ONTARIO, CA— Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) today welcomed news that Frontier Airlines will begin nonstop service to Seattle in June, the sixth new route the carrier is adding to its ONT schedule this year.

According to Frontier, the airline will launch service between ONT and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on June 2^nd with flights scheduled three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The route will be flown with Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with 186 passenger seats. Tickets are available for sale immediately.

“We pride ourselves on becoming a low-cost airport and our approach is proving to be attractive to our airline partners,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “Ontario has capacity to grow which is advantageous to carriers adding new aircraft and our hallmark no-hassle experience continues to appeal to our traveling customers.”

“We’re proud to lead the unprecedented growth in air service from Ontario and further expand our network to nine routes from ONT with new nonstop flights to Seattle,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial for Frontier Airlines. “Ontario International Airport’s convenience paired with Frontier’s low fares and friendly service have proven to be a combination for success and we look forward to enhancing our valued partnership.”

In addition to Seattle, Frontier previously announced plans for new nonstop service to Las Vegas, Newark and Miami beginning in April, as well as San Salvador in May and Guatemala City in June.

Frontier currently operates from Terminal 2 at ONT with flights to Denver, Orlando, Austin and San Antonio.

Ontario has been the fastest-growing airport in the U.S. for the past two years, according to the trade journal Global Traveler. Total passenger volume increased more than 9% in 2019 and 12.4% in 2018.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) wrapped its 12-day marathon of offerings from around the Diaspora.  It celebrated its 28^th anniversary in grand style with a string of highly-anticipated films, which included a comedy by the multi-hyphenated host and entertainer Nick Cannon; a feature, executive produced by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal; plus, a special screening of the action-packed series, “Queen Sono,” out of South Africa, presented by Netflix along with a wedding! The festival was held from February 11 – 23, 2020 at the Cinemark 15 Theatres, located at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles. 

PAFF is the largest Black film festival in the United States and the largest Black History Month cultural event in the nation. Here are the festival stats: PAFF has selected a record-breaking 225 film, representing 52 countries in 26 languages – that is, 86 feature films; 128 short films and 11 new media selection. Plus, ArtFest will feature more than 100 fine artists from around the world. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has designated PAFF as an official qualifying film festival for live action and animation short films.

The festival has cemented its role as a hub for breakthrough and award-winning Black films and filmmakers from around the world. PAFF is dedicated to the cinematic promotion and cultural exploration of peoples of African descent. It is PAFF’s goal to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help destroy negative stereotypes. PAFF believes film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, ethnicities, and lifestyles in an entertaining way.

The festival handed out a variety of juried prizes, including Best Narrative Feature, Best First Feature Film, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, and Best Narrative Short as well as audience favorite awards during an awards ceremony at the close of the festival.

In honor of the late actress and co-founder Ja’Net Dubois, who unexpectedly passed away during the festival, prizes were re-named in her honor. Dubois was best known for her role as Willona in the TV series, “Good Times.” 

And so, without further ado, here’s a list of winners from the Pan African Film Festival. 

AND THE WINNERS ARE …

Best Feature Narrative Award

The Mercy of the Jungle (Rwanda) Directed by Joël Karekezi

Honorable mention

Knuckle City (South Africa) Directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka

Best First Feature Narrative Award

A Taste of Our Land (Uganda) Directed by Yuhi Amuli

Honorable Mention

Mr. Weekend (US) Directed by McKenzie Woodward

Best Documentary Award

One Child Left Behind: The Untold Atlanta Cheating Scandal (US) Directed by Jodi Gomes

Honorable Mention

PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools (US) Directed by Jacoba Atlas

Best Short Narrative Award

White Gold (South Africa) Directed by Luke Bradford

Honorable mention

My Father Belize (Belize) Directed by Leon Lozano

Programmers’ Best Narrative Feature

She Ball (US) Directed by Nick Cannon

Programmers’ Best Short Narrative

Sixteen Thousand Dollars (US) Directed by Symone Baptiste

Programmers’ Best Documentary Award

parTy boi: black diamonds in ice castles (US) Directed by Micheal Rice

Programmers’ Best First Feature Narrative Award (Tie)

