SAN BERNARDINO, CA — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) during the Patriot Day observance at its Brier administrative site on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. SBCSS held ceremonies at each office location in observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre offered remarks to the staff assembled at the administrative site. He spoke of the devastating loss of life that took place on that fateful day and described the events that transpired while taking a moment to thank the first responders who are currently battling the surrounding wildfires.

“These past few days have been devastating to our communities with the wildfires happening around us. We are grateful for the work of our firefighters and first responders. They’re out there on the front lines, doing the work that is so incredibly important,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Today, we thank and pay our respects to firefighters and first responders for their dedication to save lives and save communities on 9/11 and beyond.”

“I couldn’t be more grateful to the first responders who rushed into action, many of them sacrificing their own lives. It was a moment of Americans helping Americans that we must remember,” said State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. “We always say we will never forget, so it’s important to teach this history to our students and recognize those who lost their lives that day and support our first responders who are supporting us right now as we combat these devastating fires.”

Employees at each site gathered for a moment of silence to pay respect to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which officially began when a hijacked plane flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 A.M. EST.

Adalia De Luna, a sixth-grade student from Jehue Middle School, gave a moving rendition of “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” during the remembrance ceremony.

The ceremony highlighted that Patriot Day is not just a day of remembrance, but also a day of service. Citizens are called to volunteer in their communities to pay tribute to the selflessness of the first responders and members of the military who have given their lives to defend others.

As order by President Biden, flags were flown at half-staff at all SBCSS locations on September 11, 2024, in observance of Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) rang in the 2024-2025 academic year by celebrating seven exceptional employees making an impact in San Bernardino County during the SBCSS Stars in Education Celebration held on August 28.

Four teachers who have dedicated decades of their career to education were named Teachers of the Year in their respective categories, one staff member was recognized as the Classified School Employee of the Year, and two honorees were named Teachers for Tomorrow.

“This year’s honorees provide each child with equitable, innovative and inspirational learning environments,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Their dedication to education and their students’ success is truly commendable. It’s an honor to recognize them and their impactful work.”

The recipients of the SBCSS Teachers of the Year award were nominated by their peers and were selected by a panel comprised of staff from three regions throughout the County and the San Bernardino County Teachers Association. The award highlights educational innovation, student learning and the rewards of teaching.

Nominations for the SBCSS Classified School Employee of the Year are submitted by their peers. With five or more years of service in their current role, they have earned the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues. Nominees have shown to be actively engaged in their school community, consistently demonstrating outstanding work performance, leadership, dedication, and ongoing professional growth.

The Teacher for Tomorrow program provides financial assistance to help support County Schools employees who are pursuing their teaching credential. Recipients of the prestigious award receive monetary assistance with tuition, books and other academic support services.

All seven of this year’s honorees received a gift from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR:

 Ronald Osburn

County Schools Teacher of the Year

Liberty II State Preschool

Jamie Fleming

Alternative Education Teacher of the Year

Independent Learning Academy at Bob Murphy County Community School

Matthew Guzman

Desert/Mountain Teacher of the Year

Del Rey Elementary

Melissa McCann

West End Teacher of the Year

Live Oak Early Education Center

CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR:

Yvonne Knox

Paraeducator

Bob Murphy County Community School

TEACHERS FOR TOMORROW:

Olivia Fresquez

Paraeducator

Students Transitioning into Adult Responsibilities (S.T.A.R.) program

Fardowsa Mohamed

Paraeducator

West Creek Elementary and Siegrist Preschool

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

Just a few gentle strums of ukelele music can immediately transport us to a place of calm. This mysterious effect is one reason board-certified music therapist Lorrie Kubicek helps many patients take up the easy-to-play instrument after they’re diagnosed with cancer or another major health condition — transforming a fraught situation into a constructive one.

“Instead of saying ‘I have to go to the hospital for my chemo,’ patients start saying, ‘I have to go to the hospital for my ukelele lesson,'” says Kubicek, co-director of the Katherine A. Gallagher Integrated Therapies Program at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Cancer Center.

But music therapy is far more than a pleasant diversion, exemplifying how the art and science of medicine can work in tandem. With ancient roots — the Chinese character for medicine includes the character for music — the approach also helped rehabilitate World War II veterans’ minds, bodies, and spirits.

Characterized by personally tailored music interventions such as singing, songwriting, playing an instrument, listening to music, or moving to the beat, music therapy strikes a chord in many areas of medicine. Evidence increasingly suggests it helps people better manage disease symptoms and treatment side effects by curbing stress, soothing pain, promoting sleep, and boosting focus.

