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By Ivan Walks, M.D. | Charles D. Ellison

As the first coronavirus vaccine shots are being administered, there is quite a bit of talk and anticipation around whether it’s safe and how fast we’ll get it. We’re definitely asking lots of questions about how we’ll be distributing that vaccine, who will get it first and if our already stressed medical supply chains can handle distribution and storage.

Fortunately, there is even a robust conversation on how government (state, local and federal), health professionals and vaccine manufacturers must gain the trust and confidence of justifiably skeptical Black and Brown communities.

According to one recent (and not so surprising) national COVID Collaborative survey, just 14 percent and 34 percent of Black and Latino respondents, respectively, trust the coronavirus vaccine. This is particularly worrisome because COVID-19 kills Black and Brown folks at a much higher rate. For Black populations, the legacy of medical violence is a long one and will not go away – public leaders and elected officials must tackle it.

Yet, one major question we may get blindsided on is this: who will get the “best” vaccine available … and who won’t?

It’s that tricky, age-old question of premium versus basic. Gold versus bronze. Brand name versus generic. Americans have a constant pre-occupation, sometimes warranted, with whether or not they’re getting the best product or if they’re forced into making tough choices based on cost, quality and, many times, bias. Because of the rather narrowed and incomplete way we’ve been having the national coronavirus vaccine discussion, many have assumed it’s just one type or one standard of vaccine. If we let headlines and cable TV talking heads tell it, there’s a public sense of the big singular “vaccine” and that it’s “… 95 percent effective.” However, most of us in the know have failed to focus on one major detail: there’s not just one vaccine, there are several … and not all coronavirus vaccines are created equal. Nor are all those vaccines 95 percent effective.

Starting this week, we have watched with a mix of nervousness and fascination as healthcare professionals have received the first administered doses of vaccine. According to the NY Times Covid-19 vaccine tracker, 2 vaccines have been approved for full use and there are 16 vaccines from different pharmaceutical makers and labs all around the world in final Phase 3 “large scale efficacy tests.” About 5 are in “limited use” as we speak.

Of those in Phase 3 or emergency use that are beginning to reach supply chains for use in the United States are Pfizer, Moderna and Astra Zeneca; Pfizer has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use. Both Pfizer and Moderna show 95 percent effectiveness. However, AstraZeneca, reportedly, has only seen “moderate” effectiveness, with trial efficacy ranging anywhere from 62 percent to 70 percent and sometimes 90 percent, depending on the level and sequence of dosage.

That’s not to say AstraZeneca’s vaccine is not effective. Indeed, trial studies show that it is. But, when a weary public only sees the percentages, we have not yet had that honest, open conversation about how two vaccines – Pfizer and Moderna – appear to significantly outperform one other vaccine, AstraZeneca, and maybe others. In a situation like that, as vaccine is gradually available, people are going to ask questions about if they are getting the “best” vaccine. More alarmingly, we will also find ourselves in a situation where governments and medical institutions may distribute a type of vaccine based on zip code, income, health insurance and, some will wonder, race.

Bad enough we see a rather high number of people in certain demographic groups who don’t trust the vaccine. Why add to those fears with extra anxiety over vaccine quality? We need to get ahead of that inevitable conversation and potential clash right now. The fear is that vaccine distribution or, rather, who gets what grade of vaccine will be determined by where they live, how much they make and the color of their skin. Expectations on vaccine supply have already been dramatically reduced as we’re now finding out the current administration didn’t prepare for or bother to purchase the “several hundred million doses” of Covid vaccine it promised – instead, states are planning for just less than 40 million doses to start with. We’ll only have a limited supply of that 95 percent effective Pfizer and Moderna, but initially – and likely – a greater supply of the potentially 70 percent effective AstraZeneca. So, what happens when word gets out that the 95 percent effective vaccine will be used up before certain communities or populations can get in line?  

It’s a valid question because we see it unfolding every day in the delivery of our healthcare, particularly as well researched and documented bias – consciously or not – often drives healthcare decisions.  What we know is that race and income oftentimes dictate level and quality of care. We know, for example, that Black and Latino patients face numerous barriers to needed prescription drugs: Black and Brown children were found less likely to receive antibiotics for respiratory infections than White children. If this is a norm, why should those populations expect the equitable distribution of coronavirus vaccine?

