Happily Divorced And After

BOTTOM-LINE… Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

The nation was shocked with the recent release of a video depicting New York police chocking a Black man to death. As the impact of that visual was fading from the front pages, yet another incident was reported on the alarming news of a police shooting and killing an unarmed Black male in Missouri. Several days later the Los Angeles Police Department shot and killed a Black male and one day later on August 12, a San Bernardino County Deputy Sheriff electrocuted a Black Male by tasing him multiple times.

These police killings, though shocking to all, still represent old news to many in the Black community. As the Black Male body count continues to climb, social media and internet journalism push today’s speedy flow of information, giving a new focus to the police killing spree.  As heart wrenching and predictable as the years of police killings of Black males can be, the fact is that society has reacted as if each killing is an isolated event; however, social media and the general press’ struggle to deliver “breaking news” have caused “real time” response to the killings allowing the public to see the frequency of police killings.

I regard the police killings of Black men as a symptom of the “State of Emergency” that exists in America. America’s potential has been warped since her birth, resulting from being nursed by the lie of white supremacy.  Some of us realize the great human potential that is sacrificed in the name of racism. That racism starts to express itself in pre-school, and is documented in the disproportionate statistics that describe dropout rates, unemployment rates, and ultimately the incarceration rates for Black Males. If the white population matched the dropout, unemployment and incarceration rates of Black Males, a “State of Emergency” would surely be instituted, and solutions solicited.

Today’s racism is an echo of the past. A past, not forgotten, and certainly, not corrected. The stain is deep in the fabric and therefore the fabric needs deep cleaning.  We need to do as much to change it as we did to arrange it. What was targeted for destruction must now be targeted for construction!  Any true depiction of America’s history will show the consistent rate of contribution by Blacks to America’s growth and development, from Crispus attucks to Barack Obama.  The bulk of those contributions were made despite race-based barriers.  Trading Black male potential for a few jobs in jails and correctional institutions is a bad investment, especially when one considers the social benefit that comes when race based barriers are replaced with efforts to target Black men for development.

Racism has isolated and targeted Black males for destruction and all of America is suffering for it. There are things that can be done to change the potential of Black men, and thus the potential of America.  There are some quick fixes as well as long term projects and campaigns that I will suggest in this as well as in future writings.  There is a tendency among people who know that they have been maliciously mistreated to want to “get even”.  I submit that, “You cannot get ahead if your goal is to get even”!

One quick fix that has long term benefits is, ‘Public Service and Safety Training.’ All citizens,      Black men in particular, should be given the opportunity to learn to become first responders.  We cannot predict who will be in a position to provide first response care at an emergency; therefore, training first responders is a public benefit.  Status and self esteem is a personal upgrade for the trainee and a societal asset in case of emergency.  Businesses can sponsor public safety teams as a means of advertising and public relations.

This is not the greatest idea in the world, but it is based on “getting ahead” as opposed to “getting even”.  What do you think?  Please write me at walleniv@yahoo.com.

Center for Employment Training (CET), a leading, nationally accredited, non-profit provider of career and technical education broke ground on its latest center located at 1099 N. Pepper Avenue in the City of Colton. The event took place on August 14th and was attended by several community and elected leaders including Josue Castillo, representing the Office of Assembly Member Cheryl R. Brown, City of Colton Mayor Ms. Sarah S. Zamora, City of Colton District 1 Council Member David J. Toro, City of Colton District 3 Council Member Frank Gonzales, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chetay Catalano, CET CEO Hermelinda Sapien and CET center directors from Coachella, El Centro, Oxnard, and San Diego. The new center will more than double the number of programs currently offered by CET to the Inland Empire region. Once in full operation, the center is expected to annually enroll about 300 students for training on in-demand occupations and have a significant and positive socio-economic impact on the community.

At the event, CET leadership was presented with a resolution by the Office of Assembly Member Cheryl R. Brown and a certificate of recognition by the City of Colton. Throughout the event, the new center location was visited by various community partners and local citizens eager to learn about the new center and the training programs that will be offered. Juan Pollo and Sushi Miguel’s Style provided a little taste of Colton to everyone in attendance while Home Depot proudly showed their support by providing shovels used for the ground breaking.