Coming From Insanity (Nigeria) Directed by Akinyemi Sebastian Akinropo

Gonarezhou The Movie (Zimbabwe) Directed by Sydney Taivavashe

Special Programmers’ Award

The Cuban (Canada/Cuba) Directed by Sergio Navarretta

Ja’Net Feature Narrative Award

HERO – Inspired By The Extraordinary Life & Times of Mr. Ulric Cross (Canada/Trinidad and Tobago/Ghana/UK) Directed by Frances-Anne Solomon

Ja’Net Short Narrative Award

Code_Switch (US) Directed by Sigin Ojulu

Ja’Net Documentary Award

My Friend Fela (Brazil/Nigeria) Directed by Joel Zito Araújo

Ja’Net First Feature Narrative Award

Zulu Wedding (South Africa) Directed by Lineo Sekeleoane

Special Ja’Net Award

Foster Boy (US) Directed by Youssef Delara

Submitted by Tanay A. Colon

On the day of the most important election of our times, stands an individual long overdue for appointment to our legislative branch. We as a people have continuously nominated and appointed to our government learned individuals that lack the real-world experience necessary to relate to the hardships of the average citizen.

When we talk about the following issues; homelessness, recidivism, low income, bullying, discrimination, healthcare cost, and the increase of criminal activity it would be nice if that person ‘personally’ related to our grievances.

Eugene Weems, a Former Prisoner who served over 17 years in the Department of Corrections has regained the trust of the community. He has fully committed himself to his church, restored his life as a trusted member of society, co-founded and organized Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace. He leads an outreach program designed to facilitate positive growth and good life choices with “at-risk-youth”.

Eugene Weems is a man of action. He plans to work towards making our neighborhoods safe and prosperous again. He will be the leading voice to ensure the people receive the care and benefits they were promised as Americans. The time is NOW for career politicians to find another seat, because REAL CITIZENS like Eugene Weems, will speak, fight, and participate in legislation for you!

Weems said, “Make Your Next Move …Your Best Move” Let’s do just that right now and storm the polls to VOTE for “Write-In” Candidate Eugene Weems for U.S. Representative District 31.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- Visionary founder of The Diaspora Dialogues Koshie Mills is bringing together hundreds of black women from around the world to celebrate sisterhood at the 3rd Annual International Women of Power Luncheon in Los Angeles.

The event will be held at the Arbat Banquet Hall on Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The star-studded event will also host over 300+ African American and African women for an elegant afternoon with Champagne cocktail reception, 3-Course Luncheon, Live performances, Awards presentation and a few surprises. 

This year’s theme is centered around women who are Innovators and Change Agents in Entertainment, Business, Fashion, Music, Beauty and Diaspora.

Confirmed & Invited Honorees, Presenters, Performers, Host include Amara La Negra (Love & Hip Hop Miami),Kimberly Paige (Chief Marketing Officer BET Networks), ILwad Elman (2019 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee),Normani (American Musical Artist), Tiffany Pearsons (Founder, Shine On Sierra Leone), Tracee Ellis Ross(ABC’s Black-ish), Lisa Leslie (WNBA Champion), Angela Bassett (Black Panther), Cynthia Erivo (Oscar Nominee, Harriet), Kelly Rowland (Music Artist), Lynn Whitfield (OWN’s Greenleaf), Stacy Barthe (Singer-Songwriter for artists: Nipsy Hustle, Beyonce), Logan Laurice (Dear White People), Bresha Webb (A Fall From Grace), Folake Olowofoyeku (Bob Hearts Abishola), Megalyn Echikunwoke (Almost Family; A&E’s “Damien”; “Night School”), Rosario Dawson (Jane The Virgin; Luke Cage), Cree Summers (Actress), Antonique Smith(Marvel’s Luke Cage), Gina Yashere (Co-Creator, Writer, Producer of CBS’s Bob Hearts Abishola), Gabrielle Dennis (Bobby Brown Story).

