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By Naomi K. Bonman

It’s always an exciting affair to have the pleasure of covering one of the largest and long standing film festivals within the Black community. On Sunday, February 15, the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) closed out an amazing two weeks of panels, international films, and workshops with the highly anticipated film, The Man in 3B, based off of the book by world renowned Black author, Carl Webber. The premiere of the film took place at Rave Cinemas 15 located at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles. It was preceded with a red carpet and followed by an exclusive after party.

The film is directed by Trey Haley; produced by Princess Monique, ND Brown, Veronica Nichols, Tracey Moore, Jeffery Dumpson, and Walter Nixon; and the film features an array of incredibly talented actors which include Lamman Rucker, Christian Keyes, DB Woodside, Brely Evans, Kellita Smith, Nefessa Williams, Billie Dee Williams, Jackee Harry, Marla Gibbs, Robert Ri’chard, Anthony Montgomery, and Olivia Longott.

Man in 3B is a romantic thriller following the story of Daryl Graham (Lamman Rucker) who just moved into a Jamaica, Queens apartment building, and his neighbors, female and male alike, can’t stop talking about him. From his extreme attractiveness to his undeniable swag, Daryl is the man every woman wants to be with and every man wants to be.

After the screening there was a Q&A session with the cast and crew. During the session each actor gave a few pointers, tips, and advice to those who want to break into the industry. Some of them were to “continue working hard, network at film festivals such as PAFF, and to be a pleasant spirit because no one wants to work with an individual who becomes a headache.” They also mentioned how each of them started with several littles roles which then opened the door for their big break. So as long as you keep working hard and NETWORK, NETWORK, and NETWORK with the right individuals, your goals and dreams will unlock.

The production crew has been blessed to receive several offers regarding distribution and screening of the film for the future. Be sure to keep an eye out for the film to hit your local theater and/or department store. Please visit www.tridestined.com for updates regarding the film.

Photos by John A. Castro & Naomi K. Bonman

Photo credit Freddie Washington

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, February 7, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce held yet another successful Black History Expo in downtown San Bernardino. People of the community gathered together for a positive and enlightening outing that was filled with plenty of food, entertainment, and networking. Some of the entertainment for the day included artists from the roster of LUE Productions, city drill teams, drumlines, a performance from the Chamber’s very own Tammy Martin-Ryles and her group of ladies, and a host of other performers and speakers.

Tremaine Mitchell (second from left), director of Operations for the Youth Action Project, receives the Community Partnership Award from Southern California Edison (SCE) during SCE’s recent Black History Month celebration. SCE President Pedro Pizarro (second from right), Tammy Tumbling, director of Philanthropy and Community Involvement (right) and Qiana Charles (left), local public affairs manager, presented the award to the organization for successfully helping youth and young adults in the development of skills and habits needed to experience economic and social success. Since 2007, it has hired and trained more than 200 local college students, provided more than 90,000 work experience and community service hours and provided tutoring and mentoring to more than 1,000 high school students within the San Bernardino Unified School District.

Photos by:  Southern California Edison

Edison Scholar Kyanne Parchment, 18, spoke at Southern California Edison’s 13th annual Black History Month celebration. A graduate of Henry J. Kaiser High School in Fontana, Kyanne engaged the audience by discussing how the $40,000 Edison Scholarship she received last year to pursue her studies in the STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) fields has provided her with much more than the funds needed to attend and graduate from college. Before entering college, the college freshmen dreamed about developing programs and apps. But now, she strives to create a virtual classroom to make STEM classes more readily available to diverse students. “I think we need more ‘Edisons’ to help give a greater number of minorities a chance to succeed and explore the STEM fields,” she said. “There are many other students with tremendous abilities who just need a helping hand.”
More of her story can be found at Edison’s newsroom.

ROSEMEAD, CA- Southern California Edison (SCE) will honor the Compton Unified School District, the Inglewood Unified School District, the Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce and the Youth Action Project at its 13^th annual Black History Month celebration today at SCE’s Energy Education Center in Irwindale.

A crowd of 300 is expected at the event, which honors the achievements of local African-American businesses and leaders, their contributions to economic growth, service to the community and participation in energy-efficiency programs.

“This celebration recognizes the importance of African-American contributions to our communities, our state and our nation,” said SCE President Pedro Pizarro.  “SCE serves one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the country and serving our customers means embracing and incorporating diversity into everything we do.