Scheduled to open late fall, the new center will offer several industry-driven programs including Automotive Technology, Business Office Administration, Electrical, Logistic Technician, HVAC Technician & Green Technology, Machinist Technology-CNC, and Welding Fabrication. The programs will be affordable and accessible to individuals seeking skills that are in demand by industry. CET leadership is excited about the new campus and looks forward to working with the community to make this new endeavor a success for the City of Colton and the Inland Empire.

Founded in 1967, CET has been nationally recognized for excellent outcomes in program completion and job placement assistance. With a national network of 15 centers across California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, and North Carolina, CET successfully provides job placement assistance to over 3,000 individuals per year.

Mayor Pete Aguilar

SAN BERARDINO, CA – Today, Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, Democratic candidate for Congress in California’s 31st district, announced his campaign’s Middle Class Initiative, a set of priorities to expand our nation’s middle class, focusing on the issues that affect the daily lives of Inland Empire residents. In his statement, Aguilar pledged his commitment to these issues and the middle class families he hopes to represent in Congress.

“This race is all about the Inland Empire’s middle class,” Mayor Aguilar said. “As our economy continues to recover, we must remain committed to policies that will grow our middle class and expand opportunity for those aspiring to get there, like raising the minimum wage. As I meet with voters and listen to the concerns that affect their families, the same issues come up again and again: a quality education for their kids, a good paying job after college and a secure retirement”.

“These are the values of the middle class, the values of my family and families across our region. I will do everything I can to make sure we deliver”.

Pete Aguilar’s Middle Class Initiative is a 3-part priorities list that focuses on strengthening education, creating a robust and fair economy with good paying, middle class jobs and a commitment to our seniors and future generations of retirees.

Education: A fair economy starts with an equal shot at success, and every student in America deserves an opportunity to succeed. As the father of two young children, Pete supports early childhood education for all students and robust funding for schools across the country. He is also an advocate for Pell Grants and student loan reform. College graduates should enter the workforce ready to start their adult lives, not drowning in debt that will prohibit them from buying a home or starting a family.

Economy: Pete is committed to supporting policies that will grow our economy and create jobs. He supports small businesses, one of the greatest engines of economic growth in our communities, equal pay for women and raising the minimum wage. Pete also believes that corporations should pay their fair share and be encouraged to keep jobs here in America instead of outsourcing good paying, middle class jobs overseas. He is a strong advocate for smart investments in manufacturing, infrastructure and renewable energy.

Retirement: Pete believes that we have a moral obligation to keep our promise to seniors and future generations of retirees. He will always support Medicare and Social Security and refuses to balance the budget on the backs of seniors. Americans who work hard their entire lives deserve to retire with dignity.

Pete Aguilar is a small business owner and Mayor of Redlands. He is a strong advocate for economic growth and fairness in the Inland Empire, a leader who has reached across party lines to serve the best interests of middle class families in San Bernardino County.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Festival in Las Vegas set for November 14-16 on the Strip at Night

Las Vegas, NV  – Guaranteed to be one of the biggest weekends in running this year, pop-culture icon Snoop Dogg will headline the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Festival in Las Vegas on November 14-16, 2014. The global superstar will perform on Sunday during the pre-race concert at 3:00pm, prior to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America taking over the Las Vegas Strip at night.

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas has proven over and over again to be one of the biggest and most anticipated running events in the world,” said Josh Furlow, EVP of Global Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “We are thrilled to continue this legacy in 2014 by announcing Snoop Dogg, one of the most legendary, chart-topping artists of the past two decades, as the headliner for this year’s festivities.”

A multi-platinum artist, actor and entertainment icon, Snoop Dogg is at the forefront of popular culture as one of the most commercially successful artists in music. He’ll kick off the pre-party by performing chart-topping hits, which include “Gin & Juice,” “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?),” “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang,” “Next Episode,” “Beautiful,” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot.”

The 2014 Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Festival returns to Las Vegas the weekend of November 14-16; the only running event to be illuminated by the neon lights on the Las Vegas Strip. Each of the marathon and half-marathon courses run down both sides of Las Vegas Boulevard, featuring everything from the iconic  ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign to the Fountains of Bellagio with the finish line at the base of the Mirage Volcano.

