The 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, hosted by the Inland Empire African American Churches (IECAAC), theme  this year is “ Inland Empire 40^th Year Celebration & Liberation!” “The Best of the Best”!” We are inviting  the entire community to come celebrate 40 years of this event occasion,  from its inception in 1980, by  seven forward thinking individuals whose brilliant idea, has now become an Inland Empire legacy.  Amina Carter, Ratibu Jacocks*, Valerie Pope Ludlam*, Vivian Nash*, Sharon Cooper*, Robert Rochelle*, and Maria Brashear* and their families will be saluted at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast, traditionally held the third Monday, in the month of January, this year on the 20^th of 2020 at the California State University, Coussoulis Arena, San Bernardino, CA 92407 at 7:30 a.m.

A promenade entrance lead by our only remaining founder Amina Carter and family members of  founding members who are now with our ancestors will open our ceremony activities. This year’s breakfast is a tribute to  some unforgettable people, with a historical slide show of our infamous Martin Luther King Jr. Statue, and immediately following  the breakfast our wreath commemoration at the San Bernardino City Hall statue! 

This year will also mark the 20^th Anniversary of the Inland Empire African American Churches, who now continue to host the breakfast. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast is always an engaging atmosphere of unity in which elected officials, corporate businesses, professionals, faith-based entities and churches, community organizations and residents honor a legacy whose principles transformed the world.

In the last 40 years this event has grown tremendously and exceeded capacity at the arena of over 750 persons.  It is a community affair that is valued and treasured by numerous persons who calendar  the event, participate  and bring their families for a generational experience which they share every year.

This year’s keynote speaker is the renowned Dr. Dwight Radcliff, M.Div PH.D , Founding Pastor of the Message in Gardena CA.  A graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, A contributing author for Urban Ministries, an international speaker and he is considered to be an insightful powerful preacher.

We especially would like to invite you to support our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast. We welcome your attendance and hope that you will continue this annual celebration or begin a new tradition for your family. Music, entertainment food for your mind and soul, all a part of the morning’s festivities.                                                                                           

Sponsorship over the years has been invaluable, each year corporate & community entities are selected and requested to provide assistance. If you desire to be a vendor or place an ad in the souvenir booklet deadlines are approaching fast .   

To confirm your commitment, please contact Beverly Jones Wright, Chairperson at (909) 434-6583 or (909) 474-7036

By Lou Yeboah

Talk about starting the New Year off right…..Go back and remember. Go back to the moment when you first met Jesus. Remember the love you felt, the stirring in your heart, the adoration you had for Him? Remember how grateful you were for the forgiveness of sins? Remember, at that time when nothing else mattered only Him? Well, today, God wants you to go back and remember that moment in time. And having that in your memory, He wants you to come back to Him; come back to your First Love, to the place and time in your life to where He was your everything.

For He says, “After all the things that you’ve been through, you should understand Him like He understand you. To love and be loved in return, it’s the only thing that His heart desires. What more can I do? I gave My heart, soul and Spirit to you didn’t I… didn’t I do it. I gave you the love you never knew. I thought that your heart was true. Silly of Me to think that I could ever have you for myself; silly of Me to think that you could ever know the things I do are all done for you.” It’s obvious you don’t love Me as you did at first, look how far you have fallen. You have abandoned the love you had at first – the love that caused you to drop everything to follow Me into the desert. This is the love that captures My heart. So remember, then repent and turn back to Me…[Revelation 2:4-5].

You know, David told himself to never forget the good things God had done. We also must make up our minds to never forget God’s goodness in our lives. Because as [Psalms 107] says, when we forget, it “tests God’s patience, frustrates Him, and makes His anger rise.” I don’t know about you, but that got my attention!  I am convinced that forgetting God’s goodness is a sin. So like David who found he had drifted away from God we too must repent and fervently pray, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit [Psalms 51:12].

Because of all the things we need in the coming days, none is more precious and more essential than the leadership of God upon our lives. So with that in mind, let us as Moses said, recommit ourselves to obedience to the Word of God. Let us refocus ourselves in our relationship with the Spirit of God. And, let us rededicate ourselves to living in the fullness of the Spirit of God. For the greatest investment we can make in this life is a wholehearted pursuit of a deep personal relationship with God. And understanding that it is not enough to just seek God, but to seek Him “First.” Let us not forget God’s goodness!

