Happily Divorced And After

In honor of Pride Month, Black Public Media (BPM) brings viewers a new short film that is an Afrofuturistic homage to Black Queer culture, as Artificial Intelligence meets Black Queer ASL (American Sign Language) meets vogue and flex dance styles to create a one-of-a-kind visual and sonic experience.

From the mastermind of acclaimed artist Rashaad Newsome, Hands Performance focuses on a performance by Being the Digital Griot, an AI in a non-binary robot body, who takes audiences on a unique exploration of movement and Black Queer ASL to Newsome’s original poetry. The Oakland-based creative premiered Being the Digital Griot during his exhibition Assembly at the Park Avenue Armory in 2022 and they were more recently seen as part of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Now audiences across the country have the opportunity to experience Being as part of the AfroPoP Digital Shorts series from BPM.

Taking place on a space station, Hands Performance transports viewers to outer space where a voiceover announces that the performance is “for the deaf and hard of hearing girls” while asking them to “listen with your eyes.” As Being twists, dips and slides with the skill and precision of top vogue and flex dancers against a backing pulsating score, they also translate Newsome’s poem, signing the words using Black Queer ASL.

An unique union of short film, AI and music video, Hands Performance takes its title from the well-known element of vogue fem, highlighting a dancer’s ability to tell a story with their hands while showcasing their musicality.

The film continues Newsome’s exploration of mapping Black cultural production as a form of movement research, data storage and collective wayfinding. Working with a team of Black Queer ASL interpreters, various vogue fem performers, flex dancers and motion capture technologists, Newsome translated his original poetry into a movement dataset exhibiting the uniquely Black and Queer aspects of sign language. Set against the backdrop of stunning visuals and a futuristic score filled with booming bass, synthetic snares, snaps, claps and glitchy computer sounds, Hands Performance is a must-see. Now viewers can stream it as part of BPM’s AfroPoP Digital Shorts by visiting the BPM YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPPyVyE-bMQ.

Black Public Media is a Harlem-based national nonprofit which has funded and distributed films about the Black experience since 1979. For more information on the AfroPoP Digital Shorts series and other programs and events from BPM, visit blackpublicmedia.org or follow them on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook at @blackpublicmedia and on X at @BLKPublicMedia.

RIALTO, CA— Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, hosted its Annual Graduate Recognition Scholarship Brunch at the Sierra Lakes Golf Course in Fontana, CA. One of our own, Daima Calhoun, Chief Deputy District Attorney of Riverside County, gave the keynote address titled “The Uphillers,” in which she inspired our graduates with three nuggets to carry with them on their educational journey. She stated, “Uphillers should Work hard, Dream big, and Don’t be afraid of failure.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter awarded two outstanding community members the Community Service Award: The Honorable Judge Joshlyn Pulliman of Riverside County and Dr. Jamal Myrick, of University of Riverside (UCR), with the Educational Leadership Community Service Award.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter and The Inland Ivy Foundation awarded 22 students from San Bernardino and Riverside County School Districts $34,000 in scholarships to continue their educational journey. In addition to the Eta Nu Omega and the Inland Ivy Foundation scholarships, there were specialized scholarships awarded to the students: Memorial Scholarships personalized by members of Alpha Kappa Sorority Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter in memory of their loved ones. The six memorials honored were: Lisa Blacksher, Gracie Mae Poole, Harriette Moore, Keturah McEwen, Hazel Hawkins-Russell, and Irma L. Sutton. Specialized scholarships (Honey Do) in the name of the spouses of the women of Eta Nu Omega Chapter and four HBCU scholarships were also awarded.

April Outstanding Achievement Awards Recognize District Students, Parents and Staff

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—In April, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Mt. Vernon and Muscoy Elementary Schools, M.L. King Jr. Middle School and San Andreas High School.

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the District’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

Mt. Vernon Elementary School, Principal Sylvette Del Llano:
Gabriel Rios is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Rios shines as a beacon of academic excellence and outstanding citizenship. Beyond consistently achieving stellar grades, Rios is also kind, helpful, and he follows the rules. Rios wants to become a surgeon.

Dalilah Reyes Chiman is a sixth-grader and Outstanding Student. Dalilah stands out for her exceptional academic achievements and citizenship. She demonstrates commitment to her studies and she earns praise for her outstanding grades. Dalilah also has a kind and helpful nature. Dalilah is working towards her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Rubi Barrios-Vallejo is a dedicated and proud mother of two children. She plays a pivotal role in her children’s academic journey while maintaining strong involvement as a parent committed to the betterment of the Mt. Vernon Elementary community.