The unique course and nighttime start attracts thousands of participants from around the world to experience the one-of-a-kind event with live bands at every mile, a Run-Thru Wedding for couples to elope on the go, the infamous group of Running Elvi and pre and post-event parties throughout the weekend at Vegas’ top nightlife venues.

Weekend activities begin with a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo where all participants pick up their race number, gear bag and t-shirt. This ultimate running resource will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15.  New in 2014, festival weekend will include the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll 5k presented by SLS Las Vegas on Saturday night where runners can take the on Remix Challenge; running two events and potentially garnering three medals in one weekend.

As the event’s official charity, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America will return with the Team Challenge half-marathon training program. Over the now six-year history of the Rock ‘n’ Roll event in Las Vegas, more than $20 million has been raised for CCFA through the Las Vegas race to find a cure for the 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

For more information or to register for Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas, visit StripatNight.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.

About Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas

A Competitor Group event, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon to Benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America will take over the world famous Las Vegas Strip on Sunday night, November 16, 2014. Since 2009, more than $20 million has been raised for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America at the Las Vegas race and the event annually generates $165 million in annual economic impact to the region. Race participants enjoy the sights and sounds of lavish hotels, world-class entertainment and some of Vegas’ hottest music sensations performing on the course.

The Victor Valley branch (1082) of the NAACP held a press conference to voice concern over the death of Dante Parker, who succumbed while in police custody.  The details of his death while in police custody are sketchy with apparent lapses that are both troubling and cause for concern.

The conference was opened by Southwest Area Director of the NAACP, Ron Hasson, he shared the why, and the organization’s concern for the rash of deaths of African American males by law enforcement.

The second speaker was president of the local branch, Samuel Carl, who built on the statement by Mr. Hasson, calling for transparency, accountability, and the use of body cameras for all deputies in the field.

Cameron Sehat, an attorney representing the family stated what his office hopes to accomplish, and the possibility of a lawsuit against the department.

Mrs. Bianca Parker, the surviving spouse of Dante, his mother Deltra McCoy, two of their five children, twin daughters scheduled to graduate from Silverado High School in 2015, and other family members were present.  Mrs. Parker read the birthday card she had purchased for her husband’s birthday, he was killed on August 12, and his 37^th birthday was August 14,  She shared the trauma of not knowing what had happened, that fateful Tuesday evening that will always be etched in her memory.  They delayed dinner, waiting for his return, his dad and brother were visiting to celebrate his birthday.  The incident with police apparently occurred around 4pm, but Mrs. Parker was not notified, she started calling hospitals around 11pm, and that led to her receiving the news around 1am that her husband would not be returning to the family he adored, nor to his job at the Daily Press Newspaper.

There was not a dry eye, even among seasoned journalists, who have seen it all… as she shared the heartbreak, the anger, the pain, etc.

A.Majadi, 1^st vice president of the San Bernardino branch of the NAACP also spoke at the conference, and Ms, Deltra McCoy, his mother.

Media outlets represented were: KNBC News; CBS/LA; Channel 7 eyewitness News, the San Bernardino Sun, The Precinct Reporter and the Daily Press.  Other media outlets gathering information about the conference included The American Newspaper, and Westside Story Newspaper.

The Victor Valley branch of the NAACP is appreciative for those outlets for embracing the cause of human rights by their mere appearance.

Atlanta protests held Monday, August 18 in front of the CNN Center

By Naomi K. Bonman

L.A. Protest Photo Credit: Joe Satran (The Huffington Post)

Throughout the previous years we have heard about history repeating itself, and 50 years later after the Civil Rights Movement to this present day, we see are seeing what we dreaded would happen. History has been repeating itself for the past few years now, but on Saturday, August 10, after 18-year-old Michael Brown was gunned down in Ferguson, MO, outside of St. Louis, the issue of police brutality among African-Americans have sparked up the Nation causing multiple protests across the Country among both the young, seasoned and celebrity crowd.

In the immediate days after Brown was murdered the world seen yet another brutal shooting by the Los Angeles Police Department on Sunday, August 11, when 25-year-old Ezell Ford was shot and skilled by two officers while walking down the street near his home. According to the Huffington Post, by 2:30 p.m. several protesters had gathered in front of the LAPD headquarters. Protesters varied in age, race, ethnicity and creed. Some even came as far as San Bernardino, such as Sandra Nunez, who was there with her young daughter.