That’s the critical question I’ve seen unfold in terrible and tragic ways firsthand. As Chief Public Health Officer for Washington, D.C. leading the response to the first bioterrorism attack on our nation’s capital back in 2001, I had to explain to outraged Black D.C. postal workers why they were receiving a different and thought-to-be cheaper Anthrax antibiotic, doxycycline, compared to the Ciprofloxacin that was being taken by mostly White Capitol Hill personnel and postal workers in Manhattan. Two Black postal workers had already died from Anthrax and people wanted answers and optimal healthcare. Yet, the decision to pick “doxy” was based, ultimately, on risk vs. benefit, not cost …. difficult to explain in a setting of disparate mortality along racial lines.  

We might very well be headed down this same road in the distribution of coronavirus vaccine.  Even as we resolve the question over trust – since various public and private institutions may eventually mandate Covid vaccination as a condition of travel, employment and schooling, anyway – we’re going to hit the thornier topic of quality. How vaccine is dispersed could potentially come down to bias selection: the battle between haves and have-nots.  What we need to do now is have as much of a transparent conversation about these vaccines as possible and include the talk about vaccine efficacy as part of the overall conversation on closing the trust gap, especially as it relates to Black communities.

To ward off the dramatic and dangerous levels of skepticism from that, public health professionals and elected officials must be honest. Let’s get out in front of this: 1) we now know we’ll have limited vaccine supply to start off with and 2) our medical and emergency supply chains, including the cold storage needed to preserve the 95 percent effective Pfizer and Moderna, will also be limited. Hence, there will be heavier reliance on the 70 percent effective AstraZeneca which, incidentally, doesn’t likely need the cold storage. 

Policymakers on all levels should immediately huddle with public health officials and consider measures to prevent vaccine distribution that would appear to be based on income, healthcare access and race. All approved vaccines, regardless of proven or perceived quality, must be distributed equitably. As we attempt to navigate our nation out of this pandemic, let’s ensure our historical and ongoing national biases don’t further ruin the path to total recovery.

IVAN WALKS, M.D.is the former Chief Public Health Officer of the District of Columbia and Principal of Ivan Walks & Associates. 

CHARLES D. ELLISON is Senior Fellow at the Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference’s Council on Communities of Color and Publisher of theBEnote.com

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media? 

Months after Black employees called out widespread racism at the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed two African American women to the board of the California agency that shapes state policy against air pollution.  

Last week, the governor announced that he appointed Liane Randolph, 55, of Oakland, who was in charge of integrating the resource-planning processes at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), as the new chair of CARB.  

“Cleaner air is essential for California’s families and Liane Randolph is the kind of bold, innovative leader that will lead in our fight against climate change with equity and all California’s communities at heart,” Gov. Newsom said. “By committing to achieving carbon neutrality and a clean economy, my Administration is fighting for a healthier and more vibrant future for our families and our economy.”  

Randolph is the first Black person to serve as chair of CARB.

Responding to the news of her appointment, Randolph said she is “beyond excited” about the work she will do at CARB. 

“Governor Newsom and the Legislature have set California on a bold path to address the air pollution that burdens our communities and the existential threat of climate change,” Randolph said. “Implementing these policies requires effective management and strategy that centers the people affected most by environmental damage. I am eager to step forward and continue California’s leadership in tackling these challenging issues.” 

Randolph has been a Commissioner at the CPUC since 2015. Before that, she was deputy secretary and general counsel at the California Natural Resources Agency from 2011 to 2014. From 2007 to 2011, she was an attorney at the law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. 

Randolph, a Democrat, also served as chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission from 2003 to 2007. From 1996 to 1997, she a was staff attorney there as well.  

She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California Los Angeles School of Law. The CARB chairperson’s position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $183,552.  

?Randolph replaces Mary Nichols, CARB’s outgoing chair, who is reportedly President-elect Joe Biden’s top pick to be the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).? 

