By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.

While most people agree that it is in the public’s best interest to have safe and efficient airports that can accommodate increased passenger travel, proponents of increasing the passenger fee have been a little misleading about the condition of the nation’s airports.

NNPA NEWSWIRE – Why is it that poor people are always asked to pay more in America?  Last year, I warned about the possibility that Congress might try to impose a new tax on air travelers. Well, it’s 2020 – and here we go again.

Even in the midst of a historic impeachment trial and potential military conflict abroad, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have managed to find time to dust off their plan to soak air travelers, including working people who struggle everyday just to make ends meet.

Make no mistake about it: this is a tax hike, even though backers of this plan won’t call it a tax hike, for obvious reasons. And it’s one that hits relatively low-wage workers harder than it hits those who make a lot more money. And it hits those who routinely fly for business especially hard too.

This week, Democratic leaders are expected to unveil their broad infrastructure agenda for the coming year – a plan that is sorely needed given our aging highways, railways and other transportation needs.

But here is what is galling: sources tell me that buried in the broad array of transportation initiatives is a proposal to raise the so-called Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), a hidden fee on airline travelers that Congress enacted long ago to help pay for renovation projects at airports around the country.

Most Americans have probably never heard of the PFC, now capped at about $4.50 per person for each leg of a flight. But working families across the country, including our readers, may soon feel the impact if some members of Congress have their way.

Here is how the fee works. Passengers are charged the fee at the ticket counter, allowing the airport that collects it to keep it for local repairs and renovations. Current proposals in Congress include one to nearly double the fee to $8.50 per person for each leg of a flight. Another possibility is eliminating the cap entirely, thereby allowing airports to charge whatever they like.

If the fee is raised to $8.50, a family of four on a trip with a connecting flight would pay nearly $150 in this tax alone – a tax that is layered on top of the price of the ticket itself, a major reason people don’t notice it. Such a substantial increase could be the deciding factor between that family taking a much-deserved vacation or staying home.

While most people agree that it is in the public’s best interest to have safe and efficient airports that can accommodate increased passenger travel, proponents of increasing the passenger fee have been a little misleading about the condition of the nation’s airports.

In reality, airports are undergoing something of a revitalization, particularly when compared to rail or highway travel. Passengers are traveling at record rates, airport revenues are at all-time highs, and infrastructure upgrades are booming across the nation.

Just take a look at the balance sheets of our nation’s airports. U. S. airports have over $16 Billion of unrestricted cash and investments on hand, with $7 billion sitting in the aviation trust fund. And, in the last decade, more than $165 Billion in federal aid has been directed to airports for improvement projects at America’s largest 30 airports alone.

Some of these projects have been completed. Others are currently underway. And some have received approval to move forward in the coming months. For example, Los Angeles International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport are both undergoing multi-billion-dollar upgrades. Smaller facilities like the Long Island MacArthur Airport and the Shawnee Regional Airport are also upgrading their terminals and runways.

The bottom line, then, is that there is no substantive basis for a fee hike. And it makes even less sense politically.

With Election Day just months away, most lawmakers will likely make the safe calculation and reject any proposed hike presented on the floor for a vote, lest they stir a voter backlash. Yet it should be worrisome that House Democratic leaders appear willing to put a fee hike on the table for consideration.

It could be nothing more than a trial balloon released in an attempt to test whether rank-and-file lawmakers have the stomach for taking up such a measure in an election year. But even if it is just that, there’s still reason for concern, given that even unpopular ideas have a way of gaining sudden momentum in the topsy-turvy politics of Congress.

Air travel remains one of the most popular and necessary forms of transportation because it is relatively safe and convenient.  But it should not become more expensive because a hidden tax that few people expected is added.

Congress should not put air travel out of the reach of American families who are still trying to get out of poverty.  Thus, increasing taxes on airline tickets won’t fly for Black Americans and won’t fly for all others who believe in economic fairness and equality of opportunity.

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Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) representing the Black Press of America. He can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.

In an effort to strengthen the relationships between law enforcement and communities of color, Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Police Officer Training Academy is offering a unique training program, Expanding our Horizons: A Cultural Awareness Experience to cadets in the 89^th academy. The training takes place at the college’s Law Enforcement Training Center, 7107 Elm Valley Drive in Kalamazoo, on Friday, February 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kalamazoo Valley is the only police academy in the state to offer this type of training.