“Music connects you to a part of yourself that’s well, and that’s true no matter what patient population we’re working with,” Kubicek says. “Music remains, no matter the challenges a person is facing.”

Personalized approach

Music therapy isn’t the same thing as music medicine, in which patients simply wear headphones and listen to their favorite music for relaxation or distraction while undergoing medical treatment. It also doesn’t require any musical background or experience to participate or benefit.

The therapy begins with a one-on-one assessment with a music therapist to explore how each person relates to music and what problems they may face. “We combine this information with evidence-based interventions to help patients feel, deal, or heal as quickly as possible,” Kubicek says. “We figure out how music can help you move toward your goals in a way that sets you up for success.”

Building on decades of research, recent studies indicate this type of intervention can provide important relief by reducing anxiety during medical treatment, according to a 2021 research review published in Psychiatry Research.

“We see this all the time,” she says. “Because of music’s connection to the limbic system in the brain, it can help you access the relaxation response and calm your nervous system, slowing down your breathing. It really helps shift your mind from what it’s stuck on or worried about and helps you land in the moment you’re in.”

People with Alzheimer’s disease were the focus of a research review published online in March 2023 by Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, which suggested that music therapy improved memory, attention, and orientation in these patients. And for people with psychiatric illnesses such as depression, Kubicek says, music therapy can “bring energy and joy back at a very dark time in people’s lives. It’s also really beautiful to see how music can connect people of different ages and stages, cognitive abilities, and cultures.”

By Eric Harris | Special to California Black Media Partners

In November, voters have a crucial opportunity to reject Proposition 36, a misguided effort backed by major law enforcement associations and some players in the corporate retail lobby that will make our communities less safe.

Although the authors of the proposition have euphemistically labeled it “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” Prop 36 will increase punishments for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders without providing any funding for treatment or housing. Prop 36, like policies similar to it in the past that have harmed Black people, will affect a disproportionate number of Black disabled people.

Over the past decade, Californians have voted to reduce our prison population. To achieve that goal, in 2014, we passed Proposition 47, which reclassified many low-level nonviolent offenses, such as drug possession and property crimes, from felonies to misdemeanors. This was an important step to reform our criminal legal system, leading to an overall drop in crime statewide and decreased rates of recidivism. In contrast, Prop 36 would impose longer sentences and harsher punishments for theft and drug-related offenses. Rather than investing in meaningful solutions, Prop 36 relies on expensive band-aids such as “treatment-mandated felonies” for repeated drug possession and sends people to prison for shoplifting instead of investing in people who are simply struggling to survive.

Nationwide, people with disabilities are disproportionately represented in our prison system at staggering rates, with over 40% of people in state prisons having a disability, compared to only 15% of people in the general population. In California, 1 in 3 people in prison have a diagnosed mental illness. This overrepresentation reflects decades of policies that prioritize incarceration over housing affordability and community-based alternatives, especially in Black and Brown communities, and among people experiencing homelessness.

By increasing the number of people experiencing incarceration, Prop 36 will exacerbate the number of Californians with disabilities in our prison system, while also disabling new people who enter the system. Beyond being overrepresented, people with disabilities experience inhumane treatment in prison and jail where they are often denied proper accommodations, medical care, and services. Further, prison and jail conditions often exacerbate people’s existing conditions, meaning people are at risk for leaving incarceration with disabilities they did not have when they entered the system.

Moreover, while special interests have framed Prop 36 as an attempt to address drug use, its mandated treatment model will lead to more people with disabilities facing incarceration, while their substance use disorders remain untreated. Experts agree that mandating drug treatment for individuals convicted of a drug-related offense does not effectively reduce drug use. Further, Prop 36 does not offer any funding for substance use treatment of any kind, let alone evidence-based practices. This will perpetuate the existing system in which people with substance use disorders end up incarcerated, instead of having access to community-based treatment.

Prop 36 will also worsen the socioeconomic conditions at the root of the problems it claims to address. A felony conviction makes it far more difficult to find employment and stable housing post-incarceration, which has a compounding impact for people with disabilities who already are more likely to be facing housing insecurity and unemployment. People experiencing unstable housing and employment are also more likely to develop a disability such as a substance use disorder. Prop 36 therefore would perpetuate the existing vicious cycle that keeps people with disabilities and those who are experiencing homelessness in and out of prisons.

Californians should oppose any measures that double down on punishment and incarceration. Instead of Prop 36, we need policies that invest in community-driven solutions for healthier communities and affordable living, especially for those most affected by the criminal justice system.

About the Author

Eric Harris is the Associate Executive Director of External Affairs at Disability Rights California.

