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Ballerina Misty Copeland to Speak at UC Riverside

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland

The first African American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Misty Copeland, will visit UC Riverside to present a free public lecture on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the University Theatre. Admission will be based on a first come, first served basis. Line-up begins at 5 p.m., doors will open at 6 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7 p.m. Free parking will be available in Lot 6.

Copeland’s appearance has been more than a year in the making, said Ken Simons, the director of African Student Programs, who reached out to the dancer’s agent in September 2014.

“I have been looking forward to bringing Misty to UCR for quite some time. It’s great to have our co-sponsors share this epic moment in timewith our campus and community,” said Simons. “Not often do we witness something that is a global first, and the UCR community will have that rare opportunity to see an international icon at the top of her profession. Misty drew a line in her own sand, leaped over insurmountable adversity and landed on greatness!”

A rising star in the ballet world, Copeland gained notice in 2007 when she became ABT’s first African American female soloist (a rank below principal dancer) in 20 years. In 2014, she was featured in an Under Armour ad that went viral, gaining over 9 million views to date, and in April 2015 Time Magazine named her one of the “100 most influential people.” But perhaps she is best known for being the first African American female promoted to principal dancer at ABT this past June. Even as her promotion was celebrated, it raised all-too-familiar questions about why African American dancers, particularly women, remain so underrepresented at top ballet companies in the 21st century, despite the work of pioneering black dancers who broke racial barriers in the past, said Anthea Kraut, chair of the dance department at UCR.

“Misty Copeland is a role model to many, not only because of her phenomenal dancing but also for overcoming so many obstacles and for challenging ideas about what a ballerina should look like,” said Kraut. “Her presence at UCR will energize all dancers to pursue their dreams and to speak out against racial stereotypes.”

Xiomora Forbes, a Ph.D. student in critical dance studies, agreed.

“I’m excited to have Misty Copeland come to UCR and share her experiences with navigating the ballet world. I’ve always looked up to her because she started ballet late and because she never let anyone stop her from reaching her goals. It is an honor to have her on campus with us,” Forbes explained.

The visit is being coordinated by UCR’s African Student Programs and supported by the Highlander Empowerment Referendum. Co-sponsors of the event include the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Dance, Department of Athletics, Department of Theatre, Film and Digital Production, and the Voice News.

The trailer of “A Ballerina’s Tale,” a documentary about Copeland, will be played prior to the talk, and there will be a performance by Bre Dance Studio in Riverside. Copeland will perform in “The Nutcracker” at Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Hall on December 16 and 19.

Multi-Cultural Gala Brings out Business and Community Leaders

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RIVERSIDE, CA—On Thursday, November 12, business executives and community leaders were all decked out in their best attire at the 2nd Annual Chamber of Commerce Multi-Cultural Gala. The gala was held in downtown Riverside at The Riverside Convention Center. If you missed out this year, you missed out on a phenomenal event. Here are a few photos that were captured from the night.

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Local high school students attend Statewide Black Education Summit: “Black Minds Matter- A Day of Student Activism

Sheba Jennings - 11th grader at Summit High School

Sheba Jennings – 11th grader at Summit High School

By Angela M. Coggs

Student Rally in front of the Department of Education, Sacramento, Ca

Student Rally in front of the Department of Education, Sacramento, Ca

On November 4, 2015, 50 African-American students and educator chaperones from the Inland Empire boarded a charter bus at 11:00pm that was headed to Sacramento to rally for equal access to education in front the Department of Education and the state capital. The group, invited by Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (C.O.P.E.), consisted of 9th -12th grade students from the following high schools: Cajon, Carter, Grand Terrace, Pacific, San Bernardino, and Summit. The trip was sponsored by The California Alliance of African- American of Educators (CAAAE), The California Endowment, The Education Trust-West, and UMOJA Community.

C.O.P.E. got involved in the Black Minds Matter rally because the Education Trust-West report features the work of the Task Force for African American Achievement, convened in the San Bernardino City Unified School District, as a promising practice for addressing

Terriq Singer (10th) and Joshua Stewart (9th) both from Cajon High School

Terriq Singer (10th) and Joshua Stewart (9th) both from Cajon High School

persistent poor academic outcomes for African American students. “We wanted students from our district to participate in the rally because of the important strides SBCUSD is making for African American students and to address their needs, “stated Felicia Jones, C.O.P.E. Associate Director.

