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SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- For ninety-nine years, the Home of Neighborly Service has been a staple on the west side of San Bernardino. How does a resource continue to be relevant and functional while so many others have closed their doors and ceased operations during the pandemic? Staff, supporters and volunteers!

There is no way to sufficiently show appreciation for all they have done, but board president, Vicki Lee, made the effort by honoring them at the Elks Club on Sunday, December 2, 2021. Present were Office Administrator, Charlene Smith, who is contracted part-Time, but volunteers  full-time, and she was working then, too; the faithful members of the Presbytery, Tom Reynard and David Beard with his wife, Carrie; committed board member and ex-City Councilmember, Virginia Marquez; City Council member for Ward 5, Kimberly Calvin; supportive National Charity League members, Katie Smith and Janet Eagan; from Inland Harvest, David and Patty Knudson; and the devoted volunteers: Norma Badden, James Dutton, Salem Dominguez, Cynthia Rosales, Debbie Willis, Wally and Ruther Peterson, Mary Acosta, Ray and Edith Martin and Noel Kaltenbach. There is a list of contributors which includes but is not limited to: Community Action Partnership, Arrowhead United Way and Santa Claus, Inc., Liz Cruz and Ramon Valasco.

Weekly, the volunteers faithfully come to sort, pack and stack contributions on Thursday to distribute on Friday’s food (hygiene products and clothing, if available) to those in need. Whenever there is an event at The Home: Family Fun Day, Christmas event, Back to School…. the volunteers are there to help. So many people have praised the Home of Neighborly Services for being a safe place for children and families to go over the decades to have fun, relax and to have needs met. Pre-pandemic, Resource Thursdays brought 10-15 vendors who supplied referrals for counseling, housing, how to get bills paid, grocery sources, and the like. When several people can gather again, Resource Thursdays will return. The Home has literally helped to save and sustain lives in the community.

Vicki Lee said a nice meal, some gifts, official San Bernardino pins and coffee mugs from City Councilwoman Calvin, certificates from Supervisor Joe Baca Jr and a heartfelt thank you hopefully showed our volunteers and supporters how much they are appreciated for keeping hope alive in the city of San Bernardino.

Supporters left to right Charlene Smith, 6th ward council member Kimberly Calvin; Edna Wade, Tom Renard, Janet Eagen, Vicki Lee, Virginia Marquez, Katie Smith and David Beard.

Volunteers left to right Mary Acosta, Wally Peterson, Edith Martin, Ruther Peterson, Norma Baden, James Dutton, Salem Dominguez, Debbie Willis, and Cynthia Rosales.

Governor Newsom: “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities”

“California has led the nation’s fight against COVID-19 through robust vaccination efforts rooted in science and data. This has helped slow the spread of the virus and save countless lives, especially in our most vulnerable communities,” wrote Governor Newsom. “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities…Californians have met every challenge with vigor and courage, and together, we will continue to lead the nation in the fight against COVID-19.”

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media  

In June, California launched the nation’s first Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans this year.

The nine-member committee was established to meet the requirements of Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, which California Secretary of State  Shirley Weber authored and introduced in 2020 when she served in the Legislature.

Gov. Newsom signed it into law September 2020.

“This is a debt that is owed, just because it hasn’t been paid doesn’t mean it goes away,” said the newly elected chair of the California reparations task force Kamilah V. Moore.

At the task force’s first meeting on June 1, Moore’s colleagues elected her the task force chairperson.

“It stems from President Lincoln’s promise to give emancipated Black people 40 acres and a mule,” Moore told California Black Media.

“But that failed with Johnson coming in after Lincoln’s assassination and taking all of that back, leaving my ancestors to fend for themselves in a country that facilitated their demise through discrimination,” she said.

As the task force chair, Moore, 29, aims to use her knowledge of domestic and international human rights to help guide the reparations push for African American descendants of enslaved people who live in California – and, perhaps, across the country.

