SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Increasing diversity in corporate America, entrepreneurship and academia were the major issues discussed at the Select Committee on the Status of Girls and Women of Color hearing that was chaired by Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) in Fontana.

“We convened this hearing to examine issues that impact women of color in California who own businesses and work in corporate America.  Our major objective is to learn what the state can do to create a pipeline for girls and women of color to pursue business careers,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “Ultimately, our goal is to improve business opportunities for women of color.”

The hearing included testimonies by women of color who own and operate small to mid-sized businesses throughout the Inland Empire. Additionally, panelists from major corporations provided guidance on climbing the corporate ladder. Program participants included: Kimberly Freeman, Assistant Dean for Diversity Initiatives and Community Relations, UCLA; Dr. Adina Sterling, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford Graduate School of Business; Dr. Sacha Joseph-Mathews, Associate Professor, University of the Pacific; Dr. Michele Turner, Executive Director of the Black Alumni Association, USC; Hilda Kennedy, President, AmPac Tri State CDC; Maria Molina Solano, Executive Director, National Latina Business Women Association-IE; Kiana Webb-Severloh, President/CEO, Webb Family Enterprises; Quita Highsmith, Franchise Head/Sr. Director for Tamiflu, Genentech; Jennifer Fisher, Intellectual Property Counsel, Boeing; Evelin Martinez, Area President (Inland Empire), Wells Fargo & Co.; Annabel Chang, Director of Public Policy, Lyft; Mahlet Getachew, Senior Legal Counsel, GoPro, Inc.;  Luz Rodriguez-Roldan, Assistant Manager of Human Resources, California Steel Industries; Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo, Director of External Affairs, AT&T; and Kim Winston, Senior Manager of Government Relations, Starbucks.

All panelists agreed that we need to inform women of color that business is a viable career path. Additionally, we need to make intentional efforts to encourage them to pursue business careers because they ultimately create more jobs for both men and women. Kiana Webb of Webb Family Enterprises spoke about her experience as the owner and operator of 16 McDonald’s restaurants and employer of approximately 1,300 individuals.

“As a business owner, one of the best things about what I do is that I get to create my own experience,” said Webb. “It’s not necessarily just the challenges that we’re facing, it’s also the opportunities that we are creating, and the path that you can make for yourself.”

Ms. Webb suggested that we need to continue to have conversations about what we can do to help women of color succeed in business professions. Likewise, panelist Quita Highsmith of Genentech, a biotechnology company, suggested that women of color need an advocate to open doors for them.

“For women of color, you need a sponsor that can open the door for you when the door is closed as they are having discussions about talent. You need someone in a position of power who can be your advocate; someone who’s willing to put their neck on the line for you. You need a champion, and a personal board of directors to provide you with professional guidance and emotional security,” she said.

Evelin Martinez of Wells Fargo Bank called upon corporations to rise to the challenge of supporting students and their educational needs. She stated, “I would not be where I am today if I did not have mentors along the way. I think the hardest thing to do is to ask for help. We can’t wait for people to ask for help, we need to reach out to them. We need to have a call to action for corporations to provide access to mentorship and information so we can fix the issues that we have.”

The academia panel echoed some of the same concerns, and added that not enough women are pursuing business degrees.

“Women of color are more likely to pursue degrees in social sciences than in business,” said Dr. Adina Sterling, Stanford University. “The UC system indicated that 209 women of color graduated with an undergraduate degree in business last year compared to almost 3,000 that graduated with social sciences degrees. One way to encourage girls and women of color to pursue degrees in business is to increase the number of professors and teacher assistants who look like them.”

Many studies suggest that faculty makeup has a direct impact on academic success among students of color. According to Dr. Sacha Joseph-Matthews of the University of Pacific, women of color represent only eight percent of faculty nationwide.

“We really need more faculty of color in positions on campuses,” said Dr. Joseph-Matthews. “Often, on campuses, women of color do not feel they’re included. They feel this is not a place where they can get a sense of community and that becomes a huge problem. If we do not have women of color in key administrative roles, where they can influence campus-wide decision making on recruitment, admissions, retention and student life; and furthermore, how can we make campuses inclusive spaces for women of color?”

