Happily Divorced And After

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

The California Reparations Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans will hold its last in-person meeting on June 29 in Sacramento. The meeting will take place in the First Floor Auditorium of the March Fong Eu Secretary of State Building, located at 1500 11th Street.

The task force will submit its final report to the California legislature. If approved, California could become the first state to provide reparations to the descendants of enslaved Black Americans.

Task force vice-chairperson Rev. Amos Brown said the state legislature must “do the right thing” before leaving San Francisco for a speaking engagement in Jackson, Miss., to recognize the 60th year since NAACP field secretary Medgar Evers was killed on June 12, 1963.

“It’s now time for some deliberate action,” said Brown, the pastor of Third Street Baptist Church in San Francisco. “If they don’t provide support, action, or forms of reparations in this nation, and in this state, they will be giving credence to bigotry, racism, and inhumanity towards Black folks.”

During the past 24 months, while the state reparations task force held public hearings and listened to expert testimony to uncover historical wrongdoings and discriminatory policies against descendants of enslaved Blacks in order to determine appropriate compensation, some cities in California started their own reparations efforts.

In June 2021, the city of Los Angeles established the Reparations Advisory Commission (RAC), a seven-member task force comprised of activists, academicians, attorneys, racial justice advocates, and more. It is supported by Los Angeles’ Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department’s Office of Racial Equity.

The RAC advises the city on the formation of a reparations pilot program for Californians who are descendants of enslaved Black Americans in the Los Angeles area, according to Khansa T. “Friday Jones” Jones-Muhammad, a member of the commission. The RAC provides recommendations for the format, function, and goals of the initiative, including strategies and opportunities to seek public or private funding.

In April, RAC hosted its first in-person forum at the California African American Museum.

“African Americans in Los Angeles are overrepresented in homelessness and underrepresented in generational wealth. It is the result of a system that has denied African Americans the ability to fully exercise their God-given liberties,” said RAC Chairperson Michael Lawson at the meeting.

Lawson is the CEO and President of the L.A. Urban League.

“The closure needed is a mutual recognition of the wrongs that have been meted upon the members of the victimized community. I am grateful to everyone who joined us as we take this step forward together,” he added.

In December 2020, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance establishing the 15-member San Francisco African American Reparations Advisory Committee (AARAC).

Over the course of two years, AARAC developed a San Francisco Reparations Plan that addresses institutional and city-sanctioned wrongdoings against Black communities in San Francisco.

AARAC specifically focuses on improving different aspects of Black life, including education, housing, workforce development, economic opportunities, financial stability, small businesses, access to public transit, and food security. The committee is committed to reducing violence, addressing health disparities and preventing over-criminalization of African Americans.

In March, AARAC presented to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors over 100 recommendations, including a proposal to pay each qualifying Black city resident a one-time lump sum reparation payment of $5 million.

In an interview with San Francisco’s KRON 4 News on March 24, Eric McDonnell, the chairperson of AARAC, stated that the recommendations are an estimation of the atrocities experienced by Black Americans.

“Our task (AARAC) was to do the appraisal, and it’s the city’s task to determine, based upon recommendations, what they decide to adopt,” McDonnell said.

In 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, San Diego established the Department of Race and Equity (DRE) to address disparities experienced by individuals in the city. This initiative was led by San Diego City Councilmember Monica Montgomery-Steppe, who is a member of the state’s reparations task force.

Last year, the city of Sacramento began developing a municipal reparations initiative committed to “truth telling and trust building” called the Sacramento Centered on Racial Equity (SCORE) plan.

SCORE is designed to interrupt patterns and processes rooted in dominant cultural patterns that perpetuate systemic racism and racial hierarchy within the city.

Betty Williams, the President of the Sacramento Branch of the NAACP, praised the work SCORE has started but she wants to further expand discussions on reparations for the Sacramento Black community.

“I want an outreach team to go out in the community to ask the critical question: ‘Do you want a (reparations) task force and what should it look like?’” Williams told California Black Media. “That’s the discussion I’ve had with Mayor (Darrell) Steinberg on how to put something like this together. It’s not just monetary. Education, housing, small business — all of those things should be part of the recommendations and of what reparations should look like for Black Sacramentans.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce (RCBCC), First Community Capital (FCC), and Jacquetta Green Marketing Services (JGMS) are teaming with San Bernardino’s 66ers Minor League Baseball team to present a combined community meet and greet, recognition ceremony, and a special tribute to the Negro Baseball League in honor of its 103rd anniversary.

