By John Coleman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino County Association of African American Employees, (SBCAAAE) held their 24th Annual Black History Month & Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on February 25 at the Victoria Gardens
Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

In her program welcome, SBCAAAE President, Phyllis K Morris, reminds that this county is the largest and among the fastest growing and diversifying, that SBCAAAE encourages & supports the professional & personal development of its members,   seeks opportunities to celebrate and share our culture, and recognizes that our expression in Art serves as a platform for educating us & others for sharing culture, advocating for justice, for equality, & building a better future.

Through the arts, African Americans have contributed & influenced American culture on many levels.    Today’s event honors six African Americans, artists whose body of work or promise is exceptional, & commitment is amazing.

By Naomi K. Bonman

Chris’ little sister from Everybody Hates Chris, which was played by Imani Hakim, is all grown up and is taking on more roles in movies that are making an impact in the life of millennials.

Hakim plays the love interest of Trevor Jackson in the upcoming Netflix film, Burning Sands, which premieres on Friday, March 10.

Burning Sands takes you on a raw, voyeuristic journey of fraternity pledging through the eyes of one favored pledgee, who is torn between honoring a code of silence or standing up against the intensifying violence of underground hazing. Led by a breakthrough performance by Trevor Jackson, director Gerard McMurray’s feature directorial debut brings an emotional honesty to the classic tale of “rites of passage” and the complicated bonds of brotherhood.

The film also stars ?Alfre Woodard, Steve Harris, Tosin Cole, DeRon Horton, Trevante Rhodes, Christian Robinson, Rotimi, Octavius Johnson, Malik Bazille, Mitchell Edwards, Serayah, and Nafessa Williams.

I recently caught up with the rising actress where she chatted on her experience in working with Trevor and the rest of cast and why the film is a must-see, especially for college students across the globe. Check out the interview and trailer below:

Describe your role in the film ‘Burning Sands’?

I play Rochon, the girlfriend of Zurich [played by Trevor Jackson]. Rochon is a strong and independent young queen who knows where she’s going in life. Rochon is also a fashion major at the college.

How was it working alongside Trevor Jackson?

The best! What really excites me about this film is that as a cast we are all young and up and coming, so being a part of something like this was probably one of the best experiences in my life. Everyone’s chemistry was off the chain. We all bonded out there in Virginia. We would all want to hang out and it felt like we were actually at college or summer camp. Working with Trevor and the other cast mates was amazing! We still have a group chat [we all talk on]; we just love each other so much!

What can viewers except from watching the film?

I think viewers can except reality, truth, and greatness. We are really shining the light and pulling the covers back on hazing. I didn’t even know how severe and intense this topic was until I started reading the script. I didn’t know that they do all the stuff that they do. I think that the [viewers] will have a [better] understanding of fraternity, sorority, and Greek life behind closed doors. I’m pretty sure a lot of college students will be watching it since it is a college film, but hopefully some of the stuff that happens behind closed doors will be changed and that it will encourage others to spread awareness.

What is next for you?

I have a couple movies that are coming out later this year and next year. No details or release date yet.

When does the Burning Sands release on Netflix?

Burning Sands comes out on March 10 on Netflix. 

Follow Imani Hakim:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/RealImaniHakim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anakih1

Snapchat: @Imani_Hakim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficialImanihakim

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On the morning of February 15, 2017 parents, students and community members took a journey to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The trip sponsored by the Inland Kwanzaa Group is an annual pilgrimage to discover Black History, and interact with docents dressed in period attire.  The township established by Colonel Allen Allensworth and four friends represents the only town in the state of California completely founded, owned and developed in 1908 by an ex-slave. The self-governed town grew rapidly and prospered prior to World War II, with a school house, a huge store for commerce, a church and many beautiful affluent homes for this time. It was truly a great experience and for many of our students it was their first time out of the city, being in farm country with chickens running free.  