The committee concluded that additional mentorship programs are needed to encourage women of color to pursue business. To view the hearing in its entirety, please visit: http://asmdc.org/members/a47/.  For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Ladies…. Have you ever met someone who just left you in awe? I mean, they were so great and so wonderful that you were left shaking your head and saying, “There’s nobody else like Him!” Well the Bible records for us the account of one such meeting. In [1 Kings 10] the Queen of Sheba was left in amazement when she met King Solomon. She went away saying, “There’s nobody like Him!” But I want you to know that as great as King Solomon was in his day, a greater than Solomon is here! He is all that Solomon was reputed to be, but 20,000 times more! I tell you, “I have never been so much in love before, what a difference a true love makes in my life. So nice, so right, loving Him gives me something new that I’ve never felt, never dreamed of. Something’s changed, no it’s not the feeling I had before; oh, and it’s much, much, more. Love I never knew that a touch could mean so much, what a difference. And when we walk hand in hand, I feel so real. Lovers come and then lovers go that’s what folks say… but what we have is much more than they can see…” [L.T.D – Love Ballad Lyrics]

I’m talking about the Man who meets the Standard. He can meet every need, whether it is physical, material or spiritual! He has all power and He can move your mountains, quench your thirst and save your soul! He holds all the answers to all your questions. In fact, He is the Answer to all the riddles, problems and questions of life! They all rest and reside in Him. He can bring you into the presence of the God of eternity! He alone can give you the vital connection you need to God. He alone bridges the gap between God and man! I tell you, there’s nobody like Him! He owns it all and He takes care of His own! There are no shortages with Him [Psa. 24:1; Psa. 50:12; Job 41:11]. Not only does He have it all, but He is willing to share it all with those who feed from His table, [Phil. 4:19; Psa. 37:25]. His people love Him and want to be around Him to hear His Word and to do His bidding. Those who know Him and love Him want to serve Him [Titus 2:14; Eph. 2:10]. When lost men hear about Him, it piques their curiosity. It whets their appetites. It makes them want to come to know Him!  I tell you, there’s nobody like Him! There’s nobody like Him in His Piety, [Heb. 7:26; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22]. Yes, Solomon was a man of faith, but He is the focus of faith! He is infinitely holy and righteous. Solomon was a man who offered sacrifices to God, but He offered Himself as a sacrifice to God for humanity! He gave His life on the cross to redeem all those who will place their faith in Him, [1 Pet. 1:18-19]. He will always give you back far more than you give up! And He will always prove to be far more glorious than anyone could ever articulate! He will leave you flabbergasted, astounded and amazed! You will have to say “There’s nobody like Him!” I tell you, “You’ll never find, as long as you live someone who loves you tender like He do. You’ll never find, no matter where you search someone who cares about you the way He do…” [Lou Rawls – You’ll Never Find]

His love… It is the most overwhelming thing I have ever encountered in my life. It Is Unspeakable – [Rom. 8:38-39] It Is Unending – [Jer. 31:3]… It Is Unselfish – [Rom. 2:4; 1 John 4:19] – It Is Unmerited – – [Matt. 23:37.] It Is Unconditional – It Is Supernatural. It is Sacrificing and it is Satisfying! And He has captured my heart. His name… Jesus! I invite you to be captured by the glory of the One and only who can set you free to truly live… Jehovah/Yahweh– Jehovah–Adonai– Jehovah-El– Jehovah–Elohim– Jehovah–Jireh– Jehovah–Makeh– Jehovah–Mekaddishkem– Jehovah–Nissi– Jehovah–Rapha– Jehovah–Roi– Jehovah–Saboath– Jehovah–Shalom– Jehovah–Shammah– Jehovah–Tsidkenu– EL–Elyon–  El–Gmulot– El–Olam– El–Roi– El–Shaddai… Qanna… He is my everything! In Him I live and have my being. There’s nobody like Him! I’ve made my vow, everything that I am and hope to be, for the rest of my life, I’m fully committed. My hands, my heart, my mind, every part of me until the day I die, I’ll say, yes! [Walter Hawkins -Fully Committed Lyrics] Because there’s nobody like Him!

