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Renowned Afrobeats DJ Peter Lentini, Founder and Creative Director hosted the 13th Annual Ankara Fashion & Music Festival Los Angeles (AFLA), the largest African cultural festival in the U.S. Every year, Lentini expects hundreds of people to come through the festival to experience the art, fashion designers, performances, and music artists that are some of Africa’s finest cultural representations. This year’s event exceeded expectations with more attendee’s than the previous year.

Lentini, who was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, is a self-made American success story. For the last 15 years, he has been delivering an eclectic mix of entertainment with event production and concerts around the world featuring African artists. Lentini created the Ankara Fashion & Music Festival Los Angeles to build a social landscape for African cultural pride in the U.S. and foster entrepreneurship by providing greater visibility of African artists from multiple industries. AFLA is the largest African cultural event in the United States. This year’s event was hosted by popular Nigerian actor and comedian Seyi Brown.

“All of our staff, volunteers, sponsors, entertainers – everyone that attended AFLA, made this year’s event an incredible success,” said Lentini. “We surpassed our attendance goals and smashed the previous record. It shows we have made our mark in Los Angeles as a culturally-rich festival that celebrates Africa’s contributions to art, fashion and music.”

The three-day festival kicked off with an opening night featuring a headline performance by Wande Coal at Catch One. Other artists who performed at Catch One included King Abu, DJ Zuko, Chimdi. E Major, Otito, Tomi Trive, and MJTheDJ. The second day featured an African Marketplace pop-up of vendors, and an Afrobeats Day Party at The Fountain LA. Closing night at Exchange LA featured a red carpet, a runway fashion show with live African music followed by a live performance by Nigerian Singer Yemi Alade. This year’s runway fashion designers included Ugohicii Wuaba, Lavina Andre, Mercy by NK, and many others.

Closing night included dignitaries, celebrities, musicians and actors who were invited to support and enjoy the fabulous styles on the runway as well as walk the red carpet. Those in attendance included: Chief Oladiran Alabi, Honorable Mame Mbaye (Senegal Consulate), Nyakim Gathwech (Supermodel “Queen of the Dark”), Petri Hawkins Byrd (American court show bailiff and TV Personality), Bayo Akinfemi (CBS “Bob Hearts Abishola”), Isaac C. Singleton Jr. (“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”), Nola Ade (Singer), Tyrone DuBose (American Radio Personality), Jaida-Iman Benjamin (HBO’s “Insecure”), and many others.

This year’s event was well supported by several sponsors, which included Lentini, AIDS Health Foundation (AHF), Umu Igbo Unite, AfroBeat Los Angeles, Zena Fashions, Toms One for One, AfroBrunch Los Angeles, Royal Dynamite, Andrea Williams of MUD cosmetic, Mrs. May Odiakosa of Star Beer USA, Chike Nweke of Life & Times Magazine Group, #StandAgainstHate, Celestina of Benz Life Collection, and entrepreneur Mrs. Lara Okunubi.

For more information about Peter Lentini and Ankara Festival, visit www.ankarafestival.org.

Stay connected with Ankara Festival at: 

Instagram: @AnkaraFestivals

Twitter: @AnkaraFestivals

Facebook: @AnkaraFestivals

Photo Credit: Eugene Powers Photography / Courtesy of Ankara Fashion & Music Festival

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Gas prices have a crippling hold on California drivers. As averages currently stand at $5.46 for regular and $5.80 for premium, what is the incentive for oil companies to lower their prices while their profits skyrocket?

California refiners Phillips 66 and Marathon reported profit increases up to 1,243% higher than last year. BP spent $2.5 billion on share buybacks; a strategy companies use to increase the value of individual shares when they know demand for their product will increase. These profits come despite the fact prices of crude oil are going down.

