Music Changing Lives to Celebrate 23rd Anniversary of Empowering Youth Through the Arts, with Milkweed Planting Event in a New Urban Plant & Butterfly Garden

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Sunday, April 18, the entire community is invited to join Music Changing Lives in a historic 23-year anniversary celebration and milkweed planting event. The celebration will take place from 9 am to 1 pm and will be held at the Music Changing Lives Resource Center, located at 301 W. 40th St, San Bernardino, CA 92407.

Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in live music performances, unique art activities, award presentations plus plant their very own milkweed in the new Music Changing Lives (MCL) urban plant and butterfly garden. The milkweeds will be the first addition to the urban garden which are known for attracting Monarch butterflies.

Several community partners will be joining in on the fun and hosting activity and resource

booths including Dae Gardens, Catalyst Cares, Arrowhead United Way, Centro Del Inmigrante,

Stronger Together Now, San Bernardino NAACP, Garcia Center for the Arts, JessBeU, Sistas

Making A Difference, NSG, Vizard Marketing & PR, Survive Inc, and Vonzelle Creates with more to be announced.

Music Changing Lives has been a staple in the Inland Empire for 23 years, providing children and youth with music, art, dance, financial literacy, tutoring, civic engagement and much more. In addition to their remarkable art programs, MCL now distributes 30,000 lbs. of fresh produce each week at their newly established Resource Center in San Bernardino as a direct response to community needs related to COVID-19.

This event is free to public and all attendees will be required to practice social distancing and mask wearing. If you would like to join this remarkable celebration you can register for the event by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-us-to-celebrate-23-years-of-excellence-tickets-148729438755 or for more information call 951-992-0721.

Remembering Rap Legend DMX

By Kellie Williams

On Friday, April 9, Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, received his Heavenly wings. The rapper was rushed to the hospital to a hospital in White Plains on Friday, April 2 where he was reported to be in critical condition following a heart attack at his home that may have resulted from a drug overdose.

His family stated, ““We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”

On April 3, his attorney, Murray Richman, confirmed DMX was on life support. Later that day, Richman stated he was off life support and breathing on his own, but he clarified that evening that DMX remained on life support and he had “been given wrong information”.

That same night, it was reported had suffered oxygen deprivation to his brain as paramedics attempted to resuscitate him for 30 minutes.

On April 4, DMX’s former manager Nakia Walker stated DMX was in a “vegetative state” with “lung and brain failure and no current brain activity”.

On April 7, his manager, Steve Rifkind, stated DMX was comatose and that he was set to undergo tests to determine his brain’s functionality which would allow his family to,

“determine what’s best from there”.

DMX was a rapper, songwriter, and actor. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998, to both critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release. He released his best-selling album, … And Then There Was X, in 1999, which included the hit single “Party Up (Up in Here)”.

 DMX has been featured in films such as Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave, and Last Hour. In 2006, he starred in the reality television series DMX: Soul of a Man, which was primarily aired on the BET cable television network. In 2003, he published a book of his memoirs entitled, E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX.

Psychologist Advises ‘Getting Your Mind Right’ In These Turbulent Times

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have grown accustomed to hearing certain occupations described as “essential workers.”  With the deadly pandemic combated via quarantines and vaccinations, psychologist could possibly among the most essential occupations.

Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs says it’s unfortunate it took the coronavirus for many to address their mental health. Witnessing the closure of businesses, job loss, weight gain and overall anxiety, the spike in people seeking help is at an all-time high.

Even with the reopening of several states and the easing of restrictions, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure you are prepared physically and mentally to get back into the swing of things. Manning-Gibbs, who has a private practice in New Jersey, also runs a mental-health unit inside a juvenile prison.

She spoke to Zenger News about preventative methods to avoid depression and mental breakdowns and points out the signs of mental deterioration.

Percy Crawford interviewed Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs for Zenger News.


Zenger: How are you doing? 

Percy Crawford interviewed Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs for Zenger News. (Heidi Malone/Zenger)

Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I’m doing well overall. Just looking forward to society getting back to what I’m calling a new normal. I don’t think we will ever get back to normal, but a new normal.

Zenger: Where did you earn your degrees? 

Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I have my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. My Master’s is in clinical psychology from Columbia University. I am a licensed psychologist in New Jersey, in private practice since 2012.

Zenger: How did COVID affect your practice? 

Dr. Manning-Gibbs: Significantly. In talking with colleagues, I’ve found this is one of the first times we have been inundated with many people calling to connect with a psychologist or do therapy. The pandemic, especially with it going on as long as it has, really pushed people … to think outside the box about how they take care of themselves.

People who, prior to the pandemic, would never have considered therapy are doing so now. They know something emotionally is going on with them. They know that they have been dealing with these feelings of stress, anxiety and depression for a long time. I know people who watched a news program or read an article, and they said it helped them identify something emotional that prompted them to reach out to a professional. A large number of people are saying to me: “Hey, I need help.”

Zenger: The silver lining: It made us slow down, get out of go-go mode, and perhaps opened our eyes that something was a little off. 

Dr. Manning-Gibbs: A large percentage of people took the time, especially the first couple of months, to say: “Let me reel this in.” Being at work, commuting to work, taking care of kids, are all external things, but in some ways, the silver lining of the pandemic is that a lot of introspection happened. Some of that can be hard, but it’s a beautiful thing to do because a lot of good can come out of it.

Dr. Natasha Manning-Gibbs lives by the mantra: “Get your mind right.” (Bryan Whitely) 

Zenger: We’re even seeing professional athletes come out and discuss their mental-health struggles and that’s a great start. It shows that what you do is essential. 

Dr. Manning-Gibbs: [Psychologists] are on the front line to a certain extent. Not only is COVID-19 a physical condition, but it definitely triggered a lot of emotional and psychological issues, as well.

I have been labeled an essential worker because in addition my private practice, I also run a mental-health unit in a juvenile prison. If there is a snowstorm, we can’t call out. We are essential workers. We have to go in during a state of emergencies, but outside of the prison, I appreciate the spotlight being put on our profession.

Zenger: How important is it for people to pay attention to the potential signs that maybe they aren’t OK because they contracted COVID? Or lost their job due to the pandemic? What signs should they look for.

Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I work closely with several physicians who refer me patients who never thought about therapy, but have been dealing with high blood pressure for years and their medication isn’t working. So, finally the doctor says: “They may be more psychosomatic, go see, Dr. Manning-Gibbs.”

A far as COVID, people are not just relying on their primary-care physicians to say: “Go see somebody.” They can look at is some of those physical symptoms their PCP has always been concerned about. Taking a look at how you physically feel. The tension in your body. Sometimes, that’s a big indicator. It’s like, “Wow,” something emotionally is going on with me. I’ve been dealing with this tension headache. I’ve been dealing with this migraine; my shoulders are really tight.” Do an internal scan of your body.

On the emotional side, a lot of people are snapping. They are easily annoyed. They are irritable with their spouse or children. That could be another sign that people could be on the lookout for. Also be aware of mood swings. One minute you’re feeling OK, and the next you feel like you’re breaking down emotionally. Fluctuating moods are something to be mindful of — and if it’s not what you think it should be, reach out to a mental-health professional.

Another thing I have been seeing in the past year is a lot of anger. Especially working in a prison, I tell people I have developed an expertise on anger and rage. And often times, what I see in that population is that anger is often a mask for depression. It’s often a mask for sadness, especially among men.

Often, when people are really angry and upset, they don’t make that connection: “Maybe my chronic anger, frustration and rage have more to do with sadness than actual aggression.” If I had to pick the top four things, I would love for people to be on the lookout for physical tension that they might be experiencing in their body; the snapping and feeling easily annoyed; mood swings and anger; and yelling and screaming at loved ones.

Zenger: Before you leave home every morning, you use the mantra: “Get your mind right.” I can’t think of a better time than now for this to be useful. Could you expand on its meaning?

Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I’ve always done that, but I leaned into it purposefully this last year. It’s been this armor for me. We are going out into a world where a lot of people are hurting. A lot of people are angry and upset. They want to cut you off on the road, engage in arguments and become aggressive.

Over the past year, in particular, I have been intentional about putting on that armor every morning. My specific routine is let’s think of something positive. It can be spiritual, like listening to a great message from one of the pastors I follow, or reading something positive. People don’t have to follow what I do in my personal life, but what I suggest to clients is: come up with your own personal self-care routine. Lean into what will help you get through the day.

