By Angela M. Coggs

On Tuesday, October 20th at 5pm an important rally took place at the San Bernardino City Unified District Board meeting in support of a new discipline policy. The community asked the school board to institute new policy that will ensure new discipline practices, such as Restorative Justice and Positive Behavior Support to be implemented throughout the district. The rally was attended by activist, students, parents, community members, and elected officials.

Restorative Justice is defined as a system of criminal justice that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large. Positive Behavior Support is based on understanding why problem behaviors occur – the behavior’s function. This approach to behavior can occur on a school-wide level, in a specific setting, classroom, or with an individual student.

San Bernardino Unified School District ranks the 14th highest in suspension rates among African American students in California. Also, San Bernardino is 44th in the state with the highest number of willful defiance suspensions. This translates to the increase: 614 Latino and African American student related arrests, and the direct decline: 274 African American and Latino students who graduated this year college ready. The cities of San Bernardino and Stockton made over 90,000 arrests from 1997 to 2013. These numbers are inconceivable.

What is the school-to-prison pipeline? The “school-to-prison pipeline” refers to the policies and practices that push our nation’s schoolchildren, especially our most at-risk children, out of classrooms and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This pipeline reflects the prioritization of incarceration over education. For a growing number of students, the path to incarceration includes the following: failing public schools, zero-tolerance and other school discipline, policing school hallways, disciplining alternative schools, and court involvement and juvenile detention.

This failure to meet educational needs increases disengagement and dropouts, increasing the risk of later court involvement. Some school districts have embraced zero-tolerance policies that automatically impose severe punishment regardless of circumstances. Overly harsh disciplinary policies push students down the pipeline and into the juvenile justice system. Many under-resourced school districts become pipeline gateways by placing increased reliance on police rather than teachers and administrators to maintain discipline. Students pushed along the pipeline find themselves in juvenile detention facilities, many of which provide few, if any, educational services. Students of color are far more likely than their white peers to be suspended, expelled, or arrested for the same kind of conduct at school. Though many students are propelled down the pipeline from school to jail, it is difficult for them to make the journey in reverse. Students who enter the juvenile justice system face many barriers to their re-entry into traditional schools. The vast majority of these students never graduate from high school.

Schools that neighbor a state or federal prisons are more likely to have higher suspensions. San Bernardino City Unified School District is one of two districts in California to have the authority to arrest students and administer citations on their permanent record. The determination of organizations such as C.O.P.E (Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement), Youth Action Project (YAP), and I.C.U.C. (Inland Congregations United for Change) have played a vital role in organizing community leaders, parents, and students in rousing their mutual voices in implementing policy change. A direct result of this groundbreaking progress is the decline in overall suspensions from 11% to 5%, and the significant number of willful defiance suspensions from 7001 to 1371.

The criminalization of youth of color remains a threat, especially to African American students who continue to experience significantly disproportionate discipline for disruption/willfull defiance and face higher rates of school related arrest and referrals to law enforcement than other subgroups of students. Research has shown that when committing the same or similar subjective behavior offenses, African American students are inclined to receive more severe disciplinary consequences (Noltemeyer & McLoughlin, 2010a; Noltemeyer & McLoughlin, 2010b; Skiba, et al., 2002). African American and Latino students combined experience school-based arrest at a higher rate than those who complete A-G course requirements and are prepared for college and career.

“My prayer is for all students to have an equal opportunity to access information and skills that will prepare them to be whatever they wish to be and to make a significant contribution in the communities they will inherit. I commend C.O.P.E. and ICUC for identifying all current barriers that prevent students from that goal or divert them toward a negative outcome, particularly one that leads to prison,” said Carolyn Tillman, Special Assistant to the Superintendent, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. “I commend C.O.P.E. and ICUC for their commitment to educate, monitor and hold accountable all institutions and individuals who contribute to or uphold the status quo for conditions that are counter to creating positive outcomes for kids. A rally is a good start; still we must do the daily intentional work to divert a pipeline from failure to success.”

San Bernardino City Unified School District board member, Danny Tillman, spoke from his heart in regards to the issue of the school to prison pipeline. He explained what the real intent for the citations has been misconstrued. He also stated that he is proud of the San Bernardino City Unified School District Police Department but they were put in place to “keep our students safe and benefit them. It was never meant to put our kids at a disadvantage because of a citation we give them which happens to be from a sworn police officer or sworn peace officer of the state of California. So whatever it takes to fix that, that’s what we must do.” He also mentioned an incident in his youth that could have been detrimental to his future if he was subjected to what many children are faced with today in our schools. “I would not have been able to achieve what I have if I had a citation given to me with the same repercussions.”  His comment spoke volumes. It was an honest response to the facts that were presented to the board.  His passion has felt by many of the parents and students in the room.