DALLAS, TX— Marvin Sapp’s 16th album, Then & Now is available today at www.marvinsapp.com and everywhere that digital music is sold. Physical copies of Then & Now will also be available for purchase in any of the 35 cities of the Reunion Tour, which begins September 6th in Philadelphia.

Then & Now is a live recording that takes listeners on a dazzling ride through Sapp’s three decades of recording music, and sprinkles in powerful new songs that show Sapp’s musical gift is still as strong as ever.

Refreshed medleys of iconic hits such as “One Thing,” “Perfect Peace” and “He Has His Hands on You” are enduring crowd pleasers that represent Marvin Sapp “then,” while new songs including “Glory to His Name” co-written by Israel Houghton, and the radio single “He Was There,” bring listeners to Marvin Sapp “now.”

Then & Now is the second album released on Sapp’s independent label, Elev8 Media & Entertainment.

“I wanted this record to feel like a Marvin Sapp concert, and we pulled it off,” says Sapp. “The album sounds incredible and I’m proud of this body of work. Then & Now is a musical diary of my career. It is what I like to call ‘churchy but funky’ and it offers something new for those who have been supporting my ministry throughout the years.”

Marvin Sapp is known for delivering rich live recording experiences that translate into musical masterpieces. His platinum-selling album Thirsty was recorded live, in addition to Here I Am (2010), You Shall Live (2015), and Chosen Vessel (2020).

Then & Now can officially be added to his masterful “live album” discography.

By Mary D. Welch

Today, you’re witnessing a dream come true! My fascination with the movie industry has always been strong, and I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out how to break into it. As you might know, I started my writing career with Children’s Books. While I’ve continued to write and publish in that genre, I’ve also ventured into screenwriting.

On top of that, I’ve been working on movie sets, and here’s a surprising twist—I’ve got a couple of scenes in the movie that was wrapped up last Friday! I can’t even begin to describe how thrilling it was to be a part of those scenes. Even if I end up on the cutting room floor, it was an experience worth every moment!

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to follow your dreams, wherever they may lead. I’m absolutely loving what I’m doing, even though I never imagined it would be possible. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I continue to write Children’s Books and screenplays. Taking risks in life is the only way to truly live. Will you always win? Not necessarily, but as Nelson Mandela wisely said, “You will never lose; you will only learn.”

I’m at the start of this exciting and nerve-wracking journey, and I’m so glad you’re here with me. You are always appreciated and loved. Embrace your purpose, and if you’re not sure what it is yet, that’s okay—give yourself the grace to discover it. Try out classes and activities that interest you, and remember, it’s all about having fun without any pressure!

I have so much to learn, and I mean that sincerely, but I’m having an incredible time along the way. While Children’s Books will always hold a special place in my heart, I’m thoroughly enjoying the path of writing movies. I’ll keep you updated on my progress and let you know what’s happening.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

More than 250 news professionals representing nearly 150 media outlets attended the annual Ethnic Media Conference, Expo, and Awards held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento on Aug. 27 and 28.

Hosted by Ethnic Media Services (EMS) and California Black Media (CBM), the awards ceremony recognized journalists for their outstanding reporting in different topic areas, including health, politics and culture.

The conference sessions leading up to that event included panel discussions featuring state officials, government agencies, lobbying firms, advocacy organizations and more. It also provided networking opportunities for news media owners and professionals from the Black, Native American, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Eastern European, North African, Caribbean and LGBTQ press.

“Last year, the inaugural convening in the state capital focused on ‘meeting the decision-makers,’” said Regina Wilson, Executive Director of CBM. “This year, the emphasis is on strengthening those connections. Key decision-makers have expressed their appreciation for our return, recognizing that at a time of deep budget cuts, our community ties and communication skills are more essential than ever for building new, more equitable messaging,” Wilson added.

State leaders who attended the event included Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In addition to state government officials, business leaders, communications firms, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations also participated in the conference organized to highlight the crucial role ethnic media play in California’s diverse communities.

“California is home to the largest concentration of multilingual news outlets serving immigrant and ethnic communities in the U.S.,” said Sandy Close, Director of EMS. “This breakthrough public-private partnership to support local journalism brings welcome recognition of the ethnic media sector’s indispensable role in connecting these diverse communities to each other and to the wider public realm.”

Thurmond discussed the ethnic media’s role in reporting on education in the state and why articles from ethnic media outlets have an advantage in reaching targeted audiences in underserved communities.

Thurmond, who is running for the governor of California in 2026, spoke at the opening luncheon where CBM and EMS presented Communications Champion Awards to key stakeholders representing organizations across the state’s communications infrastructure.