Attendance Verifier Viviana Enciso epitomizes excellence in her role as an attendance verifier and as an out-of-class secretary. Her exceptional work performance is characterized by her tireless work ethic and remarkable attention to detail.

Fifth-Grade Teacher Donna Kosman constantly embodies the spirit of service and leadership. Donna fosters a dynamic learning environment where students can explore their interests and develop critical skills. Her tireless efforts and commitment exemplifies her outstanding professionalism and dedication to excellence.

Muscoy Elementary School, Principal Dr. Dana Jamison:
Eduardo Sandoval Soto is a third-grader and Outstanding Student. Eduardo is hardworking and dedicated to his academics. He is kind, friendly and has a loving heart. He loves to make people smile and laugh. And Eduardo loves school so much that his career goal is to be a teacher.

Daniel Vazquez is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Daniel is being honored for academic excellence and citizenship. He is a shining example of a student who has grit and constantly strives for improvement. He is kind and goes out of his way to make others feel welcome. Daniel dreams about becoming a paleontologist.

Outstanding Grandparent Award winner Leticia Murrieta has displayed unwavering dedication to the education and well-being of Muscoy students. Her grandson, Daniel, was honored as an Outstanding Student Award winner. Leticia invests many hours to support Muscoy Elementary by attending meetings and family events, and she still offers to do more.

Bilingual Office Assistant/Health Aide Karen Cordova is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She excels at providing excellent health services to students, and she engages families so students can thrive. Just this school year, Karen has set up more than 400 Hazel Health telemedicine visits so Muscoy students receive the medical care they need.

Fifth-Grade Teacher Laura Cortez Cuevas is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. As Muscoy’s English Language Facilitator, Laura has assisted in the reclassification of over 34 students as English Proficient. She has helped to increase fifth-grade academic scores by analyzing student data and planning with her team how to increase student achievement.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Principal Ernesto Calles:
Seventh-grader Christopher Martinez is an Outstanding Student. He is a true representation of King scholars, showing exceptional character inside and outside the classroom. He is the ASB president, where he serves and leads the entire King Middle School student body. Martinez wants to attend university after high school.

Brittanny Melchor is an eighth-grader and Outstanding Student. Melchor excels in academics, citizenship and art. She is respectful, responsible and helps to provide a safe learning environment, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, which earned her recognition at the King Middle School academic award celebration in February. Melchor is focused on her goal of attending university after graduation.

Lydia Urrutia is an Outstanding Parent. She has been a positive partner with King Middle School. School staff appreciate Urrutia’s communication with administration and parents via the School Site Council, and she can always be depended upon to provide input to support the success of King scholars.

Custodian I Sam Arenivar is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Arenivar consistently demonstrates pride in his work. His enthusiasm and passion for upholding King’s values and fostering a positive learning environment serve as an inspiration to those around him.

History and Social Science Teacher Robert Almanza is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Every Monday, he prepares and produces student-created videos to support the open communication and information that is vital to students and staff. Almanza’s leadership, including serving as department chair, exemplifies his commitment to students and staff.

San Andreas High School (SAHS), Principal Dorie Stratton:
Alaysha Nash is a senior and an Outstanding Student. Nash is involved in everything from the Student Leadership Advisory Council to dual enrollment in college and several extracurricular activities. She always has a smile on her face and is happy to help as needed. Nash plans to be a social worker because she loves helping people.

Senior David Renteria is an Outstanding Student. He is an outstanding scholar who excels in academics and citizenship and is a standout student in the Health Pathway Program. Renteria is a quiet leader, always ready to lend a helping hand, and actively engaged in extracurricular activities and leadership roles. He will be attending a certified nursing assistant program in June and hopes to become a Physical Therapist in the future.

Amber Ploehn is an Outstanding Parent, with two children attending Cajon High and one at San Andreas. Ploehn is active in the School Site Council and serves as the school’s District Advisory Council representative. She is always ready to help as needed, even bringing in lunch treats.

Bilingual Attendance Technician Cristina Topete Velazquez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She is a very resourceful problem solver. Velazquez helps ensure that students are in class daily and connects families to important resources in the community. She has been an integral part of the San Andreas attendance team, helping to launch the Attendance Campaign.