A study and recommendation by Keith McCarter, B.S., J.D., McCarter University

Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17980-17992, the city, county, state, health department or other relevant governmental agencies may bring an action in the courts to appoint someone to manage and repair a distresses property.

In our case, the government entity is the City of San Bernardino.  Currently the court has appointed one person as the receiver.  This article will examine more plausible solutions to the receivership program and to suggest to the San Bernardino City Attorney’s Office more viable solutions which will include the benefiting of San Bernardino citizens opposed to benefiting only one particular party.

To the City’s Attorney’s Office credit, they have informed me that they will soon be preparing an RFQ to find more viable receivers for the program.  Thus prior to the RFQ I have some specific suggestions on how we can have this program benefit our residents more.

I will start with a brief summary of the law:

The Law

17980a. THE CITY MAY CLAIM GIVE NOTICE TO DISTRESSED PROPERTIES OF 30 DAYS OR LESS.  AFTER EXPIRATION OF NOTICE THE CITY CAN A COMPLAINT IN THE COURT AGAINST THE PROPERTY AND ITS OWNER.

NEW PURCHASER OR POSSESSOR OF A DISTRESSED PROPERTY MUST BE GIVEN AT LEAST 60 DAYS TO CORRECT THE DISTRESSED ELEMENTS OF THE PROPERTY.

17980b  PREVIOUS LIEN HOLDERS MAY RELEASE THEIR LIEN AND NOTIFY THE CITY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RELEASING THE LIEN.

17980c  IF THE BUILDING IS IN REALLY BAD SHAPE, among other things, THE CITY CAN ORDER THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE.

17980.1  CITY MUST TELL THE COURT SPECIFIC ELEMENTS OF SAFETY VIOLATIONS IN ORDER FOR THE COURT TO ACT.

RECEIVER MAY BE APPOINTED AND THEY HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF RIGHTS WHICH INCLUDES PLACING LIENS ON THE PROPERTY, GETTING LOANS TO REPAIR THE PROPERTY, MAKING REPAIRS AND MUCH MORE

17980.2  RECEIVER MAY RECORD LIEN

17980.3. THE RIGHTS OF A RECEIVER DURING AN ABATEMENT PROCEEDING IS NEAR EQUAL TO THAT OF A BANK DURING A FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING

17980.4  THE CITY MAY SUE ALL DEFENDANTS TO COLLECT FEES AND EXPENSES

17980.5  CITY MAY KEEP AN ACCOUNT SPECIFICALLY FOR THE PURPOSES OF REQUESTING AND COLLECTING JUDGMENTS AGAINST DISTRESSED PROPERTIES.

17980.6.  CITY MUST POST A SIGN ON DISTRESSED PROPERTY SAYING IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A DISTRESSED PROPERTY

17980.7.  AN OWNER OF DISTRESSED PROPERTY MUST COMPLY WITH THE CITY’S DEMAND TO REPAIR SAID PROPERTY.  IF NOT, THE CITY MAY SEEK A JUDGEMENT AND IMPOSE ADDITIONAL PENALTIES.  IF THE OWNER STILL DOES NOT COMPLY, THE CITY MAY REQUEST THE COURT TO APPOINT A RECEIVER.  A RECEIVER IS A PERSON who TAKE POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY, MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS AND SELL THE  PROPERTY TO PAY THE COST OF THE RECEIVER AND THE LIENS ON THE PROPERTY.  IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT AS A RECEIVER, A PERSON OR ORGANIZATION MUST. “demonstrated to the court his or her capacity and expertise to develop and supervise a viable financial and construction plan for the satisfactory rehabilitation of the building.”

IN ITS DISCRETION THE COURT MAY APPOINT A NON-PROFIT OR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION AS A RECEIVER

THE RECEIVER MUST SUBMIT MONTHLY REPORTS TO THE COURT.  THE RECEIVER’S JOB IS FINISHED ..” when the conditions cited in the notice of violation have been remedied in accordance with the court order or judgment and a complete accounting of all costs and repairs has been delivered to the court.”