“Big oil is making record profits by ripping off Californians. They said high prices were because of war, state taxes and maintenance, but now we know that was all a facade – these high prices went straight to their bottom line,” said Gov. Newsom in a press release. “A price gouging penalty will put these windfall profits back in the pockets of Californians.”

Newsom has done his part to help lower prices at the pump. His call for the early switch to winter-blend gasoline and demanding accountability from refiners and oil companies doing business in California decreased prices by 88 cents from record highs a few months ago. Republicans, however, believe a different approach needs to be taken.

Assembly Chief Clerk Sue Parker and Secretary of the Senate Erika Contreras received a formal request from Republican members of the Assembly and Senate to have the Legislature recalled for a joint recess to discuss pressing matters including the consideration of legislation to suspend the state gas tax, establishing a gasoline supply reserve, and expediting permits to increase supply.

The request was denied by Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) in a letter citing that “significant time and resources” had been dedicated to the issue, including providing rebates to help with the cost of fuel and consumer goods.

These funds are currently being distributed to qualified residents. Atkins also cited that a reconvening of the Legislature would not leave enough time for any immediate aid since the California Constitution does not allow bills to be sent to the Governor’s desk after Nov. 15.

For those who electronically filed their taxes in 2020 and received a refund by direct deposit, their payment will come via direct deposit before Nov. 14. Golden State Stimulus, or GSS, recipients of 2021 are first in line to get their payments.Debit cards are being sent out in four groups organized in alphabetical order by last name. Remaining eligible recipients will receive payment through January.

In response to the blowback from reports of oil company profits, CEOs from Shell and Exxon have released statements acknowledging a need for change. Some have been more direct than others with their commentary.

Shell CEO Ben van Beurden stated, “I think we should be prepared to accept that our industry will be looked at for raising taxes in order to fund the transfers to those who need it most.”

Exxon CEO Darren Woods said “There has been discussion in the US about our industry returning some of our profits directly to the American people. That’s exactly what we’re doing in the form of our quarterly dividend.”

California drivers acknowledge gas prices are high, however many feel they don’t have reliable alternatives.

Milan Finnie, 28, lives in the Mission District of San Francisco where gas has been between $5.50 and $6.39 a gallon.  “There were places I wanted to go but gas was too expensive. I’ve started to hear that phrase a lot more often from friends as well. I remember feeling limited. It limits me from doing things I need to do and also extending myself for recreation,” Finnie told California Black Media.

Parking issues also caused a lot of extra driving for Finnie. San Francisco’s public transportation system provides some options. However, as a young Black woman walking alone, Finnie has experienced moments where she hasn’t felt safe.

“Depending on the time of the night, I don’t want to do that. The later it gets, the more people are prone to do something unpredictable. I try to keep a really open eye. In my neighborhood there is a high level of prostitution. I personally don’t feel comfortable being out late at night unless I’m extremely covered or accompanied by someone because I have been asked if I was ‘working’. The safest thing would be to drive, but gas prices are high,” Finnie said.

YUCAIPA, CA— Damian G. Garcia was appointed to the bench in July 2022, adding to a successful career as an attorney. When asked how he wanted to be remembered in this new role, Garcia replied, “I would just like the perception to be that Judge Garcia is a good judge. He’s firm, and he’s fair, and he does a good job.”

But most importantly, the 46-year-old Beaumont resident said he wants the public to know his story.

“I want to be known within the community particularly by going around to different schools and work [places] to break down the barrier by giving disclosure to young people about exactly what a judge does,” Garcia said. “There’s a lot of unknowns about this position.”

Born and raised in Redlands, Garcia said he was the first in his immediate family to attend college.

“My parents were just happy that I got my high school diploma,” he said. But Garcia set his sights on higher education. However, he did not have the prerequisites to attend a four-year university right after graduation. Instead, he attended a little community college, Crafton Hills College (CHC), located in the hills of Yucaipa, Calif.

“That’s where I blossomed,” Garcia explained. “It was a whole new world. I got to do what I wanted, and I liked the independence.”

