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San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Efforts Against Altadena Fire

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Our hearts go out to our neighbors as they face the overwhelming challenges of the devastating SoCal wildfires in Los Angeles County.  In response to mutual aid requests, our dedicated San Manuel Fire Department is on the ground at the Eaton fire in Altadena, supporting those bravely battling the flames. In this difficult time, we stand united with the courageous first responders, fully committed to help safeguard homes, loved ones, and the spirit of community.

San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee Announces 5th Annual Gala Service Awards Celebration Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, in partnership with the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and YouthBuild Charter School – Inland Empire, proudly announces the 5th Annual Gala Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This milestone event, themed “Echoes of Freedom as We Continue Marching Forward,” will shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of community leaders, businesses, and organizations throughout San Bernardino County and beyond.

Set to take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at The Enterprise Building in San Bernardino, the gala promises an unforgettable experience. Guests will enjoy a formal dinner, live entertainment, and an inspiring award ceremony recognizing those who have made significant impacts within the community.

Among this year’s honorees are individuals and organizations whose efforts embody the spirit of service and leadership. Bryan Wing, a dedicated advocate for the performing arts in the San Bernardino City Unified School District, will be celebrated, along with Dee Goins for her invaluable role as a liaison for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce. The Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will receive the Community Service Award, while Dr. Kim Carter-Tillman of the Time for Change Foundation will be honored for her commitment to family engagement. Felicia Alexander, a devoted board member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, will be recognized as an ambassador for the chamber, and Patricia Nickols-Butler of Community Action Partnership San Bernardino will receive the Non-Profit Service Award.

Robert Porter, host of I Love San Bernardino Radio, will be acknowledged for his contributions to communications, while the San Bernardino City Unified School District will be honored as a community partner. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will be recognized for their civic engagement, and Shiekh Shoes Impact Center for their commitment to community engagement. Additionally, Terrance Stone, founder of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy, will be celebrated as a community leader, and The Enterprise Building will receive the Business Service Award for its role in supporting local growth.

The evening is not only a celebration of achievements but also a call to action. Proceeds from the gala will benefit YouthBuild Inland Empire, an innovative program under the YouthBuild Charter School of California that empowers students aged 16-24 to earn their high school diplomas. Through a project-based curriculum, YouthBuild prepares young people for future careers while instilling the values of education and community service.

Tickets for the gala are now available on the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce website. The San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee invites everyone to join this celebration, honoring the legacy of Dr. King while supporting the next generation of leaders poised to make a difference.

For more information, visit blackchamberofcommerce.org/mlk-parade-copy. Together, let us continue marching forward, echoing the dreams of Dr. King for generations to come

14 New California Laws You Should Know About

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Several new laws took effect on Jan. 1 in California that may impact your job, business, finances, privacy, family, and day-to-day life.

During the last legislative session, lawmakers introduced 4,821 bills (1,530 in the State Senate and 3,291 in the Assembly).

Of those bills, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 1,017 of them into law and vetoed 189 of them.

Along with the bills the Governor signed into law, other new laws signed in previous years also took effect on Jan. 1.

California Black Media combed through our new state laws and highlighted 14 new laws you should definitely be aware of:

  1. AB 2622 – Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale). Raises dollar limit from $500 to $1000 for home projects that require licensed contractors.
  2. AB 413  – Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Milpitas). Makes it illegal to park a vehicle within 20 feet of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.
  3. AB 2017Sen. Timothy Grayson (D-Concord). Eliminates extra fees for declined transactions. State-chartered banks and credit unions can no longer charge you a fee for declined transactions because your balance is too low.
  4. SB 1061 – Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara). Protects credit scores from medical debt. This law stops credit agencies from including medical debt on an individual’s credit report and prevents lenders from considering it in credit decisions.
  5. AB 2863 – Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth). Eliminates subscription traps. Starting July 1, 2025, companies must get clear consent before charging customers after a free trial ends, send annual reminders about recurring charges, and make cancellation as simple as signing up. Customers will receive advance notice of any price changes, allowing time to decide whether to continue the subscription.
  6. AB 3209 – Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). Allows retail stores to obtain restraining orders against people sentenced for stealing, vandalizing or assaulting their employees.
  7. AB 3209 – Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). Allows retail stores to obtain restraining orders against people sentenced for stealing, vandalizing or assaulting their employees.
  8. AB 1779 – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks). Allows California district attorneys to coordinate with other DAs to consolidate charges for suspects in retail theft crimes that occur across multiple counties.
  9. AB 1955  – Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego). Prohibits school districts in the state from enacting policies that could force educators to notify parents if students identify astransgender or request to use a different name.
  10. SB 988  – Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). Increases protections for independent contractors by requiring workers be paid on or before the date specified in their contract, or no later than 30 days after completion of services if no date is specified.
  11. Beginning in 2025, the new state minimum wage has increased to $16.50 an hour. This statewide pay minimum is based on a 2016 law by SB 3 by former Sen Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.
  12. AB 2347  – Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose). Allows tenants 10 business days to respond to eviction notices instead of the previously mandated 5 business days.
  13. AB 1825 – Assemblymember Al Muratshchi (D- Torrance). The Freedom to Read Act prohibits public libraries from banning books due to race, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation of a book’s subject, author, or intended audience.
  14. SB 1137– Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles). Clarifies that California laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability and sexual orientation, also apply to intersectional identities, where two or more of the characteristics result in a unique form of discrimination.
  15. AB 1815 – Sen. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego). Expands civil rights by recognizing multiple forms of discrimination and protecting traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. Weber introduced this bill last year while she was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in the greater San Diego area.

 

 

Equity Element Group: Driving Change and Empowering Communities

The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and driving systemic change, the group is shaping a brighter future for all,” said the Rev. George Lamb, chair of the Equity Element Group.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group (SBC Equity Element Group) is a dynamic force for positive change in San Bernardino County. It is dedicated to addressing systemic inequities and creating a more just and equitable society for all residents, particularly people of color.

The SBC Equity Element Group was created shortly after the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution declaring Racism A Public Health Crisis on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The resolution tasked the County Administrative Office with forming an equity group to represent the 11th element of the Countywide Vision.

“The SBC Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and driving systemic change, the group is shaping a brighter future for all,” said SBC Equity Element Group chair Rev. George Lamb.

“The SBC Equity Element Group is charged with determining where there may be racial disparities among our residents in the county, recommend campaigns and programs to address those issues, and identify initiatives that are already underway within County government or in the community that can be highlighted and supported,” explained San Bernardino County Administrative Assistant Executive Officer Diana Alexander.

In 2020, the inaugural SBC Equity Element Group was comprised of Black community leaders.

A Collaborative Approach to Equity

The Equity Element Group’s founding members were inspiring leaders from various community organizations handpicked by the County Board of Supervisors. This group was dedicated to breaking down barriers and championing inclusivity. Among its members were:

  • Jordan Brown – Black Voice News
  • Keynasia Buffong – National Black Grads
  • Pastor Samuel Casey – Churches Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE)
  • Willie Ellison – Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce
  • George Lamb – Faith Advisory Council for Community Transformation (F.A.C.C.T.)
  • Tammy Martin-Ryles – Black Chamber of Commerce
  • Tremaine Mitchell – Youth Action Project
  • Phyllis K. Morris-Green – Reimagining Our Communities (ROC)
  • Bishop Kelvin Simmons – Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC)
  • The late Deborah Smith-Gilbert was a highly esteemed member of the IE National Council of Negro Women. (IENCNW). Her contributions to the Equity Element Group and the community will forever resonate in our memories and be treasured deeply.
  • Terrance Stone – Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy
  • Bill Thomas – NAACP, High Desert Branch
  • Dina Walker – BLU Educational Foundation
  • Our departed colleague Reggie Webb was a valued member of the Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM) and the Westside Action Group (WAG). His contributions to Equity Element Group and the community will always be remembered and cherished.
  • Keith Willis – 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire
  • Chache Wright – NAACP

“In 2024, the SBC Equity Element Group transformed due to changes in its membership. We are proud to introduce the steering committee,” said Rev. Lamb.  “Additional members are being added and will be announced at the end of February.”

Steering Committee Members Are:

Representing San Bernardino County as Collaborative Partners Are

  • Assistant Executive Officer Diana Alexander
  • Deputy Executive Officer Gilbert Ramos
  • Executive Administrative Assistant, Sandra Abarca
  • Executive Administrative Analyst, Erica Banks

Consultants

  • Theodore B. Miller, Esq., a co-principal and co-founder, leads the engagement.