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. [Matthew 22: 37-40].

ByDianne Anderson

Social justice activist Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is coming to town to talk about the dark side of the American dream – the poverty crisis that has barely budged since the last time the rich-poor gap was this wide in America.

Over 50 years ago, Dr. King’s Poor People’s Campaign in conjunction with SCLC hoped to galvanize the 35 percent of the nation mired in destitution. Just four months from first announcing the plans, Dr. King was assassinated.

Today, Rev. Barber is reawakening that campaign to give voice at this critical point in history, and continuing Dr. King’s quest for economic justice.

On January 18, Pastor Emory James is excited to welcome Dr. Barber as the featured guest speaker at a free Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration sponsored by Ephesians New Testament Church and the city of Fontana to be held at 3:00 p.m. at Westside Baptist Church, located at 15006 Randall Ave. Seating is limited, call (909) 823-2319 for tickets.

“He is a very brilliant man. He’s addressing the systemic elements of people’s living in poverty, and poverty concerns that he has with this country,” said Senior Pastor Emory James of Ephesians New Testament Church of Fontana.

Over the past three decades, James said Ephesians Church has led the charge to bring inspiring speakers to the community. He said it’s urgent the community understand the deeper meaning behind current issues, and to promote Dr. King’s legacy.

James has featured Dr. Cornel West. They also hosted Rev. Dr. James Forbes, Jr., one of the top preachers in the nation.

They’ve held jazz events, as well as the distinguished gospel quartet, Mighty Clouds of Joy. Several years ago, they hosted the Emmy award-winning playwright Jeff Stetson of the plays, Blood on the Leaves and The Meeting, a fictional play about a meeting between Dr. King and Malcolm X.

James said that Barber’s message ties in tightly with the life and goals of Dr. King, and addresses the ramifications of systemic poverty not only in California, but nationwide. Rev. Barber is the president of the NAACP North Carolina state chapter, and originator of the Forward Together Moral Mondays Movement.

“He’s become part of the leg moving with people to march on Washington. He’s coming here to speak about poverty, the homeless and veterans,” James said.

Last year, James held a conference on homelessness to help bring the local problem to the forefront. Various agencies spoke about what they are doing in the Inland Empire, especially in the Fontana area, to tackle homelessness.

“A lot of people like to stick their heads in the sand when it comes to poor people and the homeless, with children outdoors and hungry,” he said.

But for churches, he believes the situation has been a burden because the demand has increased dramatically over the years.

“We seem to be the ears and voices for people that can’t speak for themselves, and do things that call attention to the needs of the community,” he said.

This time of year, everyone is thinking of Dr. King, and how far society has come from his initial fight for the people.

Nationally, the Census Bureau reports there were 38.1 million people in poverty in 2018. Of those, The poverty rate for non-Hispanic whites was 8.1% in 2018, down from 8.5% in 2017. The poverty rate for Blacks was 20.8%, while the poverty rate for Asians was 10.1%. The poverty rate for Hispanics was 17.6%.

Locally, James said one area of increased poverty he sees is that families had bought homes, but some lost their jobs, and renting costs today are more than an actual house payment.

He has seen entire families displaced.

“It’s not just one or two people,” he said. “Kids live and sleep in their cars with their parents. It’s sad,” he said.

Fontana is not as hard hit by poverty as some other cities in San Bernardino County, but James said African Americans are disproportionately represented.

“My whole goal is as a bishop and pastor in the community is to call attention to that. I can’t solve the problem, but I can keep you from sticking your head in the sand, and saying that it ain’t my problem,” he said.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr | California Black Media

On January 10, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his record $222 Billion state budget for 2020-21. The $84 billion he allocated in it for K-12 schools and community colleges represents a historic high level of funding for education in California.

The proposed investment in K-14 education is 3.03 percent or $3.8 billion more than last year. Total K-12 expenditures from all sources in the budget are projected to be $17,964 per pupil.