After completing his general education courses, Garcia transferred to the University of California, Riverside (UCR), where he earned a bachelor’s in political science. From there, he went on to get a master’s in business with an emphasis in computers at the University of Redlands.

Initially, Garcia set his sights on becoming a police officer, but some members of his family thought that career was too dangerous.

“At the time, I was working in banking. And while getting my MBA, I had a business law class where I got the highest grade, and it was in that class where my professor asked me, ‘Why don’t you go to law school?’” he explained.

So, Garcia did. After graduating from UCR, he passed the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and was accepted to the University of La Verne’s law school. In 2005, Garcia entered the job market with his law degree in hand, though he had no experience in law. But a local firm took a chance and hired Garcia as a clerk and, later, a full-time attorney after he passed the bar.

Soon, Garcia became a partner and was co-leading the firm – Banks, Garcia & Janis, based in Rancho Cucamonga – before a Zoom meeting about how to become a judge changed his career direction.

He learned that although San Bernardino County’s population is 40 percent Hispanic, they make up only 11 percent of the San Bernardino County Superior Court judges. Garcia took that meeting as his new calling. “After that, I knew I wanted to help diversify the bench,” he said.

Balancing a career, fatherhood, and his desire to serve the community may seem difficult for a judge to juggle, but don’t doubt Garcia. He has a plan to succeed, including coming back to CHC to serve the College.

“Crafton was a gift, a springboard for those – a lot of folks like me – who don’t have the right grades or the financial resources right off the bat to go to a four-year,” Garcia said. “But once I got settled in, I joined some different organizations and thrived, and I want to do some outreach to inspire [others] by showing them my example about how I got here.”

RIALTO, CA— San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. presented a check to the City of Rialto on November 15, 2022, to invest American Rescue Plan Act (A.R.P.A.) funds into the Rialto Library study room project. The project will entail of two study rooms where students can focus in a peaceful and safe environment.

“Libraries are a gateway to knowledge and culture, and they play such a fundamental role in our society. The resources found in libraries offer greater opportunities for education, learning and growing. Our goal is to make sure that our local libraries are as impactful as they possibly can be. We want to make sure our community members can come to our libraries, sit down and really be able to grasp all the information they are trying to educate themselves on. We are so excited to see the outcome of the study rooms project,” Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., stated.

By Nana Kwadwo Abban Bediako

All is set for the much anticipated “Uniting & Igniting for Economic Development Conference which is slated to take place on November. 19, 2022 at Loveland Church, 17977 Merrill Avenue, in Fontana, CA.

The “Uniting & Igniting for Economic Development Conference” which is the first of its kind has been organized by Mission Africa Incorporated in collaboration with the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC).

The theme for the conference is, “Ten Times Better Generation” which seeks to focus on bridging the gap between the next generation of Africa and the Africa Americans and descendants of Africa worldwide in America is expected to attract over 5,000 youth and 1000 businesspeople across Pacific Island, Africa to American.

Again, Ambassadors from various countries in America and some delegates including members from the Ghanaian Parliament and Ghana’s Parliamentary Christian Fellowship are among hundreds of people who will be in attendance.

Speaking in an interview with the media, the founder and president of Mission Africa Incorporated, Dr. Kodjoe Sumney explained that the rationale behind the “Uniting & Igniting for Economic Development Conference is to encourage and to wake up the spirit of unity and igniting missions in the Inland Empire in San Bernardino County in California

According to Dr. Sumney, he and his Co-founder wife, Dr. Akosuah Sumney in the last twenty years have taken over one thousand people mainly African Americans, Caucasian-Americans, Indians, and Mexican-Americans for missionary work and the African Union parliament prayer conference in Ghana.

“Our friends and partners join us to empower youth in the universities mission work in the remote villages. Given various humanitarian assistance and tourism.