To pay great homage, there will also be a resource fair providing free COVID-19 vaccines, low-cost health insurance, housing assistance, transportation assistance, job assistance, and more!

RCBCC’s mission is to empower and inspire minority entrepreneurs in their indigenous communities to be successful, and to partner with like-minded individuals, companies, and nonprofit organizations to achieve this mission.

FCC is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that helps low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs who lack sufficient training and education to gain access to capital and thereby delivering long-term economic small businesses recovery and resiliency. They often lend to borrowers that may not meet mainstream institutions’ underwriting criteria, helping to bridge the gap between conventional lending standards and the needs of hard-to-reach borrowers by currently providing low-interest loans via the BIPOC Loan Fund.

JGMS’s mission is to be a vessel to uplift and empower others by living in purpose for the greater good by bringing the community together on every level – Cultural events, local politics, Community Meetups, Business & Individual Achievements, Acknowledgements & Awards Ceremonies, Cosmetology & Barbering Industry professionals platforms & Hair Shows, Modeling & Talent scouting, with much regard in Economic Diversity and Growth.

This tribute will honor the Negro League & recognize players in the Hall of Fame: Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Oscar Charleston, and Josh Gibson. These men were great heroes in their community, and they should be treasured and appreciated the way all ball players are. In 2020, Major League Baseball announced it would recognize Negro Leagues between 1920 and 1948 to major league statistics, making the records of those players an official part of MLB history. The community leaders & organizations will also be honored for their excellence in education, civic engagement, business excellence, and outstanding individual achievements.

With the goal of preventing wildfires and injuries resulting from Fourth of July celebrations, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors is continuing the “If You Light it, We’ll Write it” illegal fireworks enforcement activity and education campaign.

“It’s critical that everyone understands that illegal fireworks are just that – illegal,” said Board Chair Kevin Jeffries, First District Supervisor. “These fireworks have serious costs to homes, hillsides and pets. Now there are also serious costs to the individuals transporting or setting them off.”

Enforcement activity targets the sale, transportation, and use of illegal fireworks – with fines ranging up to $5,000. In recent years, the increasing number of displays of dangerously illegal fireworks and explosives prompted calls countywide to stop this dangerous activity.

The public education portion of the campaign launches today and runs through the Fourth of July holiday, will focus on delivering critical messages to the public through multiple mediums, including road signs, social media graphics, and public service announcements.

Key county departments in this effort, include the Sheriff’s Department, County Fire Department, Code Enforcement, Department of Animal Services, Veterans Services, and Riverside University Health System.

“Illegal fireworks are dangerous and cause serious injuries – sometimes fatal injuries,” said Riverside County Fire Chief Bill Weiser. “The fires ignited by the ember and remains of these fireworks damage property and cause devastating wildland fires. Across the county, great efforts are made to provide safe and enjoyable public fireworks shows. Please visit www.rvcfire.org to find a safe, professional and public fireworks show near you.”

By local ordinance, California-approved “safe and sane” fireworks are only permitted within the city limits of Indio, Coachella, Blythe, and Desert Hot Springs.

Residents can report illegal fireworks on Riverside County Sheriff’s app, website or by calling their non-emergency toll-free number at (800) 950-2444.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Museum is lovely during the day, but it’s even cooler after dark! Join us on the first and third Thursday night, June 1 through August 17, 2023, for Summer Nights events throughout the summer to beat the heat while doing something neat!

Summer Nights at the museum will kick off on Thursday, June 1, 2023, with live music by
DJ Eturnal, vendors with yummy treats including cotton candy, ice cream and hot dogs, lawn games, family-friendly activities, and much more! Museum galleries will also be open during throughout the evening. All events are subject to change. For tickets, click here.