While state spending on education is at its highest level numerically, Governor Newsom expressed that “none of us is spiking the ball” because education outcomes for many students are not where it should be or can be.

According to Newsom, “We are making progress, but it is stubborn and slow. We have disparities that are being closed and disparities that are persistent.”

The achievement gap is being closed for Latinx students, students with disabilities, low income students, and African-American students in some metrics. Latinx students narrowed their gap in English language arts scores and high school graduation rates. Students with disabilities made the greatest gains in math and English language arts. African-American students showed the largest graduation rate gain among student groups.

Where progress has been slow has been with students with disabilities, youth in foster care, homeless youth, and African-American students continuing to score below the state standard on English language arts and math tests.

Newsom was very candid in pointing out that 23 low-performing, high-poverty school districts have an over-representation of African-American students.

 “It seems self evident that we should focus and concentrate our efforts in those areas in order to address ….the substance of the vexing issue as it relates to academic achievement for African-American students.”  

 “We have to start getting serious and do something about it. We believe the biggest achievement boost is fully prepared teachers,” Newsom said.

The governor is proposing $900.1 million to be invested in workforce investment grants, professional development grants for existing teachers, and teacher recruitment strategies.

“The plan is to build a diverse teaching workforce of stable, prepared professional teachers, including more teachers that look like their students. That’s incredibly important as related particularly to African-American achievement,” Newsom said.

The budget includes $100 million to fund $20,000 stipends for new teachers who choose to teach in high-need schools. This addresses the stubborn fact that high-poverty schools have three times as many unprepared teachers.

$300 million in grants is being made available to close the academic achievement in the lowest-performing districts.

Another $300 million is proposed to expand community schools to address students’ physical and mental health needs by establishing public-private partnerships with community services.  The funds will also be used to promote parent engagement.

“Special Education in the state of California is in a crisis,” according to Newsom. About $900 million dollars is being allocated to increase base funding for Special Ed students, support specific teacher training, fund early diagnosing and intervention and pay for studies on how districts are delivering services to respond to the learning needs of those students.

The budget calls for establishing a new Department of Early Childhood Development to consolidate under one roof the various efforts to implement the governor’s Master Plan for Early Learning and Care, a policy initiative he announced last year.

Newsom is committed to adding 10,000 full-time preschool slots this year and providing universal preschool for all low-income 4-year-olds by the end of next year.

Education leaders’ reactions to the governor’s 2020-21 state budget presentation has been mixed.

“The Governor mentioned that students should have teachers that look more like them, and we couldn’t agree more. We look forward to having the opportunity to invest in our teacher workforce and the pipeline of future teachers coming into the profession, specifically teachers of color and in the fields of science, math, and special education,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said.

State Board of Education President Linda Darling Hammond said, “Some students spend the year in classrooms staffed by highly trained, highly prepared teachers. But many others do not. These disparities are particularly grievous for low-income students of color. The 2020-21 budget investments in educator recruitment and professional development will help place California on solid footing moving forward as we work to build, train and support the kind of high-quality educator workforce all our students need and deserve.”

California Teachers Association President E. Toby Boyd expresses some cynicism.

“Despite California’s economy consistently expanding – now being ranked fifth-largest in the entire world – we have some of the most underfunded schools in the country,” he said. “We rank 39th in the nation in per-pupil funding. We boast the most overcrowded classrooms in the entire country.”

Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner said, “California’s public schools will remain woefully underfunded, especially when compared with the rest of the nation.”

“This budget proposal does not go far enough in funding supports for our most vulnerable students,” Beutner added. “Including students whose families are experiencing homelessness and students with special needs.”

The governor’s presentation begins the formal state budget process. Over the next several months, the California legislature will hold hearings on the budget and special interest groups and the public will have an opportunity to comment on various budget proposals. In mid-May the Governor will release a revised budget plan reflecting changes to spending. The budget will be finalized by the end of  June 2020.

By Dianne Anderson

For those who know Mary Haynes, or anyone else who asks, her story is no secret. Wherever she goes, she readily shares her painful past in hopes that someone can benefit from her missteps, and learn the way out.