For ticket information visit www.IWOP2020.eventbrite.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Sponsored by We Are the Change SB, SB Food Fest will be back for its monthly debut in appreciation of Black History Month on Saturday, February 22, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. SB Food Fest is rapidly becoming the newest food festival frenzy in the Inland Empire as it provides a fun and family friendly experience. Held in the heart of the historical downtown of San Bernardino, SB Food Fest is coming back this month stronger than ever with over 25 vendors in food, retail, art, live performances, and a guaranteed one-hundred percent level of fun.

From the very beginning, SB Food Fest’s purpose has always been centered on the intent to celebrate community through integration of different cultures, food, music, and art. The upcoming Appreciation of Black History SB Food Fest event will be no different as it will feature the rich culture and historical achievements of the black community. The strength, resilience, and love ever so present in black history will be demonstrated through art by artists such as Artell Humillion, Marcus’ Art, and Michah Amaro Art.  Live performers will include J.A.M and Eric DeVaugn. Those in attendance will have a variety of food options to choose from ranging from snacks to desserts including Lean Kreations, Farm Fresh to You, Le Frites Gourmet Fry Shop, Hawkins Burgers, Sunny Jays Italian Ice, and many more. The festival of course would not be complete without the crafts and charm delicacies that local vendors such as Southern Charm Jewelry, GM Petite, and LMK Designs will provide.

SB Food Fest is most excited to have the Inland Empire community partake of a fun, family-friendly and safe night out. It is an event that anyone can attend and includes FREE admission, as well as free parking. Enthusiasm is shared by all as SB Food Fest strives to revitalize the community of San Bernardino and the downtown scene for locals and visitors alike.

SB Food Fest also looks forward to adding more vendors, performances and art for future events. For more information, visit www.sbfoodfest.com.

By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO, CA—- Nearly two years ago, Seaman Percy Williams joined the Navy because his older brother was joining at the time and he did not know if he wanted to go to college. Now, he is serving aboard the USS Boxer.

Williams is an operations specialist who is responsible for collecting and processing tactical data and displaying it for the ship and aircraft to see.

“My favorite part about the job is being important, being vigilant and always being aware of what is going on,” said Williams.

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

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

“San Bernardino taught me teamwork is essential for the mission to be completed,” said Williams.

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.

Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.

Amphibious assault ships are used to transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. They also are capable of accessing 75% of the world’s beaches.

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. Williams is most proud of finishing his first deployment successfully.

“It is not really an easy task,” said Williams. “Deployment brings a lot of stress and negativity and it is hard to stay positive. However, I did a good job of staying positive and focusing on the task at hand.”

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

“My uncle was in the Navy, great uncle was in the Air Force, another great uncle served 20 years in the Navy, my sister is in the Army, and my cousin is station in Lemoore, California,” said Williams. “Everyone in the military has different stories so when I joined I was able to create my own story to be able to tell them.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Williams, 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.

“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Williams.

By Michael Vallante, U.S. Small Business Administration’s

During Black History Month, we celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize the central role they, as individuals and communities, contributed to U.S. history.

At the U.S. Small Business Administration, our role is to support entrepreneurs in achieving their dream of owning a business.

We celebrate the incredible contributions that Black businesses make to their local communities and the American economy. We hear from Black businesses of the socioeconomic and capital funding challenges with starting and expanding a business.

Our goal is to work with Black entrepreneurs to overcome these entrepreneurship challenges.

When an entrepreneur starts their own business, they create new jobs in the community. In fact, small businesses generate two of every three net new jobs and deliver essential goods and services to our community.