Summer Nights @ the Museum schedule:

June 1: Summer Kick-Off
June 15: Movie in the Courtyard
July 6: Coffee and Cake with Curators
July 20: Trivia Night
August 3: Concert in the Courtyard
August 17: Summer Arts Festival

The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane in Redlands. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military/senior), $7 (student), and $5 (children ages 6 to 12).

Children 5 & under and Museum members are free. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov/summer-nights.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The BBOP Center now has extended hours which include every other Saturday. The hours for June are: Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the exception of June 17.

BBOP is located at 559 N. Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino. For more information call (909) 530-2267.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— – Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country, announced it will soon open its new store in Rialto, CA to expand local access to fresh and healthy foods.

The new store is located at 1524 S. Riverside Ave. in Rialto, CA will open on Friday, September 1 at 7 a.m. Details about the grand opening celebration will be announced soon.

The healthy grocer’s new location is bringing approximately 103 full- and part-time career opportunities to the area. Sprouts’ healthy approach to grocery shopping means potential team members should share a passion for the fresh, natural, and organic products offered throughout the store.

A virtual management hiring event will take place on Wednesday, July 12. Interested candidates should visit the Sprouts Career Portal at https://about.sprouts.com/careers/ and reference Store 450 to apply online. If contacted, additional information will be provided.

Two in-person team member hiring events will take place on Wednesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 20 from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Fontana located at 10543 Sierra Ave. in Fontana, CA. Candidates may apply online in advance at www.about.sprouts.com/careers/. Walk-in applicants are also welcomed to attend the event.

Employment opportunities include:

• Department Managers
• Assistant Department Managers and Clerks (Produce, Vitamins and Body Care, Meat and Seafood, Deli, Grocery, Bakery and more)
• Cashiers
• Courtesy Clerks
• Backup Receiver, Administrative Coordinator and Scan Coordinator

Sprouts offers competitive pay, team member discounts, a fun and rewarding culture, and numerous career advancement opportunities. To learn more about open positions and team member benefits, or to apply, visit sprouts.com/careers .

Sprouts welcomes shoppers with a farmer’s market experience and open layout featuring fresh produce at the center of the store. Innovative, seasonal and attribute-driven products such as organic, plant-based, keto, paleo and more offer a treasure hunt shopping experience amid Sprouts’ healthy assortment.

For a list of stores by region or to see other locations coming soon, visit sprouts.com/stores.

Victor Valley Museum and Arts Connection Network are pleased to announce a call for artists to participate in the upcoming High Desert Open Arts Exhibition to take place July 8, 2023, through October 8, 2023 at Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley. Please join us for an opening reception on Saturday, Jul. 8, 2023, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Regular Museum applies.

The High Desert Open Arts Exhibition is open to all high desert artists. To submit an application, please visit https://museum.sbcounty.gov/call-for-artists-submission-form/. Students and artists can enter multiple categories but are limited to one piece per category and will need to submit one submission form per category. Categories include painting, printmaking/graphic design, drawing, mixed media, textile, photography, and sculpture. Deadline for entries is June 4, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. A jury will review and select the artwork. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance the week of June 18, 2023, via phone or email.

Work should be framed with appropriate hardware for hanging or ready to display on a pedestal. For questions about getting artwork “hang-ready,” email Victor Valley Museum’s Associate Curator, Tiffany Talavera at tiffany.talavera@sbcm.sbcounty.gov. For more information on submitting artwork, visit museum.sbcounty.gov.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, June 24, San Bernardino Fatherhood will be presenting the event of “Walter Beasley Jazz Concert: A Tribute to Fathers”, at 8 p.m. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with NOJAC opening the show at 7 p.m. The concert will be held at San Bernardino Valley College located at 701 S. Mount Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. Tickets are on sale now from $65 to $85 and can be purchased at bit.ly/3zZ2oyu. Learn more about San Bernardino Fatherhood at www.sbfatherhood.com.

By Lou K Coleman

If you don’t know let me, tell you. God’s Final Warning is that the time is near. The time is at hand. It is closer than we think. His coming will be quick. His coming will not wait on your preparation.  God’s Final Warning! [Revelation 22:7-20]. What are you waiting for? Accept Jesus now as your Lord and Savior! For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? [Mark 8:36]. Do not be foolish! Too lose your soul is the greatest loss of all because it is a loss that can never be recovered.