THE COURT MAY CONTINUE TO RETAIN CONTROL OF THE PROPERTY FOR AN ADDITIONAL 18 MONTHS.  THE ORIGINAL OWNER CAN BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REGAIN THE POSSESSION OF HIS PROPERTY IF HE PAID ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE PROPERTY AND THE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPERTY

17980.8.  COURT MAY REFER MATTER TO ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS.

Rationale to Benefit the Community

With this summary OF THE LAW, we must keep in mind the goal of any program in which the city intends to initiate.  The goal is for the programs to benefit the residents of the City of San Bernardino as much as feasibly possible.

Here are things we must attempt to obtain with this particular program.  Firstly, any opportunity to buy, remodel and sell distressed homes should first be offered to the citizens of the ward where the property is located.  Secondly, if there are no takers, the opportunity should be offered to the residents of the city.  Third, the opportunity should be offered to people who are located in the county of San Bernardino.  Last but not least, if no one from the first three categories wish to purchase the blighted home, the opportunity may be offered to others outside the county.  In no instance should this benefit be offered directly to companies or people outside of our county first.

Let us go a little deeper into this conversation.  Taking into consideration the importance of the role of receiver, local people, non-profits and businesses must first be given the opportunity of becoming a receiver of a particular property because with this position lies the power to reap financial benefits.

Suggestions for giving ownership to the Community

First and foremost the City Attorney’s office must halt all appointments of receivers until a viable list of receivers which represents the community can be created.  These receivers must then be categorized by wards.  This is a must.

Only after this has been completed should the City Attorney’s Office  be allowed to use their discretion to recommend an appointment of a receiver to the court.  I suggest the use of the rationale stated above where the opportunity is first offered to a receiver which lives in or near the ward of the property in question

Option 1 to consider.  “It takes two to tango.”  Pursuant to Health and Safety Code 17980, after giving due notice the City can elect to file an action to initiate court proceedings.  However the city may use its discretion to facilitate an offer for a person or company to buy the property from the owner and promise to make repairs within a certain period of time after the purchase prior to filing a claim against the delinquent property owner.  Furthermore, pursuant to 17980b, the city can agree to release the fees and penalties on the property if the new purchaser makes the necessary repairs within a certain period of time.

This option will save the time and money of having to go to court.  Also, from the list of entities the City chooses from the future RFQ, they can chose a person or entity in the ward to solicit a purchase bid for the property.  These actions are wholly within the City Attorney’s discretion

Option 2. 

Pursuant to 17980.1.(a)  The city may request an “order to show cause” which is basically the first step in asking the court to appoint a receiver for the distressed property.

My suggestion is simple, at this point, while the city is submitting the required elements of 17980.1.(a)1  to  17980.1.(a)3, they can also submit a recommendation as to which receiver they wish to be appointed.  It is true that the final decision over who is appointed as the receiver is that of the court.  However, the court relies heavily on the recommendation of the city because the city is the party who initiates the action.

If in fact the city make a recommendation, then that recommendation should be that of a person or entity which lives in the ward, city or county respectively as stated above.

Option 3.  Simply stated, create a first time home buyer program centered around the revitalization of the distressed properties

These are very simple suggestions which will benefit the San Bernardino residents greatly.  I personally wish to see community groups, however non church affiliated, to become receivers of these properties   Bringing the element of religion into this already complicated equation will be detrimental to the efficiency and proper use of the public policies expressed in this article.  For this reason I do not recommend allowing church organizations to be appointed as receivers.  Last thing we need is someone injecting a 1^st amendment claim into a receivership matter.  This will undoubtedly cost much more time and money for a process which does not need to be so complicated.

One possible barrier to being listed as a possible receiver is the setting of an arbitrary level of needed capital.  According to 17980.3.(a) the receiver has the authority to get a loan to cover the cost of the repairs.  Thus, as long as a person has the ability to obtain a loan, they should be given due consideration for being appointed as a receiver

For Members of the Community

I suggest all organizations, not for profit organizations or even individual people who are interested in becoming a receiver to do two things. 1. Apply to the San Bernardino Superior court to be appointed as a receiver when and if needed.  2.  Complete the RFQ which the city will create in the near future concerning the blight of distressed properties.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In honor of Black History Month and African American Mental Health Awareness Week, the Department of Behavioral Health’s African American Awareness Sub-Committee, in partnership with San Bernardino Valley College, will host a Black History Month celebration, From Trauma to Triumph.