Another Black woman, Davina Hurt, will also serve on the air agency’s board. She joins other members: John Balmes of Berkeley, Los Angeles’ Gideon Kracov, and Tania Pacheco-Werner of Sanger.  

Hurt, 45, has been a Belmont City councilmember since 2015. She has worked as a campaign manager at the Democratic Volunteer Center from 2014 to 2015. 

Hurt is a member of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. This CARB board position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Hurt is also a Democrat. 

In September, the Concerned Black Employees at CARB (CBE CARB) submitted a 13-page letter alleging discrimination at the agency. It stated that members had been the target of routine and systematic racism and that they had been excluded from promotions.  

CARB, the letter points out, has a total of 1,627 employees and only 73 of them are Black. Only one African American has held an executive position with the organization. 

“Our intent in sharing this Letter and Action Plan is not to shame or belittle CARB, or to assign blame. We enjoy the work we do at CARB and want to do all we can to improve CARB for the future, and our future careers with the agency,” CBE CARB stated.? 

Last summer, at the height of the George Floyd riots and the national reckoning on race, Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Sacramento), who is African American, expressed disapproval and disappointment after Nichols posted a tweet comparing air pollution violations with the tragic death of George Floyd. 

“How dare you use a dying man’s plea for help as a way to discuss your agenda. Have you no shame?” Cooper reacted to Nichols’ tweet.? 

Nichols posted on June 1, “‘I can’t breathe’ speaks to police violence, but it also applies to the struggle for clean air. Environmental racism is just one form of racism. It’s all toxic. Government needs to clean it up in word and deed.”? 

Nichols later issued an apology via Twitter, stating “I apologize for speaking at the wrong time about the wrong topic. Racism comes in many forms and I believe we must fight every instance of it in our society.”? 

NEWS PROVIDED BY | Platinum Star Public Relations

Like a modern-day Harriet Tubman, VP-Elect Kamala Harris opened the door to claim a seat at the U.S. Senate table. U.S. Congresswomen Karen Bass or Barbara Lee should carry the torch lit by Harris.”

— Marie Y. Lemelle, CA Black Women Coalition 

The movement of powerful and politically active Black women throughout California and the U.S. will continue to join forces to strongly urge California Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint either Rep. Karen Bass or Rep. Barbara Lee to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated upon the ascension of VP-elect Kamala Harris to her new position. Taking the movement from social media and phone calls targeting Newsom’s office, two protests of elected officials, influential Black women, allies, and organizers will take place on Tuesday, December 15 from 11 a.m. to noon at California Governor Gavin Newsom offices at the California State Capitol, 10th and L Streets, Sacramento, CA 95814 and Ronald Reagan Building, 300 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

“Black women play a critical role in everything I do and say, and I would love to see a Black woman replace our Vice President-elect Kamala Harris,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-South Carolina, the majority whip of the U.S. House of Representatives and highest-ranking African American in Congress. “U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif. 13), and U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif. 37) are both qualified and prepared to be California’s next junior senator.”

“If gender equity is California’s promise as stated by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, we are calling in that promise from the Governor’s office,” said Northern California Protest Leader Hon. Shay Franco-Clausen, Corresponding Secretary CDP Black Caucus and Silicon Valley Chapter lead for BWOPA. Black women voted in record numbers to deliver a victory to Democrats and this Country. It’s time to make room at the table we helped build and uplift Black women. California needs to replace Vice President Elect Kamala Harris seat with another Black woman.

“Black women in the Democratic Party have saved this country over and over again,” said Molly Watson, Board Member, Black Women’s Democratic Club. “If a Black woman is not appointed, our country loses the Black woman’s voice in the U.S. Senate.”

“Failing to appoint a women of color is a step back,” said Amiee Allison, President, She the People. “This is a moment for the governor to rise to the challenge.” In 2016, Californians voters chose a progressive Black woman to represent them in the Senate. The voters’ will must be respected by appointing a progressive Black woman to replace VP-elect Kamala Harris.

Historically, Black women are blatantly excluded from leadership roles. Kamala Harris, the only Black woman in the U.S. Senate, changed the game for us and proved that a Black woman is invaluable to the progression of California and our Nation. Let’s not forget that Black women voted in record numbers to deliver a victory to Democrats and our country. “Karen Bass and Barbara Lee can fill those shoes perfectly without breaking their stride,” said Alfre Woodard Spencer, an actress and activist.

