Shellie Braggs and her children

By Shellie Braggs

I work hard helping at-risk young adults in Dallas get the job training and life skills they need to make better lives for themselves and their families. I know how important that is because I’m a single mom trying to do the best by my children.

My kids are great, and I want only the best for them, but one thing I wasn’t always able to do was provide health insurance for them. I don’t get insurance through my employer because I’m a contractor, and I couldn’t afford the $500 monthly premiums for my children and myself.

Not having health insurance for the past seven years, my children were uninsured for about a year, has weighed heavily on my mind. I’ve had to make tough decisions. I managed to cobble together free or inexpensive health services through local clinics and my church, but it was never easy.

I felt helpless being unable to provide something as basic as health care to my family.

That’s why I was thrilled to find out that I could find affordable, quality health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. It was cheaper and easier than I had thought.

All I had to do was log onto HealthCare.gov and explore my options. I selected a Silver plan, in no more than 15 minutes! I qualified for reduced costs, so my premium is only $131 a month. And my children are covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Having insurance that covers preventive services is going to help me stay healthy and catch potential problems early, a great peace of mind I’m grateful to have. I’ve had two repeat mammograms that I had to pay for out of pocket, and I need to monitor myself for possible growths. My new insurance covers mammograms at no additional cost.

It’s a great relief. If you’re sick, you can’t take care of your kids.

So I’m very excited to finally be covered. As a single mom, I have an obligation to take care of myself and my kids and now I can focus on that.

My coverage went into effect on March 1. I urge all moms and dads to get the security that comes with a Health Insurance Marketplace plan. Get covered through the Marketplace at HealthCare.gov by March 31, the end of open enrollment for the current year. Don’t delay.

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was presented with an award of participation and contribution at the 17^th Annual Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Youth Symposium. The theme was “Partners in Progress: Working Together to Build Bridges for Youth”. The award recognized the Chapter’s help in putting on the symposium this year. The recognition was made by Dana Young, Basileus of the Inland Empire Sigma Gamma Rho Alumnae Chapter and Joann Loveless, Immediate Past Grand Basileus. Polemarch Dr. Samuel Gibbs accepted the certificate for the Riverside Alumni Chapter members in attendance. The Chapter, through its Guide Right Program, awarded a ThinkPad laptop computer to 13 year old Long Beach student Samaiya Richardson. Other organizations who participated included the March of Dimes, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, The Girl Scouts, USA Swimming/Swim 1922, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Kappa’s NEA Priority Schools Coordinator Edward Moore, Jr. VADM USN (ret) stated the purpose of the symposium. “The youth symposium is a signature event for Sigma Gamma Rho…it is their major community engagement and social service project, and is primarily targeted toward middle school/junior high school youth. It was run as a series of youth oriented and age appropriate workshops that included presentations on self esteem, health issues, a ‘step show’, music, available community services, and interpretive dance performances. The symposium started at 10 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. this past Saturday (same day as the Kappa Black and White Ball, which made it a very busy day for the Chapter).” He went on to state that the “local Inland Empire Sigma Gamma Rho Alumnae Chapter (Theta Pi Sigma) has as one of their members, the Immediate Past Grand Basileus, so the focus is even sharper for the local membership to put on a successful event.” This year the Sigma symposium was conducted at Amos Temple CME Church of Riverside where Pastor Marrix Seymour, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, ministers.

In 2011 Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., celebrated its 100^th year. Through its Guide Right Program the fraternity continues to partner with other fraternities and sororities, schools, and community based organizations in mentoring youth.

Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr

SAN BERNARDINO, CA  – The Consumer Protection Unit of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed 12 counts of grand theft and 9 counts of the unauthorized practice of law against 76-year-old Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr., of Walnut Park.

The charges are pending in the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. Lopez was arrested on February 27, 2014, and is currently in custody with bail set at $360,000.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by district attorney investigators showing that Lopez presented himself as an attorney who could help individuals with bankruptcies, family law matters, immigration matters and civil and criminal representation.

According to investigators, Lopez took money for these services which he could not deliver. Lopez is not, and never has been a licensed attorney.

Further investigation revealed that Lopez specifically targeted Spanish-speaking individuals as his victims. Investigators believe that his fraudulent activities have occurred in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties.

A bail hearing is scheduled for March 24, 2014 in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

Individuals who believe they have been victimized by Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr. should contact the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection unit at (909) 891-3330 or via the District Attorney website at http://www.sbcountyda.org

The cast of The Wizard of Oz took some photos with some of the audience. Left to right children at the bottom, Ahmyiah, Wallace & Naimah were some of the happy crowd.