Moore, an attorney, earned her law degree at Colombia University in New York City. Her specialization, she says, was the study of reparations.

Although she practices entertainment law in Los Angeles, Moore says she is determined to ensure that the task force proposes a package that is in accordance with international standards for reparations.

“I hope that the reparations package that comes out of this comports with international law standards,” said Moore.

With her deep knowledge of international law, Moore hopes that reparations for African Americans in California will follow the international guidelines provided by the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. The recommendations based on the United Nations Charter offer basic protocols on reparations for victims of gross violations of international human rights law. However, the violations need to be acknowledged by the UN and other actors on the global stage. Unfortunately, the transatlantic slave trade is yet to be acknowledged as a gross violation of international human rights law, consequently, the United States is not obligated to compensate African Americans, Moore points out.

International human rights law states that reparations must be administered in five forms namely restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition.

“The package must include all five forms of reparations under international law, not just one, two, or three, but all five would be the ultimate success,” Moore explained.

“The challenge is making sure that it is as comprehensive as possible. I know compensation is a tricky issue,” she said.

The members of the task force are collaborating with the California Department of Justice and several researchers to set guidelines for who will be eligible to receive reparations in the state.

According to data compiled by the Pew Center, there are 46 million people in the United States who identify as Black. That research shows that Generation Z, people born between 1997 and 2012, make up 35 % of the total Black population. Another 23 % are Millennials, people born between 1981 and 1996.

Moore believes it is important for young African Americans to include their voices and perspectives in the conversations about reparations, especially since census data reveals that they make up the majority of the Black population in the US.

“There are more millennial and Gen Z Black Americans than there are Black baby boomers and people who are from the Silent Generation. So, America is increasingly becoming younger and younger. But, you know, that’s not necessarily reflected in our politics,” said Moore.

“It’s important for us to have a voice, not a marginal voice, but we should be at the center of these conversations, taking the advice and insight and working alongside our elders,” she said.

According to Moore, her experiences growing up in Los Angeles, ignited her passion for social justice. She was involved in various community service projects as a teen and young woman.

While studying at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) she worked with other community organizers in the University of California (UC) system to campaign for all UC schools to divest from private prison corporations and companies that do business with them. She was among the student leaders who passed a resolution that organized for UC to sell its shares in Corrections Corporation of America to security and prison management companies.

During her time at Columbia Law, she challenged the Academic Vice Provost to offer courses on reparations. Moore worked with the university’s human rights clinic to introduce classes on reparations taught by professors and experts in the field.

Moore followed up on her interest in human rights and her track record working and organizing in her community with a Master of Law degree in international criminal law from the University of Amsterdam. Her thesis focused on reparatory justice for victims of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and their enslaved descendants who suffered numerous atrocities and centuries of legal discrimination.

Moore acknowledges that, for some activists, there is fatigue and impatience when she and other advocates push the country to do a deeper study on reparations. But she emphasized that a research study is an all-important first step.

She and the rest of the reparations committee intend to use the power of persuasion to help build enough public interest and support that will strengthen the legal argument for reparations across the US.

“I acknowledge the hesitancy because I have reservations, too. How many more years do we need to study? We see the writing on the wall. There’s ample documentation of the harms, but in order for the recommendations or the proposals to be as comprehensive as possible, the study has to be as well.” said Moore.

Before joining the task force, Moore worked with several public figures to facilitate public discussions about reparations held on Club House, the popular new audio-only social networking platform.

“It was a great opportunity to democratize the conversations around reparations and make it more accessible to folks because in the past 30 years or so it’s been mainly discussed in political and academic circles,” said Moore.

The young attorney is optimistic that African Americans from different backgrounds will contribute to conversations about reparations because “you don’t have to be an expert to join something new,” she said.

Hometown hero and undefeated professional boxer Darious “D-Active” Harris was inducted into the Rialto Hall of Fame November 20th. He was honored by the Mayor, Members of Congress and City of Rialto for his success in boxing and humanitarian efforts in Rialto and beyond.

