By Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry

Last week, while attending a Careers Day at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School in San Bernardino, I was asked by a young female probation officer, ”How did you get a school named after you?”  I replied, ”Good question because I, too, have wondered.”

Many individuals think I am too fervent  about Black History, however, I firmly believe that it was Black History that placed me in San Bernardino impacting hundreds of thousands of lives along my journey. Perhaps it is because those teachers in all-Black Merrill High School, Pine Bluff, Arkansas told me to learn the contents of ragged, used books brought to our school from across town and one day I would rise above the inequities and insults we had to endure in that segregated society. Henry Elementary School in San Bernardino has stacks of new books for the youthful scholars. They use brand new books to live up to their slogan, ”I am smart, I am intelligent, I am full of greatness.”

Perhaps it is because schools were closed for Black children four months of the school year in the rural areas, forcing parents to send their children to live ”in town” to get a nine months education. Great sacrifices had to be made and we learned how to survive.

Perhaps it is the work ethic ingrained in us as we toiled in the cotton fields realizing that one must work for everything one gets. Nothing was free.  Perhaps it is the realization that no man is an island, and we were taught to be our brother’s keeper. Perhaps it is because Booker T. Washington said “Put down your bucket where you are”, that I founded the PAL Center in San Bernardino to provide education and vocational training in the communities where the people reside. The PAL Center has operated continuously since 1985.

Perhaps it is because our predecessors toiled from sunup to sundown, and beyond, that Lawrence Hampton, Tammy Amis, and I worked numerous nights to rush a proposal to the dock of the post office to be postmarked just before the midnight deadline. Because of these efforts to obtain grants, thousands of individuals have benefited.

Perhaps it is because Sojourner Truth said, ”Ain’t I a woman?”, and demanded respect, that I was taught to sing James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift every voice and sing… Let us march on ‘til victory is won”.  We marched in Fontana when the Ku Klux Klan said we could not march and honor Dr. Martin Luther King.

Perhaps it is because we were taught to roll up our sleeves, get busy, and fulfill a need that exists. Hence, the PAL Center has not only provided high school diploma, GED, and English as a second language certificates, but also programs for youth training and employment, adult employment preparation, welfare reform training, homeless youth shelters, gang and drug intervention and prevention, childcare, college preparation programs, and numerous other community-based services. Roses to Alonzo Thompson, and numerous others who pioneered these community-based efforts.

As we celebrate women’s contributions to history, I salute Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and other women who paved the way for me to contribute to history in San Bernardino.

As the first African-American to be Tenured, Full Professor, and Professor Emeritus in the College of Education, California State University San Bernardino, I stand on the shoulders of Dr. W.E. B. Du Bois, Dr. Mary MacLeod Bethune, my mother, Mrs. Alma  Dalton Gates, numerous other educators, and empowered individuals in various other fields of endeavor.

Roses to the Precinct Reporter, Black Voice, Westside Story, San Bernardino American News, San Bernardino SUN, and other newspapers and columnists who supported our efforts to harvest the Arkansas values from the California soil.

Why does a school carry my name?  I continue to ponder the blessing , and I am most grateful to those who had any part of giving me roses while I can smell them.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In a pair of unlikely events, PAL Scholars made history while honoring Black History.

On Saturday, February 25, 2017, two teams comprised of eight students in total represented not only PAL Charter Academy High School but the entire city of San Bernardino as they competed in the African American History and Knowledge Bowl hosted by the Phi Rho chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated at the University of California Riverside. Embarking on uncharted territory, Coach Christopher Love was able to prepare PAL Students: Lizbeth Aleman, Danielle Colley, Kenyatta Deshozier, Michelle Estrada, Jesse Hamilton, Edward Orrego, Angelina Robles, and Shamiya Tucker for competition in the weeks leading up to this event.

 “This was fun, we definitely will be ready next year” reported student participants Jesse Hamilton and Shamiya Tucker. “These students have made us proud today as they competed with high school students from all over southern California. We banded together and made it happen. They have made me proud!” Coach Love added as he recapped the event. Unfortunately, neither of the PAL teams were crowned History experts on this day, but they have certainly laid the foundation to be a force to be reckoned with in next year’s competition of this annual event.