Bonnie Boswell, a reporter, producer, commentator and talk-show host, served as keynote speaker during Southern California Edison’s recent Black History Month event focused on “Celebrating Business and Community Partnerships” with the theme of “Giving Back.” She is executive producer of “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights,” a film about her uncle that first lady Michelle Obama presented at the White House during the 50th anniversary celebration of the March on Washington.

“Our partnerships with our business and community leaders are the foundation of the service we provide to our customers,” added Lisa Cagnolatti, vice president of SCE’s Business Customer Division.  “Southern California Edison’s annual Black History Month event is an opportunity to show our appreciation to them and to the communities we serve.”

Bonnie Boswell, a reporter, producer, commentator and talk-show host, will serve as keynote speaker. She is executive producer of “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights,” a film about her uncle that first lady Michelle Obama presented at the White House during the 50^th anniversary celebration of the March on Washington.

The Compton and Inglewood school districts will be honored with SCE’s Energy Efficiency Participation Award for energy conservation at their respective school sites. Their participation in the School Energy Efficiency Program has saved both school districts money on electricity consumption and helped create more comfortable learning environments for students.

Alvin Jenkins, director of Facilities for the Compton district, and Joe Dominguez, chief deputy superintendent for the Inglewood district, will accept the award for their school districts.

The Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce is the recipient of SCE’s Diverse Business Enterprise Award for its commitment to the economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests of the area. Linda Wright, president/CEO/founder of the chamber, will accept the award.

The Youth Action Project will receive SCE’s Community Partnership Award. It has successfully helped youth and young adults in the development of skills and habits needed to experience economic and social success. Since 2007, it has hired and trained more than 200 local college students, provided more than 90,000 work experience and community service hours and provided tutoring and mentoring to more than 1,000 high school students within the San Bernardino Unified School District.

Tremaine Mitchell, director of operations for the project, will accept the award.

Kyanne Parchment, a 2014 Edison Scholar who attends the University of California, Davis, will give a testimonial highlighting the difference her $40,000 scholarship has made in her life. The West Covina resident, who graduated from Henry J. Kaiser High School last year, is majoring in engineering and computer science.

This year’s event theme is “Giving Back” and the focus is “Celebrating Business and Community Partnerships.”

Chris Schauble, a co-anchor for the KTLA 5 Morning News, will serve as emcee.

About Southern California Edison

An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

Linda Wright (middle), president/CEO/founder of the Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, shares a moment with Southern California Edison (SCE) President Pedro Pizarro (left) and Lisa Cagnolatti (right), vice president, Business Customer Division during SCE’s annual Black History Month celebration. The chamber was the recipient of the Diverse Business Enterprise Award for its commitment to the economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests of the area.

Compton Unified School District Director of Facilities Alvin Jenkins (fourth from left) and Superintendent Darin Brawley (third from right) accepts the Energy Efficiency Participation Award for energy conservation at schools in their district during Southern California Edison’s recent Black History Month celebration. SCE President Pedro Pizarro (second from right) and Lisa Cagnolatti (right), vice president, Business Customer Division joined other company representatives in honoring the district for its commitment to save money on electricity consumption and create a more comfortable learning environment for students.

Inglewood Unified School District Chief Deputy Superintendent Joe Dominguez (fourth from left) accepts the Energy Efficiency Participation Award for energy conservation at schools in his district during Southern California Edison’s recent Black History Month Celebration. SCE President Pedro Pizarro (third from right) and Lisa Cagnolatti (second from right), vice president, Business Customer Division joined other company representatives in honoring the district for its commitment to save money on electricity consumption and create a more comfortable learning environment for students.

Some of the Media representatives (Photo courtesy of Charles Jackson, City Pride Magazine)

Hardy Brown is honored on the floor of the California State Senate. Included in this photo from left to right: (back row) son-in-law and Stockton City Manager Kurt Wilson, granddaughter Kennedy Wilson, brother Vince Brown; (middle row) daughter and California Black Media chair Regina Brown Wilson, wife Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino); (front row) Senator Richard Roth (D-Riverside), Senator Connie Leyva (D-Chino), Hardy Brown, and Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga).