The event will be held on Tuesday, February 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at San Bernardino Valley College, Liberal Arts Building Room 100, 701 South Mount Vernon Ave., in San Bernardino. The event is open to the public and is free of charge; pre-registration is required and can be completed by contacting Jonathan Buffong at (909) 386-8234 (711 for TTY users) or via email at Jonathan.Buffong@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

This Black History Month celebration will include activities, performances, a behavioral health focused resource fair and presentations from San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Commissioners, Dr. Monica Wilson, Assistant Professor at the College of Letters and Sciences in the Psychology Department of National University, and Dr. Akin Merino, Chair of the Masters in Counseling and Doctorate Program at Argosy University.

“DBH’s Office of Cultural Competence and Ethnic Services participates and hosts cultural events like these in an effort to increase behavioral health awareness and promote the importance of culture in our overall wellness,” said Imo Momoh, DBH’S Cultural Competency Officer. “We invite members of the community, from every culture, to attend and participate in this event as an opportunity to connect with others, celebrate diversity and learn more about the important connection between culture and behavioral health.”

For additional information on this event, contact Jonathan Buffong at (909) 386-8234 (711 for TTY users) or Jonathan.Buffong@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

Renea Wickman

By Renea Wickman

In November 2014 citizens of California overwhelmingly voted to pass Proposition 47 also called the Neighborhood and Schools Act. Proposition 47 is a law that provides that certain low level non violent felonies can now be reduced to misdemeanors. Thousands of people volunteered to walk and call to ensure thousands more citizens to ensure that Proposition 47 was passed – and it was. Since that time hundreds of inmates, in particular, African Americans have been released from prison, jail, parole and probation because of Prop 47 related. Here in the IE alone, the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, Time for Change, Starting Over Inc. and many other organizations have held Proposition 47 clinics helping African Americans and other people reduce their felonies to misdemeanors.

The millions of dollars in savings would breakdown to 25% going to the Department of Education , 10% going to Victim Compensation and 65% going to the Board of State and Community Corrections to be distributed to programs directly related to those released and affected by proposition 47. In February 2015, the California State Legislative Analyst’s Office, LAO, estimated the states savings from 100 million to 200 million for 2016 – 2017. However, at the same time it was reported that 1,900 inmates would be released as a result of Proposition 47 in 2015 – 2016 with a savings of roughly 73 million dollars.

Community members demanded that funds for newly released inmates be put back into the community for support with mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, life skills training, job training and education and not given to law enforcement. The community was on a roll and it was expected that the funds would in fact go to Community Based Organization and not back in the pockets of law enforcement. However, the Governor just released the 2016 – 2017 proposed budget where he is now saying that the savings only amounts to 29 million dollars.

It is my belief that the pressure is on the Governor and other elected officials to redirect that money back to jails paying correction officers, parole and probation, law enforcement as a whole. Here’s why, with proposition 47 working so well, eventually the decrease in inmates, and people on parole and probation means the state will have to eliminate those jobs. Well, law enforcement is not having that. Law enforcement have the most powerful unions in the country, who give billions of dollars to our elected officials campaigns. They own them.

The African American community has been exploited by the prison industrial complex for centuries and white people have made fortunes off our incarceration. We have always been the most populated in the prisons and jails across the country. Here in California we are only 6.6% of the population but make up as much as 40% of the incarcerated population. This institution has destroyed our families and our communities apart –  is time for us to really back and hard comprehensive criminal justice reform. We will be writing letters to the Governor and state legislators requesting more information on how Proposition 47 savings went from up to 200 million dollars to now only 29 million dollars.

If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact Renea Wickman at myjibril@msn.com or 909 567 0222.

Original Tuskegee Airmen

By Naomi K. Bonman

PASADENA, CA- On Sunday evening, despite the rainy and cold weather, I enjoyed a nice evening out in Pasadena as I covered the production of “Fly” at the Pasadena Playhouse. The evening started with red carpet arrivals where special celebrity guests, such as Angela Basset and Vanessa Williams, came to support a historic production about the Tuskegee Airmen. Of course, a few of the remaining Tuskegee Airmen were all present and made their red carpet debut prior to enjoying the stage production that depicted their lives.