This can also include getting up and getting your body in motion.  I have one client in particular who works for a Fortune 500 company. She’s a high-level executive, and what helps her get through the day is a high-intensity routine. That’s how she gets her mind right in the morning.

Zenger: In the African-American community, in particular, the word, psychologist is like a curse word. Why should anyone, including blacks, be embarrassed to seek help when it’s needed? 

Dr. Manning-Gibbs: I love that question. One of the things I say to clients who had that myth, ‘Oh, I can just handle my problems on my own. I’m just going to lean into the church. I don’t want go see a shrink. That’s not for us, that’s for white people.’

One of my responses, within our community is: We will usually see somebody for a physical ailment. If you broke your leg, without hesitation, you would go in and see a professional. So, I compare the way we take care of ourselves physically, and say we should give the same level of care and focus to our mental health.

In order to be a whole being, you have to take care of your mental health. It’s really important for us to start switching gears in our mind. Our well-being doesn’t just have to do with how physically well we’re doing. It is also connected to how emotionally and psychologically well we’re doing. Another thing I lean on is” It’s grounded in research. The research doesn’t lie. Data indicates that therapy is helpful. Give it a try.

One of the things I love about this past year is that therapy is becoming more accessible. As for affordability, if somebody calls and says I’m out of their network and they can’t afford to see me, I’ll still support them and connect them to either Talkspace or BetterHelp. Those platforms allow you to speak to a psychologist or a therapist on a virtual basis. They do payment plans, and it’s more accessible.

(Edited by Matthew B. Hall and Fern Siegel)



The post Psychologist Advises ‘Getting Your Mind Right’ In These Turbulent Times appeared first on Zenger News.

ICLS Hosts Panel Discussion on Child Custody and Visitation Rights in California on April 21

Empire News Network

Join ICLS’ panel of distinguished speakers featuring attorney and author, Shauna Albright-Austin as they discuss helpful information about child custody and visitation, restraining orders, and how to maneuver in family law court. The panel will he held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 21 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will also be a Book Giveaway.

ICLS is a non-profit 501c(3) corporation serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and receives federal, state, and local county funding. Funders are the Legal Services Corporation, State Bar of California Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts, State Bar of California Equal Access Fund, San Bernardino County Department of Aging and AdultServices, Riverside County Office on Aging and Department of Housing & Urban Development.

Rap artist and Entrepreneur Reggie Webb is What it Do!

By Lue Dowdy

Reggie Webb is a man that wears many hats in this entertainment industry. He’s an emcee, ghost writer, media personality, and an author. 

Born and raised in Baltimore City, the edginess and grit of his hometown influenced his style of rap and entrepreneurial attitude. A few years ago, he released a project called, “A Mic & A Dream”. This project gained a lot of traction and caught the attention of music executive, Kevin Black. This led to Reggie signing a recording contract with a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Unfortunately, nothing materialized from this deal because Reggie had to step away from his contractual obligations to attend to the health of his daughter. His daughter has sickle cell anemia and her crisis became so intense she was hospitalized for months at a time. 

Recently, Reggie stepped back into the industry and, his buzzed resurfaced when he created a movement called, “Red Cup Nights”. This movement consist of feel good party music, merchandise for men and women, and a signature red cup backpack. He’s also co-owner of Hip Hop on Phonics, a company that creates educational Hip Hop songs and books that teach children a variety of things from different aspects of speech, math, and valuable everyday life lessons. 

In today’s industry you must be multi-faceted to stay ahead of the curve and Reggie Webb has his hands in many pots cooking up great content for the masses to enjoy. Make sure you check this talented artist out on all social media platforms. With my RED CUP in hand and waiving it in the air like I just don’t care, I’ll catch you all next week. L’s!

