna: Renowned American film and television actor and artist, with a career spanning over 100 films.

The keynote speaker will be Benjamine Reynoso, San Bernardino City Council Board Member representing the 5th ward. Other highlights include: a Kids Zone sponsored by First 5 San Bernardino, Sunshine Party Rentals, and 20/20 Vision Youth; Art exhibits, food vendors, and community organizations such as Off The Chain Alliance, LUE Productions Community Umbrella Services, Uniteee, along with several others; and live performances from local artists on the main stage.

The parade announcers include: Mr. Wallace Allen of the Westside Story Newspaper and Empire Talks Back Radio and Robert Porter of I Love San Bernardino Radio. The Extravaganza hosts are Comedian Mac Rome and Lue Dowdy, President for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce – Inland Cities East Chapter.

For additional details about the event, please contact the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce at 1.888.466.7408 or text Parade Committee Chair, Lue Dowdy, at 909.495.0848. Visit the chamber website at www.blackchamberofcommerce.org

The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and YouthBuild Inland Empire is proud to support and celebrate events that promote justice, unity, and inclusiveness within our community.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California Endowment’s (TCE) mission is to expand access to affordable, high-quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians.

Since the organization’s establishment in 1996, TCE has awarded more than 22,000 grants amounting to over $2.9 billion to community-based organizations across California, making it the largest private health foundation in the state.

TCE provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are not private foundations, California state and local government entities, and faith-based organizations that welcome and serve all state residents.

According to TCE, in many parts of the country, including California, a person living in an affluent neighborhood can expect to live 15 years longer than someone living in a low-income underinvested neighborhood, sometimes just a few blocks away.

Many of these underserved places, due to the legacy of racial and economic segregation, lack basic health-protective amenities such as parks, grocery stores, good schools, jobs, and housing.

TCE empowers organizations in California to change this reality, with the belief that race, geographic location, gender nor sexual orientation should not limit access to a healthy life. The Endowment also hosts events and programs to build unity and amplify voices in the community for social change.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Castle Redmond, Managing Director of TCE about the organization’s impact, challenges, and achievements over the last year.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

We fund organizations doing work within our strategic focus areas. We Many of them work on behalf of Black people and the community, not exclusively, but it’s a big part of what we want to accomplish in California.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

We focus on public education. We’re trying to transform the public education system in California by supporting organizations that are doing the work to transform it. Over the last year, some of the best work we did is funding community groups supporting mental health in the school system. For example, The Alliance for Boys and Men of Color is an organization we support to ensure that funding gets to schools that have high numbers of Black students.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

There are a host of challenges that are systemic and not new. Structural racism and inequities hit the same folks who were hit hardest by slavery, indigenous genocide, by Jim Crow, northern and western segregation, redlining, and the rest. The same folks are hit with structural racism now. In California, Black people are, by far, the most affected by
homelessness. It’s the same with incarceration and gun violence. The backlash from structural racism is landing on us. The aftermath of COVID – the deathrates and lockdowns — with schools being closed for the longest, we’re still reeling and trying to recover from that. Lastly, our schools in the districts that serve large numbers of Black students are being hit by a fiscal crisis. All of that stems from structural inequities.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

We are a highly committed organization. We are explicit about transforming structural inequity. The biggest challenge is figuring out exactly how to move from strategy to implementation. Figuring out those levers that will have the greatest impact. This problem is amplified because everyone is adjusting because of the changes that have taken place since COVID. The conditions have shifted, the landscape has shifted, and for us to navigate that is a challenge.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

We support our grantees. We don’t take the lead, but we support organizations that are pushing for reparations. One of these organizations is the California Black Freedom Fund. We are finishing up our giving of a $10 million grant to the Fund and they are supporting reparations. In the future, if there is an opportunity for us to play an appropriate role for a foundation, we’re exploring what that might be.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you are doing?

Join local organizing efforts that are led by and for Black people in your community or surrounding communities. They can also give to the Black Freedom Fund. That would be the number one funding organization to look to.

NATIONWIDE— Monica Nancy Candny, a 23-year-old woman from Ghana, has made history by graduating with top honors in Marine Engineering from the Regional Maritime University in Ghana. She celebrated her amazing achievement on her social media.