Last weekend, La Sierra HS performed the Royal Shakespeare Company version of  ‘The Wizard of Oz.” There is still time to see it if you missed it. March 19 -21 at 7pm and March 22 at 1pm. Proceeds benefit LSHS Drama Boosters. If you would like to get involved in theatre, the drama club is holding workshop training sessions for their lighting and costume crews. Bother of these exciting opportunities will be Thursday March 27th from 12:30 to 3:30pm. Stop by the drama room 801 to sign up.

Hardy Brown Sr.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the Inland Empire as a publisher and philanthropist, Hardy Brown will be recognized by the California State University and California State University, San Bernardino with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

The ceremony will take place during the CSUSB College of Arts & Letters commencement on Saturday, June 14 at 11:45 a.m. in Coussoulis Arena.

“It is truly an honor to recognize Hardy Brown. He and his wife Cheryl are iconic members of our community, celebrating the contributions of our African American community through the Black Voice newspaper and their many community partnerships,” said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales.

A true patriarch in the Inland Empire’s African American community, Hardy Brown Sr. co-founded Brown Publishing Company to produce a weekly community newspaper, Black Voice News, which focuses on local news in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The Browns, married for 50 years, have been recognized as the only living publishers to be included in the 175th anniversary of the Black Press of America. Their names were added to such historic publishers as Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Carlotta Bass – all of whom overcame great obstacles to publish the truth and to give a voice to the disenfranchised. Black Voice News now reaches over 10,000 readers per edition.

In 2001, Mr. Brown co-founded California Black Media (CBM), a network of African American media owners across the state of California. CBM has served as a statewide initiative to better inform and educate the African American community about key issues that affect their lives. California Black Media consists of 22 African American newspapers across the state. Hardy Brown Sr. was awarded the Alice F. Page Award for nonviolence in 2009.

Passionate about community service and education, the Browns founded the Black Voice Foundation in 1988, with a mission to train and educate individuals in print media. Due to the digital revolution, the rapid growth of technology in the world of communications and media, and the need to impact lives through a diverse set of media platforms, the foundation has expanded its mission to include digital and electronic media and professional development.

The Black Voice Foundation now runs programs in order to fulfill their commitment to educate and preserve the African American legacy in the community. They include the Black Voice Internship Program and the Califest Studio Workshop. The latter combines education with the arts. Its first project, Buck World One, fuses spoken word, interactive video projections and dance in telling the story of urban youth living in some of the Inland Empire’s most depressed communities.

For 15 years, the Black Voice Foundation Footsteps to Freedom Study Tour has partnered with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Riverside County Office of Education, and National Park Service to lead a unique study tour experience for Inland Empire educators and college students. For eight days each summer, tour participants learn first-hand about the incredible courage of the people who sought freedom or who helped others achieve it along the central and lesser-known route of the Underground Railroad from Kentucky to Canada. Some 500 area teachers and administrators have taken this summer course and helped excavate this unique African American tapestry.

In addition, the Black Voice News also initiated the “Building Better Communities” program, which works with local companies, organizations and agencies to improve neighborhoods.

Through its efforts with California Black Media, the Foundation is able to promote the merits of the Black Press across the state of California. The California Black Media project hosts annual issue forums that address concerns in African-American communities throughout the state.

Loretta Ross

Miss Loretta Ross began her reproductive rights and anti-violence activism after being sterilized by the use of the Dalkon Shield at the age of 23. Miss Ross has appeared on The Charlie Rose Show, Good Morning America and CNN. In addition, Loretta has been a consistent participant in International women and Health Meetings. Miss Ross helped organize the delegation of 1100 African American women to the International conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1984, and attended United Nations women’s Conferences in Copenhagen, Nairobi, and Beijing.

After meeting with U. S. Congressional Candidate Danny Tillman, Miss Ross gave her whole hearted endorsement, and adding “I look forward to the positive work Danny will do in Congress.”

“This endorsement really hits close to home. I am a father of three daughters and I am well aware of the fight that women have in every aspect of their lives. I am a lifelong advocate for women’s rights across the board. That is why this is such and honor for me to have the endorsement of Miss Loretta Ross. I am truly touched by her endorsement and support.”

Danny Tillman is a Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress running in California’s 31st District Open-Seat. San Bernardino Board of Education Member Danny Tillman is known for getting people involved to fight injustices. Danny Tillman will be a progressive voice and a Congressman who will work hard to create family wage paying jobs and educational opportunities for the people of the Inland Empire.