“Hardy’s life story is an inspiring one,” said Morrell. “The Black Voice News is an important news outlet in our region and provides valuable insight to its readers every week. But as much as Hardy and his wife Cheryl are known for their contributions to the publishing industry they are also generous philanthropists. They do incredible work on behalf of kids and families in neighborhoods across the Inland Empire. We are fortunate to have them as leaders in our community.”

“I’m truly humbled to be honored by Senators Mike Morrell and Connie Leyva during Black History Month, and am deeply appreciative of the graciousness displayed by the entire Senate body,” said Brown. “As the son of a poor-sharecropper from North Carolina, I never imagined that I’d be here today in front of you all, partaking in the American Dream. Words cannot fully express my appreciation. Thank you to my family, friends, community and employers who all believed in me and supported me over the past 50 years. I’ve dedicated my life to community service. This honor is a strong testament to the power of God and what he can do with someone who believes in Him.”

(Photo by Michael Bezjian/WireImage)

Four talented and diverse fashion designers showcased their collections to a select group of celebrities and influencers during Grammy weekend

LOS ANGELES, CA- Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) presented Style Beat, its first-ever West Coast event during Grammy Awards weekend in Los Angeles.  The glamorous daytime affair took place on Friday, February 6th at a luxurious Beverly Hills estate.  HFR is a unique movement founded to increase diversity in fashion by producing events to educate, stimulate, and advance opportunities for emerging designers of color.  Collections by four talented and diverse fashion designers were showcased to a select group of 250 tastemakers.  The featured designers were the legendary L.A.-based designer Kevan Hall, custom menswear designer Waraire Boswell, and emerging designers, Joseph Bethune and “Project Runway” finalist Kimberly Goldson.

As a partner, Verizon Wireless was able to help HFR’s Founder and CEO Brandice Henderson- Daniel pursue her passion through technology and bring Style Beat to life, which was co-hosted by actress/entrepreneur/model/TV personality Vanessa Simmons (styled by Shop Le Look) and recording artist/actor Quincy.  Attendees were able to take part in Verizon’s 360 Glam Cam to share their fashion and style. There was also a special one-on-one conversation with Kevan Hall discussing his career and influences.  The event culminated with the poolside runway fashion show featuring designs by Hall, Boswell, Bethune and Goldson.  Celebrity and influencer guests included Vanessa Williams, Tamala Jones, Melissa De Sousa, Michael Jai White, Gillian Waters, Cedric Sanders, Gloria Govan, Laura Govan, AJ Johnson, VaShawn Mitchell, Malina Moye, Kwame Boateng, Kofi Siriboe, Davidson Frere, V Bozeman, Kay Cola, Ugo Mozie, Daver Campbell and Harriette Cole, among others.  Guests were treated to a complimentary beauty bar, gifting, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and much more.

“Style Beat could not have happened without the generous support from Prudential and Verizon Wireless.  Because of them, we were able to show four incredible designers, all of whom I’m thankful for their participation.  I am still blown away by the amazing welcome we received in Los Angeles and we look forward to presenting more events here in the near future,” said Brandice Henderson-Daniel, Founder/CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row.

About Harlem’s Fashion Row 

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) is an influential arts and entertainment organization that engages audiences and aligns brand partners with emerging multicultural designers.  HFR’s mission is to discover and showcase rising talent of color through a platform of national events and customized multi-platform programs.  HFR has gained corporate support from companies such as AOL, Target Stores, Iman Cosmetics, Smartwater, Dark & Lovely, and BET. Harlem’s Fashion Row has also been covered by Women’s Wear Daily, NY Daily News, Fashionista, New York Time Out, and Jones Magazine, as well as, “That’s So New York”, The Cut, NY Racked, Black Enterprise, and Centric.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.  As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 108.2 million retail customers, including 102.1 million retail postpaid customers.  Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

(from left to right) Lashyra Nolen, Thomas Watkins, and Lorissa Payne

LOS ANGELES, CA- What does it take to be a leader? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great orator, Muhammad Ali was a fighter in and out of the ring, and aviator Bessie Coleman was as determined as they come. One thing they had in common was their affinity for leadership which was apparent at an early age.  Today, three stellar scholars from Ronald McDonald House Charities®/African American Future Achievers (RMHC/AAFA) scholarship program are emerging as young leaders in their communities and on their college campuses as well. The scholarship program is hosted locally by Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California (RMHCSC) and supported by the fundraising efforts of local McDonald’s owner/operators and corporate staff.  Each of these students have drawn inspiration from leaders of the past, while they start to build their own ideas of what it takes to become a leader today.