“The school to prison pipeline has been a concern of mine since I heard a hip hop album called, ‘No More Prisons’ by Raptivism in the late 90s and most recently I consider it to be one of the foremost issues of our time after reading the New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander.  San Bernardino area groups and coalitions like COPE, ICUC, WAG, The Fellas and the African American Education Collaborative are doing to highlight the fact that if we can reduce student suspensions and arrest, we have a greater chance of keeping students in the classroom and on a path to graduate and accomplish career goals. I know other determinants like having multiple teaching methods and deeper cultural awareness trainings for teachers and staff assists in the cause,” stated Jonathan Buffong, Buffong Consulting Solutions, a Consulting Group that work with local educational providers in the areas of leadership and program development.

“I also know that the desperate increase involvement by the families of students play large role in dropping those numbers but the of show concern this past Tuesday evening at the school board was geared to the San Bernardino Unified School District and their implementation of policies that will ensure that the current numbers drop. My hat goes off to this effort because I believe it is a step in the right direction. We also must support these efforts by educating our students and parents to understand that our schools should not have to put up with anything that distracts our children from learning so that they can accomplish their goals,” added Buffong.

Several board members participated and mingled with the community members during the rally prior to the school board meeting. The energy of the crowd was positive and uplifting. However, once the subject of citations was up for board discussion the mood in the room was turned quickly to serious business. It was a call to action. “As a lifelong resident of San Bernardino it was nice to see so many community members and activists come out and voice their concern for our students with a very supportive board who always keeps the best interest of our students in mind,” said Trimonisha Singer. “I am positive that they will do what is best for our community.”

This was just the beginning of what’s more to come. The board members all appeared to agree with what was presented to them that evening but only time will tell. Superintendent Dale Marsden suggested a subcommittee be convened to research what others districts are doing. However, Tillman and Flores both pointed out that C.O.P.E. and ICUC have already done the work for them. The community will not let this issue fall by the waist side. It is too important. “C.O.P.E. and ICUC has brought this to our attention, that we have to do more,” said Flores. “I admit it, we’ve come a long way but we need to do more.”

By Dr. Mildred D. Henry

Pick up the newspaper and you will read that San Bernardino is one of the cities with the highest crime rate in the nation. I turn on the TV and Internet and see that San Bernardino is one of the 10 worst cities in which to raise a family. The city of San Bernardino continues to be portrayed as the worst this and the worst that. Unfortunately, the same so-called news will broadcast for three days straight as if there are no other events taking place in the world. Particularly in the sports world, negative behaviors make the headlines.

I want to share some good news about San Bernardino.  Good things are happening in our city. San Bernardino has an unbeaten Minor League football team that just defeated unbeaten Las Vegas to maintain San Bernardino’s undefeated record of 9-0.

The San Bernardino California Raiders, a group of young men from assorted backgrounds and temperaments, molded into a winning machine that brings positive notoriety to the city. They should be recognized and lauded for their efforts and achievements.  A minor league football team that is affiliated with the National Developmental Professional Football League (NDPFL), The Raiders play teams from all over Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

These young adults come from different gang related neighborhoods and nobody asks about gang membership or turf.  They come from law enforcement, from the corporate world, and on Saturday night the players all wear the California Raiders colors and share the one common thrill of winning a championship. This is reportedly the longest running, winnings, minor-league football team in the Inland Empire.

The Raiders have been located at San Bernardino High School, engaged in the same sport, for 10 years. On Saturday nights you will find them on the football field rather than on the street corners. How about a pat on the back and some kudos for these positive thinking football players. The detrimental elements of our society can so easily entice our young people to go astray. Consequently, when we have young people in school and organizations, that are engaged in positive endeavors, we should praise and support them as much as possible.  This is an excellent program for young men, 18 years of age and older, who aspire to play football.

Hats off to owner, Dwaine Radden, Sr., the coaches, the players, and supporters of the San Bernardino California Raiders.  Full speed ahead to another championship!