“Like a modern-day Harriet Tubman, Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris kicked opened the door to claim a seat at the U.S. Senate table,” said Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, former State Board Member for Barbering and Cosmetology and City of Glendale Commission on the Status of Women. “Harris’ legacy is to lead more Black women to the table who will represent a forgotten but strong California population.” It is no surprise that women are already underrepresented in the U.S. Senate; and that is unacceptable. California should continue to buck the trend and send another Black woman to the U.S. Senate.

December 1st marked the 65th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat. Her right to keep her seat was a symbol of will power and the right to claim a prominent place in this world. We are ready to repeat the historic and courageous move that Ms. Parks made to demand respect and inclusion. She stood her ground without a coalition of Black women by her side. We earned the right to #KeeptheSeat and will continue to fight to never give up our seat to represent all people but especially the largest population in the State of California.

We live the values of gender equality, fairness, community, diversity, and authenticity that are essential to strong leadership. We ask that you do not overlook our progressive leaders Bass and Lee to carry the torch lit by Kamala Harris. Don’t dim the light of the Black woman’s spotlight and voice.

There is no doubt that Bass and Lee are ready to take on the challenges and issues that face Californians. They have the experience and the relationships to step in Kamala Harris’ shoes and step up to the table with confidence and determination. They know how to get the work done in Congress while advocating for the needs of Californians.

This is our time, and we are staking our claim to the seat that Kamala Harris earned with the support of Black women. Diversity in our leaders is the core to who we are in California. Together, we benefit from a variety in experiences and perspectives.

Tell Gov. Newsom why we need to #KeepTheSeat and #AppointABlackWoman, write to the Governor’s Chief of Staff Ann O’Leary at ann.oleary@gov.ca.gov.

For more information or the #KeepTheSeat toolkit, contact Marie Y. Lemelle, Platinum Star PR at (213) 276-7827 or marielemelle@platinumstarpr.com.

The former Poyner Spruill litigator and historic, Black ‘trifecta’ queen titleholder to continue firm work in integral new role

NATIONAL—– Current “Extra” television correspondent and Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst has been announced as North Carolina-based law firm Poyner Spruill’s first Diversity Advisor. The prestigious law firm is one of the country’s oldest, its roots tracing back to the 1800s.

“I am honored to return to the firm where I previously served as a member of the litigation team,” said Kryst who was a member of the 90-attorney firm’s litigation team before being crowned Miss USA. “This role will allow me to provide guidance on diversity and inclusion, using my previous experience serving as a member of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, my studies earning an undergraduate degree with a focus in human resources and my Master of Business Administration degree, and my various experiences speaking nationwide about diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

As a Diversity Advisor, Kryst will sharpen and advance Poyner Spruill’s diversity and inclusion goals. Her role will also see her working alongside the multidisciplinary law firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Kryst’s practice at the firm previously focused on complex civil litigation. She was also active in assisting the firm with diversifying its ranks and fostering an inclusive environment by interviewing diverse internship candidates through the firm’s involvement in the NCBA Minorities in the Profession program and the Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship, helping to author the firm’s first Diversity and Inclusion Plan, and organizing the firm’s annual Black History Month celebration.

While on sabbatical during her reign as Miss USA 2019, she continued to advocate for change and used her platform to speak against injustice, noting her passion for criminal justice reform, and has worked pro bonofor clients serving excessive time for low-level drug offenses. She traveled across the country speaking about diversity and inclusion, including most notably in a workplace culture discussion hosted by the Society of Human Resource Management, during which she addressed harassment, ageism, and generational differences, among other issues. In her onstage questions during the 2019 Miss USA Competition, Kryst spoke in support of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements and described the Millennial generation as “innovative” before going on to win the title.

“We are excited to have Cheslie serve the firm in this new role and to remain part of the Poyner team,” said Dan Cahill, managing partner of Poyner Spruill. “Her passion, world experiences, and knowledge will offer great insight and direction. Our firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee is energized about working alongside Cheslie to continue progressing towards and reaching our goals as we commit to fostering a firm culture that is both diverse and inclusive.”