In a heartfelt post on her LinkedIn feed, Monica expressed her relief at successfully navigating the challenges of her academic journey and extended gratitude to everyone who played a role in her success.

“Congratulations to me! Finally, I am leaving Regional Maritime University. The battle was not easy at all, but with God, all things are possible. Today, I have graduated with first-class honors in BSc Marine Engineering. Thanks to God, my family, my LinkedIn friends, my mentors, and everyone who contributed to my success,” she wrote.

Monica, who pursued a male-dominated field, carried an inspiring message on her post, urging others not to shy away from ambitious dreams. She emphasized that setbacks are a natural part of the journey, but it is important to remain diligent in pursuing one’s passions.

“If you dream it, you can achieve it. If you have a passion for something, go and get it. Success is not final, and failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts,” she said.

A lot of people celebrated her success with her and wrote their congratulatory comments on her post.

“Heartfelt congratulations to you and your fellow graduates. Excellence is always a great thing to be sought-after. You attained it, very well done!” one comment said.

“Big Congratulations on this new achievement. More to come,” another wrote.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Since its inception in 2003, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) has been America’s premier civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+, and same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS through coalition building, federal policy change, research, and education. The organization’s mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ+/SGL bias and stigma.

Operating out of Los Angeles, the NBJC supports Black individuals, families, and communities to strengthen the bonds and bridge the divides between the movements advocating for racial justice and LGBTQ+/SGL equity.

The leadership at the NBJC envisions a world where all people are fully empowered to participate safely, openly, and honestly in family, faith, and community, regardless of race, class, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Black LGBTQ+/SGL Americans constitute a significant subset of Black families with 3.7 percent of all Black Americans (more than one million people) identifying as LGBTQ+/SGL, according to the Williams Institute in 2013.

NBJC acknowledges that the challenges facing the community are exacerbated by the stigma and marginalization that attend social constructions of race, normative gender, and sexuality. In an effort to empower Black LGBTQ+/SGL people and their families, NBJC prioritized three policy pillars in 2023: Ensuring that all Black lives matter; co-creating a nation where everyone can thrive; and repairing and healing a divided nation.

California Black Media spoke with Jeffery Wallace, President and CEO of Leaders Up, which is a member of the NBJC.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

Despite California being a progressive state, when we look at economic outcomes, we still see a major gap between us and our White counterparts. Leaders Up looks at how to build an anti-racist and inclusive economy where there is no racial disparity in the areas of education, employment, compensation and benefits. Beyond that, how do we normalize psychological and physical safety in the labor market, equal opportunities for pathways to leadership and sharing power.

In particular, we know that the queer and trans community are under full frontal assault. What NBJC has allowed us to do is to incorporate an intentionality, a level of consciousness where we can work with our employers and our development partners around identity and inclusion. Ensuring that when we think about Black folks, we’re thinking about Black queer folks and the unique supports and advocacy necessary to ensure they have the support they need to thrive. It has been critical as we think about an intersectional economy that we center queer identities in that work and ensuring the workplace has the capabilities to best serve the population.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

Our greatest success has been defining how we shift from employment and placing folks into careers to transforming the conditions of the economy and the workplace and education system to ensure that those types of opportunities can be generated at scale. Over the last 10 years we’ve been able to place 70,000 people into employment. However, when the pandemic hit, young people of color in particular were the last
ones hired and the first ones fired. Which means that the conditions of the economy had to be transformed in the way where industries saw frontline workers and people color as vital aspects of their strategy. So,
we decided to do something about that.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Systemic racism. I think that when we think about a system that has been designed even in California for African Americans to not win, that’s the biggest challenge that we’re facing. The biggest challenge is also ourselves. For us to organize in a way for us to consolidate our power and shift the conditions we operate in. It’s time for us to not just win the game but change the rules of the game to ensure policies are designed to give Black folks an equitable opportunity to build out here.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