Jesus told a story about a man who lived the American dream. He worked hard. He stored up all that he needed for a long retirement. And he said to himself: “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years. So, relax, eat, drink, and be merry. I’m going to enjoy myself. I’ve earned it.” But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you” [Luke 12:19-20]. Do not wait until it is too late! Whether you are young or old, the message today is for you. It is about your life, your eternal future. You soul is of greater value than the whole world and Jesus want your soul to be saved. Do not be foolish! Repent before it is too late. For you know neither the day nor the hour [Matthew 4:17; Matthew 25:13; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32] “God’s Final Warning, “The appointed time has grown very short.”

Understand, before God judges a nation, He sends warnings. America, like Israel, has not responded with repentance, but with defiance. [Isaiah 9:10]. And if you read your Bible, you know that God had repeatedly warned the people of impending danger if they didn’t acknowledge Him, and in the end, because they did not, they paid the price for failing to listen. Don’t you do it! Don’t ignore the warnings. Repent before it is too late! Because God has also told us that prior to the return of Jesus Christ, there will be a distinct and discern-able period of 3.5 years [1,260 days] and we will know when this period of time is upon us by the following series of events and circumstances:

A worldwide power structure controlled by Satan, ran by the Beast, will be established with total control over the lives of all people on the planet. Happening Now! [Revelation 13:5].

The military and police forces of the Beast will occupy [trample] Jerusalem. Happening Now! [Revelation 11:2, Matthew 24:15, and Luke 21:20].

All the flesh and blood descendants of Jacob will be persecuted and violently oppressed. Happening Now! [Jeremiah 30:7, Matthew 24:21].

And one more event that will occur during this 3.5-year period. The final, global witness of God’s truth accomplished by those who are known as “the two witnesses.” [Revelation 11:1-14].

I tell you, the prophecy of [Daniel 2] alone shows we are in the ‘time of the end’, and all the other evidence proves we are in the very end times. The Biblical signs are clear for all to see, but as [Ezekiel 12: 2] states, “You have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for you are a rebellious house. Ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding;” [Mark 4:12].

Listen, I cannot overstate that we are living right in the end of times for this world. Sure, many people throughout history have proclaimed that we were living in the last days and the end of the world was near, and some of the Bible signs have always existed from the early days. But never has there been a time before when ALL these events were evident in so many diverse places and with such frequency and intensity. Please repent before it is too late! God’s Final Warning! TIME IS ALMOST UP!

And He said to me, ” Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this Book, for the time is near. Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy. Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs [the godless, the impure, those of low moral character] and the sorcerers [with their intoxicating drugs, and magic arts], and the immoral persons [the perverted, the molesters, and the adulterers], and the murderers, and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying [deception, cheating].

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision; for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision! [Joel 3:14].

By Tanu Henry and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On May 30, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined city council leaders to observe Africa Day. The celebration commemorates the establishment of the African Union (called the Organization of African Unity at the time).

Founded in 1963, the union was established to promote solidarity among African countries, defending their sovereignty, eliminating colonialism, encouraging international cooperation, and coordinating and harmonizing member states’ policies.

Councilman Curren Price led the event’s main presentation, where the history of the union was shared along with the acknowledgment of LA-based entrepreneurs who promote African culture and influence and make it part of their mission to give back to Africa and the city.

“As we know, Africans have been displaced throughout the globe, and many of us are descendants who may or may not be able to trace our heritage, but that does not hinder us from honoring the continent and the African diaspora,” Price said.

Bass highlighted that at the time the union was formed, only 30 African countries were independent. Today, 54 countries have that distinction.

“There was a large movement in the United States, celebrating the independence of nations, but also some fighting to change U.S. policy,” Bass said. “I think, it’s most famously known as the anti-apartheid movement.”

Bass said the City Council played an important role during that time to divest from doing any business related to South Africa. Councilman Robert Farrell, and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA 43) who was then an Assemblymember in 1976, played key roles in this effort.

“This movement caught fire around the country and around the world,” Bass said. “It actually led to one of the many reasons why the U.S. changed its policy and decided to divest and impose sanctions on South Africa.”