            Equally as impressive was PAL Arts & Athletics uniting to support Cajon High School’s BSU Inaugural Black History Celebration on Monday, February 27, 2017. The collaborative effort allowed PAL scholars to showcase their artistic ability amidst the crowd of over 100 spectators. PAL performed their hit skit, “Have Faith” which was written and directed by Mr. Alex Avila of Avila Production (AP). This powerful piece was back by popular demand and Lizbeth Aleman, Devyn Graves, Jesse Hamilton, Brent Matthews, and Edward Orrego offered yet another stellar performance.

Coach Domonique White, PAL’s Athletic Director offered the following statement, “Faith was the culmination of the celebration of Black History. Our students were asked to do that which would stretch them from their comfort zone. They not only accepted the challenge but excelled in the opportunity and are eager to be challenged again. This has been a great way to conclude black history month at PAL.”

By Lue Dowdy

The Hip-Hop Shop featuring Joesph Reed, Melanie Cesarez, Camryn Stanfield, and Troy Wilbert is WHAT IT DO! Just recently Edwin Johnson, founder and CEO of Chords Youth Enrichment Program, along with youth from San Bernardino High School and the CHORDS Program came together to produce a new school song for San Bernardino High School.  A video was shot at the school and has already received 1,000 shares and 55,000 views.

Not being afraid to walk away from tradition, they decided to change it up by adding Hip-Hop and Rap. Let me tell you, the youth were not playing when it came to those barzzz on the mic. We live in an urban community which is saturated with Rap, R&B, And Hip-Hop, so kudos to Joesph Reed, Melanie Cesarez, Camryn Stanfield, Troy Wilbert, and the entire team that worked on the project. Make sure to check out the video on YouTube. Please support our YOUTH & MUSIC!

Until next week L’z!

About The HIP HOP SHOP & Edwin Johnson:

Edwin Johnson has been working in the social service field with children and families for the past 16 years. His expertise consists of behavior modification, counseling support, family stabilization and management. He oversees groups such as anger management, domestic violence, substance abuse, gang awareness training, cognitive behavioral therapy, (Thinking for a Change) to inmates and parolees. He’s supervised inmates, parolee’s youth and their families providing them with the tools and support needed to be successful and stabilized upon reentering society.

Mr. Edwin has worked in institutions, crises homes for youth, group homes and as a community partner assisting families with resources for their youth. Having the ability to connect with the individuals he serves is crucial. His approach is strength based which allows him to meet the individual where they are and build off strengths they may not know existed.

In 2012 Mr. Edwin founded his own nonprofit titled “CHORDS Enrichment Youth Program” for youth in the city of San Bernardino which continues to serve at risk teen and their families.

EBONY, the preeminent media brand for African-Americans, continues its commitment to recognizing excellence and achievements of amazing Black women, who are not only changing the game, but also writing new rules in the fields of science, politics, entertainment, fashion and sports.

In the first of an ongoing series, this year, the magazine opted to honor 100 exemplary champions of #BlackGirlMagic of past and present including: tennis superstar Serena Williams, entertainment icon Beyonce,  award-winning writer Maya Angelou, visual artist LaToya Ruby Frazier, Nobel Prize Laureate Toni Morrison, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and civil rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams

Contributors to this collector’s item range from Natalie Baszile, the celebrated author of the book-turned-OWN television show, Queen Sugar to scientist Danielle N. Lee who highlights Hidden Figures‘ inspiration and beyond in a riveting chapter on Black female achievements in STEM. Cover to cover, this is an inspiring must-read, particularly during Women’s History Month.

“Black women have so often been denigrated and pushed aside, despite our clear ability to excel, for being part of two marginalized groups,” says EBONY’s Editor-in-Chief Kyra Kyles who sets the stage for this instant keepsake with a letter about how sistas make the world go ’round.  “It’s such a joy to be able to celebrate over 100 inspirational ladies across all walks of life, leveraging the unique vantage point our magazine offers as curator of the culture.  These beautiful exclusive images and moving words from top writers will ensure that anyone who reads this will be filled with pride for what we have achieved and are poised to achieve in the future.”

