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RIVERSIDE, CA—- Healthy Heritage, an Inland Empire nonprofit organization, has been awarded the Community Service Award presented by the African American Family Wellness Advisory Group (AAFWAG) for their outstanding work in addressing mental health within the African American community.

Healthy Heritage is the first recipient ever to receive the Community Service Award from AAFWAG, which will now be presented annually to an organization that demonstrates exceptional community service and makes a significant impact on the lives of individuals within the African American community. AAFWAG is part of the Riverside University Health Systems Behavioral Health Cultural Competency Program. Their primary focus is to educate and engage the community to reduce the stigma and disparities associated with mental health in the African American community.

“Healthy Heritage was recognized for their work in providing culturally responsive mental health programs and services to support African American individuals and families within the Inland Empire”, commented Hazel Lambert, Cultural Community Liaison of AAFWAG. “They provide unique and creative ways of reaching the community outside of traditional therapy services which helps to reduce barriers. I was especially impressed with their Broken Crayon’s Still Color Project, their Laughing for the Health of It mental health resource fair and comedy show and their My Hair, My Health collaborative community event.”

Mental health is a critical issue in the African American community, where individuals often face unique challenges related to stigma, access to care, and historical trauma. Since 2007, Healthy Heritage has been dedicated to addressing these issues through a range of programs and services, including mental health workshops, healthy lifestyles workshops, seminars, and community outreach.

“It’s definitely a special honor and privilege for Healthy Heritage to receive this award. AAFWAG helps to bridge the gap and brings together so many organizations throughout the Inland Empire that do great work in our community, and we’re grateful to be one of those organizations and be recognized for our contributions,” said Phyllis Clark, CEO & Founder  of Healthy Heritage. “Mental health is a crucial component of overall wellness, and we are committed to providing unique, responsive and accessible services to those who need it most.”

The award recognizes the significant impact that Healthy Heritage has made in the African American community throughout the Inland Empire.  By providing creative and engaging programs and services, they have helped to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and promote overall well-being.

Healthy Heritage is proud to be recognized for their work and looks forward to continuing to serve the community through their programs and services. Those interested in getting involved can save the date for May 21, 2023 for their Laughing for the Health of It mental health resource fair and comedy show at Ontario Improv.

For more information about Healthy Heritage, their work in the community and their upcoming comedy show, please call 951-293-4240 or visit their website at www.HealthyHeritage.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Black History Month Celebration commenced at California State University, San Bernardino Campus with Black Faculty, Staff, and Student Association presenting scholarships to deserving students, honoring emerging leader Prince Ogidipke, presenting village awards to Kiana Webb, Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers, Kim Carter, Social Lites, Inc., Westside Action Group, Kimberly Calvin, and Terrance Stone. The Lorraine Frost Award presented to Robie Madrigal. The following Pioneer Honorees included, Aaron Burgess, Kathryn Ervin, Twillea Evans-Carthen and Cindy Black-Wyatt.

Scholarship awardees included Mustafaa Bell (Dr. Mildred Henry Scholarship), Lynn Brown-Summers (Ms. Belva Holder Memorial Scholarship), Vivian Osunde (Dr. Jean Peacock and Walter Hawkins Scholarship), Kya Ny’Ashia Necole Olive (John Overton Scholarship), Kuadwawashe Jonah Magwenz (Terrilyn Monette Memorial Scholarship), Shareen Mc Dade (Dr. Milton Clark Scholarship), Tyler Harris (Felix Family Scholarship), and several students received the John Futch Book Scholarship.

Congratulations to all honorees!!!

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

The California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) recognized the success of 16 thriving Black-owned businesses at its annual Legislative Business Brunch at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento.

The brunch, organized to celebrate Black History Month, honored the achievements of the businesses, and celebrated their commitment to professional service and making an impact on the economy of communities around California.