The cast did a phenomenal job of displaying the emotions set during the time period. It featured Brooks Brantly as W.W. (Off-Broadway: Significant Other, U.S. Tour of War Horse), Ross Cowan as Shaw (Portland Stage: Red, Berkshire Theatre Festival: Homestead Crossing), Omar Edwards as Tap Griot (Fly at Florida Studio Theatre, The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Loretto-Hilton Center Browning Mainstage, Ford’s Theatre Society), Anthony J. Goes as O’Hurley (Connecticut Repertory Theater: Olives and Blood, Chautauqua Theatre Company: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre: Paul), Brandon Nagle as Reynolds (Guthrie Theater: Mocondo, City Theater Austin: Death of a Salesman), Desmond Newson as Chet (Broadway: Motown: The Musical, 3D Theatricals: Hairspray, San Diego Musical Theatre: Rent), Damian Thompson as J. Allen (Off-Broadway: The Anthem, Around the World in 80 Days, By The Dawn’s Early Light), and Terrell Wheeler as Oscar (Florida Studio Theatre: Fly, Castillo Theatre: Children of Killers, New Ohio Theatre: That Poor Dream).

The Tuskegee Airmen flew over the skies of Europe and North Africa during World War II. Fly dramatizes the historic contributions made by the Tuskegee Airmen to the desegregation of the American military and the furthering of civil rights. After The Pasadena Playhouse engagement, Fly will then have its Off-Broadway premiere at The New Victory Theater on March 11, 2016. An earlier, 55-minute version of Fly was presented by Lincoln Center Institute, the educational arm of Lincoln Center, in 2005.

If you missed the opening night, there is still time to catch the production until February 21. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (NOTE: There will be no performance on Sunday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m.).  Tickets range from $25.00 to $77.00 and are available online at PasadenaPlayhouse.org or by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at (626) 356-7529; or visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. during non-performance dates.  On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday – Saturday from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The Pasadena Playhouse will also offer a special military discount for all performances of Fly excluding matinees. The military discount (buy one ticket, get one free) is available over the phone or at The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office. Military I.D. must be presented to receive the discount.

Ikhlas Saleem

By Ikhlas Saleem

In 1986 Whitney Houston covered the George Benson hit, “The Greatest Love of All,” which he originally recorded for a film biography of Muhammad Ali. Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote that Houston’s cover gave the “message of self-worth an astounding resonance and conviction…a compelling assertion of black pride, family loyalty and spiritual devotion, all at once.”

Now that I work in education, this is a song I often reflect upon when feeling emotionally tasked, particularly the opening lines: “I believe the children are our future, Teach them well and let them lead the way, Show them all the beauty they possess inside, Give them a sense of pride to make it easier, Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be…”

My grade-school friend, Yasmine Muhammad, who was blessed with the talent—and in this case burden—of a great singing voice, was requested to sing this song at every awards ceremony, academic gathering and sometimes basketball games because, why not.

I didn’t know it then but what an incredible message to continuously impart upon children—particularly children that were and are descendants of slaves, carrying almost 400 years of baggage of a dignity lost and a future almost impossible to dream.

So now in 2016, I can reflect and celebrate my ancestors that carried the burden of a back breakin’, cotton-pickin’ South, while spending their nights in hope of freedom trying to make sense of a language that was not their own, while being reminded that their futures lie in nothing but death or labor of the American South.

Nate Bowling has said it before and I’ll say it again, while the fate of black children lies outside of plantation fields, America isn’t quite ready to believe or concede that black children are the future. Instead there’s the exception. There’s the, “Jahmal, despite his circumstances, who has managed to exceed expectations.” There’s also, “Keisha who displays incredible potential.” And of course there a couple of kids from 90220 and 10027 that “made it.”

You see, it’s much easier to find exceptions rather than tending to the whole lot. The fact is we’re not teaching children well and black children are among the groups that suffer most. We’re not making it easy when we lower standards for students and teachers. We’re not making it easier when we lessen measures of accountability for our lowest-performing schools. And we’re not making it easier when we restrict school enrollment to a block-radius. What we are doing is limiting students’ ability to show us all the beauty they possess inside.