Ladies First, the second special issue that EBONY has released this  year, follows a very successful commemorative edition “Hail to the Chief: Saluting Eight Years of Excellence. heralding the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama and his historic administration.

For more information, and to see a special Women’s History video tribute, visit EBONY.com.  Follow the issue on social via #EbonyLadiesFirst

AT&T Presents an Exclusive Fireside Chat with the Best-selling Author and Self-made Digital Media Maven Luvvie

DALLAS, TX– Best-selling author and digital strategist Luvvie Ajayi joins AT&T* at the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit in Phoenix March 9-12. Best known for her popular blog Awesomely Luvvie, Ajayi will take part in a special dose of “real talk” Friday night. She’ll discuss her compelling journey and the power of sisterhood and digital connections.

We will host an invitation-only “Seat at the Table with Luvvie” for top influential attendees at the Summit. All attendees are invited to join a fireside chat with Luvvie under the Arizona open sky.

Ajayi will open up about her first best-seller “I’M JUDGING YOU: The Do-Better Manual.” The book chronicles her path and lessons she learned about the power of women along the way. She will also talk about how she used a “mean digital game” to build her own personal brand.

“I’ve lost count of the many women who pushed me to do my best, opened doors for me, mentored me or simply had an encouraging word,” Ajayi said. “Much of it came through social media and digital connections. So, it makes sense for me to sync with AT&T to open a dialogue with some of corporate America’s most powerful women of color about this very topic.”

The fireside chat with Luvvie will start at 9 p.m. MT Friday, March 10. But attendees won’t have to wait until then for the fun. Earlier that day, there will be a panel featuring AT&T Chief Storyteller and Director of Social Media Joy Hays and other digital movers and shakers.

Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Cynt Marshall will introduce Luvvie at the fireside chat. Black Enterprise named Marshall to the Black Enterprise Most Powerful Women in Business list. The list calls out the highest-ranking and most influential black women executives in the nation.

Conference goers can also enjoy the AT&T Power Lounge. They can kick back, charge devices and learn the latest about AT&T offerings, including the new DIRECTV NOW streaming video service.

The Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit will take place at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa-Palm Court.

Find out more about the Summit and other content curated for the black community at thebridge.att.net.

2017 Knight Jonathan Rodgers with Mom Gwen Rodgers

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-     Mr. Jonathan I. Rodgers is a senior at Cajon High School who was recognized as Sir Knight 2017 on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino through the Social Lites, Inc., 50^th Beautillion Scholarship Program.  Mr. Rodgers was awarded over $11,000 in scholarships and gifts to prepare him for his future college career.  Among one of the scholarships received was the inaugural Evan T. Carthen “Emerging Leader” Scholarship in memory of Sir Knight 2012 in the amount of $6,000.

Mr. Steven Henderson Jr. was awarded over $4,000 for first place and Mr. Akil Cooper was awarded over $2,500 in scholarships and placed second among his fellow Knights.  Congratulations to all Knights who are our community “Men of Tomorrow Pushing Forward!”

By Lou Coleman

That’s your problem…. always thinking and wanting it to be about you. Well I got news for you Boo, Boo… It’s not about you! It’s about God! As Pastor Rick Warren said in his [Purpose Driven Life Book] “The purpose of your life is greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness.” …..It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. It’s not about you! You were born by God’s purpose and for His purpose. You are not the center of the universe. God is! I tell you, you would do good to remember that. It will save you a lot of headache and heartache. It’s not about you and it’s not about me. It’s about God! Stop your whining and grow up because the more you wallow in self-pity, the more pitiful you become. Self-absorbed, and self-seeking gets you nowhere. Jesus is the vine, God is the vinedresser, and you are a branch. [John 15:5]. Your life is in God’s hands and hangs by a thread of sovereign grace. God owns every soul. He made us and we belong to him by virtue of his being our Creator. Always thinking life is about you, your needs, your wants, and your desires. Well it’s not! Get over it!