“I am thankful that today, as it being the month of February and celebrating Black History Month, we get the opportunity to celebrate Black businesses. We get the opportunity to celebrate each one of you who are pouring into your communities in a meaningful and economic way,” said Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the CLBC. “You are making an economic impact, not only for your families but for those that you employ and those that you provide good service to.”

Sponsored by Amazon and Instacart, the business program attracted Black business leaders, non-profit operators, and all 12 members of the CLBC. Three Black constitutional officers – Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, State Controller Malia Cohen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond — were recognized at the event held at Citizen Hotel.

Cohen and Thurmond were present to accept their awards, and Reginald “Reggie” Fair, Deputy Secretary of State for Operations, accepted the award on behalf of Weber.

Radio personality Keisha Mathews was the program emcee. Dr. Roy Larry and his wife Penelope of the Potter’s House COGIC church in Sacramento, provided the invocation. Sacramento area youth advocate Patrice Hill shared inspirational words in the form of a poem.

The event’s program was presented by Wilson, CBCC’s President and CEO Jay King, and CLBC vice chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood). Anthony Williams, the California Public Policy Director for Amazon, was the guest speaker.

King reminded the attendees that the event was made possible by Aubry Stone, who started the advocacy for Black businesses in the state in 1995 until his passing in November 2018.

Stone facilitated networking among different business organizations across the state and fostered relationships with local governments. In the process, he opened doors of access to all races, King said.

“We are the California Black Chamber of Commerce, and we believe in diversity, equity and inclusion. I believe that means everybody. We shouldn’t leave anybody out,” King said. “We help small businesses. Today, it just so happens to be African American small businesses because of the many obstacles they face every day.”

Each honoree was selected from the state lawmakers’ districts, including four special recognitions selected separately by King. The following proprietors received business awards from the CLBC and CBCC:

Demetrius Porter, Center Cork Wines (Fresno); Chandra Brooks, Chandra Brooks International (San Jose); Juana Williams and Blair Paysinger, Downtown Disney (Anaheim); Earl Johnson, Home and Work Mobile Oil Changers (Fremont); Deborah A. Day, Ashay By The Bay (Vallejo); and Clayrone Clark, Coop and Fire; (Gardena); and Dr. Leonard Thompson III, M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records, (San Diego);

Rounding out the business honorees are Keith Corbin, Alta Adams (Los Angeles); Reggie and Nicole Borders, Pound Bizness (San Francisco Bay Area); Lee Williams, Lee Williams Real Estate Group (San Pedro); Ann Hamilton, Robsag Real Estate, LLC (Pasadena); Twina Brown, Mama T’s Food For the Soul (Moreno Valley); Austin Clements, Slauson & Co (Los Angeles); Zion F.A. Taddese, Queen Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant (Sacramento); Tyrei Lacy, Restaurant Seven Nineteen by G/S (Los Angeles); and Bo and Kay Anuluoha, Kutula by Africana (Los Angeles).

The CBCC is an African American non-profit business organization that represents hundreds of small and emerging businesses, affiliates and chambers of commerce throughout the state. It provides advocacy assistance for supplier’s diversity needs, and business development and training for small businesses.

The CLBC, formed in 1967, was created to address the concerns of African Americans and other citizens of color. According to the organization’s website, the members believed that a caucus would provide political influence and visibility far beyond their numbers. Today, there are 12 members of the CLBC serving in the California Assembly and Senate.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson (D-Riverside) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 742, legislation that would prohibit the use of police canines for arrests, apprehensions, and crowd control.

The use of police canines, supporters of the legislation say, is a throwback to the darkest days of legal slavery, Jim Crow segregation – and a reminder of America’s history of racial bias, aggression and violence against Blacks and people of color. Jackson says he wants to end the “deeply racialized, traumatic and harmful practice.”