Here are the top 10 resources that small business owners can utilize today to make their entrepreneurship dream a success:

10 SBA Resources for Entrepreneurs:

1. Funding: Starting or scaling up a business requires capital. Our online Lender Match program connects entrepreneurs with financial institutions that provide business loans backed by the SBA. SBA-Guaranteed Loans can be used for most business purposes, including operating capital and financing equipment and other long-term fixed assets.
2. Business Plan Development: Small Business Development Centers offer free, one-on-one counseling, low-cost training services, market research and more.

• Mentoring: SBA’s resources, such as SCORE provide free mentoring and education to business owners to learn from others who have been through the entrepreneurship journey. SCORE is a network of thousands of volunteer business counselors around the country who mentor and educate small business owners. SCORE provides free in-person and online counseling as well as educational workshops.
• Scaling Up their Business: SBA’s Emerging Leader’s program is a no-cost “mini MBA,” that assists entrepreneurs take their business to the next level.  We encourage entrepreneurs to reach out to their local SBA office to find where this program is being offered and apply.

• Assistance to Woman Entrepreneurs: Black women are starting their own business at record rates.  Women’s Business Centers assist women in starting and growing small businesses. They provide a full range of services for women entrepreneurs at all stages of planning, implementation and growth.

• Support to Veterans with Starting their Own Business: Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education and training program available to active duty service members (including National Guard and Reserve), veterans and their spouses in starting or growing their business.
• Taking their Business to the International Market: Export Assistance Centers help small businesses entering the international marketplace.  Entrepreneurs can learn how to export, participate in foreign trade missions and trade shows, translate websites, and design marketing campaigns.

• Accessing Government Contracts: The Mentor-Protégé Program is designed for small businesses to learn from an experienced government contractor.  Women-owned business certification helps provide a level playing field for women business owners, as the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses certified as women-owned.

• Online Resources: SBA.gov includes online resources and information about upcoming webinars to assist entrepreneurs in overcoming common business challenges.
  
• Local Support: SBA District Offices can connect you to local SBA resources, mentors and training. Visit www.SBA.gov for more information. 

As the Regional Administrator for the Pacific Rim for SBA, and as Associate Administrator for the Office of Field Operations for our agency, SBA recognizes the contributions of the Black community, the job-creating entrepreneurs and their families for their daily sacrifice to keeping local economies thriving. We encourage you to reach out to SBA.

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Michael Vallante, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Associate Administrator for the Office of Field Operations, overseeing the 68 district offices and nine Regional Administrators; and Regional Administrator for Region IX, overseeing the agency’s programs and services in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam

This year’s theme was “It Takes a Village. Let’s Vote” to commemorate the 150^th Anniversary of the Black People’s Right to Vote

Write-up by Naomi K. Bonman

RIVERSIDE, CA— The sun was shining and the community came out to enjoy the sunshine at the 41^st Annual Riverside Black History Parade on Saturday, February 8 held in Downtown Riverside. Many parade goers, as well as the vendors, applauded this year’s parade success. Several vendors sold out of food at the expo.

Tommy the Clown made his return in the parade and expo as well as several local drill teams. However, there was a newcomer to the parade: Compton High School’s drum squad made a highlight to the parade. There was a total of over 70 entries in this year’s parade.

This year’s grand marshal was Riverside’s NAACP Chapter’s president, Regina Patton Stell, which was perfect in complimenting the theme for the parade, which was “It Takes a Village. Let’s Vote”. The 15th Amendment, stating that the right to vote could not be denied based on “race, color, or previous condition of servitude,” was ratified Feb. 3, 1870.

Planning for the 42^nd Annual Riverside Black History Parade is already in motion. If you would like to be involved and volunteer, please visit www.adcrfoundation.org.

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By Naomi K. Bonman

Just a couple of weeks ago we loss NBA legend and MVP, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant. On Tuesday, February 18, the Hollywood world is mourning the sudden death of Ja’Net Dubois. She was 74-years old and passed away peacefully in her sleep in her Glendale, California home.

According to TMZ, a cause of death was not immediately given and Dubois’ family stated that she hadn’t complained of any pain or illness in the days leading up to her death.