San Andreas Teacher Rawan Fakhoury is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Fakhoury’s tireless efforts have resulted in a rich and positive school culture where inclusivity and respect are paramount. She has transformed countless lives and empowered students to reach their full potential.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, will present their annual concert under the stars with fireworks on Saturday, June 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. on the football field of San Bernardino Valley College. Will you be there?

Explained Maestro Parnther, “Our annual July concert has quickly become a community staple as well as our largest crowd of the year. It’s great to see so many people from throughout the Inland Empire joined together as we celebrate America and put on this spectacular show!”

Los Angeles-based vocal group DC6 will join with the Symphony to perform the music of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked as well as traditional Patriotic fare culminating in Tchaikovsky’s bombastic 1812 Overture performed to a fireworks display.

This concert will also see a world record breaking piccolo attempt as players from all over the state have been invited to participate in performing John Phillip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” at the concert. The record – 189 – previously set July 4, 2016 at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas.

Symphony piccoloist Kathleen Dyer is leading the charge to break the record.

“It has been an absolute joy to receive the registrations – the enthusiasm is contagious – and more will be accepted all month long!” explained Dyer.

The Symphony is also seeking to welcome more Veterans than ever before to this annual event and hopes you will want to partner with them to make this happen.

The Symphony has been honored to welcome thousands of Service Members to their concerts through a longtime partnership with VetTix which coordinates donated tickets to vetted members of all branches of currently-serving Military and Veterans, as well as immediate family of troops KIA.

While the Symphony-VetTix partnership applies to all concerts, the annual concert under the stars is held at an especially relevant location for the requested support.

The San Bernardino Valley College Veteran’s Resource Center provides assistance through education, certification and guidance to active duty, reserve, and veterans and their dependents in achieving their educational objectives and promotes the retention, graduation, and transfer of military veteran students and their dependents. They offer tutoring, mentorship, VA benefits assistance, mental health counselling, free books and supplies, and much more.

Shared District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez. “This event is a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together in celebration and unity. We look forward to welcoming our military veterans to join us. Their service and dedication inspire us, and we are honored to celebrate Independence Day alongside them. This evening will be an unforgettable blend of live music, connection, and community pride.”

The concert begins at 7:30 pm, but the public is invited to arrive by 5 p.m. to take part in the College’s annual SUMMERFEST which will include information on the Veteran’s Resource Center, as well as many other educational opportunities, kids activities, campus tours, and a number of food trucks. Concert attendees may also bring their own picnic baskets into the stadium for the concert.

Members of the public who wish to fund a $10 General Admission ticket for one or more of our local heroes, may visit the Symphony Sponsorship Page, click on “Click to Make a Gift,” and select “Seats for Service Personnel” from the drop down menu. Donations may also be mailed to the Symphony at PO Box 109, San Bernardino, CA 92402 (be sure to indicate your check is for Seats for Service Personnel) or made via credit card by phone to (909) 381-5388.

All donations will be recognized at the July 6th Concert and in concert program books for the following 12 months.

“Once again, Maestro Parnther has curated a concert that will exceed expectations! This annual evening under the stars has never failed to bring the entire community together to share in the uniting power of music,” declared Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano.

Tickets, Location Details, and Piccolo Registration

Table seating tickets for “America, the Beautiful” are available at $30-$100 per seat and may be purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. General admission lawn seats are $10 per person with children under 12 free. General admission ticketholders are encouraged to bring low lawn chairs or blankets.

San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available throughout the campus. General admission tickets will be on sale at the event.

Piccoloists who register, rehearse, and participate in the performance of “The Stars and Stripes Forever” will receive General Admission tickets for themselves and their families.

Assigned table seating tickets for “America, the Beautiful” are available at $30-$100 per seat and may be purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. General admission lawn seats are $10 per person with children under 12 free. General admission ticketholders are encouraged to bring low lawn chairs or blankets.

San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available throughout the campus on concert day. General admission tickets will be on sale at the event.

Piccoloists who register, rehearse, and participate in the performance of “The Stars and Stripes Forever” will receive General Admission tickets for themselves and their families. For more information or to register, visit the Symphony webpage.

By Bo Tefu, Joe W. Bowers Jr., and Lila Brown | California Black Media  

Celebrating Juneteenth, multi-Grammy award winning musician and Compton native Kendrick Lamar will perform at a sold-out concert from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on June 19.

