What It Do with the LUE: Talon Network

By Lue Dowdy

The Talon Network is WHAT IT DO!

I always say how the Inland Empire (I.E.) is saturated with so much talent. Right here in my own backyard of San Bernardino I know of several gifted individuals, and one of those individuals is Lata Wilson.

Lata Wilson who was born and raised in the I.E. has launched his own network titled, “Talon Network.” This is something big. It provides opportunities for aspiring artists out this way, as well as all over. I’m totally excited for Lata and his team.

The Talon Network is a live streaming television network that offers 24-hours of original programming, in addition to individual productions for your viewing pleasure via tablet, cell phone or smart television. The network specializes in offering you unique productions that are developed with true artistry in mind without the slanted agendas and commercialization of other networks.

The company’s slogan is “Everybody’s Important,” and they stand firm on that. If you ever find yourself in need of any of the services listed above, please do not hesitate. Tap in now to the Talon Network at thetalonnetwork.com.

Until next time L’s!

Exclusive Interview: Actress Stephanie Charles Chats on Tyler Perry’s ‘The Paynes’

Stephanie Charles

By Naomi K. Bonman

To kick off Women’s History Month, I did an exclusive interview with a rising actress. Ms. Stephanie Charles is an actress and producer. She has been acting for a decade since childhood, but she is known for her roles in Adulterers (2015), Instant Mom (2013) and NCIS (2003). Her most current role is playing Nyla in Tyler Perry’s latest series The Paynes, which is a spin off of House of Paynes.

Ms. Charles chatted with me about her inspirations in getting into acting, her current role in “The Paynes” and her next career moves. This rising star is definitely on the move.

So for those who don’t know you or need to be re-introduced, can you briefly describe who you are, where you grew up and all of that fun stuff?

Oh, yeah. I’m Stephanie Charles. I was born in Boston and raised in Haiti until I was six years old and then I moved to [Los Angeles] around 8-years-old. I was signed to Universal Motown for a couple of years with a group called MRZ. It didn’t pan out, but I’ve been acting as well since I was a kid off and on and I’ve been focused on it for the last seven years.

So you are on The Payne’s which is Tyler Perry’s spin off of House of Paynes. What character do you play and how do you identify with her?

I play Nila. She is a single mother of two who volunteers at a church and an after school program which gave her solace while she deals with an abusive relationship with her boyfriend. Mrs. Ella and Mr. Curtis are like the main characters and that’s when they come in and try to save Nila from her situation.

I fell in love with this character with the fact that she is so different. The situation of her being [in an] abusive [relationship], she was homeless and she has two kids is so far from me, so the excitement of getting into character and doing my research was pretty much the fun part of it. As well as growing as an actor.

Is this the first season of The Paynes?

Yes! This is the first season of The Paynes. It aired January 16 I believe. That was the first air. It comes on every Friday night at 9 p.m. on OWN.

For those who haven’t tuned in yet, what can they except to see, without giving too much away, give us a little teaser?

[Laughs] Just except a lot of laughter and some tears along the way. It has a perfect mix of obviously comedy first. And whoever is familiar with The House of Paynes, they know the formula of the balance of comedy and then some real life moments of tearing up and everything. It’s good for the whole family and anyone of any age.

You mentioned that you started in a girl pop group, so are you still singing or just mainly focusing on acting right now?

I’m not singing at the moment. Right now I’m just 100 percent all on acting. But now let’s say I have an audition for a character that sings [laughs] that would be great! I would definitely do my warm ups and get that going, but right now acting is my 100 percent focus and my passion as well.

Back in the day you had a small guest role in Sister, Sister, what other sitcoms were in coming up in your career?

I was in, I don’t know if you remember Smart Guy, that was actually Tia and Tamara Mowry’s little brother. I did ER, Bones and an old Robert Townsend show when I was a kid called The Parenthood.

So you’re used to comedies or family comedies?

I’m used to that, but I love all kinds of stuff. My favorite type of stuff to do and want to do and kind of cross over to is horror and Marvel or any action film with strong women characters and DC Comics. I like all that kind of stuff [laughs].