By Dwaine Radden Jr. University of New Mexico Sports Blog

The season finale for the Semi-pro California Raiders (9-0) ended with a close battle Saturday night. The Raiders came off a two week break which included a forfeit by the So Cal Gladiators and a much needed bye week following that. They wrapped their perfect season up with a 27-20 victory over the Las Vegas Trojans who were also undefeated coming into Saturday’s big game. The Raider defense had another stout performance, while being led by veteran player Donte “Pacman” Turner’s three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. One of Turner’s interceptions was returned to the 20 yard line, which set up a California Raider touchdown and helped change the momentum of the game which was hard fought by the Vegas Trojans. The Raider’s Head Coach Antonio Marshall said,  “We didn’t perform well offensively, but the defense play well tonight.”

Offensively the Raiders were sparked by veteran quarterback Robert Fuller, who tossed two touchdown passes to veteran receiver Mikael “Melo” Bowden. Fuller finished with 150 yards passing and ran for a 15 yard touchdown, but it wasn’t only the veterans who made an impact. Newcomer Eric Marshall also had a great night rushing behind veteran lineman Kirk Fields, DeBron Jordan, Andrew Repena, and James Sears, who continued to dominate throughout the game.

Marshall had a 45 yard run which set up the go ahead touchdown for the Raiders. Owner Dwaine Radden was impressed by their effort stating, “These guys are the biggest and best offensive line in the history of the Franchise.”

Although the offense put up some points they had some costly turnovers that kept the Trojans in the game until the very end. The defense stepped up to save the day by keeping the Trojans from scoring offensively. Lamar Jones had an interception in the first quarter along with hard hitting from the Raider defense that held the Vegas Trojans to a goal line stand twice.      Coach Marshall had high praise for the visiting team stating, “They’re a great organization who came to play and played a real good solid game.” The California Raiders will have time to rest before they prepare for the playoffs. The Raiders are no strangers to this type of success having won multiple championships with playoff appearances for the last seven years.

Roxanne Williams

By Roxanne Williams

There are many concerns from the residents in our city, but one issue that takes the forefront as I’ve talked to voters is safety, and this matter is urgent.

Emotions in neighbors have elevated from feelings of abandonment and exasperation to rage.  For example, one resident told me about an incident that happened on the border of San Bernardino and Rialto. A man was beating a woman on the street, so neighbors called 911. The dispatcher told the caller that the police were extremely busy and would arrive in 3 hours. Alarmed at this response, the neighbor saw a nearby Rialto police car, and asked the officer to intervene. The officer told the resident it was not Rialto’s jurisdiction, but that as a courtesy they would apprehend the male suspect and hold him until San Bernardino police arrived. Many residents are fed up and tired of the slow or no response times for calls.  Over and over, they are demanding more police patrols in the neighborhoods.  The perception is that law enforcement is rarely seen.  Some have just given up.

There are many consequences of not acting on this urgent matter, but most importantly, we are leaving our senior citizens at risk and failing to protect our families and children.

There is still hope and a solution. For that reason, I have made safety a number one priority of my campaign. If more police are urgently needed and the city is in bankruptcy, how can residents realistically expect better safety within the constraints of an overburdened budget? In my opinion, the city should hire CSO officers (non-uniformed staff at a fraction of the salary) for the part 2 (non-violent) crimes, thereby CSO can quickly respond to calls/reports for burglaries, car thefts, stolen bikes, etc. This would free up the patrol officers to respond to part 1 (violent) crimes.

Also, businesses should form Business Improvement Districts (BID) and pay into a pool for private security. Those businesses could then have a rapid response for panhandling, shoplifting and nighttime vandalisms. As the businesses patrol themselves, this would allow the police to concentrate on the part 1 crimes. Thus, when 911 is called, there would be a more rapid response for your safety.

To find out more, visit my website at www.RoxanneCanWin.com. I hope to have your support on November 3, 2015.

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen                                                                                                                       

When I first heard the news that processed foods, meats in particular, were potentially cancer causing, I focused on the concept of ‘potential’. I took that and other cancer warnings as information for ‘someone else’.  My ‘blessed’ life would surely not include cancer! However I learned that God’s love would include giving me a reason to demonstrate my faith and good sense.  Prostate Cancer corrected my attitude. It makes me realize how easy it is to resist good advice. Eating food for fuel and exercising regularly is good advice!

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported something that reinforces advice that many Black people ignored because of whom they heard first give the advice. The leader of the USA Based Nation Of Islam… The Honorable Elijah Muhammad in the early 1950’s, told Black People and anyone else that wanted to listen, that eating pork was not healthy….Many Blacks, to show their disregard for The Minister’s separatist philosophy, bragged about cooking and eating pork that they said “taste so good it would change the Minister’s mind”. The Minister’s message of “Eat To Live” was lost on many who did not want to do anything that would appear to be in harmony with that group of Blacks who’s leader kept saying things like “Do For Self”… another piece of good advice.