Kryst, a Charlotte, NC-native, is the first attorney to win the Miss USA title and was the longest-reigning Miss USA in the competition’s history. She was notably part of the “trifecta” of Black queens who wore the crowns of America’s three most well-recognized and reputable pageants – Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA – simultaneously this past year.

Since October 2019, Kryst has been working as full-time correspondent at “Extra” where she covers the latest celebrity and entertainment news. She is active in her role as a Global Impact Ambassador for Dress for Success and serves on the National Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters America.

“I am looking forward to amplifying the voices of the underrepresented in this new role” said the 29-year-old Kryst. “It is an honor that Poyner Spruill trusts me to make an impact.”

By Cedric ‘BIG CED” Thornton, Black Enterprise

There is history being made! According to Deadline, as of February 1, 2021, Rashida Jones will be taking over as president of MSNBC, making her the first Black executive to lead one of the major cable news networks. She is replacing Phil Griffin, who will be stepping down next year.

The chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group, Cesar Conde, had made the announcement in a memo that was sent to the staff. According to NBC News, Jones, who is currently senior vice president at NBC and MSNBC, will take over at MSNBC on Feb. 1.

Jones currently leads the breaking news and major events coverage.

Conde announces the move via a staff memo:

“Rashida knows and understands MSNBC, in part because it’s where she started when she first joined NBCU seven years ago.  She knows that it is the people who work here that make it great, and she understands its culture. She also appreciates the impact and potential of the brand.

“As you know, Rashida currently leads coverage of breaking news and major events across NBC News and MSNBC, in addition to overseeing dayside and weekends news programming on MSNBC. In the last year alone that has meant, of course, that she has masterfully guided our coverage of the global pandemic, the social justice protests and unrest, Decision 2020, and the two most-viewed Democratic presidential debates in television history. She helped lead the preparation for Kristen Welker’s role as general election debate moderator. And she has steered many of our groundbreaking editorial series, including Justice for All and Climate in Crisis.”

Before she joined NBC News, the Hampton University graduate was the news director for the NBC affiliate in Columbia, South Carolina, and also served as director of live programming for The Weather Channel.

FREE Tickets Available Now

NATIONAL—- Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Holliday will join the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) as the featured performer for its 2020 Virtual Awards, streaming December 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Celebrity DJ Andre Mack will also join NABJ as the host of the awards show live afterparty.

Holliday is best known for her role in the smash Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls,” with her show-stopping performance as Effie “Melody” White. This iconic role garnered her a Tony Award for best actress in a musical. 

With over 30 years of experience on Broadway, Holliday got her start at age 17 while singing in her church choir in Houston, Texas. Holliday’s passion didn’t stop on the Broadway stage. She has appeared on television as Lisa Knowles on the Fox TV dramedy, “Ally McBeal.” She has also enjoyed a successful recording career, winning Grammy® Awards for her mesmerizing performances of “And I Am Telling You, I’m Not Going” (1982) and Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” (1985). Holliday has also received rave reviews for her first album in two decades – “The Song Is You” (2014).

Back by popular demand, DJ Andre Mack is no stranger to NABJ. After performing at the 2020 Convention Opening Ceremony and Reception, co-produced and presented by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, members and attendees raved about Mack’s skills on the turntables. He is frequently called upon to spin classic and soulful House, Old School R&B, Hip Hop, and Reggae music.

NABJ’s first-ever virtual awards will recognize the winners of its 2020 Salute to Excellence Awards and pay tribute to 2020 Special Honors recipients and Hall of Fame inductees. The hosts for the evening will be Lynn Whitfield, Emmy Award-winning actress; Craig Melvin, anchor of NBC News’ “TODAY”; Tichina Arnold, NAACP Image Award-winning actress; Michelle Miller, co-host of “CBS This Morning: Saturday”; and Kenneth Moton, co-anchor of “ABC World News Now” and “America This Morning.”