What other projects are you working on?

Right now I am auditioning and looking for projects to audition for and to work with. Whatever excites me and any opportunities that come my way. I also create my own content on social media with a group of people called FunnyDumbShitSquad. It’s on Instagram. We just create and put little projects and videos out and you know, fun stuff.

How did you guys get started with that?

I was in acting class so I know a lot of people, but me and my friend Dimitri Morantus wanted to be creative and be pro-active and take control of our careers, so we wanted to get a group of people together who write, produce and have the passion for acting and creating content in order to be pro-active, so we all came together and started to be consistent with it.

I also read that Jada is one of your inspirations, is she someone who you would love to work with one day and who else would you love to work with?

Yeahhh [laughs]! I would absolutely love to work with Jada Pinkett. I would love to also work with….who would I like to work with? I haven’t sat down lately, but I love Andy Serkis. I didn’t know that he was in Black Panther and the Avengers until I was looking him up, I was like “Wait a minute! He’s in it!” because I love him. So I would love to work with him. That would be a dream.

I know you probably get this question asked a lot, but how was it working with Tyler Perry and the rest of the cast?

Cool as hell! They’re cool people man. There’s so much good energy. I love being around people who have such a good heart, work hard and make things comfortable for everyone. Tyler is definitely that guy. He works really, really fast paced but he’s also willing to let you be creative and express yourself which is an amazing situation to be in.

I like working with people and seeing their process of working, so that was pretty cool too seeing how everyone work because I like to learn and grow.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I love hanging out with my friends, chilling drinking wine and riding my bike.

What’s your advice to actors of color who are trying to land that one big role?

Confidence is a big thing. Don’t let others crush your dream and stay consistent. Consistency is key.

Follow Stephanie Charles

Website | Instagram | YouTube

First FedEx African American Woman Pilot Earns Her Wings

FedEx Airbus Captain and Line Check Airman Tahirah Lamont Brown

By Jason Douglas

FedEx Airbus Captain and Line Check Airman Tahirah Lamont Brown recalls her very first time in the cockpit in 1992—a momentous occasion for any pilot, but especially for an African American woman entering an industry dominated by men. Brown later became the first African American woman pilot for FedEx, and shares how hard work, creativity, determination and mentors helped her build her “office in the sky.”

When did you decide you wanted to be a pilot, and what about flying intrigued you?

I decided to be a pilot in high school. At that time I had only flown twice in my life, but the more I learned about aviation, the more fascinated I became. I enjoy traveling, meeting new people and learning about different cultures. Aviation matched my personality. It was an epiphany for me. I decided this is what I want to do, and God put people in my path along the way that helped me achieve my goal.

How did your parents react when you told them about your plans?

My mother was nervous. My father was supportive, but wasn’t sure I was serious.

As an African American woman in a field dominated by men, did you feel there were barriers to your dream?

There were barriers, for sure. I didn’t know any pilots and didn’t know how to pay for flight school.

I worked two jobs to pay for college and for flight training. I also wrote my family a letter asking them for support. I promised that if they would help me now, I would pay them back when I had the money, and they helped me.

I met Bill Norwood, the first black pilot at United Airlines, while in Tuskegee, Alabama, at Operation Skyhook and he introduced me to OBAP, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals. That introduction provided me with the guidance I needed, and also helped me with scholarships for flight training.

Describe your first flight and how it made you feel.

I still remember it vividly as it was exhilarating. I was twenty years old. My first flight was in a Cessna 172, a four-seat single engine prop plane. My instructor in college was with me, along with my supportive, yet reluctant father in the backseat. We took off out of Long Island and flew to Greenwich, Connecticut. I was on top of the world. I could not believe that my view was the sky.

We flew around as I tried to maintain wing level. I looked back at my dad and he was giving me the thumbs up, but I could tell he was getting a little queasy. I said: “you’re doubting me, right?” When we landed I felt like a child that was taking her first step–like the world had no limits. My father told me this was what I was meant to do. All his doubts were alleviated at that moment and going forward he only asked how he could help me.

How and when did you get to FedEx, and what was your career path?

