Happily Divorced And After

By Gigi Crowder

As Black History Month 2022 winds down, I find myself doing a mental assessment regarding how much progress we have truly made regarding addressing health disparities, especially as it relates to mental health, which now has everyone carrying more awareness and possibly less stigma. I naturally think about the impact COVID-19 has had on the emotional wellness of the African American community. I ponder about the additional barriers and challenges my community will need to navigate. For example, how damaging is distance learning for black students? Will our Elders thrive and get back to socializing, going to worship services, and visiting family; or will they feel more comfortable continuing to isolate? Has so much death, economic loss, and social unrest during this pandemic created an increased sense of hopelessness and despair? As an optimist and Activist, who relies heavily on my faith, I don’t allow myself to focus on the negatives very long. I prefer to spend more time considering solutions, potential opportunities and focusing on who I need to join forces with to promote improved outcomes.

My staff and I at NAMI Contra Costa take our roles offering non-clinical supports and resources to African American communities across California to heart. We all are fully committed and strategically built strong networks and collaborate effectively with Statewide Cultural Brokers in each County, Black Faith Leaders and Centers/Churches, Athletes, Entertainers, and Social Influencers across the state and beyond. We closely monitor the community’s needs and respond swiftly to fill gaps and offer resources. Our team has facilitated a minimum of 2 targeted trainings or awareness events each month since we began doing this work. I’ve spoken on panels with Assembly members, Congresspeople, and other elected officials at Town Halls to lift the mental health needs of African Americans due to COVID-19. I have spoken on the radio and had the opportunity to speak at concerts etc. My team members have participated at health fair events across the state, as well as showing up virtually or physically wherever there is an opportunity to spread the word about CalHOPE. The CCP staff is diverse across ages; we can offer all services in a culturally responsive manner with a primary objective to reduce the harm and prevent challenges due to the pandemic.

As California moves toward less restrictive protocols, I recognize It is indeed a great blessing to have NAMI CC participate as a CalHOPE Campaign subcontractor. We greatly appreciate the role we play in delivering ethnic-specific messages that reminds African American because of low vaccination rates and the greater risk they must proceed with more caution. We have not been able to change the minds of all-black community members who carry vaccination hesitation due to misinformation and broken trust based on past hurts.  However, we have been very successful with getting those deciding not to be vaccinated to reduce their risk of getting infected. We target the unsheltered and have partnered with our county Supervisors and Public Health Department and given out thousands of face masks, hand sanitizers, and even COVID-19 rapid tests. We have had CCP staff at Vaccination Clinics around the state with information about our ethnic-specific support groups, resources, warm line, and the CalHOPE Live Chat.

I know that as the months move on and we forget about how we honored our African American Heroes in February; our work will continue and we will stand on the shoulders of those heroes. We already see the negative impact and the statistics continue to highlight glaring disparities, such as more hospitalizations and higher death rates even for black children, but we will adapt and develop new community-defined targeted strategies.

My prayer is that others, especially decision-makers, will join me and take time to look at how much our program has done to reduce risk, and consider where we can be used to address other concerns faced by African Americans and others impacted by mental illness. NAMI CC supports the new 988 services to offer a non-police response for those experiencing a mental health emergency. Our Crisis Counselors are fully trained and can easily support that effort recognizing too often African Americans are statistically at the greatest risk when law enforcement is needed. At NAMI CC we are already the trusted go-to agency for African Americans responding to those that call and understand how to triage as needed. There is no need to build a new responsive prevention system when one already exists through the culturally, ethnically, and linguistically sensitive programs CalHOPE has in place across California.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— During this month’s First District Youth Advisory Council meeting, Superintendent Ted Alejandre gave students a brief overview of San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and some of the programs offered through the department.

Following the presentation, Superintendent Alejandre opened the floor for questions. Students shared several different concerns and offered suggestions for improvement.

Thank you to Superintendent Alejandre for the presentation. I’d also like to thank our Field Representative Samuel Shoup for his continuing hard work mentoring our students on the First District Youth Advisory Council.

For more information about the First District Youth Advisory Council, please contact Samuel Shoup at 760-995-8100

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Approximately 80 students from the High Desert region showcased their talent and hard work during the 2022 San Bernardino County High Desert High School Honor Band Concert on Saturday, Feb. 26.

“I am proud of the collaboration that enables us to support the performing arts and music education in the High Desert region,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “The arts are proven to further successful academic outcomes, so promoting events like this one is vital to helping students reach their fullest potentials.”

Since 1986, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools has collaborated with the San Bernardino County Music Educators Association to host the honor band concerts for students involved in music education programs throughout the county.