The awards ceremony, presented by FedEx, will kick off at 8 p.m. ET. It will be preceded by a pre-event reception at 7:30 p.m. ET. The post-event afterparty will be held from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Tickets provide access to all three activities. 

“In such a critical time in America and in journalism, it is important that we take time to celebrate and applaud our members and industry colleagues,” said NABJ President Dorothy Tucker. “We are honored to have iconic artists and actresses like Jennifer Holliday, Lynn Whitfield and Tichina Arnold celebrating with us. We are also grateful to have our award-winning hosts and journalists Craig Melvin, Michelle Miller and Kenneth Moton. And, of course, we can’t wait to unwind with the talented DJ Andre Mack. Congratulations to our 2020 honorees and finalists. We are proud of all you’ve accomplished.”

The 2020 NABJ Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Fred Sweets
• Pam Johnson
• Pam Oliver
• Mary Mitchell
• John McCaa
• Cathy Hughes
• Clarice Tinsley  

The 2020 NABJ Special Honors recipients are:

• Journalist of the Year: Yamiche Alcindor
• Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year: Rachel V. Scott
• Legacy Award: Rehema Ellis
• Chuck Stone Lifetime Achievement Award: Kevin Merida
• Journalist of Distinction: Elaine Houston
• Ida B. Wells Award: Kimberly Godwin
• Journalism Educators of the Year: Susan Mango Curtis and James McJunkins Sr.
• Angelo B. Henderson Community Service Award: Chelle Luper Wilson
• Patricia L. Tobin Media Professional Award: Ramona Logan
• Student Journalist of the Year: Arthur Cribbs
• Best Practices Award: The Trace
• Percy Qoboza Foreign Journalist Award: Mahmoud Hussein
• Student Chapter of the Year Finalists: University of North Texas-NABJ, Michigan State University Association of Black Journalists and University of South Carolina – NABJ
• Professional Chapter of the Year Finalists: Greater Cincinnati Association of Black Journalists, Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists – Los Angeles, and NABJ-South Florida

Salute to Excellence nominees can be found here.

Free tickets are available at https://nabj.digitalvirtualspaces.com/register.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY— The county has extended their deadline to December 13th and increased its grant amount to $5,000 for its COVID-Compliant Partnership Program. This is a grant and businesses must agree to follow COVID-Compliant business procedures.

To support local small businesses and help ensure ongoing compliance with State and County Health orders and direction, San Bernardino County is implementing the COVID Compliant Business Partnership Program.

This program has two components.

Original Funding of $2,500 has now increased to $5,000 for eligible Small Businesses and Nonprofits with 1-100 employees (some exceptions made for businesses with 0 employees)

Previous funding recipients that applied before October 31, 2020 will receive a check for the additional funding (Except Short Term Rentals and Private Schools).

Support and Partnership for ALL eligible County businesses who wish to become a COVID Compliant Business Partner.

This program will support our local small businesses by reimbursing and/or offsetting costs and impacts directly related to complying with COVID-19 related business protocols and providing support to all eligible County businesses who apply for the program. Additional business locations in the County under the same ownership will be eligible to receive an additional $2,000 per eligible location. 

Prior to receiving funding, San Bernardino County small businesses must demonstrate compliance with State/County public health orders, and incorporate safety and social distancing practices and measures in their business operations. Again, the business must agree to follow COVID-Compliant business procedures

Total funding available for this program is $30,000,000. Eligible businesses, per qualifying location, can receive up to $5,000. Deadline for Application Extended to December 13, 2020 or until funding is exhausted, on a first-come, first served basis. Visit: SBCovid19.com

On May 13, 2020, Carlos Buford, Chief Financial Officer of Clearwater Residential, Inc. in Moreno Valley announced that the organization received a grant from Stater Bros. Charities. With two (2) homes located in Moreno Valley and San Bernardino, Clearwater is dedicated to residential shelter services for homeless men and women, focusing on the senior community and veterans.

Mr. Buford thanks Stater Bros. Charities for their gift as it has positively impacted the Homeless Meals Project; therefore, uplifting the homeless population and making lives better in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

For more information including how to donate or volunteer, please reach out to Carlos Buford at (951) 443- 6849 or visit www.clearwaterresidential.org.