While studying for my degree in aviation business management, one of my professors Ray Marshall, a retired Eastern Airlines pilot, made me a deal.

If I would babysit his son and pay for airplane fuel, he would provide the flight instruction I needed. That was the start of my career in aviation.

Ray helped me get my private pilot’s license. From there, OBAP helped me get an opportunity through their Professional Pilot Development program.

A flight school was just opening, so I approached the owner of the school. I explained I was a hard worker, and looking to complete my instruments license while seeking a scholarship from OBAP. If he would give me an opportunity, he would not be disappointed. I answered phones, I would clean, whatever was needed. And they gave me a chance.

I taught as a flight instructor for two years, later joining Great Lakes Airlines (United Express) as a pilot. While attending Women in Aviation and OBAP conferences I would often speak with FedEx representatives, including pilot recruiter Beverly Hyter. Beverly played a pivotal role in my decision to join FedEx. I joined the company in 2002 as the first African American female pilot.

Are you involved with OBAP today and what is their mission?

I have been an active member of OBAP since 1992. OBAP provides a means of mentorship and encouragement, to help minorities achieve their dreams. The encouragement comes from seeing people like you who have achieved.

Was there a moment when you felt like you had really made it in the industry?

While I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot, I will not feel like I’ve made it until I see more minorities in the industry. When I speak at conferences, I help provide information about FedEx and encourage minorities to apply. However, I have not seen a significant change.

What is the role of a Line Check Airman?

I became a Line Check Airman in September 2017. A Line Check Airmen is a dual role position, an instructor and an evaluator. We’re selected and trained by FedEx Express and designated by the FAA to train, evaluate and certify the competency of FedEx pilots. With respect to knowledge, skill and proficiency.

What do you say to young people, especially girls who are interested in flying?

I tell them my life story, and that the end result and sacrifices are going to be worth it. You have to make sacrifices, and the road is going to be hard. I let them know that I am here to support them, to give them advice and to listen to them, because that was important to me. But, they will have to find it within themselves to know that it is achievable.

I also tell young people to not allow negative attitudes to affect you. This has been true for me. We can be our biggest barriers at times. We have to overcome our own personal barriers to achieve our goals.

Photo Recap: 2018 Riverside Black History Parade

Photos by Sam James, Community Photographer

“What Shall We Do Now?”

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Now that the celebration of Black History Month is coming to a close; how can we honor our history, respond to the present, and build a viable, vibrant future for our people? I’ll tell you how…. We can honor their memory by rediscovering the “Faith” that allowed them to survive. The Faith, that enabled our forefathers to endure trials and hardships that we can only imagine. The Faith, that inspired leaders to respond courageously to the problems of our people. We can build on the legacy they have left us by carefully following the One they followed – Jesus. It is not too late! We can still return to the God of our fathers. For we have an extraordinarily rich spiritual heritage and there is victory in our bloodline. We belong to the family of God, and being engrafted into His family means that we are over-comers through the Blood of Jesus; the Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.

Therefore, let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the pioneer and perfecta of our Faith. For it wasn’t by power nor by might, but by the Spirit of God—the wisdom, authority, power, and presence of the Most High God—that freedom, equality, and justice was and will continue to be. Let us learn from the stories of the great cloud of witnesses. “Though beaten, they were not beaten down by life because they looked to Christ. Though enslaved physically, they were not enslaved spiritually because they were free in Christ. For a people in bondage for 400 years— it is a sustaining and comforting reminder to know that God has not forgotten. “He has seen!” our afflictions, and heard our cries: every tear shed was preserved, and every groan uttered was being recorded, in order to testify at a future day, against the authors of the oppressors.”

Understand this truth…. God has chosen us for Greatness…. And there’s nobody, there’s nothing, and there is no circumstance, under the Sun that can keep God from doing exactly what He wants in us for His Glory! We have victory through Jesus Christ, the Risen Savior who lives and Reigns in our heart…. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” So, if God be for us, who can defeat us? If God be for us, who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? If God be for us, is there anything that we can’t do? If God be for us, is there anything our families can’t overcome? If God be for us, is there anything that the world can do to stop us? I hear our slave ancestors answering, “No!” I hear the civil right marchers, answering, “No!” Because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same Jesus who heard the songs of the slaves and the chants of the civil rights marchers will hear the prayers of those who now cry out for justice throughout our country. With God’s help, we shall overcome.