Communications and Public Information

  • Carl M. Dameron, Creative Director Dameron Communications. An Inland Empire-based full-service advertising and public relations firm.

Key Accomplishments

The SBC Equity Element Group, in collaboration with the San Bernadino County Administrative office, has made significant strides in its mission to create a more equitable future for San Bernardino County:

Partnering with Equity and Results: retained the firm of Equity and Results, a multiracial, collectively led learning organization rooted in advancing racial equity and liberation through institutional change. The engagement is led by Theodore B. Miller, Esq., Co-Principal.

  • Collaborating with the County Purchasing Department: working to increase contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses in the county’s procurement process.
  • Advancing Equity and Inclusivity within County Departments: Collaborated with county departments to identify and correct any policies or practices that have created or could create barriers to achieving equity.
  • Contributing to the Countywide Vision: Representatives from the SBC Equity Element Group joined the Countywide Vision leadership team to assist with developing initiatives that promote and help fulfill the countywide vision.
  • Launching a New Interactive Website: The group is excited to announce the launch of its new website in the first quarter of 2025. The website will provide a platform for community engagement, job opportunities, and business development.

A Brighter Future

“The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and driving systemic change, the group is shaping a brighter future for all,” said Rev. Lamb.

He continued, “The SBC Equity Element Group has developed a logo and slogan to emphasize that “Equity Elevates Everyone.” The Group’s initial efforts focused on enhancing equity for the Black community, and as we move forward, our work will encompass all people of color; the results will benefit everyone.”

For example, although initially perceived as a remedy for racial discrimination against Blacks, the provisions of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination based on sex and race in employment practices, public accommodations, and federally funded programs. Furthermore, it bolstered voting rights enforcement and facilitated the desegregation of educational institutions. These hard-won rights not only helped Blacks be more successful, but they significantly advanced all women, Latinos, Asians, and individuals of color.


About The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group

The SBC Equity Element Group’s mission is to identify and address systemic inequities within San Bernardino County. It focuses on creating a more just and equitable society for all residents, particularly Black residents and people of color. The Group strives to dismantle barriers, promote inclusivity, and empower marginalized communities through data-driven strategies and community-centered solutions.

The County of San Bernardino Congratulates Elected Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino County is pleased to announce the election of Josie Gonzales as the new Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, effective January 6th, 2025. With her extensive background in public service and community leadership, Gonzales is poised to bring innovation, integrity, and dedication to her new role.

Gonzales brings a wealth of experience in local government, having worked in various capacities to support San Bernardino County residents. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring transparency, improving access to services, and supporting the needs of residents. Her leadership will be pivotal as the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office continues its important work in maintaining accurate property records and ensuring fair and equitable assessments for all residents.

“I am truly honored to serve as Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk for our community,” said Josie Gonzales. “I look forward to working with my dedicated team to continue enhancing the services we provide, improving transparency, and ensuring that all residents are treated with fairness and respect.”

As Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, Gonzales will oversee the valuation of property, the maintenance of property records, and the facilitation of vital services such as document recording, birth, death, and marriage certificates, and more. Her vision for the office is focused on modernizing processes, making services more accessible to the public, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

Josie Gonzales takes office following a successful election in November 2024. She is committed to building on the office’s legacy of excellence and ensuring that all residents benefit from fair and equitable services.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Chris Wilhite for his professional leadership and service as Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk,” said incoming Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales. “His dedication to the office and the community during this time of transition has been invaluable.”

Chris Wilhite was appointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on December 6, 2022, to a special two-year term following the unexpected passing of Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Bob Dutton.

For more information about the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office, please visit arc.sbcounty.gov.

7 Questions for Equality California Political Director Shay Franco-Clausen

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Shay Franco-Clausen is Political Director for Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.

A resident of the Bay Area, Franco-Clausen is an award-winning public advocate, speaker, political strategist and former elected official. She has contributed her thought leadership to drafting seventeen pieces of legislation in California. Notable among these accomplishments is her role in extending the statute of limitations for felony domestic violence survivors, advocating for the rights of foster youth, preserving endangered open spaces, and championing the restoration of voting rights for individuals on parole.