But for the last two and half years, Mission Africa Incorporated has been operating through viral due to the emergence of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic.” He noted.

We are going to focus more on uniting diaspora Africans worldwide for economic empowerment in skills and entrepreneurship where they live and return home to assist in developing our continent through the private sector. The founder and President of Mission Africa Incorporated reiterated.

He assured that everything possible will be done for Mission Africa Diaspora Fellowship in California and Mission Africa Diaspora Clergy Association (MADCA) which seek to unite All African Clergymen and women to stand in the gap in Africa and America to see Africa’s second renaissance come to reality.

Dr. Sumney said “we are entering another ten years phase of Africa rising. The current challenges facing the continent is a time of reawakening for the youth and the next generation to join the crusade for a rebirth of the continent”.

He continued by saying this is the time for Africans to have leaders who are spirit-filled, and willing to sacrifice for the total development of the continent, like Nehemia in the Bible and leaders who did not receive allowances for twelve years to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.

Africa, Dr. Sumney reiterated needs servant leaders who are full of wisdom, visionary leaders with seven eyes ( Zechariah 3:9), and successful in entrepreneurship together with our renowned business people, wisdom kings/ Queens to be in governance. Thus Africa Democracy- SANKOFA.

Some of the sub-themes to be treated during the conference will include the following: How to fill the empty churches and auditoriums after covid19, the year of Return and beyond to Ghana, Mission Africa Progress report of 2000-2022, investing in Ghana- Africa through Chamber of Commerce, Name changing ceremonies, School exchanging programs, Business partnership forum and Import and Export.

He is therefore calling on all Africans in America, business owners, and churches in California to come and be refreshed and empowered. Saying the way forward for Africa is through uniting and igniting for economic development wherever we are and preparing our next generation to give us the African we need before agenda 2063.

Our weekly coverage of local news in San Bernardino County is supported by the  Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program supported by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support minority-owned-and-operated community newspapers in California.

AO3 Tyler Julian, from San Bernardino, California, assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) weapons department, conducts routine maintenance on an advanced weapons elevator, Nov. 3, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

California state and local officials are serious about tackling the state’s growing homelessness crisis head on as it continues to rise.

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation related to solving this issue.

Over $15.3 billion has been budgeted in housing programs aimed at curtailing California’s homeless.

“State and federal resources have certainly made a difference in our communities,” said Bakersfield’s Mayor Karen K. Goh. “You know, going back to 2020 and 2021 with the Cares Act and then followed by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the dollars are making their way to our citizens.”

Goh also pointed to Project Homekey as a program that has helped alleviate homelessness.

“Project Homekey resources are being used to transform underutilized motels and hotels, into safe shelter, and in our communities,” said Goh.

The COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in the rise of homelessness, from 150,000 in 2019 to 161,000 in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The African American population in California has suffered disproportionately from this phenomenon.

The California Budget and Policy Center reports that Black people are roughly 25% of the state’s homeless although they make up about 5.5 % of California’s population.

Some of the funding the state provided went to the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court — or Care Court, a program that diverts homeless people with severe mental health problems away from the criminal justice system and into mandatory treatment.

Signed into law on Sept. 14, Senate Bill 1338 (Care Court Act) by Sen. Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) and Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton)focuses on untreated individuals suffering from psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.

Bills Newsom signed on affordable housing include Senate Bill 561 by State Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), Assembly Bill (AB) 2233 by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), and AB 2592 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento).

“This historical package will go a long way towards increasing affordable production in California,” Assemblymember Quirk-Silva tweeted.

Together, these bills require the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the California Department of General Services (DGS) to codify and expand the Excess Land for Affordable Housing program, a state initiative born from the governor’s first executive order.