From the staff of CSUSB

We were deeply saddened by the recent news of Walter S. Hawkins. For those that had the opportunity to know him, we are sure countless memories rushed through your mind as you learned about his passing on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. As we reflected, one shared, “We lost a conscience of our community, this past week.”  

He made a lasting impact on our program statewide and wanted to share some background on him. Walter S. Hawkins, 72, was a resident of Rialto, CA for more than 40 years, and was a loving and devoted husband, father, mentor, colleague, and friend to many. He was born in San Angelo, Texas, the only son of Maiso and Altamae Hawkins. His father was a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, so he lived in Japan and Germany for a period of his young life. Eventually, his family relocated to San Diego, CA, where Walter received a football and track scholarship to San Diego State University.  

From the beginning, Walter was a champion for those who had none. He began as an intern at the Neighborhood House Association, one of the largest Non-Profit Social Service Agencies in San Diego, while he was pursuing his graduate degree. During this time, he solidified his belief that a better tomorrow for all is possible through empowerment, education, and wellness.  

Once he earned his Graduate degree, Walter began his professional career as a Social Worker. He worked for Tayari, a California based adoption agency, and a division within the San Diego County Department of Public Welfare. During his time there, he worked tirelessly on finding permanent families for African American children. He later served as a leader in the field of social work as a member of the Black Social Workers Association.  

Walter devoted over thirty years of his life to California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). He joined the CSUSB family in 1974 as one of the first Upward Bound Director’s. Shortly after, he became the Director of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). During his tenure with EOP, he developed, implemented, and enhanced many comprehensive student support services that later the university began to adopt and expand across the campus in the late 1980’s. Some of these services included but were not limited to the first early warning/intervention system at the university, tutoring support for students, peer mentoring programs, proactive academic advising procedures, among others. He was also one of the first Black Student Union staff advisors to the BSU student group organization. In addition, he served in two temporary assignments: as Acting Dean of Educational Support Services and as a programmer and unit lead for what was once the CSUSB Computer Center, to assist with software development to prepare university entities for a transfer to a new campus-wide data system. He went on to serve as the Director of Research & Policy for the Department of Undergraduate Studies until his retirement in 2007. 

When relocating to the Inland Empire to join CSUSB, Walter continued to serve his local community and youth. He provided an immense amount of his time volunteering and offering his research skillset and policy recommendations to numerous organizations, which included but not limited too; First 5 San Bernardino Strategic Planning committee, the American Red Cross, Option House, the NAACP, the San Bernardino City Unified School District African American Student Achievement Task Force, as a founding Board Member of Black Future Leaders, founding member of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club, as a Kappa Alpha Psi Member, Vice President, and Executive Board member of the Westside Action Group (WAG) and as a Board Member for the Rialto Unified School District for many years.  

Even after he retired from CSUSB, he worked on several African American initiatives in our local region. He continued his servanthood through his consulting firm, NewHAWK, where he focused on demographic research and geographic information to advocate for several campaigns. Most recently, he was commissioned by California Black Media to conduct the research for the “The Counting Black California,” report for the 2020 Census. The data was used and overlaid with the state COVID data that helped the African American Community Empowerment Council secure 2.5 million dollars for testing African American’s statewide. He received numerous awards and recognitions throughout the years for his work, including a Pioneer Award at the inaugural CSUSB Pioneer Breakfast. 

Walter was a straight-talking man, he used research, data and logic to address and support his efforts. He earned the respect of everyone who encountered him as a gentle giant, who through hard work and good humor, gave of himself and focused on ensuring the success of others. He helped guide many, and often was the foundation of integrity and high expectations for those who served youth. He certainly did become known as a “conscience of our community”. 

Walter’s life work was not to champion those with wealth or power or special connections. It was to give a voice to those who were not heard; to extend a ladder of opportunity; to make real the dream of many who are disadvantaged or underserved. He worked hard to ensure the social mobility of those without and of their families for generations to come.  

Not only did his family thrive because of Walter’s commitment and hard work – he did because of theirs, and especially because of the love and the life he led with Dr. Jean Peacock. They found each other at CSUSB. He deeply loved this remarkable woman, and she didn’t just love him back; she gave him strength, joy, and friendship; and stood by him always in all his endeavors. 