Shay has spent the last 14 years serving on many local, county and state boards, political action committees and commissions, centered on criminal justice, LGBTQ and reproductive rights, gender-based violence and environmental protections.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Franco-Clausen about her successes, frustrations and future plans heading into 2025.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

In the role that I sit in as the political director for Equality California, we endorsed 216 candidates. I think the one achievement after this election that I’m proud of is that we overturned Prop 8 to protect same-sex marriages here because they’re about to attack our rights on the federal level, come 2025.

I’m glad at least we changed our California constitution to reflect and protect my marriage.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

I contribute through my lived experience. I may have achieved a lot, but I come from those same communities that are marginalized, East Oakland, East San Jose, Watts. It gives me a different perspective. I am a formerly incarcerated youth who was in foster care. I think I contribute that bit of understanding, and I operate from an equity lens. I’m willing to push people to make them recognize that hey, you cannot forget about Black people. We are the most marginalized.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

What frustrates me is our inability to recognize that we forget people. I was tapped to work on the Harris campaign from Equality California. And through that, being at that table, I was frustrated that they weren’t listening to Americans and not looking at the data.

The reason Trump won is because he had consistent messaging, and we didn’t debunk it. I think I’m more frustrated that we don’t fully listen to people all the time when they’re critiquing us.

So, I’m frustrated that people at the top don’t always know what’s happening to people at the bottom and their messaging doesn’t reflect our issues.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

All those people that came out to support Kamala Harris. I was really proud that people came out. I was pretty proud that my son voted for the first time for a Black woman for President.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Be fearless. Sometimes I second-guess myself. I push back, but I could push more because I’m qualified. I have the education, I have the experience, and I know what I’m talking about in all the rooms that I go in. And I must be confident in that.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Prioritization.

We’re still not seen as a priority, but everyone likes to add us to their talking points. Even though we have Black people in office, it doesn’t matter if we are not part of the budget. A budget is a statement of our values. If we’re not a part of the budget, but we’re a part of the talking points, there’s something missing.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

Writing a book. I think it’s important for us to tell our stories, not let other people tell them. And as I look forward to all the things that I’ve achieved, knowing where I came from, I think it’s important and powerful to tell those stories so other people can see themselves in not only the pain, but the power.

I am also kicking off my campaign for Hayward City Council.

Richard Parsons, First Black CEO of Time Warner, Has Sadly Passed Away at Age 76

NATIONWIDE — Richard Parsons, the former CEO of Time Warner and Chairman of Citigroup, has died at the age of 76 at his Manhattan home, following a long battle with multiple myeloma. Parsons was a highly respected African American business leader known for guiding major companies through turbulent times.

“Dick was the leader to whom other leaders turned for advice and a steady, sure set of hands during their most consequential moments,” Lazard said in a statement, according to CBS News.

Throughout his career, Parsons held significant roles. At Time Warner, he stabilized the company and restored its reputation after its troubled merger with AOL. As Citigroup’s chairman in 2009, he helped the bank recover from the subprime mortgage crisis, steering it back to profitability.

Parsons, a Brooklyn native, began college at 16 and later earned a law degree. He played basketball at the University of Hawaii and worked for political leaders like Nelson Rockefeller and Gerald Ford.

In 2014, Parsons briefly served as interim CEO of the Los Angeles Clippers. He also held board positions at Estée Lauder, the Smithsonian, and the Apollo Theater. Beyond his corporate achievements, Parsons, who is a passionate jazz enthusiast, co-owned a Harlem jazz club and supported cultural institutions throughout his life.

“Dick Parsons was a brilliant and transformational leader and a giant of the media industry who led with integrity and never shied away from a challenge,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.

Parsons was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and had to reduce his work commitments in recent years due to health complications. Parsons retired from several high-profile roles, including his positions at Lazard and Estée Lauder, in December 2023.

Parsons is survived by his wife, Laura, and their family.

Celebrating Creativity: High Desert Youth Shine at the 2025 “The Creative Block” Art Showcase

Ubuntu Project Spotlights Artistic Expression as a Pathway to Community Healing

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

VICTORVILLE, CA – On Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 1 PM to 4 PM, the Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert will come alive with the creativity and talent of High Desert youth at the 2025 Youth Art Collective Showcase. This free event, organized by the Ubuntu Project, aims to celebrate the power of artistic expression in fostering community healing, resilience, and unity.