“The world is seriously divided,” Director of Kalamazoo Valley’s Law Enforcement Training Center Victor Ledbetter said. “This training creates a safe space where people of color, community members and cadets can have open dialogue together.”

During the day-long exercise, the 17 cadets who make up the 16-week academy are divided up into six Racial Healing Circles with members of the local community. The cadets include one white female, one Native American female, one African American male, one Asian male and 13 white men. The 80 diverse community members – including professionals and those who had their own run-ins with law enforcement – range in age from 19 to 77.

The circles focus on listening and being open to others’ perspectives and experiences based on talking points initiated by practitioners from Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (THRT) Kalamazoo, a comprehensive, national and community-based process that focuses on advancing racial equity and racial healing in the United States.

Following the healing circles, everyone participates in a history lesson that focuses on how communities were shaped throughout the nation – in facilitation partnership with Bronson Community Health, Equity and Inclusion staff – that examine events, laws and policies, from an equity perspective.

Ledbetter added the training program, developed by retired Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Captain Stacey Randolph, to the academy when he took over the program in 2018.

“The experience has been so powerful,” Ledbetter said “People’s eyes have really been opened to the need to treat people with dignity, respect and empathy.”

The training is now a permanent part of the academy curriculum.

“As a black man with more than 25 years of experience working in law enforcement, I am in a unique position because I see issues from both sides – as a black man and as an officer,” he said. “I want to ensure that Kalamazoo Valley cadets have a well-rounded understanding of humanity when they are working in the field. When done properly, there is a nobility and honor in protecting and serving as a police officer.”

By Lou Yeboah

“…You think you can tell me anything and I will believe it? You got me twisted! I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am your Creator! I know your deeds and your thoughts. I know the true intent of your heart [Jeremiah 17:10; Genesis 6:5]. Talking ‘bout “Lord, forgive me, I repent.” Knowing doggone well you don’t mean what you say, because as soon as you are done uttering those words, you are going back to your old ways.  You know it and I know it. You snake! You brood of viper! How are you to escape being sentenced to hell? [Matthew 23:33]. You can’t repent and remain the same. I wish that you were either hot or cold, but because you are lukewarm, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” [Revelation 3:15-17].

I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats. When you come to appear before Me, who requires of you this trampling of My courts? Bring your worthless offerings no longer, incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies– I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.  I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed fasts, they have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them.  So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Because your hands are covered with blood. Wash yourself, make yourself clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil,  Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow. [Isaiah 1:11-17] and consider how far you have fallen, because I’m fed up with you! You are a spiritual stranger to me. Your actions do not follow your intentions.  Truly, I say to you, I do not know you. I don’t recognize you as my disciple. I don’t acknowledge you as my follower. When your heart breaks over your sin and deep sorrow engulfs you for what you have done, then I will listened and offer full forgiveness, [2 Samuel 12:13]

I want you to know that God struck Ananias and Sapphira dead because He wanted to teach the church both then and now an important lesson about hypocrisy and deceit, and lying to the Holy Spirit. So don’t you ever think that you are smart enough to pull the wool over God’s eyes. You may be able to get away with deceiving people, but you cannot deceive God. Deception is always detected by God. You better know that you know! Lying to the Holy Spirit and lying to God extremely dangerous.

Do not be like Saul, Nadab and Abihu, and Ananias and Sapphira. Obey the Word of God completely and make your entrance into the Everlasting Kingdom sure [2 Peter 1:1-11]. And why you at it, read [Psalms 2:9-12] a Scripture about vengeance. A Scripture that lets you know what happens when God says “Enough is enough!” It’s a Scripture that reminds us that God is to be feared and revered. It’s a Scripture that lets us know that one day, Jesus is going to look over at His Father and say, “Let me have them Father” and the Father will grant the request of His Son. Judgment will be unleashed on the Earth. Sin will be dealt with.  So if you want to escape the wrath of God: “Be wise!” Lying to the Holy Spirit and lying to God is extremely dangerous!