Lashyra Nolen

LaShyra Nolen, a sophomore Health and Human Science major at Loyola Marymont University (LMU), believes being a leader means being bold and being prepared to act so the voices you serve are heard. She plans to do just that as a Clinton Global Initiative Student innovator, a program that provides support for undergraduate students who are developing new solutions to the world’s most pressing issues. Her plan is to create a five-week health program in the Riverside and San Bernardino communities that help families set healthy trends.

Nolen says the RMHC/AAFA program gave her confidence. “The fact that such an organization saw me fit to represent them showed me that I have people who believe in me,” says Nolen. “I asked myself, why can’t I be successful and do well in college too?” Doing “well” is an understatement for Nolen who serves her campus as a student senator, resident hall advisor, and member of LMU’s Belles Service Organization.

The aspiring doctor, who is from Rancho Cucamonga, says her drive and passion for her community was inspired by her mother. She received two college degrees while taking care of Nolen and her little brother as a single mother. “Everything I am doing all goes back to giving back and using my strength to help others.”

Thomas Watkins

Thomas Watkins was selected as a RMHC/AAFA recipient in 2013 and has since partnered with RMHCSC to talk with students about reaching their goals and the importance of pursuing college. A Corona native majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management at California Polytechnic State University in Pomona, Watkins believes a leader has to know how to command attention through communication. “A leader could be anyone, from any walk of life,” says Watkins. “They could talk to the CEO of a company, and also connect with a kindergartener with no problem.”

As an aspiring restauranteur, Watkins hopes to continue connecting with his community. He believes food is the one thing that can put a smile on anyone’s face. “I want to help my community by creating programs that teach kids how to cook as an outlet for them,” he says.

Lorissa Payne

Biola University student, Lorissa Payne, began thinking of ways she could become a leader in high school. The freshman English major noticed she had the gift of writing and challenged herself by taking advanced placement classes which led her to be selected to the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola. The institute spurs students to take a deeper dive into Western literature and aims to build strong, Christian leaders.

“Writing is a primary form of communication and if students can’t express themselves through writing, it is a detriment to one’s future,” says Payne. She aspires to work in education and believes leadership is all about leading by example. “When others see a living example of a leader, it allows them to think they can succeed too,” she says.  She calls former United States Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice her living example. “Reading her biography in high school made me realize we were raised similarly, says Payne. “Her story showed me when people utilize their gifts to help others; they can go much further in life.”

Nolen, Watkins, and Payne are just a few of the 109 students identified each year through the RMHCSC scholarship program. Since 1990, RMHCSC has awarded more than $4.5 million in scholarship funds to local students. It allows students the opportunity to think about their future, makes college attainable and helps students inspire others.  Scholarships are awarded through four programs, including: RMHC /AAFA, RMHC/Asian Pacific American Students Increasing Achievement (ASIA), RMHC/Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER) and RMHC/Scholars.

For more than 35 years, RMHCSC has been committed to providing comfort, care and support to children and families in Southern California.  RMHCSC is dedicated to creating a community where children and their families embrace life and healing with a sense of hope, enthusiasm, courage and joy by operating six Ronald McDonald Houses, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and a Community Grants Board. This year, another 109 student scholars and future leaders from across Southern California will be celebrated during the annual RMHCSC scholarship luncheon that will take place in May.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is happy to announce the 2015 Senior King and Queen.  They are Joyce Payne and Mansie Booker and they will be crowned Friday, February 6, 2015.  This is an invitation only event, so if you would like to attend, please contact Margaret Hill at (909) 864-3267.

JOYCE PAYNE – SENIOR QUEEN

Joyce Payne was born in Los Angeles, CA, and attended school there.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in History and her Administrative Credential from California State University, San Bernardino, Pre-Doctorial Studies at Mercer University, Macon, GA and Master of Educational Administration from Boston State College.

