Happily Divorced And After

NATIONWIDE— The Stephenson triplets — Jean, Jeanet, and Jeanice — have made history after recently graduating together with nursing degrees from South University in Montgomery, Alabama. The sisters, who are now 23 years old, say they were inspired by their mom, who is also a nurse, to carry on their family tradition.

Growing up, the three siblings formed a close bond that extended into their academic pursuits. They said being triplets has its perks, especially when it comes to studying.

“If one person doesn’t know something, you can go to the other, and maybe they’ll explain it a little better,” Jeanice told WSFA.

“We motivate each other, help each other, make sure everyone is passing and learning at the same pace,” said Jean.

The triplets cherish the unique connection they share, tracing back to the day they were born.

“We’ve always shared everything: cars, clothes, rooms, bathrooms,” Jean added. “We were always very close because we shared everything.”

The trio also have fun with their identical looks which sometimes lead to amusing mix-ups. Teachers and students alike find it challenging to tell them apart.

“Sometimes we do play tricks on people,” said Jeanet. “We do get confused a lot.”

Moreover, after earning their nursing degree, the 3 sisters wanted to pursue different paths within nursing.  Jeanet aims for the ICU, Jean is interested in pediatrics or NICU, and Jeanice wants to do the ER. Despite that, they dream of working in the same hospital one day.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Lou K. Coleman

Your house will be left desolate. Not one stone will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down. [Matthew 24:2].

So, when you see standing in the Holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. [Matthew 24:15-21].

Since you are not willing to listen know that the Lord Almighty is mustering an army for war. They come from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens— the Lord and the weapons of His wrath— to destroy the whole country. Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Because of this, all hands will go limp, every heart will melt with fear. Terror will seize you; pain and anguish will grip you; you will writhe like a woman in labor. You will look aghast at each other, your face aflame. For, the day of the Lord is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make the land desolate [Isaiah 13:4-9].

Wisdom Call – Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud: “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.

Listen, I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to say what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. [Proverbs 8].

Throughout Bible history, God has repeatedly provided man with more than “ample warning” of His impending judgments. His purpose for warning man is to motivate him to repent and come back to Him [Luke 15; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 8; Revelation 9]. For the most part, man has not taken advantage of God’s “ample warning” because of his evil and doubting heart; man will be destroyed! [Genesis 6:5; Deuteronomy 1:35; Revelation 9:21].

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Caucus

Dr. Shirley N. Weber, the California Secretary of State, has certified a list of 20 candidates, including former Pres. Donald Trump, for the state’s presidential primary election scheduled for March 5, 2024.

Weber made the decision on December 28 to certify Trump despite calls from a number of prominent Democrats, including California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, to disqualify him. They cite the former president’s actions and inactions during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol as a violation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which should disqualify him from public office.

Responding to Kounalakis, Weber emphasized that removing a presidential candidate is a matter of public interest and must be handled within legal parameters and in the best interests of all California voters.

“It is incumbent upon my office to ensure that any action undertaken regarding any candidate’s inclusion or omission from our ballots be grounded firmly in the laws and processes in place in California and our Constitution,” Weber stated.

Trump’s quest to run for the presidency has been blocked by two states, Maine and Colorado. Appeals of the decisions in both states are expected to be heard by the Supreme Court of the United States.

In a letter to Weber dated Dec. 20, Kounalakis urged the Secretary of State “to explore every legal option” to remove Trump from California’s 2024 presidential primary ballot following the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling in Anderson v. Griswold.

“I am prompted by the Colorado Supreme Court’s recent ruling that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s ballot as a Presidential Candidate due to his role in inciting an insurrection in the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021,” Kounalakis wrote.

“This decision is about honoring the rule of law in our country and protecting the fundamental pillars of our democracy.”

Weber wrote back to Kounalakis, saying that she is guided by her “commitment to follow the rule of law.”

“As California’s Chief Elections Officer, I am a steward of free and fair elections and the Democratic process,” wrote Weber. “I must place the sanctity of these elections above partisan politics. As you may not be aware, my office has been engaged in multiple lawsuits regarding the former president’s appearance on the ballot.”

Weber also acknowledged the complicated nature of the issue and her decision regarding it.

“We can agree that the attack of the capitol and the former presidents’ involvement was abhorrent, there are complex legal issues surrounding this matter,” she added.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to the 2024 MLK Gala Award Honorees:

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Ephesians New Testament Church along with the Community of Fontana will be hosting Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration “Jazz for Scholarships”, an evening of jazz featuring 4-time Emmy nominee Oleta Adams with special guest jazz pianist, J Michael O’Neal. Concert will be held 7:00pm at the Fontana Steel Workers Auditorium, 8437 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, California. Tickets prices are: $50/General Admission, $75/Reserve Seating, and $100/VIP.

Tickets may be purchased at Ephesians New Testament Church, 9161 Sierra Avenue, Suite #201-B, Fontana, CA. For additional information and to reserve tickets, you may call (909) 823-2310.

A Conversation with Grazell Howard, Black Aids Institute (BAI) Board Chair

MIAMI, FL – This is a time to raise awareness and reflect on the impact of the HIV/AIDS virus across the nation. Despite significant gains in case reduction, African Americans continue to account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses. Black PR Wire’s Thrivin’ in Color podcast featured Grazell Howard, Board Chair of the Black Aids Institute (BAI), in an enlightening discussion on HIV/AIDS and the interconnected elements that make managing the disease in the Black community so difficult.

In this episode, Grazell has an eye-opening conversation with podcast host Camry Brown about the work being done at the Black Aids Institute (BAI) and measures that may be implemented among the Black community to reduce the number of African Americans living with HIV/AIDS. She also explores the rise in HIV infections among younger people. “Grazell made some very valid points during this conversation,” said Camry. “When listeners tune into this episode, I hope they feel the need to take action in bettering our community.”

The Black AIDS Institute (BAI) is dedicated to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Black community. BAI is the only uniquely and unapologetically Black HIV think and do tank in America.

Black PR Wire’s Thrivin’ in Color podcast is an exceptional platform for Black and Brown leaders to educate and empower the Black community. Tune in to Thrivin’ in Color on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

About Thrivin’ in Color

Thrivin’ In Color is a podcast produced by Black PR Wire, featuring interviews with remarkable sistas and brothas from across the country who are doing extraordinary things in today’s society. Thrivin’ In Color takes us behind the scenes of their world, where we meet with them and pick up some golden nuggets for success. Thrivin’ In Color podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all of your favorite podcast services.

About Black PR Wire

Black PR Wire is the nation’s first and largest online Black newswire distribution company and is a powerful leader in effective news delivery services. With a comprehensive database and listing of over 1,200 Black (African American, Caribbean and Haitian) organizations and media, Black PR Wire posts and distributes print, audio, video, and creative news and information to Black media, influencers, faith-based groups and prominent community organizations throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. Services can be purchased online anytime, anywhere 24/7; or by simply calling our newsroom at 1-877-BLACKPR. Have some news to share? Or want to know what’s happening in your community? Then connect with Black PR Wire, like, share and visit us @BlackPRWire, and make Black PR Wire your online source for Black News! For more information on Black PR Wire and Thrivin’ in Color, call 1-877-BLACKPR or visit the website at blackprwire.com.