The Education Trust-West recently released the Black Minds Matter white paper. The paper is a reality check for secondary and postsecondary education. At the subsequent Student Rally the goal was Black Minds Matter to serve as a rallying point for engagement and, discussion, and action. The rally was held at the state capital on Thursday November 5th at 10 am. The event was called Black Minds Matter – A Day of Student Activism.

Cajon High School Students: Ashley Rodgers (10th), Yonathan Habtemariam(9th), Brianna Robertson(10th), Lyndon Nicholls(12th), Cherq'uora Hunn (10th), and Terriq Singer(11th)

Cajon High School Students: Ashley Rodgers (10th), Yonathan Habtemariam(9th), Brianna Robertson(10th), Lyndon Nicholls(12th), Cherq’uora Hunn (10th), and Terriq Singer(11th)

The California Alliance of African- American of Educators (CAAAE) sent over 300 students and advocates to Sacramento to convene with over 200 Community college students attending the UMOJA conference and where they joined another 100 California State University and University of California systems students on the steps of the Capital Building to make a historic statement: “Black Minds Matter.” The mission of the California Alliance of African American Educators (CAAAE) is to provide programs and services to students, families, and teachers in order to create culturally conscious African American students who are life-long learners and critical thinkers. The summit featured highly-interactive workshops, dynamic student speakers, motivational words from inspired educators, and support from local California politicians.

Antonio Villaraigosa and Yonathan Habtemariam

Antonio Villaraigosa and Yonathan Habtemariam

The “Black Minds Matter” is a powerful and important research report written by The Education Trust-West and released at the Black Education Summit looked at the statistics of the educational success of black children in California. The report indicated that black children are least likely to:

  • Become proficient readers by third grade;
  • Be placed in Gifted and Talented Education programs;
  • Master the mid-level mathematics skills that position students for success in college-preparatory math courses;
  • Be placed in a full sequence of college-preparatory courses;
  • Graduate from high school in four years; and
  • Complete a college degree.

At the same time, black children are the most likely to:

  • Be suspended or expelled;
  • Be taught by ineffective teachers;
  • Be identified for special education; and
  • Take remedial, non-credit bearing coursework as college students.
Villaraigosa taking pics of the crowd

Villaraigosa taking pics of the crowd

Outside the Capital building

Outside the Capital building

Although California has the fifth largest Black population in the country and is home to about 900,000 African American under the age of 25, the California Department of Education lacks and office, initiative, or committee focused on African American achievement or the achievement gap. The inequalities and problems start in the early years. Black children are more likely to live in homes affected by financial hardship and caregiver instability and more than half of California’s Black children live in low-income households. Because of disparities on financial stability, health, and well- being, learning gaps appear early. By age 2, low-income children- regardless of race- are already six months behind their higher  income peers in language development, and by age 5 they are more than two years behind ( “Research Shows: The Benefits of High-Quality Early Learning”, Oakland, Ca: Early Edge California).

The students did not know what to expect from the trip but many had a positive disposition as they took to the streets outside of the Department of Education to participate in the rally. “I expected this trip to be an experience I’d never forget and cherish due to the information and movement we were participating in,” said Kalynne Brantley, 11th grade student from Carter High School in Rialto. “It (the trip) empowered me to be more active and vocal in my community ad stand up for what matters to me.”

During the rally, Yonathan Habtemariam, 9th grade student at Cajon High School, noticed former mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa in the crowd. “I walked up to him, introduced myself, and had a really good conversation with him regarding school. He asked me if I was going to college and I told him that my parents never made it an option.” Later Villaraigosa, who put on a Black Minds Matter t-shirt over his shirt and tie, addressed the crowd of over 300 people and mentioned meeting Habtemariam and his mother prior to his speech. “It was cool how he mentioned meeting us in speech and that he believed that not only would I attend college but will also graduate.”

C.O.P.E. Staff- Sonya Hunn-Gray, Pastor Sam Casey, Devona Robertson, Sam (bus driver), and Felicia Jones

C.O.P.E. Staff- Sonya Hunn-Gray, Pastor Sam Casey, Devona Robertson, Sam (bus driver), and Felicia Jones

Cherq’uora Hunn, 10th grade student from Cajon High School, said she learned “that we can make a huge impact if we try.” Her favorite part of the trip was chanting in front of the Department of Education office building.  Like Hunn, this was the first time many of the students had ever visited the state capital.