In November, just one day before his 31st Birthday, Harris hosted a successful turkey drive through his nonprofit organization Never Stop Grinding Impact.

“I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish at our turkey drive; we gave away over 300 turkey, 900 boxes of food, and over 100 COVID-19 vaccines were administered to those in Rialto and our surrounding communities. Remember, when we all work together the community is impacted positively,” said Harris.

Harris’s hope is that he inspires other athletes to get involved in the efforts to support their communities as well. His organization will be hosting a toy giveaway at Carter High School in Rialto December 22nd from 12-5pm.

For more information, follow Never Stop Grinding Impact on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.neverstopgrindingimpact.com

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Foundation will receive more than $200,000 in new grants that will be used to support first-year students, provide scholarships and cover the cost of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exams.

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians awarded a $100,000 grant for Valley-Bound Commitment, a program that aims to reduce economic barriers that may deter academic success. Since 2008, this program has covered enrollment fees and textbooks costs for hundreds of low-income students from local high schools during their first year at SBVC.

“San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a transformative partner for San Bernardino Valley College and Valley-Bound Commitment students, providing almost $2 million to support the program over the past 13 years,” SBVC Foundation Director Mike Layne said.

Edison International has granted the SBVC Foundation two awards: $50,000 for the Clean Energy Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician program and $25,000 for STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) scholarships. Students in the EV Tech program learn the skills necessary to enter the electric vehicle and clean energy field, where technicians who know the latest technology are in demand.

This is Edison’s 11th year working with SBVC to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in STEM fields like computer science, bioengineering and mechanical engineering.

“For students who begin their studies at SBVC with an economic disadvantage, these grants help to improve training and create scholarship opportunities that represent a lifeline to higher-wage jobs and career advancement opportunities,” Layne said.

An additional $25,000 grant from SoCalGas will make more scholarships possible. This award will provide 20 $1,000 scholarships for economically disadvantaged students enrolled in alternative fuels classes or taking alternative fuels certification exams, and $5,000 to promote these courses and sponsor the SBVC 95th Anniversary Gala.

A $15,000 Careers in Aviation Project grant from Wells Fargo will help aeronautics students soar. SBVC’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate is designed to prepare students to qualify for the Airframe and Powerplant Certificate, which is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and allows recipients to perform 100 hours and annual inspections on aircraft. The Wells Fargo grant will cover the cost of the Airframe and Powerplant Certificate for low-income students.

To learn more about the SBVC Foundation and how you can help, visit sbvcfoundation.org.

Howard University is pleased to announce Kimberly Holmes-Iverson will serve as director of public relations in the Office of University Communications. Holmes-Iverson will lead the University’s media relations and communications strategy to increase Howard’s visibility and enhance its reputation as an internationally recognized research institution and preeminent Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

“I’m excited to work for such an esteemed institution,” said Holmes-Iverson. “Howard University is a true gift to our community. I feel my professional and life experiences have prepared me for this opportunity to share the stories that are living at Howard, which in turn, give life to us all. My vision along with a collaborative team effort will expound upon the brand, history and legacy of HU.”

Holmes-Iverson is an accomplished journalist who has a wealth of award-winning experience as a storyteller, bringing nearly two decades of communications and journalism experience to Howard University. She previously served as a morning anchor at the CBS affiliate on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Prior to that position, she covered countless stories while reporting, anchoring and producing investigative reports and specials at stations in Orlando, Florida and Cincinnati, Ohio. Her work has been recognized by the Emmy ® Awards, Associated Press, Religion Newswriters Association, and the National Association of Black Journalists.

“I am excited to bring Ms. Holmes-Iverson to Howard University,” said Frank Tramble, vice president and chief communications officer for Howard University. “Her experience with storytelling and leadership in newsrooms across the country will be crucial to helping us share stories of Howard’s community with the world. Her ability to bring new relationships and forge stronger relationships with the media is critical.”