This is one of several county student arts performances taking place in person for the first time in over two years due to COVID 19 restrictions. 

“It’s really nice to come together and create a meaningful experience in music and camaraderie and connection,” said Alec, a senior at Serrano High School and clarinet player in the county High Desert Honor Band.  “It’s a very great experience because this honor band is something I’ve been a part of since middle school and elementary school, and it just feels really good to be able to represent my school.” 

Brent Levine conducted students from 10 area high schools at the Barstow Community College Performing Arts Center. Levine, the newly appointed Interim Associate Director of Bands at Northern Arizona University, attended Serrano High School in the Snowline Joint Unified School District, the same region where the performing students are from.

The Basin region’s honor band concert is scheduled to be held on April 16 at the University of Redlands, COVID-19 protocols permitting.

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

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— On Sunday, March 6, 2022, Real Estate Agent and author, Mary Welch was a special guest on Empire Talks Back (ETB). Host Wallace J. Allen, IV., chatted with her on how listeners can save their homes from probate. Welch recently released her manual entitled, “Save Your Home from Probate”.

The annual event will feature American Airlines Boeing 737 First Officer, Tammy Binns 

RIVERSIDE, CA—“Imagine Me” is the theme for the 21^st Annual Empowering Young Women’s Conference, a collaborative effort of the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation and Howmet Aerospace. Last year, due to the Corona Virus, the conference was only held virtually. This year, attendees will have the option to attend in-person or virtually.

The Empowering Young Women’s Conference will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the RCC Digital Library located at 4800 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside, California; attendees can also tune in virtually around that time. The event is FREE to attendees, but registration is required. For those that cannot attend or watch virtually between the hours listed above, they can tune in, virtually only, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Each year the Empowering Young Women’s Conference consists of activities for young women along with special guests that speak inspiration into them. This year’s keynote speaker is Tammy Binns, a Boeing 737 First Officer at American Airlines. Ms. Binns began her career as a Commercial Airline Pilot flying for American Eagle Airlines. During her nearly 12 years at the company, she flew three different types of airplanes, serving as Captain on the Embraer 145 and the CRJ-700. She became the first African American woman in the company’s history to achieve the rank of Check Airman.

The Empowering Young Women’s Conference is catered to young women 12 to 21. Students can register at https://forms.gle/mTsfghwJBg1aSNv7A and adults may register at https://forms.gle/JCSNDsBuoyYfrycS7.

If you want to donate to support the Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation a 501 (C) 3; Non-profit Organization, visit www.adcrfoundation.org.

PASADENA, CA— Last week, Pasadena resident, Raymond Ealy was recognized by Assemblymember Chris Holden and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) as the 41st Assembly District’s Unsung Heroes for his positive impact in the community. An Unsung Hero is defined as a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution — a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged. The California Legislative Black Caucus established the Black History Month Unsung Hero Award to recognize individuals who have contributed selflessly to their respective districts.

“Ray is an example of leadership — by putting the work in today, for generations to come,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Through his dedication to empowering youth, he has worked with over 50,000 students – giving them toolkits for success and self-confidence to enter and excel in their careers. I commend him and STEAM:Coders.”

Ealy is the Executive Director/Founder of STEAM:CODERS, a nonprofit that inspires underserved and underrepresented students and their families through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM), in preparation for academic and career opportunities. He has over 28 years of management experience in the nonprofit, financial services and retail sectors with Bank of America, Countrywide Financial Services, Security Pacific Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank.

“At STEAM:CODERS, our  goal is to provide underserved and underrepresented K-12 students with the resources that they need to be competitive,” said Ray Ealy. “We tell students that their competition is not the student next to them in class, but students from across the country and around the world. This is why we want to equip them with the essential tools for future academic and career success – logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving.”

Don Filippi and Arnold Hackett named to COO and CFO positions; Paul Hubler joins as chief strategy officer

LOS ANGELES, CA— Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle announced the appointments of Don Filippi as chief operations officer and Arnold Hackett as chief financial officer, and the addition of Paul Hubler as chief strategy officer. The appointments follow Kettle’s selection as CEO of the region’s premier passenger rail service in September 2021.

“We have ambitious plans to transform Metrolink into the backbone of the region’s transportation system – one that enables people to connect to opportunity, family and fun across all six counties,” Kettle said. “Achieving our vision as we emerge from the pandemic will require a strong leadership team that brings both focus and innovation. We are thrilled with Don’s and Arnold’s vital contributions to the team from their previous interim roles and look forward to the fresh perspectives, ideas and connections that Paul will bring as he joins our dynamic team.”