Tickets sold out almost instantly when news of the performance by the rapper the California State Senate recognized as a Generational Icon in 2015 was announced.

Fans flocked to snag tickets, some reporting they were in line behind tens of thousands of others. Demand for tickets was so high that resale prices skyrocketed, climbing up to $1,500.

Those who can’t attend in person won’t have to miss out as the concert will be livestreamed on Amazon Music. Titled “The Pop Out – Ken & Friends,” presented by pgLang and Free Lunch, the livestream will start at 4 p.m. PT and air on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and Prime Video.

The livestream coincides with “Forever the Influence,” Amazon Music’s way of honoring the contributions of Black artists, producers, and songwriters who have defined culture during Black Music Month. Amazon Music will announce additional Amazon Music Originals and video content from the most influential Black artists for “Forever the Influence” in the coming weeks.

The concert’s title is a reference to Lamar’s wildly popular Drake diss track, “Not Like Us,” which hip-hop fans have declared cemented his place as “winner” with the song becoming a huge radio success as a result from the feud. Since Lamar dropped his verse on Metro Boomin and Future’s track “Like That” back in March, the beef between him and Drake has finally come to an end.

pgLang, is a multidisciplinary creative communications company that specializes in music and visual media production. The company was founded in 2020 by rapper Kendrick Lamar and music executive Dave Free and is headquartered in Los Angeles. The name is an acronym for “program language”, which Free says is synonymous with text-based formal languages and aligns with Lamar’s art.

Last year, Amazon Music sponsored the Juneteenth celebration at Leimert Park but had to cancel several performances when a stampede broke out causing an abrupt ending.

Those interested in tuning in can learn more at www.amazonmusic.com.

By Bo Tefu, Joe W. Bowers Jr., and Lila Brown | California Black Media  

A recent survey by the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS), commissioned by the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, indicates that over three-quarters (78%) of California’s registered voters are highly likely to participate in the upcoming general election on November 5. However, the survey of 5,095 voters highlights significant disparities among different voter demographics.

White voters show the highest likelihood of voting at 89%, compared to 66% for Black voters, 70% for Latino voters, and 62% for Asian American voters. Age differences are also notable, with 89% of voters aged 65 or older likely to vote, compared to just 60% of those aged 18-29.

The primary motivation for voters is the Presidential election, with 70% citing it as their reason for voting. Other significant factors include supporting specific issues (66%), fulfilling civic duty (63%), and protecting democracy (60%).

For those less likely to vote, dissatisfaction with Presidential candidates is a major deterrent, cited by 40%. Additionally, 36% are discouraged by the influence of special interests and big money.

John Kim, President and CEO of Catalyst California, emphasizes the importance of understanding voter motivations to address these disparities. “Knowing what is motivating California voters to participate in elections, and to what degree, is key to understanding our democratic systems,” he said. “This state has made strides in recent years to make voting more accessible. Yet the racial disparities that persist are a call to action for advocates and state officials to work together to address continuing structural impediments.”

Christian Arana of the Latino Community Foundation points out that investments in voter education are essential for a well-informed electorate capable of influencing state policies.

Eric Schickler, IGS co-director, notes that while overall engagement is high, the significant gaps in voter interest across different demographics highlight the need for continued efforts to mobilize underrepresented groups. “The big gaps across racial and ethnic subgroups and age cohorts underscore that interest in this election is far from universal, and that dissatisfaction with the two major party candidates may be a substantial obstacle in mobilizing turnout to the level seen in 2020.”

By Bo Tefu, Joe W. Bowers Jr., and Lila Brown | California Black Media  

Last week, lawmakers in both houses of the legislature honored San Francisco Giants public address announcer Renel Brooks-Moon for her trailblazing media career and advocacy work statewide.

By all accounts a Bay Area legend, the multi-award-winning radio personality served as the Giants public address announcer for 24 seasons. The Baseball Hall of Fame acknowledged Brooks-Moon as the first woman to serve as a Public Address Announcer for a world championship game in any professional sport.

On June 11, Oakland-born Brooks-Moon was recognized on the California Assembly Floor as “Woman of the Year” by State Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco).

The same day, Brooks-Moon was also presented with a resolution on the Senate Floor by Senate President pro-Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), and other Bay Area lawmakers.