“Since their inception, police canines have been used to inflict brutal violence and lifelong trauma on Black Americans and communities of color,” said Jackson at a press conference held to announce the bill. “It’s time to end this cruel and inhumane practice and instead work towards building trust between the police and the communities they serve.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) California Action, a co-sponsor of AB 742, echoed Jackson’s concerns. “The use of police canines has severe and potentially deadly consequences for bite victims, especially communities of color,” said Carlos Marquez III, Executive Director of ACLU California Action. “It’s time for California to take a stand and end this inhumane practice.”

Jackson says his stance on the use of canines in law enforcement is backed up by data. For him, it’s a “moral issue” as well.

“I let the data take me to where I need to go. And the data is clear that in some of the most consequential issues of our time right now – especially when it comes to the relationship between law enforcement and the African American community,” Jackson told California Black Media (CBM). “This was a no brainer for me. This is not a gotcha bill. Our own data in California shows that we have it wrong, and we have to fix it.”

“The fact that canines are harming people more than batons and tasers is astonishing to me. I would never have guessed that” added Jackson who says he has already read three reports on the topic.

The California/Hawaii (CA/HI) Conference of the NAACP, another co-sponsor, acknowledges the bill’s historical importance. “Police canines have historical roots in slavery and have continued to be used as tools of oppression for Black, Brown, and other communities of color,” said Rick L. Callender, President of the CA/HI NAACP. “With this bill, we can begin to shift and sever ties with the terrorizing past.”

AB 742 does not call for banning the use of police canines for search and rescue, explosives detection, and narcotics detection – all activities that do not involve biting.

“The use of a canine is sending a dog out that will inflict injury on a person before that person has been accused of a crime or formally convicted of one,” said Kat Carell, a member of the Sacramento Chapter of the ACLU. “So, you end up with lifelong disfigurement, or mental problems, or you could be killed before you have ever been in a court of law and proven guilty of anything.”

Reaction to the introduction of the bill by police dog handlers and some law enforcement organizations — including the Western States Canine Association — was swift, charactering the bill as misguided and going too far.

Ron Cloward, President for the Western States Police Canine Association and a veteran of the Modesto Police Department, said Jackson’s bill does not “make sense.” He argued that if AB 742 passes, it would take away one more non-lethal weapon law enforcement relies on to fight crime.
Cloward, who owns a canine training business, told ABC news affiliate in Bakersfield that while dog bites can be harmful and “disfiguring,” they do not cause death.
“Once you’ve deployed pepper spray, it’s been deployed. It’s gonna land. Once you use your gun, it’s gone,” he said. “Once you use a taser, it’s on its way. You’re not stopping it. The only thing you can stop is a K-9.”
Jackson was elected in November of 2022 to represent the 60th Assembly District. Before that, he served on the Riverside County Board of Education in 2020 and represented portions of the cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, and the unincorporated community of Mead Valley.
Supporters say Jackson’s background in social work gives him a keen awareness and understanding of the microaggressions Black and Brown communities face.
AB 742 is one of many pieces of legislation Jackson has introduced (or plans to) that holds individuals and institutions accountable, creating room for even larger victories towards dismantling systematic racism. He calls the effort the ‘Antiracism Bill Package.’
Another bill in the package is AB 11. That bill would authorize the creation of a commission to identify sustainable solutions to reduce the cost of living in California. The commission would consist of 11 members, including nine members appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the President pro Tempore of the Senate. Also, one member each from the Assembly and the Senate would serve as ex officio non-voting members. The bill would require the commission to complete reports describing the commission’s findings and recommendations.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The 2023 Wolverine Con and San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) International Student Film Festival is a five-day filmmaker premiere, workshop and networking extravaganza that brings together creators from across the globe.

This year’s Wolverine Con integrates music into the programming. Some of the top Inland Empire bands will perform live at the kick-off on February 28 in the SBVC Greek Theater at 7 p.m. The first 100 guests will get free tacos from the SBVC Culinary Department Food Truck.

“We’re excited to bring a music element into this year’s Wolverine Con because music is so important to film. What better way to do that than celebrating with local bands?” said SBVC Film, Television and Media (FTVM) student Briana Navarro. “Music truly allows the audience to feel every aspect of film – the performance, the quality and the score are elements that help tell a story.”