Haynes, who performed professionally as an R&B artist, got off the musical and spiritual path that she grew up within the church, only to end up trapped in a decades-long battle with drug abuse. Now clean for 15 years, she understands what led to the dark places and what it takes to escape  the depths of a 28-year addiction.

The biggest part of what got her through her struggle for sobriety is that she never denied her faith, she said. Many people didn’t know that she was on drugs.

“My life is a story I tell everywhere I go,” she said. “I was never a closet person, but I always let everyone know that I loved the Lord, that I was just going through a struggle.”

Today, she gives back what she’s learned and gained in her journey through song and praise. Everything around her life, especially the hard times, has strengthened her dedication to gospel music. She writes most of the songs she sings, and says it’s the place where she finds comfort.

She sings her life.

“A lot of things that I’ve done, and the places that I’ve been, that’s what my psalms are about,” she said, adding that she wrote “I Got to Make it Somehow” to shed light on her way back to sobriety.

She tried all kinds of methods to break free, she said, “When a person has been on drugs, no matter what you do it’s not going to work. No matter how much your family fights for you.”

Once her mind was made up, she was able to emerge. In December 2004, she woke up one morning resolute. She wanted her parents to see her free.

“You name it, I’ve been through it. I always share my story and I think that’s why God continues to bless me, elevate me and move me,” she said.

On January 18, Haynes is the guest psalmist at a special event where justice activist Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is featured speaker at a free Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration. Hosted by Ephesians New Testament Church and the city of Fontana, the event will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Westside Baptist Church, located at 15006 Randall Ave. Seating is limited, call (909) 823-2319 for tickets.

Haynes has known Pastor James Emory and his wife since her early teens, and she is delighted to participate at the upcoming event.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it, I love Dr. King,” she said. “He stood for the rights of everybody.”

Haynes started singing in the church at six years old, where her late father, who passed away two years ago, was a renown pastor. Her father had later hired her to play for the choir. She was a quick study, and a natural. Even as a child, people would come around her to hear and see her play.

But much of her psalms and message today revolves around the harder spaces, and how she has been released from bondage through Christ.

These days, she said being church psalmist carries responsibility. She guides the rhythm of the church, assists the pastor who shepherds the church, and helps directs the flow of service. She keys into the anointing of the Spirit, and praise is the highest calling.

She said it’s all about winning is souls and for the people to find comfort to return back to God. She also prepares for service by arranging whatever songs she may have planned to sing, which she usually doesn’t know until the last minute.

“Sometimes you have to wait till you get there. The Spirit will flow and you have to find out what the church needs,” she said. “I still can’t explain it, the anointing comes over me.”

She counts it her greatest privilege to share the Gospel, and use her talents to reach the hard to reach, some who are no doubt dealing with the same struggle that is behind her.

“I know a lot of people, and people that I bump into in church. A lot of people are gone, and I’m still here. I’m on a mission, I understand my ministry now,” she said.

By Bishop Emory B. James, Ephesians New Testament Church

It is my extreme pleasure to host this year’s celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Each year we are challenged to do all that we can to keep the dream alive.

Many have various opinions about the dream of Dr. King which is continually analyzed and interpreted just to meet the diverse opinions that challenge the world today.

I believe that what keeps the dream alive is the fact that it can never be placed in a box nor made finitely interpreted simply because it continues to evolve and is always calling us to a loftier place in humanitarianism.

It would seem that just when we think we have figured out the formula for the dream’s foundation of effectiveness, another door opens to challenge mankind to think and evaluate his place in the social realm of society.

This is the reason that after 50 years the dream is still as fresh as it was the first day that the arrow of moral vicissitude was released and it pierced our hearts and moved us to repent from our immoral spirit of selfish indignation.

As an ever living voice, the dream continues to reach out to the generations of the old, middle aged, young adults and youth. This dream will always call us to live soberly and just as we interact with each other in our social realms. So today marks the 32nd year of celebration here in Fontana, as we remember the fact that it was the spirit of the people inspired by a speech about a dream that has motivated our community to continue to work to provide an overall better quality of life.