As the interim Metrolink COO since February 2021, Filippi has led the operations team through the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those challenges included ensuring the continuity of operations, implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitizing practices and optimizing train schedules to meet the evolving needs of essential workers.

Filippi brings nearly 27 years of freight and passenger rail experience from both the public and private sectors, and an extensive background in safety and operations. Before assuming the interim chief operations role, he was overseeing Metrolink’s safety, security and compliance program since December 2018. Filippi joined Metrolink in 2018 from the North County Transit District (NCTD), where he served as chief operations officer and chief safety officer. Prior to NCTD, Filippi served for five years at the California Public Utilities Commission, rising to the position of superintendent, rail transit safety section, and 14 years with Union Pacific Railroad, where he served as a switchman, a locomotive engineer, and ultimately rose to a manager of operating practices.

Hackett joined the agency as a technology consultant in May 2019. He subsequently proved to be a strong leader and held several interim executive roles throughout the pandemic including chief financial officer from March 2020 through May 2021. Hackett is credited with implementing process and policy enhancements that improved Metrolink’s financials and transparency. In May 2021, Hackett was selected by the Metrolink Board of Directors as its interim CEO following the departure of Stephanie Wiggins. When Kettle assumed the CEO position in September 2021, Hackett was tapped as interim chief strategy officer.

Hackett has more than 30 years of experience in the private technology industry at the Xerox Corporation where he served as vice president and general manager of Alliance and Partnership Management. His career experiences have made him an expert in research, strategy development, technical project/program management, business development and global process improvement initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science from UCLA, a Master of Science in computer science from California State University, Long Beach, and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Hubler will join Metrolink on Feb. 28 as the chief strategy officer, providing executive oversight and leadership for planning, government and community relations, sustainability initiatives and railroad services. Hubler has more than 25 years of experience in transportation policy and legislative and public affairs. Prior to joining Metrolink, Hubler was the director of government and community relations for the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for 14 years, responsible for securing grant funding for the Alameda Corridor-East rail infrastructure construction program in Los Angeles County. He previously served as deputy chief of staff to a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and as legislative aide to a California state senator. Hubler has a bachelor’s degree from Pitzer College and an MPA from the University of La Verne. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Mobility 21, southern California’s regional transportation advocacy coalition.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, to mark Black History Month, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held a virtual ceremony honoring people with the group’s Unsung Heroes award.

The 11 CLBC lawmakers nominated an individual from their respective districts – people who exemplify selflessness, courage and service, and whose work to lift others often goes unrecognized.

“From our earliest days in the United States, the course of this country’s history has been influenced by African American heroes and pioneers that go far beyond slavery and fighting for our freedom,” said Bradford.

“We have contributed to science, medicine, business, education, government, industry and social leadership,” he continued.

Bradford said he hopes the CLBC tradition of honoring a wide variety of people doing extraordinary work serves as a reminder that “no matter who you are you can create long-lasting change.”

Here is a list of the CLBC’s 2022 Unsung Heroes:

35^th Senate District (Los Angeles County)

Bradford nominated Dr. Keith Curry, President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District (CCCD). Curry is responsible for overseeing all departments and functions of Compton College and serves as secretary for the CCCD Board of Trustees. He helped raise $11.3 million to help the school transition to an independent college.

30^th Senate District (Los Angeles)

Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), Co-chair of the CLBC, nominated Charles “Bear” Sprately. Sprately founded Brothers Against Banging Youth (BABY) in 2008. The community-based nonprofit provides gang prevention and crisis intervention for young men and women in underserved neighborhoods. BABY has been key to opening up new opportunities to thousands of Los Angeles area youth.

7^th Assembly District (Sacramento and Yolo Counties)

Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) nominated Sharron Chandler, Founder and Executive Director of Yes2Kollege Education Resources, Inc. The Sacramento non-profit provides African American students with “real time” educational tools and resources to live healthy and productive lives, while helping them aim for academic excellence and prepare for high-skill jobs.

9^th Assembly District (Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties)

Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) nominated Dr. Janine Bera, Chief Medical Officer at WellSpace Health. The non-profit community health center system provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services to more than 100,000 people each year at 31 greater Sacramento area locations.

18^th Assembly District (Alameda County)

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) nominated Nancy Harvey, owner of Lil Nancy’s Primary Schoolhouse, a home-based family childcare program in Oakland. The school serves children 4 years old and younger, teaching them language, arts, math, science, and social skills. The program prides itself on its low staff-to-child ratio designed to increase interactions with adults, promote learning, and prevent education gaps — so children enter school “kinder-ready.”