February 28: Professional film industry panelists in the Library Viewing Room from 1-6 p.m.
March 1: Expo and Zine Fest from 10 a.m. to noon outside the SBVC Art Gallery.
March 2: Opening Night Red Carpet and Film Premiere on March 2 from 5-9 p.m. at the SBVC Art Complex.
March 3-4: The International Student Film Festival in the SBVC Auditorium from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
March 3: Awards Dinner from 7-9 p.m.

This event allows dozens of Inland Empire students to gain the confidence to keep working on their craft and elevate their filmmaking skills, said SBVC FTVM student Zach Gutierrez.

“Last year at Wolverine Con, I won the Grand Jury Award, which encouraged me to keep working on my craft. I really appreciate the support that SBVC’s Film, TV and Media Department gives to young filmmakers like me,” Gutierrez said. “Since then, I have been making short films and building a portfolio.”

At last year’s Wolverine Con Gutierrez took home a Canon Rebel T8i, giving him the tools he needed to start a freelance videography company and earn money from his passion.

“This camera has helped me out on a ton of shoots. I mainly record concerts and will usually rig it on stage to record the drummer playing. It shoots in 4K, and the color science is close to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, so it makes a great pair,” concluded Gutierrez.

The 2023 Wolverine Con and SBVC International Student Film Festival is open to the public.

Purchase tickets here: filmfreeway.com/SBVC_FilmFest.

FONTANA, CA— The 55th San Bernardino County Black Awareness Month Parade and Expo will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 10 a.m., on Citrus Avenue, North of the 210 freeway. Immediately following the parade will be the Expo on the Home Depot parking lot on Sierra Lakes Parkway in Fontana. This is a photo opportunity for young and old to have a picture taken with First Black Fire Captain in San Bernardino County, Kenneth White.

Kenneth White and his wife Sharon have been married for 15 years and have two daughters, Rhay (14) and Taelyn (12). In 2005, White began his fantastic journey of becoming a firefighter. In 2010, he was hired as a full-time firefighter paramedic for San Bernardino County Fire Department.

In 2015, Mr. White was promoted to Engineer and transferred to the City of San Bernardino during the transition to County. For many years, he has invested his career in servicing his community. Captain White brought dedication and success to the Spark of Love toy drive which is an honor each year to be a part of such an incredible organization. You can also find him drumming for the Local 935 Professional Pipes and Drums.

“My passion is to give great service both internally to my peers and externally to the community we serve,” White stated. “After 18 years of dedication to this department, I am the first Black Fire Captain to promote through the ranks for San Bernardino County Department. I am honored to have this opportunity to help inspire the next generation of firefighters. My new role as captain will be at station in 161 in the city of Upland.”

RIALTO, CA—- Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District, and Rialto small business owner Willetta McDowell will be honored as 2023 Jewel Award winners at the City of Rialto’s 17th Annual State of Women conference March 4 at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB).

The theme for this year’s event is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,”And will feature as its keynote speaker KNBC 4 News Correspondent Darsha Philips. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren will serve as Mistresses of Ceremony. The celebration begins at 9 a.m. at CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union Building.

“We are so proud of this event and the opportunity it presents to honor women leaders and entrepreneurs from across our region. This year’s honorees embody the strength and perseverance that distinguish Rialto and our surrounding communities from any other region,” said Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson.

Rodriguez became Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District in 2021 acfter serving as President of San Bernardino Valley College since 2016. McDowell, owner of Hair Biz Salon, has been a salon owner or stylist for 40 years.

Past winners of the coveted award include former State Assemblymember Amina Carter, Time for Change Foundation founder Kim Carter and Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The Rialto State of Women conference takes place during National Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is aligned with the National Women’s History Association’s ongoing recognition throughout 2023 of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts and more.