Tis’ the Season of Black Women in Power: Congratulations to Tishaura Jones on Her Historic St. Louis Mayoral Victory

Washington, DC—Following the news that Tishaura Jones, former St. Louis City treasurer and a member of People For’s Young Elected Officials Network, has been elected as next mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“The news that Tishaura Jones was elected mayor of St. Louis makes this a great and historic day for the city and the nation. With this victory, Jones becomes the first Black woman mayor in the history of the city. As a member of our Young Elected Officials Network for nearly a decade, dating back to her time in the Missouri House of Representatives and as the first woman treasurer of St. Louis, we know firsthand the work she has done and the progress she can make for the people of St. Louis. Jones is exactly the type of leader America needs—bold, compassionate, progressive and ready to lead. We look forward to seeing the advances she makes during her tenure as mayor, especially on issues related to racial justice and criminal justice reform, two issues she has long advocated for. We are so proud to call Jones a member of our People For family and wish her the best.”

SBCUSD Names Harry “Doc” Ervin as Superintendent

Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Harry “Doc” Ervin as Superintendent during today’s Board of Education meeting. Ervin will assume the leadership post on July 1, officially filling the seat vacated by Dr. Dale Marsden.

Ervin joins SBCUSD from Bakersfield City School District, where he has served as superintendent since 2016. He was selected during a nationwide search that resulted in more than 20 highly qualified applicants.

“The Board of Education listened closely to our SBCUSD community about the qualities we should look for in a new superintendent, and Doc Ervin stood out for his passionate commitment to equity and excellence,” said Board President Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers. “We are confident we have found a transformational leader as his experience at all levels of the educational system will help us effectively navigate the opportunities and challenges that come as we recover and grow from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ervin, who is fluent in English and Spanish, has dedicated his career to bringing equity and access to economically disadvantaged students from culturally diverse backgrounds, setting high expectations for their success. He brings more than 25 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, school principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in districts across the state, serving areas that include Kern County, Monterey County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County. 

“I am pleased to accept the position of Superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and I look forward to ensuring every SBCUSD student has the support they need to be successful,” said Ervin, who was present for the Board of Education’s virtual meeting. “SBCUSD has a lot of great programs in place for students, and I look forward to taking what they have to the next level.”

The SBCUSD Board of Education selected Ervin through a locally driven process where the public was offered multiple opportunities for input. Preparation began a year ago with community listening sessions and surveys to capture stakeholder thoughts about the qualities most important for the new district leader. Among these desired characteristics was a successful track record working in a socioeconomically diverse, multicultural community with similar demographics to San Bernardino. Recruitment was disrupted by COVID-19 and resumed in January of this year where community members were again invited to participate by submitting questions for the Board to consider in their interview process.

Ervin is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and Master of Science in Education Administration from Alliant International University and his Administrative Credential from California State University, Fullerton. He is married with three sons and one daughter.

The SBCUSD Board of Education will formally approve Ervin’s contract at its April 6 meeting. Between now and July 1, Ervin will work with now Interim Superintendent Dr. Harold Vollkommer to ensure a smooth transition.

“Don’t You Do It!

By Lou Yeboah

Don’t you fall for Satan lies! The Devil is a liar! Telling you that you can wait to get save. Telling you that you can serve God tomorrow. Satan is “a liar and the father of all liars! [John 8:44].  He is deceptive, cunning, crafty, and sneaky. [Genesis 3:1-6].” Don’t you fall for Satan lies! Don’t you do it! “Be sober-minded; be watchful, because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”[1 Peter 5:8]. Satan’s default mode is deception [2 Corinthians 11:14]. He pretends to have our best interest in mind, but in reality, he comes to seek, kill, and destroy. [John 10:10].  “Oh, I say and I say it again, Ya been had! Ya been took! Ya been hoodwink! Bamboozled! Led astray! Run amok!” [Malcolm X 1992]. Stop believing the Devil lies. The bounty he collects is eternal damnation. Don’t you do it! Don’t you fall for Satan lies. The Devil is a liar!