By California Black Media

On February 5, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that his office granted a posthumous pardon to civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who was an ally to national civil rights icon the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.; an influential strategist during the 1960s civil rights movement; and a key architect of the March on Washington in 1963.

Ten years before that in 1953, police officers arrested Rustin, who was openly gay, in Pasadena, Calif., on what was then called “a morals charge” for having consensual sex with another man.

Under California’s penal code, the crime was considered a vagrancy misdemeanor offense. 

“In California and across the country, many laws have been used as legal tools of oppression, and to stigmatize and punish LGBTQ people and communities and warn others what harm could await them for living authentically,” said Gov. Newsom. “I thank those who advocated for Bayard Rustin’s pardon, and I want to encourage others in similar situations to seek a pardon to right this egregious wrong.”

That same day last week, the governor announced a broader clemency initiative to pardon people who were prosecuted in California for being gay.

“On behalf of the Black Caucus, I want to thank the Governor for granting this posthumous pardon. The Arc of Justice is long, but it took nearly 70 years for Bayard Rustin to have his legacy in the Civil Rights movement uncompromised by this incident,” said Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Rustin was a great American who was both gay and Black at a time when the sheer fact of being either or both could land you in jail,” Weber added.

The Legislative Black Caucus and the LGBTQ Caucus joined forces to urge the governor to pardon Rustin.

“These actions are consistent with the Governor’s deep and longstanding support for the LGBT community,” said Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, after Gov. Newsom made the announcement.

Rustin, who was born in West Chester, Pa., also worked closely with King to organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama.

He attended Wilberforce University in Ohio and Cheyney State Teachers College in Pa., both historically Black colleges.

In 2013, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

In 1987, Rustin died in New York City.

Tuesday, February 18, is the deadline for citizens to register to vote for the 2020 Presidential Primary Election. Voters who are already registered should re-register to vote if they have changed their signature, name, or address, or want to change their party affiliation.

Voters can check their registration status by visiting www.SBCountyElections.com and logging into the ‘My Elections Gateway’ application. Registered voters can also use My Elections Gateway to find their polling place, voting districts, and other personalized election information.

Citizens may register to vote online at www.SBCountyElections.com. Voter registration applications are also available at the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters and throughout San Bernardino County at post offices, city clerks’ offices, county libraries, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. A map of these locations is available on the Registrar of Voters website.

Citizens who miss the Feb. 18 voter registration deadline still have an opportunity to register and vote in this election. A new California law allows for this conditional voter registration option beginning February 19 through Election Day.

A conditional voter registration application must be submitted in person at the Registrar of Voters or an early vote site on or before Election Day, or at a polling place on Election Day. After completing a voter registration application, the voter will be provided with a provisional ballot to vote at that location. Visit www.SBCountyElections.com to view a complete list of these locations, addresses, and hours. It is recommended that individuals complete the conditional voter registration process before Election Day.

For more information about this election, including the locations and hours of the additional early vote sites that open on February 25, visit the Registrar of Voters website, www.SBCountyElections.com, or call (909) 387-8300.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) will be offering free tax preparation help at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) in February.

TAD’s team will be available at SBVC in the Business Building, Room 100 from 1:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on February 11, 13, and 26.

Additionally, the college is hosting Tacos & Taxes on March 7 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.. Free tax preparation services and tacos will be available in the grassy area near the Business Building on SBVC’s campus.

All services are free and available for eligible individuals and families whose combined household earned income was less than $56,000 in 2019. Participants are encouraged to bring the following documents: proof of income (including W-2s and/or 1099), verification of tax deductible expenses (ex: property tax statement, child care provider information), form of current government identification for taxpayer and spouse (ex. driver’s license, state ID, passport or military ID), original social security card and/or ITINs for all persons listed on return (no copies), account and routing numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit and a faster refund, health insurance marketplace statement (1095-A and/or C) if applicable, and copy of 2018 tax return if available.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call TAD at 909.347.1255 or 760.552.6176. Walk-ins are also welcome.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Last week, from February 5^th to February 7th, the California branch of the National Action Network (NAN) met in Sacramento to hold its inaugural Western Regional Conference of chapters in California, Arizona, and Nevada.