To reserve a spot at the free event, please click here.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter hosted the 35th Annual Oratorical Contest at the Riverside County Office of Education, Riverside, California on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Young scholars demonstrated their public speaking skills in three different categories: Grade School, Middle School, and High School. Over 30 participants took part in the speech competition.

L/R: Dr. Charles Brown (A Phi A, Mu Xi Lambda Vice President), Twillea Evans-Carthen (AKA Eta Nu Omega Chair), James Kennedy, David Eoff V, Xavier Buffong, Wanda Khan, Sophia Barrett, Lauren Stewart, Isaiah Buffong, BrookeMonae Westbrook, Natalie Castro, Ruth Rembert (AKA Eta Nu Omega President), and Dar’rell Jones (A Phi A Chair).

This year’s theme was “Overcoming Stereotypes.” Young scholars shared some stereotypes and prejudices they have faced and what they have done to overcome them. Participants also shared what they can do to change other people’s prejudices, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices.

Audience included parents, family members, friends, and Riverside County Office of Education executives. All scholars were provided with a certificate of recognition from the organizers and from Assembly Member Corey Jackson, 60th District.

Winners in each category received a monetary award.

Elementary

Xavier Buffong – 1st place – $200.00

David Eoff V- 2nd Place- $100.00

James Kennedy – 3rd Place- $75.00

Middle School

Lauren Stewart – 1st Place- $300.00

Sophia Barrett – 2nd Place- $200.00

Warda Khan – 3rd Place- $100.00

High School

Natalia Castro – 1st Place- $500.00

BrookeMonae Westbrook – $300.00

Isaiah Buffong- 3rd Place- $150.00

Congratulations to these young scholars. The community looks forward to their participation next year as we celebrate the 36^th year of the Oratorical Contest offered to students in the Inland Empire. Students who will be attending college in the fall of 2023, we wish them much success in their educational and career goals.

Oratorical Contest Committee Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega Chapter

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy for appointment for an unexpired term in the Second Supervisorial District.

Applicants, who must be registered voters in their respective supervisorial district, should apply to the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools to be considered for appointment. County Committee members cannot be employed by a school district in any county, community college district or county superintendent office. School board members are eligible to apply.

The deadline to apply is by 4:00 p.m. on March 10, 2023.

The 11-member committee deals with school district organization issues, including number of trustees, trustee and school district boundary areas, and unification.

The Second Supervisorial District includes the following cities Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, Etiwanda, Mt. Baldy, and northern Upland. Interested applicants can view the current district maps for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and look up their address to determine if they reside in the Second Supervisorial District athttps://sbcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=97eabb32b34c485188edd2009a7d980f

The County Committee or County Superintendent will make the appointment, not the

County Board of Supervisors.

The interest forms for applying for the committee positions can be downloaded from the County Committee website:https://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/index.php/en/business-services/business-advisory-services/county-committee

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram andYouTube. #transforminglives.

Less than 24 hours after winning Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs came to the Disneyland Resort in Southern California to celebrate his team’s Super Bowl triumph. Park guests cheered as he cruised down Main Street, U.S.A., in a victory parade with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates Super Bowl LVII victory with a jubilant cavalcade complete with Mickey Mouse and his pals down Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 13, 2023. Mahomes visited the Disneyland Resort during the Disney100 Celebration less than 24 hours after the Kansas City Chiefs victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. (Sean Teegarden/Disneyland Resort)

Mahomes, his wife Brittany, daughter Sterling Skye and son Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III, came to the Happiest Place on Earth for their first family visit. They posed for a photo in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park and took a spin on the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs poses with his wife, Brittney Mahomes, their children, Sterling, 1, and Bronze, 11 weeks old, in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 13, 2023. Mahomes visited the Disneyland Resort during the Disney100 Celebration less than 24 hours after the Kansas City Chiefs victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

Mahomes joins an all-star lineup of heroes from sports and beyond that have come to Disney Parks to celebrate their personal achievements. The list of superstars includes Peyton and Eli Manning, as well as Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, and Magic Johnson.