Biblical descriptions of him include everything from an angel of light to a ravenous beast. Anyone is a welcome challenge to him, from Adam to Jesus himself. Nobody is too good or powerful for his advances. He can provoke, tempt, enter into, transform himself, and vex. He is a cunning trap-setter, and his prey is man. He loves to manipulate and control, and his most dreaded weapon is death. Don’t you do it! Don’t you fall for Satan lies! You must learn to recognize the devil’s lies, reject those lies and replace them with the Truth of God’s Word. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” [John 8:32]. Satan has been seducing for years and the results have always been the same. He seduced Adam and Eve and the result was the fall of mankind [Genesis 3: 1-6]. He seduced King David and the result was the death of his son and the division of his kingdom [2 Samuel 11-12]. He seduced Judas Iscariot and the result was the betrayal of Jesus and Judas committing suicide [John 13:21-30; Matthew 27:3-5]. He seduced Ananias and Sapphira and the result was that they dropped dead [Acts 5:1-11]. He tried to seduce Jesus and the result was the destruction of the Devil himself. Jesus forever proved that Satan could be defeated and that man did not have to bow down to his seduction. Stop cuddling with the devil, and submit yourself, to God.  Because, sooner or later, sin’s consequences will catch up with you. [Luke 8:17; 12:2-3; Numbers 32:23].  Realize that you have an enemy and his number one weapon against you is a lie. Stop believing the Devil lies and REPENT NOW! If you don’t, how shall you escape? [Hebrews 2:3].

Jesus says in [Revelation 3:3] remember then, what you were taught and what you heard, obey it and turn from your sins. If you do not… I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not even know the time when I will come.” Unless you repent, you too will perish. [Luke 13:3]. “Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” [Isaiah 1:18]. My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” [Genesis 6:3].

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Realize that we are still living in a time where Grace and Mercy is being extended. Run to His Mercy while there is still time. [Psalms 2:8]. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near” [Isaiah 55:6]. God has conveyed that He is finished with our disobedience and hard hearts. Enough is Enough! And He is ready to judge and punish His people for their rebellious spirit and actions.

I want you to know that God gave Ezekiel three specific prophecies regarding how the people will be punished—one-third will die by plagues or famine; one-third will fall by the sword; one-third will be scatted to every wind. Ezekiel was told to denounce idolatry and tell the people of upcoming famines and diseases. He was obedient although up against calloused people who had no interest in hearing the word of God or prophecies of disaster even though he reminded them that God will leave a remnant of His people. The people could not believe God would punish or hurt them. The people of Judah were so involved in their own pursuits they ignored the prophecies which instructed them to repent. Ezekiel message went in one ear and out the other. Because of it, God’s patience was all used up and the penalty for their disobedience was coming NO MATTER WHAT. He was ready to unleash his anger and judge them for their conduct. [Ezekiel 5:10].  God was not going to spare the people or look at them with pity. God was going to withdraw from them. He was not going to have any more pity on them. [Isaiah 1:11;Ezekiel 23:35; Daniel 5:1-31]. Don’t take the Grace of God in vain. Repent and live. Because I tell you the Devil is a liar!

To you who are believing Satan lies and delaying the time of repentance. To those of you who have backslidden, and those of you who are opposing the gospel, I want you to know that, “The Word of the Lord is against you.” For thus saith the Lord, “I will destroy you, and none will be left.” [Zephaniah 2:5]. There it stands, bearing testimony against you, who, in due time, unless you become partakers of the grace of the Lord, shall be overwhelmed, and destroyed without remedy.

As the Bible record, one day, the Son is going to look over at His Father and say, “Let me have them Father.” The Father will grant the request of His Son. Judgment will be unleashed on the Earth. Sin will be dealt with. [Deuteronomy 32:41; Isaiah 47:3; Ezekiel 25:17; and Micah 5:15]. Stop believing the Devil lies! Repent and live! [James 4:13-15].

Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” [Acts 24:25]. So far as the Bible records and early history go, Felix never called for Paul. Felix is suffering the torments of Hell, not because he wanted to go there, but because he waited for “a convenient season.” Don’t you do it. The times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. [Acts 17:30].

FREE Informational Seminar: What Would You Do If You Were the Victim of a Crime?

Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Council Member Damon L. Alexanderin conjunction with the San Bernardino District Attorney’sOffice presents, “Victim/Witness Informational Seminar”, on Tuesday, April 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

If you have ever wondered what would happen if you were a victim of a crime and what you would do or where you would go, then this seminar is for you. The guest speaker of the event will be Victim Advocate, Ryan Isenburg. Resources will be provided during the presentation with a Q&A session immediately following.

Please visit https://zoom.us/j/92336058076 to register.