41^st Assembly District (Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties)

Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) nominated Ray Ealy, founder of STEAM:CODERS. Founded in 2014, STEAM:CODERS enhances the education of  K-12 students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), preparing them for educational or professional opportunities. STEAM:CODERS recruits students who reside in communities served by Title I schools. Through the program, thousands of students have been introduced to skill-building training.

54^th District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) nominated Cassandra Steptoe-Sampson, founder of A Child’s Dream-CA. The non-profit is dedicated to helping children in South Central Los Angeles — and their families — access resources they need for school and to stay healthy. Under her leadership, the organization has distributed backpacks, school supplies, shoes, clothing, hygiene kits and toys to the families in Los Angeles, and beyond, with the help of sponsors and partners.

59^th District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) nominated Dr. John Griffith. Griffith began his career at Los Angeles’ Kedren Community Health Center in 1981, serving as the Chief Operating Officer-Mental Health Services until 2002, when he became the President/CEO. During his tenure at the health facility, he has instituted several changes to help meet the health needs of residents in the surrounding community. Griffith was instrumental in setting up a relationship between Kedren and Charles Drew University, California’s only HBCU. Medical students participate in the project as part of their residency requirements.

64^th Assembly District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) nominated Dr. Ayanna E. Davis, an advocate for education, political empowerment and social justice. She lives in Compton. Over her 27 years of service in education, Davis’s has touched the hearts and helped to shape the minds of thousands of children. Currently, Davis is the Vice President and Political Action Council member of the Association of Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA). In her role as President-elect of the Southern California Chapter of the California Association of Early Young Children, she advocates for disadvantaged children (from birth to 8 years old).

79^th District (San Diego County)

Assemblymember Akilah Webber (D-San Diego) nominated William Jones, President, CEO and Director of CityLink Investment Corporation, a commercial real estate company. A civic leader and advocate for African Americans and other minorities, Jones is also the lead independent director of Sempra Energy. Earlier in his career, Jones served in San Diego city government as a City Councilmember, Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff to City Councilmember Leon Williams.

62^nd Assembly District (Los Angeles County)

Earlier this month, Assemblymember Autumn Burke (D-Inglewood), who was a member of the CLBC, resigned from the Legislature, citing personal reasons.

The CLBC honored a nominee from the Burke’s district: Derek Steele, a Morgan State University graduate who started his professional career as an electrical engineer at Northrop Grumman. Later, he began serving his community as a volunteer with the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI). His work focused on figuring out how to recreate local food access systems to solve health disparities and food insecurity in Inglewood and nearby communities. Finding service to others more fulfilling than corporate pursuits, Steele was recently appointed SJLI’s Executive Director.

You can watch the ceremony here.

By Darwin Lam, Officer Training Command Newport Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. – The first woman warrant officer to complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Officer Training Command, Newport (OTCN) was selected to be part of the Navy’s first Aerial Vehicle Operators (AVO) with designator 737X, Feb. 18.

Warrant Officer 1 Josia Pagler, a native Rancho Cucamonga, California, enlisted in the Navy in 2019 and previously served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

“I was originally interested in being an aviation electrician’s mate for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) during A-school,” said Pagler. “Lt. Daniel Robinson, my division officer and assistant maintenance officer at HSM 70, really pushed me to apply for the AVO program when he knew I already had a college degree.”

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from California State University Long Beach in 2016.

In December 2020, the Navy announced a new warrant officer specialty designator whose job will be to operate carrier-based MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicles, which are expected to start appearing in fleet carrier air wings in 2024, according to a Navy news release.

In order for warrant officers to operate the MQ-25 Stingray, the first carrier based unmanned aerial vehicle in the Navy, the Secretary of the Navy approved the establishment of the AVO warrant officer designator in NAVADMIN 315/20.

“It’s awesome any time a woman can blaze a new trail in any new program or community,” said Lt. Kyrie Slade, MH-60S Seahawk pilot and the OCS lead class officer. “It proves that we can be as resilient, smart, and tough as our men counterparts.”

Slade said she was the only female during her primary selection class out of 22 students.

“My last squadron was 30 pilots and we had anywhere from two-six female pilots onboard during my three years there,” said Slade.

The gravity of being the first woman warrant officer to complete OCS is still solidifying for Pagler.

“I honestly haven’t wrapped my mind around being the first of anything, however, I want to tell others to not hold yourselves back for going for something you want. Don’t be intimidated in a community where the majority are men,” emphasized Pagler.

Headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, OTCN oversees Officer Candidate School, Officer Development School and the Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer Academy.

OTCN morally, mentally and physically develops future leaders of character and competence – imbuing them with the highest ideals of honor, courage and commitment in order to serve as professional naval officers worthy of special trust and confidence.

For more information about OTCN, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/NSTC/OTCN.