We are grateful for the monumental visit of Dr. William J. Barber ll who will join us on January 18^th at the Westside Baptist Church, 15006 Randall Ave. here in Fontana at 3:00pm.  Dr. Barber has been commissioned to be a voice in this era to call the people nationally to a new moral level addressing homelessness and poverty.  I also thank Dr. Barber for reviving “The Poor People’s Campaign” that is now moving to march on Washington D.C., June 20, 2020.  After 52 years of dormancy, the peoples voice will be heard again heralding the advocacy for the Poor.

This year we wanted the spirit of Dr. King to look at the homeless epidemic that has gripped our region and society.  Dr. King’s voice reminds us that none of us are very far from being homeless and compassion is what God calls us to walk in so that we are to continue to challenge governments to legislate and put in place the type of governance that is fair to all in terms of rents, employment, environment,  and medical services that covers the whole man physically, psychologically, and spiritually.

So today, let us resolve to work diligently to keep the dream alive!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Cal State San Bernardino alumni Charles Brown and Wil Greer, who is also a CSUSB assistant professor of education leadership and technology, were honored at the 8th annual Educators’ Prayer Breakfast hosted by the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Rho Chapter on December 8, at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

Greer earned his master’s degree from CSUSB in educational administration and has been teaching at the university for five years. Greer also earned his bachelor’s in ethnic sociology from UC Riverside and his doctorate in urban educational leadership from Claremont Graduate University.
 
“Being honored is nice, of course, but I know it wouldn’t have happened without my family, without my ancestors, without my community, and without my God,” Greer said.
 
Brown, who is director of Equity and Targeted Student Achievement for the San Bernardino City Unified School District, received his undergraduate degree in liberal studies in 1996 from CSUSB. He recently earned his Ed.D. from Brandman University.
 
Along with Greer and Brown, the sorority honored Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity during the event.
 
The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Rho Chapter was chartered in 1982. Two CSUSB alumna – Margaret Hill ’80 and Joyce Payne ’67 – are members of the chapter. The sorority not only recognizes contributors of education, but also provides scholarships to graduating seniors, partners with San Bernardino Valley College and hosts an annual Teach-A-Rama.

RIVERSIDE, CA— 2020 is a prominent year. Not just because it is a new decade and that it is election year, but it is the 150^th anniversary of the right to vote for Blacks. On Saturday, February 8, 2020, the 41^st Annual Black History Parade and Expo will be paying homage to the anniversary. The theme for this year’s event is, “It takes a Village: Let’s Vote”.

When it comes to voting, the community plays a critical role in deciding who will head counties, states and the country, as a whole. For the past 41 years the Riverside Black History Parade has played an instrumental role in bringing the community, schools and local businesses together.

Prior to the parade, the annual kick off reception will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Central Middle School located at 4795 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside, California. The Emcee for the evening will be Barry E. Knight, of BEK Co. There will also be a dance performance by Bre Dance Studio of Riverside and Kountry Folks Homestyle Restaurant will be the returning as the caterer for the evening.

The kick-off reception is the impeccable moment to come and learn more about the ADCR foundation and the year-round events outside of the parade. This is also the community’s opportunity to support the Riverside Black History Parade monetarily. Space is limited. To reserve your space for the reception, please email riversideblackhistoryparade@gmail.com.

With this being a monumental year for the African American community, the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation has teamed up with the NAACP Riverside Chapter to have their President, Dr. Regina Patton Stell, as this year’s Grand Marshall. Vision Marshalls include: UCR’s Athletic Director, Tamica Jones; Assemblymember Jose Medina; Shauna Gates, Chief of Police at Riverside Community College District’s Board of Trustees; and Community Icons Charles and Elaine Bibbs.

This year, the Riverside Black Chamber of Commerce is assisting in ensuring that the Expo is a success. Tommy the Clown will also be returning as a performer in the 2020 Riverside Black History Parade and Expo. Vendors and parade performers are still wanted. To fill out a vendor application, please visit www.adcrfoundation.org. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education honored 11 students with Outstanding Student Awards at the November 5, 2019, Board meeting. Students were also recognized by the San Bernardino Symphony, which provided them and their families with free symphony tickets, and Assembly member James Ramos, who provided each student with a certificate of recognition.

Outstanding Student Award winners are recognized for achievement in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, or for showing significant improvement in these areas. Students are awarded and inspired to have hope for their future by thinking about long-term educational and career goals.