“We can’t get the right information out about education without the ethnic media in our state,” Thurmond said. “We need to get people to understand that if a student is not reading at a third-grade level in the third grade we will lose them, and they could end up in the prison pipeline.”

On the first day of the conference, Bonta sat down with Larry Lee, the publisher of the Sacramento Observer, to have a fireside conversation, titled “Stop the Hate – Spread the Love.” Focused on the impact of California’s “Stop the Hate” effort, the conversation focused on state government policy and programs created to prevent hate crimes and hate incidents and provide resources to victims and survivors.

“Our goal is to not have hate crimes,” Bonta said of the Department of Justice’s objectives. “In California, we believe everyone belongs, no one should be targeted or attacked, hurt or harmed because of who they are, where they are from or how they look, who they love, and how they pray.”

In conclusion, Bonta said “There are signs of progress (decreasing numbers of hate crimes) but still too many tragedies. We still have work to do.”

The conference’s workshops, plenaries and breakout sessions focused on concerns such as health care, artificial intelligence, public education, climate change, misinformation, hate crimes, equity in government procurement, and more.
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Google provided training workshops on some of its digital news tools and panelists discussed the impact of AI on the future of journalism.

“Our unique strength lies in our deep connection to the audiences we serve,” Wilson said. “We are high touch as well as high-tech media, embedded in our communities and committed to delivering impactful, culturally relevant content.”

The conference ended with the Ethnic Media Awards. Winners were recognized for their reporting in nine different categories. Over 300 entries were submitted that included 12 different languages.

This year’s conference coincided with the announcement of the historic $172 million public-private partnership in California aimed at supporting journalism. That agreement brings together state government and high-tech companies led by Google to support local newsrooms.

The deal, supporters say, serves as a national model for strengthening the traditional role of journalism in providing checks and balances in government and business affairs. At a reception held the first day of the conference, CBM and EMS honored Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) with the “Legislator of the Year” award. The organizations also thanked Wicks for brokering the deal with Google and for her ongoing support for news media.

“We’ve worked long and hard to gain this recognition as a multilingual, multiracial, multimedia sector,” said Wilson. “We extend our deepest thanks to our sponsors, speakers, media partners, and all our attendees for supporting this collective effort.”

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Obey Me, the Lord, or cause Me to become your enemy? The Choice is Yours. Time is running out and so is My patience! [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]. Life and Prosperity or Death and Disaster, that is the choice that I set before you today. [Deuteronomy 30:15-16]. Whatcha Gonna Do? For behold, Now is “The Acceptable Time,” behold, Now is “The Day of Salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:1-2].

This is a call to action that echoes through the corridors of time, resonating with the same urgency and importance as it did when Joshua first uttered the words to the Israelites. Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. [Joshua 24:14-18]. Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wildness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, they do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So, I swore in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest. [Hebrew 3:7-13].

There is a clear choice with eternal consequences. Make a Decision! Today! Now! Right this moment even as you are reading this message. Choose Jesus verses Choosing Hell for the Bible makes it clear: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” [John 3:36].

I tell you; the eternal consequences of this decision cannot be overstated. Choosing Jesus opens the door to an eternity in Heaven, in the presence of God, where joy, peace, and love abound. Ignoring or rejecting this choice leaves one on the path to Hell, a place of eternal separation from God’s love and mercy. The Record Of Choice: It has always been life or death, blessings or cursing.

You know, a few years back, George Jones the country singer came out with a song that reflected on his life. The title of the song was [Living and Dying With the Choices that I’ve Made]. I’ve had choices since the day that I was born. There were voices that told me right from wrong. If I had listened, No, I wouldn’t be here today. Living and dying with the choices I’ve made. I guess I’m paying’, for the things that I have done. If I could go back Oh, Lord knows I’d run. But I’m still losing’ this game of life I play. Living and dying with the choices I’ve made.

Adam and Eve Chose Death, [Genesis 3]. Annanias and Saphirra Chose Death. [Acts 5]. The Rich Man Chose Death, [Luke 16]. BUT Lazarus Chose Life. Abraham Chose Life. Paul Chose Life, Peter Chose Life, Nathaniel Chose Life! Whatcha Gonna Do? Life Or Death-It’s Your Choice.

But I admonish you to choose consciously, intentionally and wisely because Life is Short. Death is Certain. Eternity is Forever. [I Peter 1:17-2]. Understanding the realities of this truism is the key to understanding the purpose of your life. Our life on earth is ended by physical Death, and Death is followed by Judgment, and Judgment by Eternal Life.