“On the Assembly Floor, we honored Renel Brooks-Moon. Her career started in radio, but she is best known for her role as San Francisco Giants announcer,” Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) wrote on Facebook. “She is the first Black Californian to have that position and she did it with gusto!”

Brooks-Moon dedicated her awards to her late parents, whom she acknowledged as her role models and inspiration.

“I am profoundly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” she said. “My heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation.”

McGuire said Brooks-Moon had been a fixture at Oracle Park and announced over 2,000 games including three World Series Championships.

“She brought incredible excitement and emotion to the game of baseball,” McGuire stated. “For those of us listening, she brought the game to life. But her storied career and community impact extend beyond the ballpark.”

Brooks-Moon spent 34 years as a radio and television broadcaster, including lead roles at 106 KMEL, 98.1 KISS-FM and CBS-5.

On air, Brooks-Moon led a number of efforts that empowered and uplifted the community. During that time, she received various awards for her advocacy and media work, including honors from the Bay Area Black Journalists Association, American Women in Radio and Television, Girl Scouts of NorCal, and Girls, Inc.

By Bo Tefu, Joe W. Bowers Jr., and Lila Brown | California Black Media  

The California Legislative Black Caucus CLBC) has partnered with the California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF)  for a tour that raises awareness about the fight for reparations in California.

The CBFF is a community-based organization and non-profit leading a five-year initiative that aims to invest $100 million towards Black power-building and movement-based organizations statewide.

The organization announced the “State of Black California Tour,” a series of six community events that bring together lawmakers, local leaders, and community members.

During the events, attendees raise questions and concerns that address historical, current and emerging challenges in various Black communities across California. Those discussions will focus on educating and motivating the public about the work the California Reparations task force has completed and why it is critical to compensate Black Californians for historical wrongs they have endured.

The first event in the series was held in San Diego on June 15.

Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) was the host of the San Diego event and moderated the discussion, “on the state of the Black community and how we work to secure the future all Black Californians deserve,” the organization stated.

“I am deeply honored to stand before you as we gather to discuss a matter of profound importance: The State of Black California,” said Weber, Secretary of the CLBC. She was speaking on June 15, making the opening statement during the San Diego stop of the tour.

“Today, we come together not only to acknowledge these injustices but to reaffirm the California Legislative Black Caucus’ commitment to rectifying many of the harms outlined in the California Reparations Task Force report.”

Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber also spoke at the San Diego event.

The elder Weber said when she was a lawmaker many of her colleagues in the Legislature were reluctant to support AB 3121, the reparations bill she introduced that garnered bi-partisan support and made the task force possible. They were hesitant because they thought a bill that provided monetary compensation to Black Californians “would divide California.”

“We used the United Nations model in terms of what you’re supposed to do for reparations across the world. So, we had the backing of the international community,” said Weber. This is the standard across the world: to do reparations.”

“The fact that we have not given African Americans reparations is a blemish on this country,” said Weber. “The nation and the world have standards of justice, and this nation has never met those standards. Reparations is one of those standards that needs to be met for African Americans for the 400 years of injustices we have suffered.”

Leaders of local organizations, grassroots advocates, and community members are encouraged to attend an event in their respective communities.

The tour will continue to various cities across the state, including Santa Barbara, Fresno, Sacramento, Oakland, and Moreno Valley. The events will be held once a month starting in June up until October 2024.

Californians interested in attending an event in their area can find additional information on State of Black California website. Details for events held in each city are available online including registration, speakers, and necessary updates.

By Bo Tefu, Joe W. Bowers Jr., and Lila Brown | California Black Media  

Los Angeles County introduced the first-ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Commission in a ceremony hosted by Supervisor Hilda Solis.

The commission was created to recommend policies and address current and emerging issues that impact LGBTQ communities. This initiative was proposed and co-authored by Solis and Supervisor Janice Hahn, aiming to be more inclusive of LGBTQ individuals in California’s most populous county.

The commission’s executive director Sunitha Menon will work alongside 15 LGBTQ commission members including community leaders, local government officials, lawyers, and health professionals.

Solis said that the board of supervisors stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ community.

“Today, Los Angeles County is making history – again – and hopefully setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow,” said Solis.

The board of supervisors completed a year-long selection process when it appointed Menon as the commission’s executive director. The board also compiled a resolution to fly the Progress Pride Flag at all County facilities in honor of Pride Month.