Joyce has been a teacher, vice principal and principal for the San Bernardino City Unified School District and recently retired.  She was a long time principal at Dr. Howard Inghram Elementary School but completed her career at Davidson Elementary School.  She also taught in Peach County, Georgia, and Middlesex Community College, Burlington, Massachusetts.  She also served on the school board in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

Joyce is very active in the community.  She is a member of Temple Missionary Baptist Church where she is the director of Christian education.  Other activities include:  Charter member of National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Delta Rho Chapter, Our Children Sing, Board of Directors, Former Member, California State University Alumni Board, Lifetime Alumni Member, California State University, San Bernardino. She also participates in Community Outreach Programs addressed parenting, literacy, career development and goal setting.

MANSIE BOOKER – SENIOR KING

Mansie Booker, Jr. was born in Burlington, North Carolina on March 18, 1944 to Rev. Mansie Booker, Sr. and Gladys Marie Booker. He is the youngest of two children. At the age of four his family relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina where he received his elementary education at St. Monica’s Catholic School. He graduated from J.W. Ligon High School in 1962 and entered the United States Air Force.

In addition to the above, Mansie has been an active member of the Highland Family YMCA and Temple Missionary Baptist Church where he continues to use his production skills. Annually Mansie provides the Black Culture Foundation a video profile of the Humanitarian of the Year awardees. He also videotapes the annual Black Rose event.

Mansie is widowed and is the father of two children, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He attended Yuba College, The University of Maryland, University of Oklahoma and The University of Minnesota and is a graduate of the Community College of the Air Force.

Publishers commentary by Wallace J. Allen

Dr. King’s Birthday requires us to annually measure the amount of successful change that has occurred since his death. Our friend Celes King IV was quick to say, “Perception is reality.” I think we can agree that the election of Barrack Obama to President of the United States boosted the image of Black men across the planet. It must be considered that if “Black lives matter” is a truer statement today than when Dr. King was alive, that Barrack Obama being President adds to that truth!   In several years, by 2016, people aged ten years and younger will represent members of an exclusive group. The only President of the United States that they will have experienced is a Black Man.  They, having witnessed such proof, will grow up expecting that Blacks can and will excel. That is a major long term benefit of Mr. Obama being President.  He is an inspiration. He inspires young Black children to want to be like him, to become important and influential members of society. He also shows the non-Blacks who harbor the false impression that “Blacks can’t” to understand that “Blacks can” and that society benefits when “Blacks do!  We know that low expectations generally come true.  Increased expectations allow room for increased participation and performance.

Increased expectations will cause among other things, a greater competition for participation and an expectation that winning is for the well prepared. Just because the world is more willing to accept that a Black man can do, does not mean that it will be easier for him to do; however, easy is not a requirement!

As we measure successful change, access to opportunity for those who have been deliberately denied that access, is an issue. The imagery of success is great for perception, but reality requires a job count and a measurement of education and quality of life. Access to education, jobs and quality of life for most Americans, Blacks in particular, has diminished since Dr. King’s death. The image of the most prestigious office holder on the planet, being racially disrespected under the guise of politics has been a reminder to “old school” witnesses, that racism is alive and that to some Republicans, greed and or “white privilege” is more important than the welfare of the Country.

So, in closing, I will say that the fresh sheets and pillow cases of opportunity make the American bed look better, but the mattress is still lumpy with racism, making a peaceful night hard to come by. Change is occurring but the need for hope is very alive!

Imani Hakim

PHOTOS AND WRITE UP BY NAOMI K. BONMAN

 BEVERLY HILLS, CA- The stars of Hollywood, along with authors, poets, screen writers, and directors came dressed to impressed as they stepped on the red carpet prior to the 34th annual NAACP Image Awards luncheon. The private luncheon was held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday, January 17. The 34^th Annual NAACP Image Awards will be held on Friday, February 6 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium located at 300 E. Green Street in Pasadena. The show starts at 8 p.m. and is a black tie affair. To purchase tickets, please visit www.naacpimageawards.net. To view more photos, visit sophisticatedrelations.com/naacp-luncheon. 

Assemblymember, Cheryl Brown,(47th AD) introduced Keynote Speaker, Assemblymember, Chris Holden,(41st AD).

Photo by John Coleman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC) presented their “35th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast.” The breakfast was held on Monday, January 19 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.  The morning’s program included prayer, readings from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, music and ‘spoken word (poetry)’, presentations, and special recognition/awards. (To view more photos taken by John Coleman, please visit www.wssnews.com).