The Rev. Al Sharpton founded NAN in 1991. The organization observes the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., promoting a modern civil rights agenda that includes supporting any type of school that is successfully serving Black students.

Among the events the conference featured were a student rally at the state Capitol to send lawmakers the message that “Black kids deserve great schools too;” ground breaking ceremonies for the newest Fortune School campus, Tecoy Porter College Prep, to be built on Dr. Porter’s Genesis Church property in Sacramento; the convening of leaders from California’s top majority Black schools and honoring them at the NAN Gala Banquet; and the “Bridging the African American Achievement Gap” panel discussion.

Those events coincided with the release of a report titled “African American Leaders Hold the Roadmap to Black Student Achievement” authored by the Fortune School of Education and the National Action Network. African American students in California are the lowest performing subgroup on English language art and math standardized tests. The report proposes how to close their education achievement gap. 

Identified in the report are schools with majority Black populations that are in the top half of academic performance in math and English language arts. Of the sixteen schools highlighted, fifteen of them were founded or are led by African Americans.

Dr. Margaret Fortune, Secretary and Treasurer of the NAN Sacramento Chapter, deserves credit for taking the lead in producing the report and assembling the education leaders at the conference. In addition to her NAN duties, she is CEO and President of Fortune School of Education, Board Chair of the California Charter School Association, a Trustee of the California State University, and she has served as an education advisor to two California Governors. Four of her schools are on the list of top performers.

While Dr. Fortune supports the efforts of Gov. Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to close the African American achievement gap, she contends that they are not moving the needle on progress fast enough.

The signal that she wants her former education policy colleagues to receive is that “We don’t need more policy, we need more successful schools” and they should turn their attention to consulting with the people like the education leaders in the report who are doing the work and adopt what they are doing  to solve the problem.

Her plea to the state is provide incentives to these educators to replicate what they are doing. Today there are sixteen schools on the list of top performers. If they all start another school, that’s 32 schools. As more successful schools come on line, the policy makers can then figure out how to bring those ideas to scale across the state.

The educators that participated in the “Bridging The African American Achievement Gap” panel discussion were Dr. Margaret Fortune, President and CEO Fortune School, Sacramento; Ramona Wilder, CEO and Administrative Director, Wilder’s Preparatory Academy, Inglewood; Eugene Fisher, Board President, Watts Learning Center, Watts; Shawn Brumfield, Principal, Pasadena Rosebud Academy, Altadena; and Richard Da Sylveira, Principal, Cowan Avenue Elementary School, Los Angeles.

When asked what they thought Newsom and Thurmond could do to help their schools, the panel responded loud and clear that African-American students should be written into California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).  Because LCFF provides additional funds to low income students most policy makers feel African-American students needs are being satisfied. But, the fact is not all blacks are “broke” and when it comes to their student experience the issues causing their achievement gap are more complicated than income. Race does matter in education. The panel agreed that the support offered to African-American students needs the same specificity provided in policy for English language learning students if it is going to have any impact toward closing the achievement gap.

Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber (D – San Diego) has twice proposed legislation, AB 2635 and AB 575, which would have directed LCFF funding to Black students that does not reference race, but recognizes them as the lowest performing subgroup that has not already drawn federal funding like special needs students.  Both times, concerns about conflicts with Proposition 209, which prohibits state governmental institutions from considering race in public education, was used to stop the bills.

The National Action Network conference has changed the paradigm for how California should approach closing the African American student achievement gap. There are majority Black schools in California that have already closed the gap, although the numbers are small.

Wilder’s Preparatory Academy Charter Middle School in Inglewood has over 80 percent African-American students and over 99 percent students of color. Seventy-four percent of the students qualify for free and reduced price meals. Education researchers would probably predict students at Wilder’s Prep would not perform well on standardized tests. But, the taxpayer-funded public charter school is in the 96 percentile of California schools in English Language arts scoring 30 points above the state average and 14 points above the state average in Math.

Meanwhile it’s an outrage that the majority of Black students find themselves in schools not making progress because of ineffective policies put out by the state.

Dr. Fortune and the other successful leaders of majority Black schools are telling policy makers they are tired of being outliers in the education of Black students and they want to demonstrate to other educators in the state what works so that finally progress can be made in closing the achievement gap in California schools.