The showcase will feature a diverse array of artistic mediums, including music, painting, drawing, fashion, and more. By centering the voices and talents of youth, the event seeks to inspire meaningful dialogue and promote healing through shared cultural experiences.

“We are excited to provide a platform for our youth to express themselves and connect with their community,” says Nichole Williams-Artry, Program Coordinator for the Ubuntu Project. “This showcase is about celebrating the spirit of ‘I Am Because We Are,’ where we recognize our shared humanity and collective strength.”

The Ubuntu Project, funded by the California Department of Social Services, is a Stop the Hate grantee program committed to aiding victims and families affected by hate crimes. Through healing circles, art initiatives, and leadership development, the project works to promote resilience and social-emotional wellness in the High Desert’s African American community.

This historic initiative, named after the African proverb “I am because we are,” represents the first state allocation of funding dedicated to addressing hate and its consequences.

The event is free to attend with RSVP and welcomes families, community members, and art enthusiasts. Youth artists under 18 who attend school in the High Desert are encouraged to submit their art for consideration, provided it aligns with content guidelines.

How to Participate:

  • As a Service Recipient: Youth can submit their art or participate in workshops leading up to the event.
  • As a Volunteer: Community members can support the event by assisting with logistics, mentoring youth, or helping with outreach efforts.

For more information, submissions, or to RSVP, contact Nichole Williams-Artry at 760-229-6175 or email NWilliams-Artry@healthcollaborative.org. Follow the Ubuntu Project on Instagram and Facebook @Ubuntuprojectchc for updates and details.

7 Questions for California Black Chamber of Commerce CEO Jay King

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Grammy Award winning singer and record label executive, Jay King, was elected CEO/President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) in June of 2019.

The CBCC is the largest African American non-profit business organization, representing thousands of small and emerging businesses, affiliates and chambers of commerce throughout California.

King is also a member of the popular 1980s R&B group Club Nouveau. In his role as an artist and activist, he has stood up for issues affecting underrepresented Californians for over three decades.

As the President of the CBCC, King says he is determined to put his mark on developing and expanding the capacity of African American businessmen and women.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with King recently. He reflected on the Chamber’s accomplishments, disappointments, lessons learned this year and goals moving forward.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

Making the voice of micro and mini-micro businesses loud, forcing policymakers and other decision makers across the state to start paying attention to them. With legislation in place now — AB 1574 and AB 2019 – that mandates that the state and agencies affiliated with the state extend opportunities to micro and mini business owners and give them a chance to participate in government contracting in a real way.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

I really want to contribute to the world and the state of Black businesses because of the systemic inequities in the past.

Small business, micro businesses and mini businesses are too often overlooked.

I think it would be egotistical to believe that I make any significant impact on my own. Whether it’ s the Asian Chamber, Hispanic Chamber and other organizations that are fighting the same fight. I think it’ s a collective, so I’ m proud to be part of the collective.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

We say we want to give access to capital to small businesses, and yet we continue to create barriers that deny them access to capital.

And even if we get them access to capital, we don’ t create pathways for that success — whether it’ s through education or resources, or through language – providing support in a language that they understand because, maybe, they’ re from another country Or, we don’t even provide cultural-specific resources for people who are from this country.

We ignore and negate the systemic racism, bigotry, prejudice, and bias that African American and other ethnic businesspeople and communities have experienced.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

Watching some of the small business owners that we worked with — these micro businesses — and seeing the potential and the power that is in front of us. If we equip them the right way, if we train them the right way, if we develop them the right way, they can not only flourish, but they can scale and start hiring people in their communities.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

We have to fight for Black businessowners, but they also have to be prepared. Just because we want to push them through, because we want them to have a contract, we have to be very careful about who we get in the game, and make sure that they’ re ready. Because if they’ re not, it affects us all down the line.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Self-belief. I think we have been conditioned on victimization and victimhood. We think that if we don’ t get the help we need that we will falter.

We must have real belief that we have made it this far despite every barrier, every obstacle, every disillusionment that has ever come our way. And we are still standing.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I want to change the trajectory of micro and mini business owners.