Hillside Elementary School Outstanding Students

Third-grader Dylan Molina is a model citizen with excellent PBIS skills who is always willing to help his peers. He is inquisitive and loves to share his knowledge with others. Dylan would like to play in the NFL someday. He also wants to be a police officer like his father.

Fourth-grader Josiah Popper has shown a renewed interest in learning, and his motivation to succeed shows in his improved behavior and academic achievement. Josiah wants to attend Cal State San Bernardino and eventually wants to manage a team of salesmen.

Sixth-grader Camelia Romero is a model student. She demonstrates good citizenship, loves to learn, and always tries her best. Camelia wants to attend one of the Claremont Colleges to become an ornithologist or marine biologist.

Riley College Prep Academy Outstanding Students

Fifth-grader Orlando Gomez demonstrates stellar citizenship by supporting others, being a model of the 16 social skills, and just being a good friend. He’s an avid reader and uses his love of books to connect with others. Orlando wants to be a police officer or football player.

Fourth-grader Natalia Guadarrama is a respectful and responsible student who models good behavior at all times. She is on the Honor Patrol and has auditioned for the Odyssey of the Mind Club. Natalia wants to attend UCR or UC Berkeley and become an elementary principal right here in SBCUSD.

Fifth-grader Myala Poynter consistently demonstrates PBIS skills and Restorative Justice practices. She is a high-achieving student who masters new concepts in both English and Spanish. Myala wants to attend CSUSB and become an artist who works in animation.

Del Vallejo Leadership and STEAM Academy Outstanding Students

Eighth-grader Adriane Flores is a model scholar-athlete who exhibits good behavior, completes his assignments, and is a starter on the softball team. Adriane wants to attend UCLA and become a professional baseball player or work in criminal justice.

Seventh-grader Rachel Gonzalez is an example of a student who understands the importance of both arts and academics. She plays baritone in the Advance Band, but her focus is always on maintaining her 4.0 G.P.A. Rachel is excited to become a Pacific Pirate and earn top grades so she can attend a four-year university and become a veterinarian.

Sixth-grader Laylah Johnson stays on task and focused on her studies, as evidenced by her 3.667 G.P.A. She is also helpful and kind, which is why her teachers can always count on her to represent the sixth-grade team. Laylah wants to attend Spelman College and eventually become a professional photographer.

Arroyo Valley High School Outstanding Students

Twelfth-grader Miguel Antonio is a scholar-athlete. He’s taking rigorous IB classes and is the president of the AVHS running club. And as senior class president, he helped create a positive, inclusive school culture. Miguel plans to attend Cal State San Bernardino and major in finance or marketing.

Twelfth-grader Veronica Banuelos is extremely intelligent and motivated. She is an International Baccalaureate scholar with a 4.9 GPA. She is being sought after by many colleges, who have invited her to visit. Veronica plans to major in economics and minor in business.

Tenth-grader Marissa Collins is smart and hardworking. She is willing to do whatever it takes to further her education. She took the initiative to travel to Vietnam over the summer to see how medicine is practiced in other countries. Marissa wants to major in medicine at an Ivy-league college.

In an effort to recognize MLK day and Black History month, Essence Atkins has joined forced with #NotMe to end harassment and discrimination in the workplace and beyond. Stay tuned for her story and why she is passionate about #NotMe, to be posted on MLK Day.

People often think of harassment as only sexual, but the reality is that bullying-related to race and gender discrimination are at the top of the list of workplace harassment. With MLK and Black History Month being right around the corner, we think there is a real opportunity to shed light on this issue and offer people a solution.

The prevalence of workplace discrimination is vast, and it affects black women the most – 25% of black women are harassed compared to 11% for white men. Blacks reported a 60% higher rate of discrimination compared to whites. Black women filed 28.6 percent of pregnancy discrimination charges, despite making up only 14.3 percent of the female labor force. Help us make the change our society needs.

#NotMe is a free and simple to use app that aims to prevent workplace harassment. The platform empowers anyone to safely report misconduct they’ve witnessed or experienced all via their mobile phone in as little as three minutes.