It’s capital. Finding out how to amass the capital that frees us up to do the work in a more impactful way. So, we’re no longer concerned about sustainability and more concerned about transformation. That’s the biggest gap between Black service organizations and our White counterparts. Access to resources to be able to have the capacity to
dream and execute with intention and impact.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely. The more that the movement incorporates organizations like ours, it becomes important for us to dream big around the capital for Black folks to build economic power. Our interest is for Black folks to have the agency to live the lifestyles that aligns with their aspirations and needs. When we think about reparations and the missteps America made post-Civil War and the intentional harms that California has allowed to happen to Black people, the equitable thing to do is to invest in not just reparations but healing and infrastructure.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

You can visit our website at leadersup.org. We are always looking for professionals who want to give back through career coaching. We have a myriad of opportunities to expose young adults to different career pathways. And we’re looking for business leaders who are looking to connect to the next generation of talent and do it in a way where you are improving your own workplace environment so that you have deeper retention and higher performing teams.

You can also visit nbjc.org to connect with the work we are doing nationwide.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) is the only organization committed to advancing health equity for African Americans and Black immigrants in the Golden State.

CBHN’s mission is to ensure that all Black Californians, irrespective of their educational background, socio-economic class, zip code, sexual orientation, gender identity, living conditions or immigration status have access to high-quality and equitable primary and behavioral healthcare.

This mission aims to prevent people from unnecessarily succumbing to disease-related fatalities and is supported by CBHN’s many events, informational sessions, fundraisers, and training sessions.

One recurring event that CBHN hosts is the online Health Equity Forum. At the forum, various stakeholders convene to discuss the most pressing health issues affecting Black communities.

CBHN’s Health4Life series brings together health professionals from diverse disciplines to share information about family health history. That knowledge of genetic genealogy is an important aspect of achieving a healthier community in the eyes of CBHN. The organization also forges partnerships with community groups to participate in festivals and other recreational events to bring health information to the public in more informal settings.

CBHN prioritizes supporting research and educational initiatives that document the underlying factors influencing the health status of Black Californians and informing policy initiatives aimed at reducing disparities.

CBHN’s #carrythevoice campaign provides the Black community with a platform to share their experiences with the healthcare system.

California Black Media spoke with Rhonda M. Smith, Executive Director of CA Black Health Network, about the organization’s impact, achievements, and challenges over the year.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

The California Black Health Network conducts outreach, education, and advocacy to achieve health equity for Black Californians through the lens of understanding critical issues that lie at the intersection of racial justice, social justice, and environmental justice.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

Over the past year, we were recognized for our work and impact. CBHN was chosen as Nonprofit of the Year by the Sacramento Black Chamber, and as a DEI Award Honoree by the Sacramento Business Journal. In addition, we enrolled over 1,000 people in healthcare coverage and provided health education to over 2,000 Black Californians to improve health literacy and self-empowerment.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

I think that our health is our greatest asset. Unfortunately, Black Californians don’t all have the same opportunity, ability, and resources to live long healthy lives like other racial or ethnic groups. So, access to quality, equitable, culturally competent, and affordable healthcare is our biggest challenge. If we don’t have good health and longevity, it affects all other aspects of our lives.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Like all nonprofit organizations, we’re in the business of fundraising, and like many Black-led organizations there’s the challenge of the philanthropy giving gap. The unrestricted net assets of Black-led organizations are 76% smaller than their White-led counterparts, andtheir average percentage of revenue was less than half. It’s a major challenge, especially in garnering investments for core operating support and capacity building — especially since there has been a decline since 2020 of funding opportunities available for Black-led nonprofits.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Yes, and we support the activities of the reparations task force and will do our part to address the issues identified in chapter 12 related to physical and mental health.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

They can start by becoming a member of the Black Health Network, attend our webinars and events, and volunteer their time, talent, and treasure in support of the organization’s mission and work, and join the Campaign for Black Health Equity.

The Black Health Network is the membership arm of the California Black Health Network and is a virtual community of like-minded health equity leaders, professionals, policy makers, advocates, individuals, and partners who work to ensure that Black Californians live lives free from violence, racism, and health inequities. As a Network member, you will be able to network and interact with others virtually; exchange information and collaborate on common interests and goals; develop professional or social contacts; and leverage tools and resources to help you achieve impact in your mission to improve the health and well-being of Black Californians.