Danny Tillman is running for U. S. Congress in California’s 31st Congressional District in 2014. The District includes the cities of San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Upland, Fontana Rialto, Colton, Loma Linda and Grand Terrace. For more information visit Danny Tillman for Congress at: www.dannytillmanforcongress.com

Christelyn-Karazin-and-Co-Host-Jordan-Harbinger

Interview and Write Up by Naomi K. Bonman

TEMECULA, CA- Being in California, interracial dating is a norm; however, it still isn’t portrayed in the media on mainstream shows, such as dating shows. There have been plenty of dating shows in the past that might have matched an interracial pair, but there has not been one that specifically catered to interracial dating—until now. Producers Shawn Miles (Ice Loves Coco, Americas Top Dog) and Rick Rock decided to come together to produce an online web series entitled, ‘Swirlr’ which is dedicated to helping interracial couples find love. The web series is hosted by Christelyn Karazin and Jordan Harbinger, who are both in interracial relationships themselves.
“The overall goal of the show is for viewers to see that people are people, attraction is attraction, and that when it comes to mental, emotional and physical chemistry, skin tone doesn’t matter,” Karazin said.
This is the first reality, unscripted dating show of its kind with plenty of twists and turns that will not only keep the viewers wondering what is going to happen next, but the producers and hosts wondering as well. New episodes premiere every Wednesday on www.swirlr.com and www.youtube.com/user/swirlr.
For those that are interested in being on the show to find interracial love, please send a submission for consideration to info@swirlr.com. Please not that this is just a submission, and the producers have final say on who is chosen for the show. Good luck and happy dating! (Interview and write up Naomi K. Bonman)

Cash El Principe

What It Do IE, stand up! This week I have to feature one of the most talented artists I know, “Cash El Principe”. There is so much I can say about Cash. I’ll start by saying that he’s a lyrical stylist with a style of his own. Cash El Principe was born ready to take the throne. No stranger to the industry, with music on TV shows from “Sons of Anarchy”, “Burn Notice”, and “Terriers”, to “CSI Miami”, “Bones”, “Dexter”, “90210” and “Bad Girls Club”, featuring songs such as ‘En El Club’, found on iTunes to Amazon.com, Cash El Principe brings the heat with Latin rhythms, Hip-Hop melodies, and phenomenal hooks that leave listeners dancing up on their feet.
He is also internationally known with daily downloads from countries that include France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Spain, and the U.S. This bilingual seasoned artist once consisted of Hustle N’ Cash and La Verdad, ventured with Terror Squad (Fat Joe), Black Street, Amy Bell, and was also featured with numerous Latino and other various R&B and Hip Hop artists.
Cash El Principe emerged from behind the scenes to meet the demand and raise the bar established in today’s vast music industry. So now that you know a little about this multi-talented artist, please check out his music and follow him on all the social networks. Until next time, STAND UP IE!

DuBoise Courthouse Visit with Commissioner Eric Isaac 3-6-14

RIVERSIDE, CA- Chapter member and Commissioner of the Superior Court Eric Isaac, as part of the Chapter’s Guide Right program, partnered with Dr. Abdulmumin, CEO of the DuBois Institute, to extend mentoring to young males enrolled at the Institute. Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. members participating in the Law Day mentoring program include A. C.  Jones, Esquire, Darryl Exum, Esquire, and Victor Marshall, Esquire. Under its Law Day, Guide Right Program, the Riverside Alumni Chapter seeks to provide mentoring on law careers, as well as have community legal education days where members meet with the public to educate youth and their parents on what to expect from law enforcement.
Having Judge Isaac in the position that he is, Anthony Thomas, M.H.A. said, “The input that Judge Isaac has is that he grew up in the Crenshaw area of Los Angeles. His experiences there showed him that young men of color are in need of positive male role models in their lives. Our membership is about achievement in all fields of human endeavor. Having attorneys in our membership allows us this focus on the legal system. We know that many of the young men we work with are being raised by a single mother, grandparents, and others. During these formative years, association with positive male figures helps them on their path to achievement in life, school, employment, and all else.”
Judge Isaac noted that other courtroom duties were addressed with the young men and that he was joined in the Riverside Hall of Justice by Monte Stone, Courtroom Assistant and Deputy Holt from the Riverside Sheriff’s department who addressed the scholars about jobs.

Homeless youth

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Did you know that on any given night in San Bernardino County over 500 children go without food, shelter and basic security? It is because they are homeless and have nowhere to turn. These are children under the age of 18 years old that have slipped through the cracks of our systems. Young Visionaries Academy has been addressing this issue for a number of years where they have provided 24-hour, 7 days a week, housing for youth. On Tuesday, March 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Young Visionaries will be hosting the celebration of its new shelter location with a Re-Grand Opening. The celebration will take place at 3632 North Sepulveda, San Bernardino, CA 92405. The organization needs the assistance of the community to provide a few necessities, which include: Sheets, bottom and top; towels, face and body; pillow cases; non-perishable food items; hygiene items (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes, shampoo, conditioner, body soap); cleaning products; trash bags; a vacuum, broom and dust pan; mop and bucket; living room furniture; sofa; and games, books and sports equipment.