The video of the “Bridging the African American Achievement Gap” panel discussion should be required viewing for Governor Newsom and Superintendent Thurmond.  

Link: https://www.facebook.com/Sacgenesis/videos/836172220189578/

SACRAMENTO, CA— Recently, the California Census 2020 campaign announced expanding its outreach to Black Californians through a multimedia effort in partnership with Black-owned and operated media partners across California. Voice Media Ventures, a multimedia company and strategic communications firm, is working with these media partners, leveraging trusted messengers to motivate California’s hardest-to-count communities to participate in the 2020 Census.

“We are attempting to move the needle to address the traditional issues of distrust and educational gaps around the Census that impact participation rates of the Black community in California,” said Ditas Katague, Director of the California Complete Count – Census 2020. “Through our trusted partners, we are creating a surround-sound strategy to help ensure the hardest-to-count Californians complete the Census form.”

Voice Media Ventures has been leading community convenings and holding focus groups to assess Black Californians’ gaps in knowledge about the Census and what will motivate them to participate in the 2020 Census count. The information collected from these gatherings are being used to create culturally relevant messages for Black media partners to share with local communities.

“While the overall strategy for the communications campaign is to ensure the state is reaching the hardest-to-count Californians through trusted messengers, for outreach to the Black community, it was especially important to also work with Black owned and operated partners,” said Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, founder of Voice Media Ventures. “This is not only a partnership that involves innovative tactics, but also a social justice issue to ensure trusted partners on the ground are involved with Census work in California.”

Media partners involved in the campaign include: KDEE, Sacramento HUB, Sacramento Observer, East Palo Alto Today, Post News Group, Richmond Pulse, San Francisco Bay View, Sun Reporter Publishing Company, The Bay Area Review, 99One FM KJBU-LP, California Advocate, Central Valley Voice, Observer News Group, ONEMEDIA Central Valley, Inland Valley News, San Bernardino American News, The Precinct Reporter Group, Black Voice News, IE Voice, Westside Story News, Carib Press, Compton Herald, Inglewood Today, KJLH, LA Focus, LA Sentinel, LA Watts Times, LA Wave, Our Weekly, Pace News, Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley Journal, San Diego Monitor, and San Diego Voice & Viewpoint.

In addition, Voice Media Ventures is working with the newly created Mapping Black California Census Lab, a collaborative community mapping project, incorporating technology, data, geography, and place- based study to better understand the African American community in California.

Research conducted on behalf of the Census campaign shows that African American communities may be more inclined to participate if the Census is framed as being done on behalf of their community.

This announcement builds on the Census campaign’s foundation of trusted messengers – community leaders, organizations and influencers who are working together to motivate California’s hardest-to-count communities to participate in the 2020 Census.

For example, My Black Counts is an education and awareness initiative convened by California Calls as part of The California Black Census and Redistricting Hub Project. As one of California’s outreach partners, California Calls has done outreach to Black populations throughout the State using door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and digital communication strategies.

“Throughout history, the Black community has fought for equity and to be represented on our own terms. We are always ready to unite in power to ensure that we are all counted,” said Kevin Cosney, Special Projects Manager of California Calls. “In order to ensure we get our fair share of resources and representation, Black Californians must stand up and be counted in the 2020 Census – and that’s the reason we’re working so hard to get the word out– so the community trusts and accepts ownership in the anthem, ‘My Black Counts.’”

The California Census has joined efforts with these partners in recognition of the need for more effective engagement with the Black population about the 2020 Census count. The Black population has historically been undercounted in past Census enumerations and the state is committed to changing that trend.

Last month, the campaign announced four Census Ambassadors who will leverage their voices and their networks throughout the campaign to educate and empower the hardest-to-count Californians to take part in the upcoming 2020 Census.

California is considered the hardest-to-count state in the nation, with high populations of immigrants, renters, individuals living on homes without a broadband subscription, people living close to or below the poverty line, and children younger than five years old. With billions of dollars in federal funding on the line, the campaign has assembled a historically diverse coalition comprising hundreds of partner organizations to help reach the hardest-to-count populations in California.