I tell you, most of us are so deep into this mentality [me, myself and I] that we find it hard to even conceive of a different perspective. We live most of life focused on self—“It’s all about me.” But in reality, life is not about you, nor me; it’s about God. This world is God’s world, not yours. History is God’s story, not yours. Even your own life is not your own; you belong to God.  When you get a hold of this truth and begin to live for the glory of God, you will be doing what you were created to do. And you will become who you were created to be. This is what the God of the Bible says: Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. [Isaiah 43:6-7]. Whoever you are, wherever you’ve come from, I want you to know that your reason for existence on planet earth is the same. You have been created for the glory of God—to take all that you are and all that you have and use it to magnify Him.

You know the Apostle John tells us that John the Baptist “came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him all men might believe.” John was the voice calling in the desert, “make straight the way for the Lord.” John was the one who came with the message, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” John was the one who wore clothing made of camel’s hair and ate locusts and wild honey. His wasn’t a tasteful appearance or a tasteful diet. His life wasn’t about creature comforts; it was about calling lost and condemned creatures to repentance. Like his diet, his message often left a foul taste in the mouths of those who tasted it. People back in John’s day didn’t like hearing that just like they don’t today. We live in a world that would have us believe that we’re basically good people living basically good lives and God will accept us for who we are. It’s ironic that people would believe that about God in a world that would also have us believe that life is all about me. Getting what I want, when I want it, what makes me happy, because I deserve it? Truth…. Jesus says in [Matthew 16:24] “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Don’t get any clearer than that! It’s not about you!

Meruelo Media, Southern California’s leading minority-owned media group, and the owner of Spanish language television stations KWHY 22, announced today the launch of KDEY 93.5 FM, Riverside’s new Top 40/Rhythmic radio station – WILD 93.5FM

“This much awaited Riverside metro launch comes after a long process of engineering, design and market studies. It adds a key radio asset to our growing portfolio of highly-recognized media brands in one of the fastest growing markets,” said Otto Padron, President and COO of Meruelo Media. “The saving and growing of heritage Los Angeles radio station KDAY has been a thrilling three year ride – we owe it to our music fans to keep innovating and expanding – Riverside is key.”

The new format targets the very vibrant and culturally diverse community of the Riverside/San Bernardino metro.  “Los Angeles loves KDAY – Riverside will love WILD!” exclaimed Meruelo Radio VP and Program Director, Adrian “AD” Scott, referring to the new and retooled format. “This is the Inland Empire’s new home for Hip Hop and R&B, listeners in the ‘I.E.’ will know the difference and love the sound that the new Wild 93.5 brings to the Inland Empire.”

On the advertising and sales marketing side, Wild 93.5 comes with a full suite of services that will be rolled out in phases throughout the coming months. “Wild 93.5 is the perfect platform for clients looking to optimize their message,” said Irma Barrios, VP of Ad Sales for the group, “with this new Riverside focused station, we will be able to shape more efficient and geo-targeted client solutions.”

OkayAfrica, the premier destination for all things Africa, releases its inaugural “OkayAfrica’s 100 Women” list Monday in honor of Women’s History Month and its March editorial theme, “Black Girls Only.” With written and video features, the curated list pays tribute to 100 African women on the continent and in the Diaspora who are leaders in their fields. The feature story highlights the accomplishments and social and cultural impact of renowned figures like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Luvvie Ajayi, Issa Rae, Ruth Negga, Lupita Nyong’o, Iman and Caster Semenya and other major change agents making a difference around the globe. Included are Phiona Mutesi, chess prodigy from Uganda and subject of the recent Disney Queen of Katwe film; Farida Bedwei, information technology entrepreneur from Ghana, whose cloud software is used by over 100 microfinance companies in her nation; and Ilwad Elman, human rights and social activist from Somalia, who assist survivors of domestic violence and street children in Mogadishu, among many others.