According to various internet sites, WHO’s research arm found that all processed meats, including sausages, ham, and hot dogs, are carcinogens. The report says that 50 grams a day—about two slices of bacon—raises the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%, per the BBC.

This news from WHO is the last reminder that I will need…  I have two grandsons that love loving bacon! Refusing them is not one of my natural talents. However, making adjustments is. For instance in the past when we would take them to breakfast, Mrs. Allen cooked turkey bacon at home and took it with us, so they could have the ‘healthy’ bacon. Well according to WHO, turkey bacon is processed and therefore as much a carcinogen as red meats.

You may be one of the many people to whom Mrs. Allen and I have preached the virtues of turkey bacon. Well, here is some new advice… Unless you are making your own bacon from turkey you cook, stop feeding it to the kids!

Since an adjustment is necessary…For their future, we will choose to take our grandchildren out for dinner, where bacon is not on the menu. We advise you to do the same!

LOS ANGELES, CA- On Monday, October 26, The Paley Center for Media hosted its Hollywood Tribute to African-American Achievements in Television, presented by JPMorgan Chase & Co., at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

With locations in LA and NY, The Paley Center for Media is the leading non-profit cultural institution that showcases the importance and impact of media’s role in our society. On this evening, the Paley Center highlighted the deserving accomplishments and illustrated the enormous impact of African-Americans across every genre of television, from news/talk and music to sports, drama, and comedy. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Paley Center’s programs and its ongoing efforts to expand and preserve the Paley Archive that includes an African-American collection chronicling seven decades of television content. Tonight’s event showcased critically acclaimed programs of historical importance, featured iconic Hollywood talent across generations, and paid homage to creative visionaries from the entertainment community.

The evening included a salute to Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) 35^th anniversary and also commemorates the 50^th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and television’s role as a pivotal platform for addressing important issues, breaking down barriers, and creating social change.

The Paley Center for Media’s President & CEO, Maureen J. Reidy, & Frank Bennack, Chairman of the Board of the Paley Center and CEO of the Hearst Corporation were on hand for the celebration. Presenters included: Anthony Anderson, Ava DuVernay, Brandy Norwood, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Debra Martin Chase, Diahann Carroll, Don Cheadle, Jerrod Carmichael, Keegan-Michael Key, Quincy Jones, ReginaKing, Rick Fox, S. Epatha Merkerson, Terrence Howard, Tyler Perry, and Tyra Banks.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves as the Tribute’s Presenting Sponsor and event co-chairs include: 21st Century Fox / Fox Audience Strategy, Hearst Corporation, The Loreen Arbus Foundation, Starz, and Viacom / BET Networks. Patron supporters of this program include: AT&T; Carl Beverly, Timberman / Beverly Productions;CBS Corporation; Comcast NBCUniversal; Creative Artists Agency; Disney | ABC Television Group; Facebook; FTI Consulting, Inc.; HBO; Hulu, LLC; Lionsgate; Sony Pictures Television; true[X] / Fox Advanced Ad Products; Turner Broadcasting; and Warner Bros. Television Group. The Paley Center’s Tribute Committee members include: Chris Albrecht, Kevin Beggs, Peter Benedek, Carl Beverly, Steve Burke, Philippe Dauman, Stephen J. Davis, Clifford W. Gilbert-Lurie, Robert Greenblatt, Doug Herzog, Mike Hopkins, Steve Lafferty, Debra L. Lee, Paul Lee, Dick Lippin, Michael Lombardo, Leslie Moonves, Steve Mosko, James Murdoch, David Nevins, Gary Newman, Rick Rosen, Peter Roth, Philip Schuman, Ben Sherwood, and Nina Tassler.

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Black Student Union of J.W. North High School under the direction of BSU Advisor, Tamara Frazier, and principal Dr. Sheffield, welcomed over 200 middle and high school student from all over the Inland Empire to its inaugural Youth Uplift Leadership Conference on Saturday, October 17.  The purpose of the event was to provide inspiration and empowerment to students.  The conference’s theme was “the eyes are useless if the mind is blind.”