According to the Black Minds Matter research report, African American children often begin kindergarten already behind. Yet, instead of organizing the K-12 school system to ameliorate the problem the students also get less academically in school too. One notable fact is that California’s African American students, along with Latino students, often attend highly segregated schools. Where nearly 70 percent of their peers are African American and Latino, and just over 65 percent are poor.

Academically speaking, African American students not only have less rigorous core academic content, but they also have less access to a board and enriching curriculum. African American students are underrepresented in laborious courses such as Algebra 2, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics.  In addition, less than one third of African American students complete the A-G courses required to be eligible for a UC or CSU. According to the California Department of Education, only 31% of 12th grade graduates African American students completed the A-G course sequence.

For some of the older students who are currently applying to college, the statistics regarding the state of African American success rates was upsetting but not discouraging. Dropout rates are far higher for African American students than for other students, and conversely, graduation rates are lower. This is not new information. “I feel that it (the rally) was very eye opening to the issues still present today,” said Lindsay Collins, 11th grade student at Redlands East Valley High School. She believes that it was a great experience and that more students need to be able to be engaged in and that she was empowered by the event. “I matter in all things I do.”

The experience was eye opening for the students, even the ones who did not expect to learn anything new. “I came in expecting to hear things I heard before, but I ended up coming away with new knowledge and possibly a new mindset,” stated Lyndon Nicholls, 12th grader at Cajon High School. “I learned, to achieve the best, that I can be anything I set my mind to and to ignore all negative voices.”

It is refreshing to hear the positive attitude of a African American student who’s next step in life is college, however; that is not what the numbers show as a majority. African American students are far more likely to attend community colleges that pubic four-year universities, partly because they are not properly prepare for the level of work needed to exceed in those school. Based on Education Trust-West analysis of California’s Academic Performances Index data from 2013, the institution types attended by California’s African American first –time freshmen are as follows: 67% California Community Colleges, 12% California State University, 11% Private For-Profit, 6% Private Nonprofit, and 4% University of California. For University of California, Irvine (UCI) student Sion Habtemariam, graduate of Citrus Valley High School and now in her junior year in college, not seeing other African American students on campus who are not athletes is a sad reality. “I know more African American could succeed in the UC system but the requirements are based on a students’ course load/level and the admission process is very competitive.” Just like UCI, African American students represent only 4%of the student body at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a figure that has declined by 2 percentage points since affirmative action was banned at the University of California in 1995.

The Black Minds Matter report has “challenged district and state leaders to address the systematic inequities bearing down on you Black California’s. Both the report and the recommendations included in it are intended to be part of a larger effort that addresses educational disparities with the sense of fierce urgency our students deserve.” A concerted effort must be made by all that are involved, including educators, administrators, elected officials, policymakers, parent, and students to make equality a priority. Trimonisha Singer, mother, teacher, and active community, was pleased that her son Terriq Singer, 10th grade student at Cajon High School, was able to participate in this historic event. “I am thankful that C.O.P.E. gave my son the opportunity to experience history. Many negative stereotypes exist about this generation and in particular black youth. This not only showed that our youth do care about their future and letting their voice be heard but also gave the students a chance to experience their civil duties and what being a part of positive chance looks like.” It was a very important event that was made a positive impact on all the students in attendance. Singer also noted that her son “came home with the desire to be involved in his community and helping others realize that Black Minds Matter.”

 

The Results are In!!!

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By Naomi K. Bonman

The votes are in the tallies have been marked and read for the November 2015 San Bernardino County Election. It was a great race with amazing candidates. The overall precinct turnout was 7,721 and the vote by mail turnout was 36,314, giving the election a grand total of 44,035 votes. Here’s a recap of the winners for those who missed the results:

For the Chaffey Community College District the winners were Gloria Negrete Mcleod (9,388), Lee C. McDougal (9,129), and Gary Ovitt (9,458). In the Baker Valley Unified School District the winners were Linda D. Maria (30.83%) and Kelly Fisher (30.00%). The San Bernardino City Unified School District winners were Margaret G. Hill (19.57%), Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers (14.24%), and Scott Wyatt (15.77%).

Next up are the City of San Bernardino Wards and Council Seats. In the Third Ward the winner and only candidate that ran was John Valdivia. In the Fifth Ward the winner was Henry Nickel (66.67%). The Sixth Ward was a very close call between Roxanne Williams (36.22%) and Bessine Littlefield-Richard (37.64%). Bessine Richard took it for the Sixth Ward. The Seventh Ward winner was Jim Mulvihill (29.10%). The City Attorney winner, which only had one candidate, went to Gary D. Saenz; and the City Clerk went to Georgeann “GiGi” Hanna. Lastly, the City Treasurer went to David C. Kennedy (71.16%).