Visit CaBlackHealthNetwork.org for more information on how you can get involved.

Lawmaker’s bill would result in changes to 2014 Proposition 47 initiative.

SACRAMENTO, CA— Prosecutors will find it easier to seek sterner penalties against retail theft suspects if a bill, AB 1772, introduced today by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) is approved by the legislature, governor and then wins voter approval. If approved, store thefts would no longer be processed as a misdemeanor with no jail time if a suspect has been convicted of two or more specified theft-related offenses, and punishment could range from imprisonment in the county jail ranging from six months to as long as three years.

Ramos said, “Shoplifting, smash-and-grab thefts, and other acts of retail theft trends are causing retailers to close their businesses and endangering customers and employees. Since the pandemic, these crimes have increased. That is not the direction California needs to go.“ He added, “The Public Policy Institute reported that the 2022 rates for commercial burglary rates had increased by almost 16 percent compared to 2019. The PPIC also reported that shoplifting in 2022 had increased by nearly 29% from the pandemic years.”

In 2014, voters approved Prop 47 by a 60% to 40% vote and categorized some nonviolent offenses as misdemeanors rather than felonies. One provision increased the threshold amount for theft misdemeanors from $450 to $950 and did not allow prior such convictions to count toward the new $950 threshold. If Ramos’s measure becomes law, it would become effective only upon voters’ consent at the next statewide election. AB 1772 does not state a new threshold for triggering the increased penalties for retail theft, only the existence of prior convictions on the suspect’s criminal record.

In February 2023, the legislator requested the state auditor to review the effectiveness of Proposition 47 to determine whether it had escalated crime rates in San Bernardino and Riverside counties and if so, what categories had been affected. The auditor’s report is expected later this year.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Youth Build Inland Empire, is proud to present the 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award Gala. This distinguished event will honor ten outstanding individuals for their unwavering commitment, hard work, and dedication to fostering growth, success, and prosperity within their local communities.

Congratulations to the 2024 MLK Gala Award Honorees:

1. Amanda Moody – San Bernardino Valley College Community Engagement Coordinator
2. Kimberly Calvin – San Bernardino City Council Board Member, 6th Ward
3. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers – San Bernardino County Board of Education, representing Area D
4. Sandra Rodriguez – San Bernardino City Unified School District Board Member
5. Frank Reyes – San Bernardino City College District Board of Trustees, Trustee, Area 1
6. Green Shack Marketplace
7. Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches
8. James Thoms Tillman – Community Liaison
9. Lata Wilson – Talon Networks
10. Linda Hart – African American Health Coalition

The gala will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024, starting at 5 p.m., at the San Bernardino International Airport, located at 105 N Leland Norton Way in San Bernardino. The evening promises to be a celebration of achievements, featuring a delightful dinner and a special performance by Monibee Henley Medina and the Old School review group, The Bromatics.

The event will be hosted by LUE Dowdy, President of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Cities East Chapter and co-hosted by Ipyani Lockert of Motivational Realizations.

Tickets for this extraordinary gala can be purchased on the chamber’s official website at www.blackchamberofcommerce.org. We invite the community to come together, enjoy a night of celebration, and show support for these well-deserved honorees.

VICTORVILLE, CA—- Join the “Dancing with the leaders of the Inland Empire” project for two FREE dance workshops in the Inland Empire! Makeda Kumasi of WE 3 PRODUCTIONS, Joy Willson of Caribbean Joy Dance Group, and Monique Williams-Randolph of Unity Dance Studio will be hosting the workshops that will feature classes in Jazz, Caribbean, and West African Dance. The first workshop will be in Victorville on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hook Community Center, located at 14973 Joshua Street in Victorville. The second workshop will be in San Bernardino on January 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at San Bernardino Valley College, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in Gym 214.

This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, as part of the Creative Corps Inland SoCal Arts Project. The “Dancing with the Leaders of the Inland Empire” multi-media production will be touring this Summer 2024 with three shows in three locations! Victorville 6/8/24, San Bernardino 6/15/24, and Riverside 6/22/24.  More information is coming soon.