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Roxanne Williams

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino Six Ward voters will elect a new representative to the San Bernardino City Council at a special election on Tuesday, February 2. Bessine Littlefield-Richard and Roxanne Williams are knocking on doors throughout the Sixth Ward seeking voter support as they compete for the City Council seat.

Both candidates ran strong passionate campaigns for the leadership position. The question asked by many is, “Will the voters be as passionate about choosing leadership and get out to vote?  The general election in November drew only a small percentage of eligible voters, despite the fact that the City is transitioning out of bankruptcy and needs competent leaders.

Bessine Littlefield-Richard

The candidates will meet to debate their qualifications and platforms for the City Council seat on Monday, January 11 at the Ingram Community Center located at 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue beginning at 6 p.m. The Forum is sponsored by the Northwest Redevelopment Project Area Committee.   The candidates have been sent some questions in advance so that they will have time to research their responses as needed. The audience will also be able to present questions to the candidates. The candidates will also be given the opportunity to comment on any item or issue that is not included on the question list.

The candidates have been sent the following questions: What is your vision for Mt Vernon Ave and what is your plan? What is the status of the State Street Extension and your thoughts/plan to complete it? What do you know about the City’s Receivership Program… Does it allow for San Bernardino 6^th ward residents to participate as investors? Should it? What will you do to make that program work for 6^th Ward Residents?

Loved ones and community members came out to support the family and legacy of William Henry Jacocks, also known as Ratibu, on Thursday, December 17 at New Hope Baptist Church in San Bernardino. (Photos by John Coleman).

By John Coleman

 SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Hundreds came out to pay tribute to the legacy and life lived of William Henry Jacocks, also known to some as Bill or Ratibu. Those that were present at the memorial included members and officials of the State, County, Regional, and Local offices. There were leaders of every walk of life from family to friends of Ratibu. The memorial service was held on Thursday, December 17 at New Hope Baptist Church in San Bernardino.

The memorial service reflected and paid tribute to prominent moments of Ratibu’s life and influence. He was a US Army infantryman, operator of a local ‘small business’, missionary promoting entrepreneurship among the community, and leader of the Inland Area Kwanza Group. He was a strong supporter and advocate of Kwanzaa Consciousness, civic engagement, including a leadership role in the Westside Action Group, and evidenced by the dozens of officials who stood to acknowledge his role in their success and of course his love for his family.

Rest in Peace, Ratibu.

By Keith McCarte

I have traveled around the world to at least 27 different countries.  I have actually lived in 4 different countries for extended periods of time.  I must say, that since before December 2, 2015, San Bernardino has had the highest per capita number of people who loved and cared for their community than any other place I have been.   A close second is Basel, Switzerland where most people speak at least four languages.  In Basil, they learn and study the language of culture.  Whereas here in San Bernardino we live, eat and breathe culture on a daily basis.

With this cultural aspect comes several groups of people who feel very strongly about how to better their community.  We have battled issues such as homelessness, education, employment and economic bolstering during a sagging global economy.  Even though each sect of the community has varying opinions as to how to better our community, each group is intensely motivated to make our community better as a whole and they do so by having a common respect for parallel or opposing opinions.

This is the reason I rank the citizens of San Bernardino number one when it comes to love and care for their community.

Now we have been saddled with a calamity of the first order-the horrific shooting incident of December 2, 2015.  San Bernardino has not been weakened.  On the contrary, we have become stronger and will continue to become even stronger.

We continue to love and care for our community but now we do so with one voice.  Now our voice resonates beyond city boundaries.  It now resonates nationally and internationally.  The whole world is watching and we have stepped up to the plate to become leaders as a city and as a community.  We have shown the world a good example of having love and respect for each other, love and respect for the victims and love and respect for our country.  Have you noticed that our leaders and the citizens within has focused on expressing love and condolences, opposed to the alternative?  We are no longer, Black, White, Latino, African American, Mexican or Asian.  We are San Bernadinians.  We are no longer conservative or liberal, we are San Bernardinians first and foremost.

Out of respect for the victims who have lost their lives, were injured or traumatized we must hold dear to our core values and continue to speak these values to the world as one voice.  We will speak as San Bernardinians.  We must become even closer to our neighbors and friends.  This closeness is not for the purpose of spying on their lives but for the purposes of showing our love and support to each other in times of need.  Let us continue to set good examples in our everyday lives.  Remember…we are San Bernardinians and we speak as one voice.

Community residents gather in San Bernardino during a previous candle light vigil for the victims of last Wednesday’s attack. (Photo courtesy of NBC News).

By Lue Dowdy, of LUE Productions

SAN BERNARDINIO, CA- This Sunday, December 13, local music artists and community members will come together for a candle light vigil and prayer in honor of the victims that were gunned down in the horrific terrorist attack that occurred on Wednesday, December 2 in San Bernardino at the Inland Regional Behavioral Center.

Don’t be afraid to show your love and support openly. There will be several prominent guest speakers and elected officials that will be present and speaking. They include, but are not limited to Benito J. Barrios, 2^nd Ward Councilmember; Gwen Dowdy-Rogers, newly elected San Bernardino County School Board Member; and Tammy Martin-Ryles, President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire.

The Vigil will begin promptly at 5 p.m. on the corner of Waterman Avenue and Orange Show Road. Please feel free to share your thoughts via social media with the hashtag #sanbernardinostrong.

Did You Know One of The Victims That Were Assassinated ? Please Honor Your Loved Ones by Sharing Your Stories or Pictures with

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.

RIVERSIDE, CA—On Thursday, November 12, business executives and community leaders were all decked out in their best attire at the 2^nd 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.

Sheba Jennings – 11th grader at Summit High School

By Angela M. Coggs

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 9^th -12^th 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

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)

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

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

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, 11^th 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, 9^th 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

Cherq’uora Hunn, 10^th 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 12^th 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, 11^th 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, 12^th 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, 10^th 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.”

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.

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.