“I not only fear gang members killing my son, I fear the police killing my son. I feel helpless because I don’t know who will protect him from them”, she stated.

Another local L.A. resident, David Bryant, who is a former member of the Nation of Islam, stated that he has been arrested while protesting in exactly the same place in 1992, after the trial for officers who has beaten Rodney King.

“That was over 20 years ago, and here we go again. It’s déjà vu, but what else can you except when you have prostitutes and cowards as politicians”, he said.

Let us rewind back to July 17 in New York, before Brown was killed. Eric Garner, 43, who was an asthmatic father of six, was confronted by NYPD officers for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. When he resisted being cuffed, an officer appeared to put him in a chokehold, a tactic banned by the department since 1993.Garner was unable to breathe and unfortunately succumbed. The

Actress, singer, and business owner Tiffany Evans, joined protests for change in Atlanta

city medical examiner later ruled Garner’s death a homicide, stating that neck compression from the chokehold killed him; however, officers involved in the arrest may not face charges if the homicide is found to be justifiable. Staten Island district attorney Daniel Donovan is investing the case.

Then on August 5 in Beavercreek, Ohio, two police officers responded to a 911 call about a man waving a gun at customers inside a Walmart store. According to the Beavercreek police department, John Crawford, 22, disregarded officers’ orders to disarm before being fatally shot in the chest. It later was reported that Crawford’s gun was a .177 calibre BB rifle that he had picked up from the store shelf.

On August 12, Dante Parker. 36, of Victorville, California who was a pressman at the Daily Press was tased by police after a Victorville resident told police a robbery suspect had fled on a bicycle. The police detained Parker, who by the way had no criminal background (other than a DUI), after a scuffle ensued which led to him being tased. He later died at a local hospital. The police assumed he was the suspect because he was found on a bicycle.

Who knows how long these protests will go on before justice is served and change is done. In the midst of these occurrences I read a statement from a young lady on Facebook, I do not remember her name, but she stated that “People react certain ways to prior fears”. She used an analogy of her being beat by a blue belt and as she gets older she still fears that blue belt every time she sees it because she

Atlanta protest. August 18, 2014

connects it to that incident of when she was beaten by it. So, the same goes for the police. Some may have a fear that could have been passed by to them by their ancestors, so instead of talking things out to come to a solution they automatically assume and react. Other law enforcement who do not have this fear, could just be a “dirty cop” instilled with evil and hate.

Hopefully at the end when all is said and done, we not only get the change that we need, but that Blacks start coming together as a people, as a force, because that is the only way we will get the deserved change that Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and a countless number of others fought for 50 years ago. Right now they would all be turning in their graves to see how we have separated as a people and how our race has fallen. We don’t support each other in our business efforts as we should, we do not own hardly any big corporations, and the list goes on.

While you are out there protesting, keep in mind that as African-Americans/Blacks we need to continue to come together in unity. I would love to see a multitude of Black owned businesses emerging within the next years to come, and I would like to see us keep those businesses in our communities and for them not to be sold off to “white companies and investors”.

The Black community has the highest buying power, so if we take that power and put it back into our own communities, just imagine how much we would thrive as a community and what the future would like for our youth that will soon be taking over. Let’s be an example and stand up for what’s ours. Let’s take back our communities in a positive way.

I would love to hear your feedback, please tweet me at @NaomiKBonman on Twitter, or email me atnaomibonman@gmail.com.

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

Another Black man killed by police. At the time of this writing, the dead Black man I am talking about has possibly or probably been joined by another. At first thought I felt that I should honor the dead by naming them; however, my long-term thought is that by naming them I am trivializing the overriding long-term issue that Black men are a police target in America regardless of their name rank or serial number.  The only group that kills more Black men than police is, of course, Black men.

The obvious question is, why Black people get mad enough to riot in the streets when police kill a Black man, yet, though angered by Black-on-Black killing, there is not the display of anger and frustration that occurs with a police shooting.

For those who really are possessed by that question, let me give you the obvious answer.  Police shootings reflect the final attitude of a society that displays its fear and distain for Black males at first social sight. From Pre-school, Black males are disproportionately identified as troublemakers and treated that way regardless of name, rank and serial number. That is documented in the number of school detentions and discipline referrals handed to Black boys. The disproportionate unemployment and incarceration rates for Black males reflect the penalty for the Black male that refuses to “play ball” in the “change the rules anytime” game that marginal Black Males are restricted to.