Holmes-Iverson began her career behind the scenes as an associate producer in Miami, Florida and as an intern at Bloomberg Television’s Washington, D.C. bureau. Her passion for encouraging young people led her to teach journalism, media ethics & communication courses as an adjunct instructor at Salisbury University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She often draws upon her experience working in public relations at an education nonprofit in Washington, D.C. and communicating at a grassroots level while working on a gubernatorial campaign early in her career. Throughout the years, she has served as a mentor, volunteered with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and been the leader of a Girl Scout Troop. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Holmes-Iverson received her bachelor’s degree in public policy from Duke University and her master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. As the director of public relations, Holmes-Iverson will report to the vice president and chief communications officer. She will oversee the University’s public relations and communications strategy to expand Howard’s visibility and will work to strengthen relationships with the media.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

YUCAIPA, CA— In October, Crafton Hills College (CHC) student leaders attended the annual summit conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Attendees met and shared ideas about promising practices in the education of Hispanic and Latinx students and opportunities in furthering their education and finding rewarding employment.

The conference invites HACU member institutions to collaborate, form alliances and partnerships and share strategies for promoting greater educational equity and achievement for Hispanic/Latinx students.

CHC is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), with 50 percent of its students identifying as Hispanic or Latinx. The college was recently recognized as a 2021 Equity Champion for Excellence in Transfer for Latinx students, an award given to California community colleges that confer high rates to associate degrees for transfer to Hispanic/Latinx students.

The college sent a handful of its students to attend the conference, including English major and Executive Assistant to the Student Government Sean Ceballos. He said he was excited to participate in the forum and learn about his options as a Latinx student in higher education. Ceballos started college a decade ago but soon dropped out. He returned recently to complete his education after becoming “flooded with ambition and an urge to make a change somewhere in the world.”

“Attending the conference allowed me to rub elbows with business professionals and learn what opportunities are present for someone in my situation,” he said. “I was able to get a lot of tips and advice, as well as make connections with people who could help me in my journey. I want to break so many generational curses and stigmas that follow someone like me with my background. I’m a disabled, queer minority with a troubled past, but a bright future.”

Students were given the opportunity to network and learn about internships, scholarships and job opportunities. The conference offered many workshops and panels with practical and soft skills, including tips for overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence in others.

Ceballos said the conference “emboldened” him and created new relationships that he hopes to someday develop into mentorships.

“With the knowledge, connections, and experience gained from the HACU conference, I know I can move forward with my professional goals at full steam and know that the opportunities are endless and that the professional world is becoming so much more inclusive,” said Ceballos. “There’s a place for me out there, and the conference has made me understand that.”

Ceballos said that all Hispanic/Latinx students should consider attending the HACU conference, especially if their goal is to create better opportunities for future generations.

Jessica Watkins, a 33-year-old female astronaut from Lafayette, Colorado, will make history in April 2022 when she becomes the first Black woman to live and work on the International Space Station.

Watkins will serve as a mission specialist on the ISS as part of the SpaceX Crew-4, which is the fourth batch of astronauts on a flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft. She is one of the four members of the crew who will live on the ISS for six months.

Since 2017, Watkins has been an astronaut in NASA where she worked in its research centers, particularly on the Mars rover Curiosity. Her mission next year will be her first mission in space.

As a child, Watkins had always been inspired by iconic astronauts like Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Now, she hopes to be the one to inspire more children of color to pursue space travel.

“I do hope that all young girls, especially young girls of color that are interested in STEM and interested in exploring space, feel empowered to do so,” Watkins said, according to NPR. “I just hope young girls across the country feel that way now.”

After the ISS, Watkins, who had a background in geology and the surface of Mars, said she is also interested in traveling to Mars soon.