Oh, what an amazing future it is! Living moment by moment looking back with thankfulness on all that God has done for us, and looking forward at all God promises to do for us because of Christ. Let us rejoice in God’s great faithfulness consistently displayed through our great struggles and great strides. For empowered by God as they were, we can continue their work and likewise pass down legacies of strength, perseverance, faith, and victory to future generations. [Psalm145:41].

As it is written: “For our sake [they] were killed all day long; [they] were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in ALL THESE THINGS [they] were MORE than CONQUERORS through Him who loved us. They were persuaded that neither death nor Life, nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers, nor things Present nor things to come, nor Height nor Depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate them from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:35-39].

Thanksgiving toward the Past, Faith toward the Future!

Black History Month Spotlight: Tanya Wallace-Gobern

Tanya Wallace-Gobern

By Alexandra Fenwick

Most people are familiar with the phrase, “If you are doing what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Well, Tanya Wallace-Gobern is one of lucky ones doing just that. As the Executive Director of the National Black Worker Center Project, she is fulfilling her dream to serve and uplift the Black community.

As a criminal justice and social work major in college, Tanya fell into an internship at the Organizing Institute of the AFL-CIO right before graduation that changed her career trajectory. Tanya climbed the ladder and continued to work in advocacy and organizing for more than 20 years, but as time went on, she felt she was getting farther and farther from her calling – making a difference in the Black community. That is until she joined the National Black Worker Center Project.

The National Black Worker Center Project focuses on supporting and incubating Black worker centers, providing education about the impacts of low-wage work and unemployment in the Black community. The Center works to prevent racial discrimination in the work place. Through national convening’s, supporting their local affiliates and creating campaigns and initiatives to share the Black worker’s experience, Tanya and the National Black Worker Center Project are protecting the rights of unemployed and low-wage Black workers everywhere.

While working on the Project’s national “Working While Black” campaign, Tanya realized the scope of Black workers facing discrimination was much bigger than the unemployed and low-wage workers she primarily focused on. While speaking to a man who worked in film in L.A. and earned a six-figure salary, he uttered words that would stick with her: “What about the rest of us?” Tanya thought, if you believe he shouldn’t be the kind of person the National Black Worker Center Project should also focus on, you’d be wrong.

Research shows the more educated or the higher the salary, the more opportunities there are for discrimination against Black workers. Tanya is working against the discrimination itself, as well as the fallacies that once Black workers reach a particular status or salary, they no longer encounter discrimination.

As a Black worker herself, Tanya knows this to be true. That’s why it’s so important to her that she, and people who look like her, are at the forefront of the movement. She understands the people she serves aren’t waiting for a savior. What they are looking for is leadership development so they can become the leaders in their own movement.

Although their focus is on Black workers, Tanya is clear that the work the National Black Worker Center Project does encompasses people of all races, economic status, religion and sexual orientation. “The work doesn’t end with us. It isn’t a poor person’s issue, or a Black person’s issue, or rich person’s issue, these are worker issues.” Tanya doesn’t think she can solve this problem any time soon, but that isn’t stopping her from trying. She believes the mere existence of her organization is a win for workers everywhere.

To learn more about the National Black Worker Center Project, or get involved with an affiliate, please visit: https://nationalblackworkercenters.org/.

26th Annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival Announces 2018 Winners

Director Aminah Bakeer Abdul-Jabbaar accepts the “Audience Award – Narrative Feature” for “Muslimah’s Guide to Marriage”. Standing with her is her father, author/filmmaker, Donald Bakeer, and Ayuko Babu. (Photo Credit: Koi Sojer/Snap’N U Photos)

LOS ANGELES, CA – It’s a wrap! The 26th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) has reached its end, and after 12 full days of showcasing an impressive slate of 173 films, PAFF has finally announced the winners of its 2018 season.