We had the honor of meeting a direct descendant of Colonel Allensworth, and he shared the importance of preserving the rich history that made this place so great. One of the students commented: “I really had fun, and I learned something I never knew existed.” There were food vendors, music, and arts and crafts activities for the whole family to enjoy. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is very unique as it preserves for us the great possibilities of what can be done for future generations. The PAL Charter Academy students were excited to learn the ethnically diverse contributions that have made our country great, and look forward to the opportunity for future trips.  

By Lue Dowdy

Save the date for Thursday, March 30th, when LUE PRODUCTIONS present E.A.A.G., an entertainment/talk show, hosted by Ms. Lue

Come be a part of our live audience! We will have  amazing talent from all over, as our team of actors/comics bring the funnies. You will also get to see aspiring models rip the runway while having fun. The show will be filmed by Robert of Ilondon Fog Studio, former broadcaster for FOX and Paramount Pictures. The show will be held at Pro Center Barber Shop located at 626 N. Sierra Way in San Bernardino.

Seating is limited seating to the first 50 seats available. Please inbox to RSVP for your free seat. The first taping will be at 8 p.m. featuring Pop Locker Tydee Bone and Hip-Hop dancer BJ. The special guests will be CEO of S.E.S. (Something Extra Special Entertainment, Janet Kirtley; and featured model Dee Dela Cruz. The second taping will be at 9 p.m. and will fature radio personality 5 Cent and model Krystal Yvonne.

Please like us on Facebook under ‘LueProductions’. Until Next weel L’z! View the  event page at www.facebook.com/events/263559784066785.

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

What do you think about owning a Credit Union? Will you please take the time to respond to the short survey on page three and submit as requested…

Here is what I think…

Credit Unions are owned by their members. Credit Unions are designed to reward their members as opposed to paying dividends to investors. Credit Unions provide regular/normal/customary/traditional banking services for individual, as well as business members. Credit Unions are conveniently accessible via brick and mortar sites, as well as via the internet. 

There are some special services that should be available in our Credit Union; for instance, our churches should be able to access loans. Our small businesses should be able to access loans. Individuals should be able to access auto and home loans. Obviously, checking and savings accounts must be part of the package. All this must be conveniently available at reasonable rates! 

The Credit Union should have Directors that are known members of our community. The Credit Union should run as lean and efficient as possible so that the emphasis is on customer service. Employees and contractors for the Credit Union should be members of our community.

A mission of the Credit Union should be to serve the members and community as an economic support and development resource.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Continuing their efforts to serve, members of the National Council of Negro Women’s Inland Empire Section’s visited Meadowbrook Park and Mary’s Mercy Center in the City of San Bernardino on February 4th to give out over 200 hygiene care bags to the homeless.

“Our Section chose to collect items to prepare and give out ‘blessing bags’ to the homeless as a part of a regional Black History Community Service project initiative started this year by NCNW Southern California Co-Convener Dr. Helena Johnson,” said Inland Empire Section President, Milele Robertson.  “Our members stepped up, donating much needed items for these men and women, but so did our community partners.”

The I.E. Section’s Director of Communication Kimberly Clark secured the help of Sam’s Club in Riverside that enlisted volunteers for the day, Sam’s Club in Ontario that donated 200 bags with giveaway items, and Thrivent Financial in Ontario, which donated funds to support the outreach. “Without their support,” said Clark, “our event would not have been able to serve so many. We appreciate their enthusiastic partnership.”

“We were happy to help,” said Kern Wilson, Club Manager of Sam’s Club in Riverside. “Sam’s Club is always willing to donate our services when needed in our community. In fact, we do this quite often and we look forward to future opportunities to work with NCNW.”

Responding to the NCNW I.E. Section’s Facebook recap of the event, Financial Associate Tara Walker also expressed Thrivent Financial’s pleasure in being part of the event.  With these partners’ help NCNW members collected several hundred blessing bags filled with toothpaste and toothbrushes, chapsticks, socks, wash cloths, soap, batteries, sunscreen, lotion, and a variety of other essential hygiene items.