Other winners included: Morongo Valley Community Services District, Johnny G. Tolbert (34.18%) and Matthew M. Campos (39.26%); Newberry Community Services District, Paula L. Deel (47.42%) and Larry W. Clark (27.96%); Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District, Alex Brandon (23.52%) and Mark W. Roberts (22.80%); Chino Valley Independent Fire District, Brian Johsz (31.23%), John Demonaco (24.28%), and Sarah Evinger (24.70%); East Valley Water District, David E. Smith (29.24%) and Chris Carrillo (26.15%); West Valley Water District, Alan G. Dyer (17.90%), Greg Young (18.69%), and Don Olinger (14.15%); Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency, Michael H. McBride (44.59%) and J. Larry Coulombe (36.49%); and the Crestline-Lake Arrowhead Water Agency, Ron Kelly (54.34%).

For more results, please visit www.sbcounty.gov/rov/elections/Results/20151103/default.html.

California Raiders Win Battle vs. Trojans

Kudos For The Good News photo 2

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.

 

 

 

Paley Center’s Hollywood Tribute to African-American Achievements in Television

Group photo

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) 35th anniversary and also commemorates the 50th 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.

Five Minutes Could Save the Lives of Homeless Women and Children

Time for Change Staff

Time for Change Staff

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Kim Carter overcame addiction, incarceration and homelessness, and founded Time for Change Foundation to help other homeless women and their children. She helps them to stand on their own and be independent, to raise their children with love and healthy boundaries, and break the cycle of helplessness.

There are 9 other outstanding CNN Heroes in the competition to be #1.
The winner of the top prize will receive $100,000. Kim Carter is the only Top 10 Hero in California. She is working with women and children who live in our communities.

How do you feel after a productive day at work? There is tremendous dignity that comes from being able to support your family; providing food, shelter, care, love and a future.

Can you imagine not having food for your children, a roof over their heads, enough money to make ends meet? Many of Time for Change’s families have never been in a positive home environment. They only know violence, hunger, addiction, pain and fear.

Kim Carter’s vision and life’s work changes that reality for countless women. Time for Change Foundation teaches them how to live, helps them to heal deep wounds and how to provide the kind of home life for their children that we all take for granted.

Your vote, every day, will mean the world to countless women and their children. Please vote and tell your friends to vote too. Voting will be open until November 1 at heroes.cnn.com.

Hilton Worldwide Hosts Breakfast Event At National Coalition Of 100 Black Women 17th Biennial Conference

Members of National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) participated in a raffle from Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton at the NCBW 17th Biennial Conference in Long Beach, California. Winners received free accommodations at Embassy Suites by Hilton or Homewood Suites by Hilton as part of  “Count on It,” a multicultural marking campaign focused on simplifying family reunion planning. All raffle participants were enrolled in Hilton HHonors, the free, award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s distinct hotel brands. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Members of National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) participated in a raffle from Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton at the NCBW 17th Biennial Conference in Long Beach, California. Winners received free accommodations at Embassy Suites by Hilton or Homewood Suites by Hilton as part of “Count on It,” a multicultural marking campaign focused on simplifying family reunion planning. All raffle participants were enrolled in Hilton HHonors, the free, award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s distinct hotel brands. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Hilton Worldwide’s Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton (NYSE: HLT) recently hosted a special breakfast event during the National Coalition of 100 Black Women(NCBW) 17th Biennial Conference in Long Beach, California.

The NCBW conference theme was “From Protest to Policy– Making Advocacy Count.” It engaged attendees with workshops and discussions on health, education, economic empowerment and civic engagement from experts in their fields.

Michele McNeill-Emery, National President of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., shares welcome remarks during the organization's awards banquet held October 7-11 at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel, Long Beach, California. Also sharing the special moment are NCBW's newly elected Third Vice President, Membership and Chapter Development, Paula J. Ward and Beverly P. Johnson, national board member. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Michele McNeill-Emery, National President of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., shares welcome remarks during the organization’s awards banquet held October 7-11 at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel, Long Beach, California. Also sharing the special moment are NCBW’s newly elected Third Vice President, Membership and Chapter Development, Paula J. Ward and Beverly P. Johnson, national board member. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Andrea Richardson, director of resorts and multicultural marketing for Hilton Worldwide, addressed more than 200 conference attendees Oct. 9. Richardson discussed “Count On It”, a multicultural marketing initiative from Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton designed to help make planning family reunions easy and stress-free, as well as Hilton’s commitment to embracing diversity and strengthening communities through public service.