At the highly anticipated PAFF Filmmaker Awards Brunch, which was held yesterday on festival grounds at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, PAFF Executive Director, Ayuko Babu, presented various awards to competing filmmakers who have proven to be the greatest up-and-coming storytellers of our time. The experience was an exciting celebration of both accomplishment and next level success.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL LIST: PAFF 2018 Award Winners

Best Narrative Feature

Borders (Frontières) (Burkina Faso)

Directed by: Woye Apolline Traoré

Best Director-First Feature Narrative

Kalushi (South Africa)

Directed by: Mandlakayise Dube

Best Documentary Feature

Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me (US)

Directed by: Samuel D. Pollard

Best Narrative Short

Kyenvu (Yellow) (Uganda)

Directed by: Kemiyondo Coutinho

Best Documentary Short

Mama (US)

Directed by: Nicholas Brennan

Programmers’ Award-Narrative or Documentary Short

Lalo’s House (Haiti/US)

Directed by: Kelley Kali

Programmers’ Award-Documentary

Barrow-Freedom Fighter (Barbados)

Directed by: Marcia Weekes

Programmers’ Award-Narrative Feature

Love Jacked (South Africa)

Directed by: Alfons Adetuyi

PAFF Directors’ Award-Feature Documentary (TIE)

King of Stage: The Woodie King Jr. Story (US)

Directed by: Juney Smith

Maynard (US)

Directed by: Samuel D. Pollard

PAFF Directors’ Award- Feature Narrative

The Train of Salt and Sugar (Mozambique/South Africa)

Directed by: Licínio Azevedo

Audience Award- Documentary Short

’63 Boycott (US)

Directed by: Gordon Quinn

Audience Award- Documentary Feature

Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me (US)

Directed by: Samuel D. Pollard

Audience Award- Narrative Short

For Evan’s Sake (US)

Directed by: Kirstin Lorin

Audience Award- Narrative Feature

Muslimah’s Guide to Marriage (US)

Directed by: Aminah Bakeer Abdul-Jabbaar

PAFF FESTIVAL DATES CONFIRMED FOR 2019

The 27th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival will take place Thursday, February 7 through Monday, February 18 in Los Angeles, California. Stay tuned to the festival’s official website, www.PAFF.org, and social media channels for exciting updates, festival news and information!

: Attendees enjoying a hearty brunch. Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

: Everyone seated in anticipation of award announcements. Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

: (L to R) Borders (Frontières) director, Woye Apolline Traore, and Senagalese actress, Amelie Mbaye, take home coveted staff awards for “Best Narrative Feature.” Photo Credit: Venus Bernardo Photography

: Lalo’s House Executive Director, Lisa Wilson and Director, Kelley Kali, accept “Programmers’ Award – Narrative or Documentary Short.” Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

: PAFF Executive Director, Ayuko Babu, greeting the crowd. Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

: Filmmaker and comedian, Oduduwa Olatunji, accepts the “Audience Award – Narrative Short” from Ayuko Babu on behalf of Kirstin Lorin, director of For Evan’s Sake . Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

: Director Kemiyondo Coutinho accepts the coveted staff award for Kyenvu (Yellow) winning “Best Narrative Short.” Photo Credit: Venus Bernardo Photography

: Director Alfons Adetuyi accepts the “Programmers’ Award – Narrative Feature” for Love Jacked. Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, Snap’N U Photos

Photo Recap: Community Members Take Action at the Social Justice Summit Held at CSU San Bernardino

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- It began early on Saturday, February 17, a situation in which many might expect college students to be anywhere other than back on campus and committed to an intense, high expectation workday that focused on improving their knowledge, skills and effectiveness at CITIZENSHIP!

Former Sir Knight Inspires 2018 Beautillion Knights

On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, Beautillion Knights spent time worshipping on February 18, at one of the former Sir Knight’s church, Dr. Regional Woods, Senior Pastor of Life Changing Ministries (LCM) and President of the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC).