“OkayAfrica’s 100 Women” was compiled by women of the OkayAfrica staff who, after months of research and intense debate, identified an influential group of women who are beacons in their respective industries—each the total personification of #blackgirlmagic. Representation by country and social impact were key factors in decision-making on the #okay100women.

“We proudly present 100 dope women who hail from the continent and the Diaspora—an amazing collective of visionaries, champions, pioneers and innovators,” said Antoinette Isama, OkayAfrica Associate Editor. “These brilliant women, our seestahs, are positively impacting our lives and the lives of others across African and around the world.”

“OkayAfrica’s 100 Women” can be found at http://www.okayafrica.com/100-women. The online magazine plans a series of events later in the year (or month) to honor the women.

With no other platform having yet recognized the accomplishments of such a diverse group of African women globally, OkayAfrica is at the forefront of bringing together a distinct group of women who are marking forward progress in their communities.

About OkayAfrica

OkayAfrica connects a global audience to the African continent through compelling content and high-profile cultural events. The leading media company of its kind, OkayAfrica is a multifaceted hub: a lifestyle brand, an online magazine, a bespoke content producer and an event producer. OkayAfrica fills the gap in representations of Africa by presenting a forward thinking, nuanced view of Africa today.

The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana thanks all the schools in Fontana Unified School District for your participation and to our judges.

Each school was given a name a African American inventor who was not well known to write a 250 word essay.  To make it more challenging the essay could be written by, a class, a student or a campus club, but only one would represent the school, and the inventor was chosen by the North Fontana Black Awareness Parade Committee.

President Ellen Turner said ” I am proud that the schools embraced the challenge”.

With the use of modern technology all the judges were emailed the essays and they emailed there results back.  Needless to say none of the judges knew each other was a judge.  So we will now announce the winners as well as the judges.

First Place         Almeria Middle School

Student Name:  Kimberly Worth

Inventor  Bessie Blount Griffin

Second Place:   Dorothy Grant Elementary School

Student Name   Eunice Sasu

Inventor:            James E. West

Third  Place:      Primrose Elementary School

Student Name:  Julie Artes

Inventor:            Grandville T. Woods

Judges for the contest were:

Cynthia Smith is an educator, writer, entrepreneur, speaker, trainer and personal coach.  Her desire is to help young people find their voice and passion through the arts.

 Bruce Wilson, Father, Evangelist, Author of  “Crime Thriller” THE CRIMINALS, Book I, A Time to Reap. Brought up in North Fontana, but no longer lives in Fontana, and has a passion for the lost and hurting.

Gloria Estine Benjamin Stewart is a native of New Orleans, LA.  .  She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in English and Speech Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge(1965), a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Loyola University (1972), and certified in Supervision (Masters Plus 30).  Gloria retired from the Orleans Parish School System after 34 years of service.

Gloria is a member of New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappi Delta Pi,  Senior Friends of New Orleans (H2U), Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, AARP New Orleans Chapter#4550, United Teachers of New Orleans Retirees’ Chapter (UTNO), Treble Clefs (Delta Sigma Theta), National Education Association. National Council of Negro Women, Pontchartrain Park Community Center, Huntington Park Association, Walter L. Cohen Alumni  Association,   Southern University Alumni  Association,  Loyola University Alumni Association, and a volunteer at Woodland West Elementary School.

Laura Abernathy Mancha was appointed to the San Bernardino County Board of Education.

Mancha previously served as a trustee on the Fontana Unified School District Board of Education for 17 years.
Margaret Hill earned her early education in the state of Virginia.  She received her Bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia.  After moving to California in 1969, she earned her Master’s degree and her Administrative Credential at California State University, San Bernardino.  She received an Honorary Doctorate degree in Social Justice from the University of Redlands in 2011.

Margaret was a teacher, vice principal and principal for the San Bernardino City Unified School District for thirty-two years, assistant superintendent for the San Bernardino County Schools Office of Education for six years, and has been an adjunct professor at the University of Redlands and California State University, San Bernardino. Margaret is the President of the San Bernardino City Schools Board of Trustees and is now serving her second four-year term.  She has been a representative on the San Bernardino County School Board for four years and a delegate for the past two years.