The California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office

Once each decade, the U.S. Census Bureau attempts to count every person in the United States. Californians will be receiving an invitation to complete the Census form starting on March 12, with this enumerating being the first to rely heavily on online responses. California leaders have invested $187.2 million toward a statewide outreach and communication campaign. For more information, please go to https://californiacensus.org/.

DATA: To see data on the hard-to-count populations in cities, counties, congressional and legislative districts in California, please visit: https://census.ca.gov/htcfactsheets/

SAN DIEGO, CA—- As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron, Seaman Gillian Valdez is part of a Naval legacy. Valdez is a yeoman responsible for administrative duties, such as tracking awards and evaluations and is a part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. 

“I enjoy the flexibility of our jobs because we get to do different types of work throughout the day,” said Valdez

Valdez is a 2018 Grand Terrace High School graduate and native of San Bernardino, California.

According to Valdez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.

“I learned the importance of never giving up,” said Valdez. “Overall, teamwork is what I learned from my hometown that I’ve been able to carry with me into the Navy.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Sailors assigned to HSM-71 are a part of history, flying with “Romeo” helicopters, the newest and most advanced in the fleet. Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations.

The members of HSM-71 achieve excellence in military performance and create an example for other squadrons to follow through operational readiness, innovation and weapon development.

HSM-71 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.

According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.

“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. However, Valdez is most proud of earning Bluejacket of the Quarter in 2019.

“I was selected as the best junior sailor in the squadron,” said Valdez. “I passed an interview, where my record was reviewed. I was honored to be selected.”

For Valdez, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Valdez hopes to continue.

“Both my grandpas served in the Navy,” said Valdez. “Carrying on their legacy means that I have to be the best person I can be and try to be an outstanding sailor.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Valdez, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“I feel a sense of pride putting on this uniform going to work every day,” said Valdez. “It’s definitely the best job I’ve ever had.”

By Lue Dowdy, LUE Productions

This week I’d like to spotlight the very sexy and talented Sabri. Soon to be one of your favorite singers, songwriters, producers, and household name, Sabri is a sure star on the rise!

I was tagged in her new song, “BREATH”, and as soon as the melody came on, I was hooked but then the lyrics took it to another level.

A Brooklyn Queen, born in Cali girl, Sabri gives us the best of both worlds with fiery, edgy lyrics paired with a smooth, sexy, alluring voice. Writing poetry and song lyrics since the age of 12, she has mastered the art of storytelling and delivering a heartfelt message every time. Both men and women can relate to her music.

 “It’s all personal”, is the motto for songwriting and you will know it when you hear it.

Singing and performing in bands, school and church choirs since the age of 6, Sabri is steadily perfecting her craft of singing and writing. Attending W.E.B. Dubois Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York, Sabri discovered her love of writing. Starting with poetry, slowly progressing into entire three verse songs on subjects way beyond her years, like Heartbreak, Love, and even the weather. Joining forces with a high school best friend, Sabri performed at local talent shows and festivals, at school pep rallies where they sang “The Black National Anthem” educating their peers on the history and importance of such a song. Eventually, they landed a permanent gig opening talent showcases in Oceanside, California at The Starlight Theatre which boosted them into the spotlight and landed them an appearance on Showtime at The Apollo, where the duo outshined all other contestants, and all in her Senior year of high School.

With many early accomplishments and accolades under her belt, Sabri is destined to be a star. Performing at some of the most prestige venues in Southern California, such as BB Kings in Hollywood, The House of Blues, The Zen Lounge, a State tour with Barry White’s Tribute Band, and an array of background vocalist gigs for local and established artist, she is ready for the spotlight and a chance to shine. This is Sabri’s first go as a solo artist and she is stepping on all necks and taking the industry by storm.

“Writing and Creating a mood and bringing someone into that to share these emotions with you, is the greatest feeling in the world, it’s like I’m never alone. Everyone is just a pen and paper away. Telling a story and you visualize it just the way I do is the goal, that’s where my heart is. Undeniably Sabri is sure to capture your mind and reel you in, buckle up and get ready. You Gon Feel This”, say’s Sabri.

Please make sure you support this dynamic artist. Until next time and make sure to always keep it 100 percent.