“California’s housing affordability crisis has been more than a half century in the making and the state is tackling this foundational challenge with an innovative ‘all of the above’ approach,” Newsom said. “We’ve made unprecedented investments and progress to create more housing in California over the past four years, including using state-owned land to build homes – one of my first actions in 2019. I’m thankful to Senator Dodd, Assemblymember Quirk-Silva, and Assemblymember McCarty for their efforts in helping us fast-track our progress and bring more affordable housing statewide.”

Goh spoke about funding transparency.

“We’re seeing new innovation in our cities with these resources going to fund new city departments that help ensure that the city is accountable with the dollars they receive for addressing homelessness, and to better enable the city to show the public, how they’re using these resources and the difference that they are making,” said Goh.

Mayor Todd Gloria of San Diego speaking about work that is being done on the local level to fight homelessness said, “Our housing commission has put out over $200 million of assistance, helping roughly about 80,000 families at this point avoid homelessness, many of them seniors.”

Gloria states that working against this crisis sometimes “feels like you’re swimming upstream” due to the federal government raising and lowering interest rates.

He claimed that tackling minimum wage or advocating in the state capitol or DC are ways that local governments can have control over solving homelessness.

“You know, these are never satisfying answers because yes, there are a bunch of things at work. But we get up every day, and come here to try and make a difference on those matters,” said Gloria.

On Oct. 3, Newsom signed AB 408 authored by Assemblymember Quirk-Silva that requires local educational agencies to have a liaison for homeless youths in order to train the agencies in how to best support them.

Newsom recently announced that he will convene local leaders in mid-November to review the state’s collective approach to homelessness and identify new strategies to better address the growing homelessness crisis.

YUCAIPA, CA—- Since its 2018 opening, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at Crafton Hills College (CHC) has connected veterans with educational services and a place to unwind.

The VRC offers an array of resources for veterans and their dependents to help them transition from military to civilian life in an academic environment. Students using VA educational benefits can drop in to ask about their benefits, study, use the computers, grab a snack from the pantry, or take a break from classwork and watch their favorite movie or television show.

Best of all, the VRC is run by veterans and those with close ties to the veteran community themselves.

Steven Rush, veteran’s services coordinator, knows first-hand how difficult it can be to adjust to civilian life post-service. A Crafton alumnus himself, Rush says he too could have utilized benefits the VRC now offers during his college days had the VRC existed. Now that he is coordinating the center, this Army veteran has helped mold the VRC into what it is today – an operation that meets the different needs of student vets and connects them to other campus services and resources.

“Everything can be done here,” said VRC counselor Lisa Mills. “From applying to Crafton, starting VA benefits, support services — it’s a one-stop shop for our student veterans.”

The VRC connects students with off-campus resources when necessary, Mills added.

“This provides additional support that we may not provide on campus. We provide reassurance that if you come [to Crafton], we will take care of you. We’re not going to let you fail.”

On an average morning, VRC staff hustle and bustle by answering calls and emails and catching up with one another. Gabriella Herrera, dependent of a U.S. Army veteran, is a CHC student and a work-study staff member at the VRC. She said the study lounge is one of her favorite spots on campus as she studies for a career in emergency medical services.

“And Steve [Rush] also works around my class schedule for working here as well,” Herrera added.

U.S. Army veteran Aaron Schardein is also a work-study student at the center.

“I enjoy the VRC because everyone is friendly and supportive – it is peaceful here,” he said.

Although the VRC focuses much of its energy on educational success, it also provides something, not all veterans and their dependents have equal access to – comradery. By veterans building a relationship with other vets on campus – and dependents as well – they can lift up and support one another.

“Our veterans benefit from having a place they can come to and freely express the difficulties they endure during the transition from military to civilian life,” said Rush. “For instance, being conditioned into a very disciplined environment to an uncertain environment can cause frustration.”

Mills agreed.

“The VRC is where veterans can come to let their guard down,” she said. “I also believe that being a non-traditional student, veterans come to Crafton feeling behind in their education. Things are not always going to translate well in the classroom, but they can come here and see other veterans who are having success.”