Having a key partner on the receiving end was equally important to the event’s success. Mary’s Mercy Center provided a great location to connect with people in need. According to Marsha Olguin, director of Mary’s Mercy Center, 250 to 300 people come through the Center each day seeking food, clothing, shelter, showers, and other needs. After enjoying a hot, healthy meal individuals also received a blessing bag from NCNW members and Sam’s Club volunteers.

“We are always willing to work with NCNW to assist the people who come through our doors,” said Olguin. “There is never too much that can be done to help others.”

In talking with the homeless, NCNW members learned how great the need really is. “We discovered there is a big need for blankets, shoes, and food,” said Jernine Williams, NCNW I.E. Section’s 1st Vice President, who led the service project’s coordination. “If anyone would like to donate any of these items, please email us at iencnw@gmail.com. On the subject line type ‘Donations’ and a NCNW member will promptly reply.”

To get a glimpse of the day visit https://www.wevideo.com/view/848077621. Also, to learn more about the local NCNW’s activities, meetings, and events visit us on Facebook at NCNW Inland Empire Section@NCNWIESection or Instagram and Twitter @NCNW_IESection. You can also visit the Bethune Center, located at 141 S. Riverside Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376, or call us at (909) 874-6000.

Members of NCNW prepare table a Meadowbrook Park to deliver care packets to the homeless.

NCNW, in partnership with Sam’s Club and Thrivent Financial, collected and distributed over 200 bags to the homeless.

Volunteers also helped Mary’s Mercy Center give out food, along with care packets that included toiletries, batteries, and other items.

Award honors college and university administrators who go above and beyond their everyday leadership duties and give back to their campuses and communities

By Iqbal Pittalwala

Deborah Deas, M.D., M.P.H

RIVERSIDE, CA- Deborah Deas, M.D., M.P.H, the Mark and Pam Rubin Dean and Chief Executive Office for Clinical Affairs at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, has received the 2017 Giving Back Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.

The award honors college and university administrators who go above and beyond their everyday leadership duties and give back to their campuses and communities.

Deas will be featured, along with 38 other recipients, in the April 2017 Leadership Support and Giving Back issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Giving Back Award recipients were nominated by their colleagues and selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on their outstanding demonstration of social responsibility; involvement with students, faculty, staff, and the community; and commitment to serving underrepresented populations. Each honoree is recognized for his or her passion, dedication, and support for diversity and inclusion.

“It is a great honor to be selected for this special award,” Deas said. “This is really the result of collective effort – both here at UCR and at my former institution, the Medical University of South Carolina – to inspire and help more students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their dream of becoming a physician.”

Deas was recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for her leadership in institutional and national efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in medicine, including creating of new student pipeline programs in the College of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina and participating in such national initiatives as the Association of American Medical Colleges Group on Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Planning Working Group.

“The Giving Back Award is being awarded to leaders of institutions of higher education who exemplify what it truly means to give back to others,” said Holly Mendelson, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “These administrators are role models, and we honor their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion on their campuses and in their communities.”

Other recipients of the 2017 Giving Back Award include:

• Sefa Aina, Pomona College
• Philip S. Bailey, PhD, California Polytechnic State University
• Andra Basu, PhD, MEd, Lehigh Carbon Community College
• Venessa A. Brown, PhD, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Marc Burnett, Tennessee Technological University
• Marie Chisholm-Burns, PharmD, MPH, MBA, FCCP, FASHP, FAST, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• Kathryn B. Chval, PhD, University of Missouri
• Patrick Coggins, PhD, JD, EdS, Stetson University
• Daryll Coleman, PhD, Lane College
• Gail DePuy, PhD, University of Louisville
• William E. Easterling, PhD, The Pennsylvania State University
• Nitza Milagros Escalera, JD, EdM, Fordham University
• Greer Glazer, RN, PhD, CNP, FAAN, University of Cincinnati
• Natalie Gibson, Kentucky Community and Technical College System
• Craig Hillemeier, MD, Penn State Health
• Lisa Kirtman, PhD, California State University, Fullerton
• Paul L. Koch, PhD, University of California, Santa Cruz
• Ming Li, EdD, Western Michigan University
• Elizabeth G. Loboa, PhD, University of Missouri
• Linda Logan, PhD, Olivet College
• Patrice Gouveia Marks, PhD, Raritan Valley Community College
• Shane P. Martin, PhD, Loyola Marymount University
• Maureen A. O’Rourke, JD, Boston University
• Rafael Ortega, MD, Boston University
• Tonantzin Oseguera, EdD, California State University, Fullerton
• Jennifer Rosato Perea, JD, DePaul University
• Clyde Wilson Pickett, MEd, Community College of Allegheny County
• Yasmin S. Purohit, PhD, Robert Morris University
• Fatima Rodriguez-Johnson, SUNY Geneseo
• Paula T. Silver, PhD, Widener University
• William Silver, PhD, Sonoma State University
• Kelli Sinclair, Waubonsee Community College
• Christina Swaidan, EdD, MEd, Westfield State University
• Charles Taber, PhD, Stony Brook University
• David E. Thomas, EdD, MEd, Community College of Philadelphia
• Gregory Townsend, MD, University of Virginia
• Roberta J. Wilburn, EdD, ThD, Whitworth University
• Victor Wilson, MEd, University of Georgia

A call for nominations for the Giving Back Award was announced in October 2016. Award recipients include administrators of both community colleges and baccalaureate-granting institutions.

For more information about the 2017 Giving Back Award visit http://www.insightintodiversity.com/.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

The patient was fading fast, and doctors expected him to flatline [die] before the night was over. In his fading state, he hears a voice…. Are you sure you want change your mind God asks?  What more can I do to prove my love to you?  You see, “Break up to make up, that’s all we do… First you love me then you hate me… That’s a game fool’s play… We have got to get together or we’re through…” [The Stylistics]. “Choose you this day Whom you will serve…” [Joshua 24:14-16]. “After all the things that we’ve been through… you should understand me like I understand you… As long as we’ve been together it should be so easy to do… get yourself together or we might as well say goodbye….. what good is a love affair if we can’t see eye to eye…” [Harold Melvin/The Blue Notes].

I tell you it’s hard to imagine a more direct approach than the one taken by Jesus here.  “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” [[Revelation 3:15]. Listen, God doesn’t want you to be lukewarm in your relationship with Him. He doesn’t want you to drift away from Him. He wants you to pursue a relationship with Him that grows stronger and deeper each day.  I want you to know that your love relationship with God is more important than any other single factor in your life. You were created by God to have a loving, intimate relationship with Him. God wants intimacy with you. His question, “Do you love me?” was not just for Peter but for all of us. There’s nothing that I’d rather do than spend every moment with you says God. You must choose your love and then maintain your choice: you either love Me or the world, but not both [John 2:15]. “To love and be loved in return. It’s the only thing that my heart desires.  Just appreciate the little things I do. I tell you we can build a world of love, a life of joy. Let’s make our goal each other’s happiness.” Seize the moment. Seize the time.  Seize the day.

I want you to know that in [1 Kings 17:8-16], a widow was facing her worst nightmare: she had a meal left for herself and her son. Death was mockingly starring at her. Then came a visitor sent by God. He made her an offer and she accepted it. Death was disappointed and put to shame. The woman lived better than she ever lived. This season, the Lord will visit you. Prepare for His visit. Get rid of every sin in your life. Obey Him completely. Be prayerful and sensitive to His call.