Students were treated to several workshops geared towards building character and integrity, developing self worth and a purpose in life.  The conference was sponsored by members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Eta Nu Omega Chapter as a part of its ASCEND program and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  Parents were invited to attend as well.  Both students and parents were pleased with the content of the program and are looking forward to next year.  The event was attended by several community leaders and was a demonstration that the Inland Empire is invested in its young people.   For more information about the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ASCEND program, please contact Linda Gaines Brooks at (909) 874- 7206

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“You unbelieving generation, Jesus replies, “How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you…?” Mark 9:19. I have done everything for you!  I’ve healed, I’ve preached, I’ve saved, I’ve loved, and I’ve taught you, and you still refuse to believe much of anything I say.  After all I’ve done up to this point to display My power, there is still a question as to just how powerful I am… “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you?” “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword, Matthew 10.  You uncircumcised Philistines!  “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I wish thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16… Wow!

Is there any doubt as to why Jesus spoke in such a manner to His disciples and speaks to us in this manner today…? I think not! We’re just not accustomed to think of Jesus in this light: frustrated with us, irritated, disturbed, annoyed, dissatisfied. And please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying; I’m not suggesting in any shape or form that the Lord spoke these words unduly harshly, or in an extreme or unreasonable manner. But surely you’ll have to agree with me that we tend to think of the Lord’s winsome characteristics, His grace, His love, His gentleness – we’re not accustomed to thinking of Jesus as being frustrated with His people, and rebuking His people. This is what we have, I believe, before us in Luke chapter 9, specifically in verse 41 and the verses that follow. He is grieved at the failure of His followers, and He says: ‘How long do I have to put up with you?” Put up with your unbelief; your lack of faith; your failure; your lack of prayer; your spiritual blindness; your pride; your lack of love towards the brethren; your lack of dedication? How long? Tell me….

You know in Numbers 14:11, God complained to Moses about the stubbornness of the Israelites, “How long will these people despise me? And how long will they not believe in Me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?  I want you to know that throughout the Bible, God rebukes humanity for the problem of unbelief. For the greatest problem you and I struggle with, whether we detect it or not, is the problem of unbelief. We are like the Israelites who doubt, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?” Psalms 78:19. Hear me and hear me good…. Jesus was severe with the people of His day because of their unbelief. He even criticized His disciples when He frankly told them that they had littleness of faith Matthew 17:30, but He promised them that if they would have faith as a mustard seed they could move mountains, that is, they could do things which, with people, are impossible. As believers, we face threats to the life of the kingdom of God. Jesus and the disciples encountered these threats as well, but trusting in Jesus allows us to overcome. Do you hear what I’m saying to you? Jesus is grieved because of our lack faith.  He was grieved then and He is grieved today when we lack faith.  They had no faith and no spiritual perception and apparently neither do we. We should be running to the altar, I tell you…. Frustrating the grace of God is a great and horrible sin. God says, “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Y’all Going to Make Me Go Off, Up In Here, Up In Here!”

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

Plain clothes officers should be limited to making observations, and not be allowed to make arrest, unless accompanying a uniformed officer. Citizens should be able to know when a real police officer is ‘giving orders’.  A plain clothes officer should not expect carte blanch conduct rights against the general public. Plain clothes and or undercover police are performing surveillance and are in fact, disguised as ‘regular’ citizens.  Since it is legal for regular citizens to have guns and other self protection devices, police officers who are disguised as regular citizens should have a protocol that protects the officer and the general public from the ‘natural and legal’ response of a citizen who thinks he/she is being unjustly attacked, and thus justified in attempting to defend self. That citizen should not be charged with resisting an officer if he had no way of knowing that his attacker is a police officer.  The respect and deference owed to a police officer can only be provided to someone that is known to be such. Too many citizens have died as a result of encounters with police who though are off-duty and out of uniform, have exercised police actions with an attitude of authority despite being disguised as regular citizens.

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Alumni Chapter (RAC) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity launched its Kappa League youth mentoring program on Saturday, September 26.  The leadership development program, although new for the Riverside Chapter, was originally founded in 1969 at Locke High School by the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter.

“This program is an important part of our fraternity’s mission,” says Martez Nix, Director of the RAC Kappa League.  “Young men need guidance and direction as they face the challenges of adolescence.”

During the orientation, Polemarch Demarius Carmichael and retired Navy Admiral Ed Moore provided an overview of the program curriculum and upcoming events, while tying them to the five phases of educational, occupational and social development. These include Self Identity, training in the areas of academics and career preparation, competition in sports, career advancement and politics, social endeavors, which include religion, the arts, communication and etiquette, and health education.

The program is open to male students in grades 9 through 12, with a minimum grade point average of 2.5.  For more information contact Martez Nix at MartezNix@gmail.com.