The Veterans Resource Center is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. Access drop-in, virtual sessions and scheduling appointments at craftonhills.edu/veterans.

To learn more about the VRC or start your Crafton journey, email veteransservices@craftonhills.edu or call 909-389-3396.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom released a list of bills from the current legislative session that he signed and vetoed.

Among the bills vetoed was Senate Bill (SB) 70, which would have made attending one year of kindergarten mandatory beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

“While the author’s intent is laudable, SB 70 is estimated to have Prop 98 General Fund cost impacts of up to $268 million ongoing, which is not currently accounted for in the state’s fiscal plan. With our state facing lower-than-expected revenues over the first few months of this fiscal year, it is important to remain disciplined when it comes to spending, particularly spending that is ongoing. We must prioritize existing obligations and priorities, including education, health care, public safety, and safety-net programs,” Newsom said in a release.

Existing California law does not require children to attend school until they are six years old, the age children typically begin first grade.

Children currently attending kindergarten, need to be five years old to be eligible, with some school districts offering transitional programs for kids as young as four years old.

In California, about 5 to 7 % of eligible students don’t enroll in kindergarten.

A similar bill to SB 70 was vetoed in 2014 by Gov. Jerry Brown, who said the decision should be left to parental discretion.

SB 70 is the latest in a string of bills that Newsom has vetoed, warning of lower-than-expected state revenue. The California Department of Finance announced earlier this month that revenue for August was $816 million, or 6%, below what state officials had forecasted.

The Legislature has sent measures with potential costs of over $20 billion in one-time spending commitments and more than $10 billion in ongoing commitments to the governor’s desk, Newsom said in his SB 70 veto message. “Bills with significant fiscal impact, such as this measure, should be considered and accounted for as part of the annual budget process.”

“Any teacher who has been in the classroom as long as I have can describe to you in detail the long-term, devastating effects to a child who misses kindergarten. I plan to reintroduce my mandatory kindergarten bill and fight for the funding next year. Our children are too important. We can either pay the education costs now or the far greater societal costs later,” said Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) who introduced the bill.

California Black Media also reached out to California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond who supported SB 70 for comment but did not receive a response.
According to the National Education Association, kindergarteners who miss attending school 10 % or more during the school year have lower academic performance when they reach the first grade.

Additionally, studies showed that children from lower-income families who attend kindergarten are less likely to be below grade level throughout their academic careers and earn 5 % higher wages as adults. Kindergarten helps to level the playing field for children who are less likely to receive high-quality childcare or preschool. Hispanic children with access to kindergarten are also 17 % less likely to be below grade level for their age and earn wages 5 % higher as adults.

By Tony Collins Cifuentes | Highlanders Boxing Club

I would like to thank you in advance for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read this letter and consider our needs.

Over 17 years ago, I opened Highlanders Boxing Club (HBC) to provide low-income youth from Southern California’s Inland Empire opportunities to become young athletes, amateur boxers, and good citizens. In all these years, I have never turned away a kid in need and went the distance to change their lives. I’m so proud to say, that today HBC has transformed the lives of thousands of young Americans from some of the most challenged neighborhoods in our part of the Country.

To keep HBC going and to continue its mission, as well as create positive places for youth to thrive, each year we put on an amateur boxing show for our awe-inspiring amateur boxers to win belts and show us their talents.

This year HBC is sponsoring the 5th Annual Neighborhood Champions – Amateur Boxing Show Honoring Veterans. The show is on Saturday November 12, 2022, at 25318 5th Street Highland CA – Door Opens at 12:30 p.m.

I am asking you to please consider helping HBC put on our 5th Annual Neighborhood Champions Boxing Show. We need food or water contributions, or monetary donations of any amount is well appreciated. HBC is a nonprofit organization, and all contributions and donation are tax deductible. For further information please contact me at highlandersboxingclub@live.com or call me at (909)-496-0710. Thank you in advance.