Social Lites, Inc. has been in the Inland Empire for 61 years and have been sponsoring the Beautillion Program for 51 years. Weekly meetings for Beautillion participants are held on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino. The 51st Beautillion program will commence on Saturday, March 24 at the National Orange Show.

For more information, please telephone Mrs. Donna Little-James, Chairperson at (909) 528-9793 or Mrs. Bridgette Shaw at (909) 648-6165 or Mrs. Twillea Evans-Carthen, Publicity Chairperson at tevanscarthen@yahoo.com.

Lady Justice and Her Plantation: A History of Black People and the Prison System

By Aldon Thomas Stiles

The story of Black people in the U.S. has always been one of triumph in the face of impossible odds. It is the heritage of an entire people that rose from bondage and overcame one of the greatest atrocities in human history. June 19, 1865 marked the end of legal slavery for Black people in the U.S. and ushered in a new age of progress. But with the reality of residual intolerance and an economy built on free labor, those who escaped the chains of subjugation often found themselves bound by those very chains once again under a new name: Prison.

According to the Institute for Criminal Policy Research, the U.S. represents under 5 percent of the world’s population and over 21 percent of its prisoners. Mass incarceration in the U.S. has a long and arduous history that can be directly traced back to the end of slavery. In regard to the prison system in the U.S., Criminal Justice Attorney Vonya Quarles, who spoke during the Inland Empire Women’s March, said, “We have an addiction to cheap labor. We have an addiction to slavery.” Slavery existed as an economic system and when it went, our economic security almost went with it. Thus, began a trend of criminalizing and incarcerating Black people for small infractions in order to exploit them for cheap labor.

In the late 60s, the rhetoric surrounding criminality became far more hostile in nature. The heavily criticized “War On Drugs” painted drug addiction as a criminal issue and not a health issue. John Ehrlichman, former advisor to President Richard Nixon, said about the “War On Drugs” that “the Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the anti-war left and Black people… We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or Blacks.”

According to the NAACP, African Americans “constituted 2.3 million, or 34 percent, of the total 6.8 million correctional population.” African Americans make up about 13 percent of the world’s population but comprise over one-third of the country’s prison population. Regarding San Bernardino, CA, Dr. Annika Anderson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at California State University, San Bernardino and Project Director of Project Rebound, wrote in an email, “In 2014, in San Bernardino, African Americans had the highest jail incarceration rate (958.3 per 100,000), followed by Whites (420 per 100,000) and Latinos (354.2 per 100,000) with significantly lower rates.” Anderson went on to discuss how community context also plays a role in the high recidivism rate for African Americans in California, which was at 66.1 percent as of 2013 according to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

There are, however, programs in the Inland Empire area that aim to help this special population. Project Rebound, for example, is a program on CSUSB’s campus that helps formerly incarcerated students attend classes and work towards a degree. “The CSU Chancellor’s office supported the development of Project Rebound programs at all CSU campuses, and CSUSB is one of several pilot efforts,” Anderson wrote in an email. “We have established relationships with several community colleges, three reentry centers, and provided outreach efforts to potential students who are currently incarcerated at several prisons (e.g. Chino Institute for Women, Chino Institute for Men, CRC Norco, and Chuckawalla prison).”

Another resource for the formerly and currently incarcerated is the grassroots human rights group known as All of Us Or None based in Southern California. Their goal is to fight for the rights of these people and “strengthen the voices of people most affected by mass incarceration and the growth of the prison-industrial complex.” During their monthly meeting, the group discussed policies such as Assembly Bill 1008, the California Fair Chance Act, which prevents employers from performing a background check into the criminal record of potential employees until the former has officially offered them a position. Members in attendance also discussed the Voting Restoration and Democracy Act of 2018, a bill that proposes to restore the voting rights of those in state prisons and on parole. Riverside County Supervisor Candidate Penny Newman attended this meeting as well. She remarked, “The whole criminal justice system is screwed up. In fact, our society is screwed up.” This idea seemed to echo Vonya Quarles’ opening statement during her speech at the Inland Empire Women’s March. As thousands of people cheered, Quarles said, “We don’t have a justice system, we have an injustice system.”

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