I also what you to know that the Lord does not compel us anymore than he compelled Peter. We are not forced to love God any more than we want to or any more than we are ready to. But the beauty is that each little bit of ourselves we do give over to the Lord is received by Him and transformed by His love into something greater. Peter learned the hard way what it means to love Jesus. He had vociferously declared his unfailing devotion to Him more than once. Yet when the chips were down, Peter’s self-confessed love failed and he openly denied three times that he even knew Jesus. His vaunted courage proved to be nothing but empty talk when facing a threatening situation. Don’t let that be said about you. In [John 14:15] Jesus put it plainly: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” In verse 21 He added, “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (cf. 15:10). As the Lord’s message was to the church at Sardis, so is it to each one of us: Check Your Spiritual Pulse. He, who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! [Deuteronomy 30:19].

By Naomi K. Bonman

After a long but rewarding two year journey, on October 2016 San Bernardino based author, T’ana Phelice brought her books to life on the stage with a 6 woman cast in “The Diamond Monologues”.   This heart-wrenching and life changing production received high reviews and praises that Phelice had to start a tour.

“The Diamond Monologues” will be coming back to Ontario, California on March 11, 2017 with a bigger cast and two powerful motivational speakers that will be giving the audience a dose of inspiration and motivation on how they can achieve the best in their lives no matter what struggle they may be going through, because your struggle is your testimony that will help and build up others.

As Ms. Phelice gears up for the next show, I wanted to get a little more insight on what inspired her to take things to the next level to become more than just a writer.

What was your inspiration behind bringing your books to the stage?

It started as a way to promote my books and reach a greater audience, but it soon became an additional passion. As I began to take the words from the books I saw the characters expressing themselves in a whole new light, with more depth and passion. I wanted the audience to connect with them and understand that my fiction is someone’s reality. I became more inspired because I knew that the protagonist would inspire the fans.

What do you hope the audience gets from watching this production?

I want the audience to see themselves. I want anyone watching to think about past mistake and learn to forgive themselves and others that have done them wrong. When I write I always want to drive my audience closer to redemption.

What can people except to see on March 11?

People will see monologues that are full of honest emotions. They won’t get the happily ever after that we tend to see in the movie theaters, they’ll get the reality that a lot of us live in every single day. The audience will be in tears as they watch but they will also laugh. March 11th will be a moment of empowerment.

What is next for you? What else are you working on?

I’m currently working on a web series called “Loving T’ana Phelice”. It will give the audience insight on who I am behind the scenes. It will showcase my day to day life as an up and coming writer. It’s an awesome way to promote my brand as well as show that I can write for television.

Get your tickets here

Proceeds from annual fundraiser will go toward much-needed scholarships and supporting our service programs

The Claremont Area (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will host its 5th Annual Heart Truth “Red Dress” Luncheon on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Pacific Palms Resort Hotel in the City of Industry.  The theme is “From the Heart,” and the event is intended to raise awareness and supporting women who would otherwise ignore the threat of heart disease and other related issues.  More than 300 attendees are expected at this fundraising event.

A special highlight of this year’s luncheon program is a spotlight on the Chapter’s current scholarship recipients.

Over the last five years, the Claremont Area Links have given over $49,000 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors and college students. In addition to the monetary support, all scholarship recipients become part of the Chapter’s College Connection program. Throughout the year, recipients receive gift cards and notes to provide support and maintain contact as they migrate though their college years.  Awarding scholarships to deserving youth and supporting awardees provides an opportunity for the Chapter to establish a bond that is clearly focused on the expectation that the student graduates from college.

Proceeds from February’s luncheon will help further the Chapter’s commitment to providing financial assistance and support to our community’s youth, as well as supporting our service programs in the community. We invite you to join us for this important Heart Health Awareness event, and appreciate your support for our youth by purchasing a ticket, placing an ad in our souvenir journal or becoming a sponsor.

For more information, contact: Pamela Chavira, Chair at pmchavira@gmail.com.