This is not a decision to be made lightly. It’s not a decision to be made once and then forgotten. It’s a decision that needs to be made daily, hourly, even moment by moment. It’s a decision that will shape your life, your relationships, your future. It’s a decision that will determine your eternal destiny. Whatcha Gonna Do?

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

Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. [Deuteronomy 30:19].

Be a part of a global movement! Join the “Delivering Goods for the Greater Good” global diaper & hygiene drive, where youth and families worldwide can unite from anywhere to make a meaningful difference!

The Hamilton Essentials Foundation’s 2024 Youth Leadership Board invites you to support families in Riverside County and Guyana by donating a pack of diapers and hygiene products from September 8 – October 13, 2024. Every contribution, big or small, makes an impact, and donating is as simple as a click on Amazon.

Harmony Haven Diaper & Hygiene Drive is September 8 – September 22, 2024: Harmony Haven is a newly established shelter that provides temporary housing for youth awaiting placement. As a division of Riverside County DPSS, Harmony Haven is dedicated to the protection and safety of children and youth who are at risk or have experienced abuse and/or neglect.

SAFEGuyana Diaper & Hygiene Drive is September 29 – October 13, 2024: Sexual Assault and Family Education Guyana (SAFE Guyana) is a nonprofit committed to empowering survivors of gender-based violence and those facing mental health challenges in both the USA and Guyana. SAFE Guyana’s mission is to foster a society where safety, respect, and well-being are central.

Diaper Need Awareness Week is September 23 – 29, 2024. Let’s make a global impact together!  Your contribution can bring comfort and support to families and individuals facing tough times.

The Youth Leadership Board is committed to empowering young minds by establishing a collaborative framework that influences policy on issues that youth are passionate about. We provide space, opportunity, and a shared-mentorship model that equips the next generation of movers & shakers with the leadership tools to drive global change.

To volunteer or donate, visit: www.THEssentials.org  All volunteers will be recognized on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in honor of National Make a Difference Day. This annual event celebrates extraordinary individuals and aims to inspire people from all walks of life to step up, take action, and make a positive impact in their communities. Together, we can make a difference.

In partnership with GrassRoot Endeavors

NEW YORK, NY— The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), America’s oldest Black Christian denomination, is now on record supporting the struggle for reparations. At the recent 52nd Session of the General Conference, a reparations resolution passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 1394 to 50.

The resolution stated that the African Methodist Episcopal Church “stands in solidarity with both our ancestors and brothers and sisters across the globe demanding reparations for the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, chattel slavery, Jim Crow, racial terror, mass incarceration at the hands of an unjust criminal justice system, housing discrimination, political and physical assassinations, and the exploitation of natural and human resources on the continent of Africa. Furthermore, this resolution calls on the AME Social Action Commission on the historic 60th Anniversary of its existence to make reparations a major policy point of advocacy with its own sub-committee during the forthcoming quadrennial.

The resolution was written and introduced by Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, long-time reparations champion and pastor of Baltimore’s Empowerment Temple AME Church. Pastor Turner is also a commissioner on the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) and over the past year has walked some 40 miles each month from his Baltimore Church to the gates of the White House in a silent vigil calling on the Biden Administration to establish a national reparations commission by executive order.

Fellow NAARC commissioners praised Pastor Turner for his breakthrough initiative. Dr. Ron Daniels, convenor of NAARC, described it as “historic”, Commissioner Justin Hansford called it “fantastic,” Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Grills characterized it as “an awesome accomplishment” while Commissioner Robin Rue Simmons congratulated Dr. Turner and thanked him for his leadership.

“The AME Church is a global Christian denomination and in voting for this resolution, delegates from all over the world shows people of the African Diaspora supporting reparations for both past and current atrocities such as slavery, Jim Crow and the economic exploitation of people of African descent,” said Dr. Turner. “It urges members to go back to their districts and fight for reparations, inspired and equipped by God.”

The resolution also noted that whereas economic incentives have been widely and freely shared with whites and denied to blacks, from the New Deal to the GI Bill, which saved the American economy after the Great Depression, blacks were also denied home loans until 1968 and redlined into undervalued neighborhoods with no compensation to date.

“Moreover, reparations using taxpayer dollars have been given to Japanese Americans, Jewish Holocaust survivors, indigenous Americans, and even to slave owners and veterans of the Confederacy, to date, there have been no reparations paid to the African American community,” the resolution stated.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded by freed, formerly enslaved persons such as Richard Allen with a goal of assisting in the social and political upliftment for Africans and their descendants in America.

The resolution noted that today, the AME Church is located all over the globe “in places where people of African descent have been brutalized, enslaved, marginalized, sexually assaulted, economically exploited and politically oppressed, with no compensation nor justice to date.”