Pride is lost when a high school student can be thrown from her desk and arrested in front of her classmates. Pride is lost when disciplinary action is met with a school-to-prison pipeline. Pride is lost when you graduate high school only to take remedial courses at your local community college because your diploma is worthless.

I believe children are the future, but America has to believe that black children are part of that future, too.

PSA! PSA! PSA! LUE Productions will now have its own radio show right here in the IE titled “LISTENING WITH LUE (Launching Unique Entertainment),” a platform for Indie Artist’s and the ART’S. Tune in every Sunday with us from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

LIVE RADIO and INTERNET LET THE WORLD HEAR YOUR MUSIC! Music must be EDITED to be in rotation. The show is hosted by LUE and Co-hosted by Comedian Anthony Stone featuring occasional guest hosts from time to time.

For an interview and/or song rotation opportunity, please email Lue.info@yahoo.com with SUBJECT: “Listening with LUE.”

You can listen in at www.kcaaradio.com, 1050 AM, 106.3 FM, 106.5 FM, or by calling in from your phone at (832) 999-1050

From the Left: Sen. Bill Monning, Sen. Isadore Hall, III, Lisa Moreno, Sen. Holly J. Mitchell, Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, Sen. Mark Leno, Kim Carter, Sen. Connie M. Leyva, Sen. Mike Morrell, Sen. Jean Fuller and Sen. Marty

SACRAMENTO, CA- Local nonprofit leader, Kim Carter, was presented with a Senate Resolution at the State Capitol on Monday, January 25, 2016. Senator Connie M. Leyva, Senate District 20,  presented the resolution on the Senate Floor on behalf of Carter’s recognition as a 2015 Top 10 CNN Hero. “When we hear negative things about San Bernardino, we forget to talk about some of the really amazing work that’s going on there,” stated Senator Leyva. Recognized as a national model Senator Leyva noted Time for Change Foundation’s 0% recidivism rate achieved through their Positive Future Program. She went on to express that the work being done by Time for Change Foundation is truly remarkable as it fosters complete transformations, “It is truly amazing when people are given an opportunity, and shown what they can do, how they actually thrive.”

In a rare moment, Presiding Officer Senator Ricardo Lara allowed Ms. Carter an opportunity to speak. Carter electrified the room as she thanked the “body” for its leadership and expressed her commitment to making a difference in the great State of California. As Carter addressed the floor, she thanked all of the members for the work they do that makes rehabilitation possible. She now seeks to obtain an Official Governor’s Pardon.

With a compilation of support letters from various esteemed elected officials, prison wardens and high ranking members of law enforcement in support of her pardon, she hopes that somehow Governor Jerry Brown will hear of her request and give it careful consideration.

Carter exclaimed, “My goal in obtaining a Governor’s Pardon is to demonstrate that we have a system of governance and keepers of the law that would consider exercising its ultimate power of redemption on my behalf.”

At the conclusion of her address, many of the elected body stood in amazement as Carter’s inspirational testimony demonstrated her passion to help others. She tearfully thanked Senator Leyva for this pivotal moment in her life.

To view the entire address, please visit http://bit.ly/leyvahonorscarter.

T’ana Phelice

RIALTO, CA— It was wall to wall packed as Inland Empire, and out of state residents, came out to support San Bernardino native and author, T’ana Phelice, at her book release party for “Pigs & Pearls” at Raquel’s Jazz Lounge on Saturday, January 30. Guests took plenty of photos with Phelice on the step and repeat, had their books signed, and celebrated the author’s birthday. It was definitely an epic night!

The journey for Phelice is just beginning. “Pigs & Pearls” is part two of her Jaded Diamonds series which is her platform of promoting and discussing the importance of women’s empowerment. These days and times, women are one of the most important assets in our communities. From the start of building and maintaining families, when we as women support each other, our male counterparts will also put forth a greater effort in respecting women.

In addition to the Jaded Diamonds series, Ms. Phelice has plans on taking the book to the stage in the fall, as well as hosting a variety of book signings. The book is now available for purchase at www.tanaphelice.com. T’ana will also be calling into Empire Talks Black this Sunday at 10 a.m. To listen in, please visit www.kcaaradio.com.