We cannot know for certain how long we each have here, however, what we can do, is to live out our lives as best we can and help as many as possible along the way, and that’s exactly what Walter did. He used each day and much of his time to make a difference and strived to make a better, stronger Inland Empire for generations to come.  

Walter touched the lives of many. Students and community members benefitted from his advocacy, counsel, and friendship. Anyone who knew Walter will miss his humor and his innate ability to refocus a group to take care of business. 

He leaves his beloved wife Jean, his sons Paul and Christian and daughter Regina. He was blessed with both adopted and biological grandchildren and several nieces and nephews among his extended Hawkins/Peacock and Newman family, his daughter-in-law Torria and sister-in-law Mary who all love him dearly. A private family service will be held to celebrate Walter. 

If individuals would like to make a memorial gift in Walter’s honor, so for years to come, more youth can continue to pursue their dreams, please give to The Walter S. Hawkins and  Dr. M. Jean Peacock Endowed Scholarship. You can either contribute online or submit a check payable to CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation. Please be sure to reference on Check Memo: #P400261 Hawkins/Peacock Endowed Scholarship.  

Mail to: 

CSUSB 

Attn: Terri Carlos 

Office of Philanthropic Giving 

5500 University Parkway 

San Bernardino, CA 92407 

To make a gift online visit www.csusb.edu/makeagift 

When visiting the make a gift web link listed above: 

· Select “Multiple Funds, Specific College, Program or Dept” under the “I want my gift to support,” header 

· A pop up box will show up. Select the area you want to support by clicking “Other” 

· Enter the amount of your contribution and type in “#P400261 Hawkins/Peacock Endowment” 

· Then follow the remaining prompts 

ONTARIO, CA—- Living through a historic global pandemic and civil unrest, one school is seizing this critical time to foster global citizenship and teach its students to think outside school walls. Ignite is a first-of-its-kind partnership between Ontario Christian High School and the global Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. This innovative program will inspire students to take action and equip them to find solutions to the needs of today’s world.

Ontario students will also be committing to sponsor children in Kalapata, Kenya through World Vision, but in an empowering twist, the students will be Chosen by the children in Kalpata. The Ontario students had their photos taken and sent to the Kalpata community in Kenya where their photos were displayed for the Kenyan children to choose what Ontario student, they want to be their sponsor. 

“One of Ontario Christian’s goals is to be a community that considers loving your neighbor as an essential part of faith, as a non-negotiable. I’m really excited about this experience for the students,” said Ontario Christian Principal Ben Dykhouse. “I’m excited that I get to experience this along with them, with the child that my family is sponsoring.”

On November 18, the Ignite program will hold a powerful event where the students will find out who chose them as their sponsor. They will receive a picture of the child holding their photo and a note letting them know about the child and what made the child choose them. This will be the emotional beginning of a transformational relationship that, accompanied with an experiential curriculum, will shape the students into global leaders with a biblical worldview. 

Just this week, the students participated in the Social Innovation Challenge, which is a competition that empowers students to create real-world solutions to humanitarian issues. This year’s challenge invited students to come up with solutions to tackle youth drug abuse in Ethiopia. Competing against a team from a school in Las Vegas, the winning team gets a chance to see their solution implemented in a community in Ethiopia. 

World Vision is one of the largest Christian humanitarian organizations in the world, working in nearly 100 countries. Through the organization’s efforts every 30 seconds, a family gets water, a hungry child is fed, and a family receives the tools to overcome poverty.

Ontario Christian High School will launch the World Vision Ignite partnership with nearly 100 9^th grade students, who will build relationships with their sponsored child in Kenya through the remainder of their high school career at Ontario. They will also learn about the root causes of poverty and how to tackle critical world issues. By connecting with vulnerable kids in the developing world, students will gain empathy, learn to love their neighbors, and provide tangible help to meet the basic needs of others. The students will also lead out on local action, to help neighbors in need in the Los Angeles area.

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About World Vision: 
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.?For more information, please visit https://www.worldvision.org/about-us/media-center or follow us on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.