A few years ago, I had the pleasure to meet and photograph Ja’Net Dubois at the Pan African American Film Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles on multiple occasions. She was seen across multiple red carpets at various events. For those who do not know, Dubois co-founded PAFF in 1992. PAFF showcases “the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help destroy the negative stereotypes”.

Ms. Dubois played the role of Willona Woods on the 70s sitcom “Good Times”. She went on to become a two-time Emmy Award winner for her voice-over work on the animated series “The PJs” and in 1969 she won a Peabody Award for the CBS children’s movie “J.T.”.

Throughout the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, Dubois appeared in almost every hit TV series, which include: Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, Cold Case, Everybody Loves Raymond, Touched By An Angel, The Wayans Bros. and Moesha.

The actress was also featured in big screen films, which include: Heart Condition (1990) alongside Denzel Washington, Waterproof (2000) alongside with Burt Reynolds, and recently She’s Got a Plan (2016).

In addition to her acting career, Ja’Net released an album showcasing her vocal talents in 2008 entitled, “Hidden Treasures”.

Ja’Net Dubois is survived by her three children: Rani, Burghardt, and Yovanne Dubois.

CORONA, CA—- Meet legendary Yolanda Holder, a professional ultramarathon walker and a long-distance endurance athlete.  At age 61 she is breaking boundaries in the ultra-marathon world.  On January 25, 2020, Yolanda became the first African American Woman to finish a 50K Race Walk placing 6^th in the Women’s National Championship 50K Race Walk and the 2020 National 50K Age Group Champion and won a purse of $1000.

In 2019, Yolanda became the first African American Woman and second African American to earn a United States Race Walk Centurion #94 and the oldest person to race walk 100 miles in under 24 hours (23:52:17).  Also, in 2019 at the Six Days in the Dome in Milwaukee, she set a World and American Age Group Record (60-64) 413 miles in six days.

Yolanda’s list of accomplishments as a walker that competes with runners in long.  She’s a two-time Guinness World Record holder for “Most Marathons Completed in a Calendar Year”, finishing a staggering 106 marathons/ultras in 2010 and breaking her own record in 2012 finishing 120 marathons/ultras.  She is the first American Woman and African American to Run or Walk over 100 marathons in a calendar year and the first woman in the world to ever do it twice.

Yolanda’s accomplishments are amazing, at the 2017 Sri Chinmoy Self Transcendence 3100 Mile Race she set a World Record first Pedestrian (walker) to walk the entire race finishing in 51 Days, 17 hours and 13 seconds.  She is also the first African American male or female, runner or walker to ever compete in this brutal footrace. The Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race called “The Mount Everest of ultramarathons” by The New York Times, this is the longest certified footrace in the world that is held in the heat of the summer in New York. The athletes can test themselves in a f format unlike any other ultra-marathon event. In order to meet their goal of 3100 miles in 52 days, they must log an average of 60 miles per day. The race starts at 6am and the athletes have until midnight when the course closes for the night.  Yolanda is known as the Walking Diva and she took 52 outfits looking very stylist as she finished each day.

Yolanda is a master’s athlete at her athletic peak setting and breaking World and American records with no plans on stopping.  What’s special and close to her heart is “Extreme Walk 4 Diabetes”, an annual event she founded in honor of her parents. Losing both her parents to this horrible disease she promotes healthy living through Walking 4 Your Health.  Walking a mile or more daily and making small changes to your eating habits can help control not only diabetes but all diseases.  She practices what she preaches for over two years daily, she walks a mile or more, a headstand, a plank, drinks waters, and writes down what’s she’s grateful for.  Her purpose in life is to inspire and motivate everyone to take care of their health by moving your body daily.

Yolanda is a wife, mother of two grown children, inspirational speaker, and author.

If you would like to hear more of Yolanda’s amazing story she’s available for speaking engagements and can be reach at yolandaholder@gmail.com or on Facebook.