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., National President, Michele McNeill-Emery, (front center) during the breakfast hosted by Hilton Homewood/Embassy Suites during the organization's recent 17th Biennial Conference hosted at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel, Long Beach, California. Shown with her on the left is Hilton Worldwide director of resorts and multicultural marketing, Andrea Richardson. On her right, Lorraine Miller, Account Director, Burrell Communications. They are surrounded by members of the Coalition's national board of directors. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., National President, Michele McNeill-Emery, (front center) during the breakfast hosted by Hilton Homewood/Embassy Suites during the organization’s recent 17th Biennial Conference hosted at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel, Long Beach, California. Shown with her on the left is Hilton Worldwide director of resorts and multicultural marketing, Andrea Richardson. On her right, Lorraine Miller, Account Director, Burrell Communications. They are surrounded by members of the Coalition’s national board of directors. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Hilton Worldwide director of resorts and multicultural marketing, Andrea Richardson, delivered a compelling speech at a breakfast event at the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s 17th Biennial Conference on Oct.9. Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton sponsored the breakfast as part of “Count on It,” a multicultural marketing program designed to help make family reunions easy and stress-free for all participants. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Hilton Worldwide director of resorts and multicultural marketing, Andrea Richardson, delivered a compelling speech at a breakfast event at the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s 17th Biennial Conference on Oct.9. Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton sponsored the breakfast as part of “Count on It,” a multicultural marketing program designed to help make family reunions easy and stress-free for all participants. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Southern California McDonald’s Announces Community Partnership and Local Talent Line-Up for Taste of Soul Family Festival

Yolanda Adams will performing on the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour at this weekend’s Taste of Soul.

Yolanda Adams will performing on the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour at this weekend’s Taste of Soul.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Southern California McDonald’s is bringing hope, inspiration and fellowship to the 10th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival by presenting the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage. In addition to the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, local gospel talent from Los Angeles and the Inland Empire will be hitting the stage to kick off the day. Taste of Soul attendees can expect to hear uplifting music from Donald Jones and the Los Angeles Mass Choir, Brent Jones with the KJLH Radio Free Performance Choir, the West Angeles Choir and Holman Quartet.

“We are overjoyed to present the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, in partnership with the Taste of Soul organization, to the community,” said Clay Paschen III, McDonald’s owner/operator and president of the McDonald’s Operators’ Association of Southern California (MOASC). “Bringing local talent to the stage is a show of commitment to the communities we serve across Southern California. The local gospel talent is icing on top of what is already slated to be an amazing event.”

The national Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour artists performing on the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, presented by McDonald’s, will include: Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, Tasha Page-Lockhart and DeWayne Woods. The event will be hosted by Lonnie Hunter and comedian Small Fire.

In addition, local talent that will grace the stage will include: Brent Jones with the KJLH Radio Free Performance Choir, Taylor and the Los Angeles Mass Choir, Karen Wiggins and the Inland Empire Explosion Choir, Jubilant Voices, Holman Quartet, Linda Broadous Miles, Episcopal Chorale, Ward African Methodist Episcopal Choir, Kevin Henderson, Jay Frazier/G-Rap, Echoes of Praise, Jackie Gouche and Joe Douglas.

“Extending the Taste of Soul Family Festival to include the Inland Empire is another special part of this partnership,” said Reggie Webb, McDonald’s owner/operator. “We are working with Pastor Mannie Brodie and Principles of Faith Christian Center to provide transportation for any community members who want to experience Taste of Soul and McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour for themselves.”

Transportation to Taste of Soul is available on a first come, first serve basis. The bus will depart from Webb Family Enterprises located at 3155 Sedona Court, Ontario, CA 91764. Those interested can secure a ticket for transportation by calling Ratibu Jacocks of Westside Action Group at (909) 820-4406.

McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is an extension of the brand’s 365Black platform, an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. To learn more about the tour and the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com. For more information on local gospel acts gracing the stage and details, follow @McDonalds_SoCal on Twitter and join the conversation at #365BlackGospel.