Menon said that the commission will remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and survival of LGBTQ individuals in their respective communities.

“I look forward to working alongside the Commissioners to ensure we are uplifting the needs of the over 500,000 members of our community, particularly for our Black and Brown trans community members, and those who live in areas with less access to life-saving resources and support,” said Menon.

Supervisor Hahn said that LA County is on the right side of history by uplifting LGBTQ voices.

“There are too many states and local governments across the country who are moving backwards when it comes to LGBTQ rights,” said Hahn.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference (Cal-Hi NAACP) honored actor and political activist Danny Glover and social justice leader Rev. Amos C. Brown at its 12th annual Legacy Hall of Fame Ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Sacramento on June 10.

With that honor, Glover and Brown join a long list of activists, leaders and changemakers who have fought tirelessly for equal rights for African Americans, changes in law, and to advance the civil rights movement.

“These are nationally, known heavyweights,” said Cal-Hi NAACP President Rick Callender.

“They are both humble and national leaders. (The Hall of Fame) shows that they are here in attendance, reaching back into the community, and letting Mr. Glover and Rev. Brown know that they deserve this prestigious honor,” Callender continued.

The ceremony brought together a diverse group of guests, including NAACP members from across the state, corporate partners, supporters, and future leaders and delegates of the Youth and College Division.

State lawmakers in attendance were Sen. Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) and Sen. Susan Rubio (D-West Covina).

Rubio presented Glover and Brown with Senate resolutions outlining their civil rights accomplishments.

Secretary of State Shirley Weber gave remarks focused on the character and achievements of the honorees.  When she was the president of the National Council for Black Studies, Weber remembers Glover advocated for the academic discipline at San Francisco State University before he rose to fame in the film industry.

Weber also thanked Brown for his leadership as a member of the California Reparations Task Force, a nine-person panel created based on Assembly Bill (AB) 1321, legislation she authored when she served in the Assembly representing the 79^th District in San Diego. After a two-year investigation and study, the task force delivered a 1,100-page report with 115 reparations recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

“Despite all the things they have done they’ve never forgotten where they once came from,” Weber said of the Hall of Fame inductees. “They continue to hold up the banner for us and to fight for us every day. Their task now is to make sure that you pick up the banner and move forward.”

Glover was born July 22, 1947, in San Francisco. His parents, Carrie and James Glover were both United States postal workers and active members of the NAACP. While at San Francisco State College, the young Glover led a student strike. The demonstration led to the first ethnic studies department in the country.

Glover studied the art of acting at San Francisco State College and trained at the Black Actors Workshop of the American Conservatory Theater.  Glover has and continues to nurture a long career in stage plays, television, and films.

Glover has produced social justice documentaries that align with his advocacy work. He has received numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts and once served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

“I certainly have so much respect for this particular moment,” Glover said of receiving NAACP honors. “But just to be around men and women of all ages, all ethnicities who work for a better community. That’s what it is all about — what it means to be a human being working on the half of humanity. Thank you for this honor.”

Rev. Amos Cleophus Brown was born Feb 20, 1941, in Jackson, Mississippi. He is one of only eight students who had the pleasure to take a college class taught by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while he was a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta.

In 1961, Brown and King were arrested at a civil rights lunch counter sit-in. As a youth, Brown’s mentor was Mississippi NAACP Field Secretary Medgar Evers.

Brown has been the pastor of San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church in the Fillmore District since 1976. He served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 1996 to 2000. Brown was first appointed to the position by former San Francisco Mayor and California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown before being elected to a two-year term.

Brown has served as national chairman for the NAACP Youth and College Division and the National Baptist Commission on Civil Rights. He is currently the president of the San Francisco branch of the NAACP.

“I want you to know that I am 83 going on 84 but I am going to stay in the struggle (for equality),” Brown said. “I am going to stay in the struggle because God has given me strength and God has been my light. I am going to stay in the fight until Black folks receive equality and opportunities in the United States of America.”

Every year, the NAACP CA/HI State Conference inducts individuals into the Hall of Fame who exemplify the commitment and courage to advocate for the betterment of Black people in California. The event also creates funding for youth leadership programs and initiatives.

“The one thing that I really like about this event is that we really are honoring folks that have been doing the business of civil rights for their entire life,” Callender said. “We’re just saying, ‘We’ve seen what you’ve been doing, we’re watching you, and yes, you deserve to be in our Hall of Fame.’”