We Blacks know that many of our young gangsters are a result of customs and laws that push Black families apart. Laws that remove the parental power of discipline that ultimately marginalize and compromise the value of young black lives. So, we understand and are thoroughly pained by Black on Black crime, and in general attribute it to self-hate generated by America’s long-term love-affair with racism. Thus, the shootings done by the police are the “final straw” acts that activate the “time to raise hell button” in Black Communities.

I, like many of you, look forward to when we who promote good over evil are able to provide enough protection and access to resources, opportunity and guidance for our children to truly empower them to excellence despite racism.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- SHAD Club #62, a male group associated with Gamma Omega Chapter of Eta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., has received the “Club of the Year” by the National Council of SHADS.  It is the third consecutive year the club has received this prestigious award.  SHADS are the husbands of active sorority members in Eta Phi Beta. The club was given this award for its work with young males in the community.  The goal of the club is “to be positive role models to young men in our area.”

One of the key programs the club sponsors is an Annual Oratorical/Essay Contest.  The goal of the contest is to help young men hone their skills in research, organization and presentation skills.  Contestants of the contest receive cash prizes totaling more than $1,000  per year.   The club has been sponsoring this contest since 2007.

The National Council of SHADS also recognized Tom Jones as its “Man of the Year.”  Mr. Jones is an original member of SHAD Club #62, and serves the local chapter as chaplain.  Tom was recognized for his work in the church, community and the club.  He serves as a deacon in New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and is active in many local clubs and associations.  One of his passions is his work with the prison ministry of his church.

Dr. D. Marie Battles regional director of Eta Phi Beta Sorority and Bettie Bell president of Gamma Omega Chapter were on hand to congratulate the club and Mr. Jones for their accomplishments.

Nia Campbell

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Branch National Association for the Advancement of colored people (NAACP) competed at the NAACP National Convention held in Las Vegas this past July 19-23. The Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) division is a major youth initiative of the NAACP that provides a forum through which youth of African descent demonstrate academic, artistic and scientific prowess and expertise.

The crowd was electrified at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada as the 2014 NAACP ACT-SO Awards Show got underway. Bresha Webb who hosted the program kept the audience energized. There was an amazing tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou, based on her legendary poem, I Rise. R&B/pop group, McLain’s performance included an ode to hip-hop legends TLC. The show concluded with the crowd participating in a sing-along of Pharell’s Happy.

Over 600 NAACP youth from around the country participated in ACT-SO this year. The program included 26 categories of competition in the fields of science, humanities, business, and performing and visual arts. Nia Campbell, Riverside NAACP branch’s ACT-SO member was one of five winners coming from Region One which included: Japan, Korea, Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Utah.

Campbell is a recent graduate of King High School and she plans to attend Valley College in the fall. Her passion is writing and she took home a bronze medal in the category of playwriting. She is currently working on three novels and a book of poems.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Where can Inland Empire entrepreneurs go to learn how they can grow their business?  The CA Black Chamber of Commerce and Foundation has the answer during their annual Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit to take place at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel on August 21 to 23.

This year’s theme is “Fitting Pieces Together for Business Success”. The event opens with the First Women’s Symposium “Success Above the Glass Ceiling… Is It Real?” and welcome reception on Thursday and closes on Saturday with the Ron Brown Awards Gala honoring leaders in government, small business of the year, and chamber of the year.

Learn how to develop partnerships and contract with major suppliers in the public and private sector, as well as how to build wealth in minority communities. Non-profits can learn grant writing and non-profit funding strategies along with applied technology. Speakers for the weekend include Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and CEO of the ACT-1 Group; Cynthia Marshall, AT&T Senior Vice President-Human Resources; Lisa Cagnolatti, Vice President Business Customer Division, Southern California Edison; Carol H. Williams, CEO and Founder Carol H. Williams Advertising, Inc.; and Barbara Perkins, President, Iyanla Vanzant Enterprises. During the summit, youth entrepreneurs will learn how to identify alternative business opportunities and access capital for their business ideas.

For more information on the summit, visit www.calbcc.org or call BPC Media Works at 951.682.6070.