Mrs. Lisa Blacksher Owens was called home to be with the Lord on November 18, 2021.  She was fondly known as Lady Lisa, First Lady of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and spouse of Dr. Michael Andrew Owens, Senior Pastor.  Lisa was the former Chief of Staff for the Honorable Wilmer Amina Carter, Assembly Member of the 62nd District and Chief of Staff for the Honorable Cheryl Brown, Assembly Member of the 47^th District.  Also, she was an educator and principal for Temple Learning Center, former business owner, and worked in the banking industry as project director.  Community service and being a voice for the voiceless was taught at an early age.   Lisa grew up attending Temple Missionary Baptist Church where she served over the years on the usher board, youth choir, mentor, technology team, and performing missionary work. Over the years, Lisa advocated for causes in the community holding various positions with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Eta Nu Omega Chapter, The Inland Ivy Foundation, San Bernardino NAACP, and former president for Social Lites, Inc.  She enjoyed fellowshipping with friends and family, traveling, shopping, reading, and helping those in need.

As an undergraduate, Lisa became a member of the oldest black Greek letter organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Lambda Alpha Chapter on the campus of California State University, Long Beach where she majored in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance followed by graduating with an MBA Degree from Arizona State University.  Also, Lisa graduated from San Bernardino High School where she met and married the late Pastor Anthony Blacksher.

Lady Lisa has been awarded a crown of life.  She will live in our hearts forever.  The family invites the community to a memorial service in her honor.

Viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 2, 2021, at Temple Missionary Baptist Church. 1583 W. Union Street, San Bernardino, California 92411.  Dr. Raymond W. Turner, Sr. Pastor. Tributes, reflections, and remarks of Lisa’s kindness are welcomed at the viewing.

Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on December 3, 2021, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1575 W. 17^th Street, San Bernardino, CA  92411.  Dr. Michael Andrew Owens, Sr. Pastor.

Interment will be held at a later date at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA  92518.

Donations can be made to any of the following scholarship funds:

• Wilmer Amina Carter Foundation
• The Social Lites, Inc. Scholarship Foundation
• New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
• Temple Missionary Baptist Church
• The Inland Ivy Foundation
• San Bernardino NAACP

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

Golden State Public health officials are recommending that Californians take COVID-19 booster shots to prevent a resurgence of the disease and to celebrate the holidays safely with their loved ones.

“It’s not too late to get it,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Department, referring to the COVID-19 booster shot. He was speaking at a vaccine clinic in Los Angeles County last week.

“Get that added protection for the Thanksgiving gatherings you may attend,” he said.

Last week, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine boosters for all adults in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC followed with an endorsement of the booster vaccine, recommending it for people over age 50, and anyone18 and older who is at higher risk.

The CDC loosened the language for all other adults, saying anyone over age 18 “may” take the shot.

California officials say the booster shots are plenty and available throughout the state.

“If you think you will benefit from getting a booster shot, I encourage you,” said Ghaly. “Supplies are available. There are many sites across the state – thousands in fact.”

On Saturday, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup  completed a separate review of the federal government’s approval process for the booster shots and also recommended that “individuals 18 or older who have completed their primary vaccination series,” take the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna boosters.

California, Oregon, Nevada and Washington state came together last year and created the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. The group, made up of scientists, medical professionals and public health experts, is charged with reviewing COVID-19 vaccine safety.

Over the last two weeks, COVID-19 infections across the United States have increased at a rate of nearly 33 %, according to the CDC.

Officials are encouraging people who took both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago to get their boosters now. People who took the one-shot Johnson & Johnson primary dose at least two months ago, should also schedule their booster shot.

“COVID-19 boosters are available to all Californians 18 [and over]! Walk-in clinics are open statewide with no appointment necessary – like this mobile clinic in Avenal. Find a clinic or pharmacy near you and get yours today,” the governor’s office chimed in on Twitter.

Newsom has pushed hard for the vaccine booster since he received his last month.

“Great news for the rest of the country. The holidays are here — make sure to keep your immunity up and protect yourself and your loved ones. Get your booster,” Newsom tweeted on Nov. 18

According to Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel, the booster shots are being administered under an “emergency use authorization.”

California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.