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Pasadena Tournament of Roses’ First African American President Recognized by California State Assembly

 (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SACRAMENTO, CA— Recently on the California State Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Chris Holden recognized Gerald Freeny for his confirmation as the first African American president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Board of Directors. Freeny will provide leadership for the 130th Rose Parade on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

“Gerald Freeny’s confirmation as President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a significant milestone in Black History,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Freeny is an example of the Black excellence that occurs every day and exemplifies the progress Tournament of Roses has made to further diversity and inclusiveness within their ranks.”

Gerald Freeny rose through the ranks of hundreds of “white suit volunteers” to become the 130th president of the Association. He previously worked as the chairman of parade operations, and has been a volunteer member of the Tournament of Roses Association since 1988.

Gerald Freeny announced “the Melody of Life” as this year’s theme for the Tournament of Roses to encourage creativity and music as a way to bring people together.

“Many in the Pasadena community have waited and fought for this moment, and we are all excited about the leadership Gerald Freeny will bring to the Tournament of Roses,” said Holden.

The City of Rialto and Young Visionaries Get The Students Equipped for the School Year at Annual Backpack Giveaway

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK)—RIALTO, CA—On Saturday, August 4 at the Johnson Center in Rialto, there were hundreds of cheerful and grateful smiles and gestures as students prepared for the new school year as they were given free backpacks and hair cuts. 

Another successful Back to School Backpack Giveaway is under wraps thanks to Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson and CEO and founder of Young Visionaries, Terrance  Stone. Of course they couldn’t have made the event successful without the generous support of their volunteers and sponsors. 

BOTTOMLINE: LeBron’s “Promise” School Project Demonstrates How Rich Folk Should Protest!!

Publisher’s Commentary By Wallace J. Allen

LeBron James’ gift to the children of Akron, Ohio is a template for what wealthy folk can do to help America benefit from the potential that is unlocked when our children are supported in their quest for excellence!  Educating children in grade school and guaranteeing their college tuition/education is really a gift to America.  It also lifts our vision beyond the typical distractions that haunt Black Americans and empowers our children with education and hero images that look like them! 

I encourage other affluent people who are concerned with America’s mistreatment of the Black descendants of the enslaved Africans who built the wealth of America; to replace protest with pro-activism!

I have supported the NFL Players kneeling in protest of police shootings of Black People and would support the protest now, were it not for King James’ royal proclamation and commitment. His action has set a new standard for activism by prosperous people.

I suggest that the NFL players who really want to make a difference, redirect their energy from protesting during the National Anthem to pro-action with their paychecks! Affluent Black men dedicating money towards educating our less fortunate will make a powerful impact. Affluent Black men supporting businesses that create job opportunities for our disenfranchised will make a powerful impact!

Kneeling has made a powerful noise that has not only been compromised by haters, but also threatens the income of those who choose to kneel in protest.  I suggest that we encourage our concerned NFL players to protect their source of income by rejecting protest and to demonstrate pro-action by investing in strengthening the Black Family and community. Stay Woke!    

Happiest Class on Earth Celebrates Second Year Encouraging Youth to Give Back to Their Communities

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—ANAHEIM, CA— More than 4,500 students from 48 Anaheim elementary schools participated in the second year of Happiest Class on Earth. The program, which will run over a 10-year period, encourages sixth-graders to give back to their schools and communities by completing a service project, earning tickets to visit the Disneyland Resort as a class.

Through their participation in the program this year, students collected cans of food, planted trees and recycled bottles, just to name a few of their efforts.

Assistant Principal Suzanne Nichols from Thomas Edison Elementary School noted, “Because of the hard work and dedication of the students through Happiest Class on Earth, many people have been positively impacted by the community service!”

 

‘Black Farmers Association’ Files Lawsuit Against Stine Seed Company For Defective Seeds

Thomas Burrell, President of BFAA, will be the “EMPIRE TALKS BACK” (ETB) guest this Sunday. ETB, hosted by Wallace Allen, WssNews Publisher, is broadcast each Sunday at 10:00 AM on KCAA 1050-AM, 102.3 FM and 106.5 FM.  ETB streams live video via http://www.kcaaradio.com

By Tom Charlier, Commercial Appeal

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Black farmers, whose numbers already have dwindled precipitously over the past century, face new hardships after suffering poor crop yields last year because they were sold “fake” soybean seeds, an association alleges in a lawsuit.

Leaders of the Memphis-based Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association have filed a class-action lawsuit against Stine Seed, the nation’s largest independent seed-producer, accusing the Adel, Iowa, firm of targeting African-Americans for sales of defective seeds.

The suit alleges that black farmers who attended the 67th Annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in Memphis last year bought more than $100,000 worth of “certified” seeds. But the lawsuit alleges the seeds were switched for inferior ones at a warehouse near Sledge, Miss.

Stine, in a statement, strongly denied the allegations and said it would mount a vigorous defense against the “meritless” lawsuit.

The lawsuit is the latest action by the BFAA, which also has represented some of the African-American farmers claiming widespread discriminatory practices by the Department of Agriculture.

Following an initial class-action lawsuit against the USDA, nearly 16,000 growers had collected settlements totaling $1.06 billion by 2011. Congress has appropriated $1.2 billion to pay for a second wave of settlements.

You may hear more about this case on Sunday, August 5 as Thomas Burrell, President of BFAA, discusses the lawsuit on ‘Empire Talks Back’ with Wallace Allen at 10 a.m. on KCAA 1050-AM, 02.3 FM and 106.5 FM. Listen onine at www.kcaaradio.com.

Chinese Exchange Students Learn by Doing from Norton Elementary Scholars

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Norton Elementary School sixth-grader Selina Vasquez never imagined she would one day share her love for STEM with Chinese children.

A unique summer exchange program started by Principal Elizabeth Cochrane-Benoit made it possible for Selina and about 60 fellow Norton students to spend two weeks in July immersing seven Chinese students in educational activities related to science, technology, engineering, and math, better known as STEM.

The program, thought to be the first of its kind for foreign exchange students in elementary school, is the culmination of two years of collaboration between Cochrane-Benoit and Guohai “Jack” Tang, the CEO of Chinese high-tech company Keeson Technology Corporation.

“We’re teaching the students to use 3D printers and they’re teaching us how to speak Chinese,” Selina said. “We’re excited that we might end up going to China as exchange students.”

Norton teachers and students are showcasing technology like computer-aided design and 3D printers to show the exchange students how STEM education and applied learning have transformed education at the downtown San Bernardino school.

“They’re so impressed with all that our Norton students are doing in elementary school,” Cochrane-Benoit said. “The technology our students use on a daily basis is the same technology Keeson employees are using.”

Students are also participating in daily field trips, including one to Keeson-owned company Ergomotion in Redlands, which manufactures technology for adjustable beds.

San Bernardino City Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden welcomed the students to Norton by greeting them in their native Mandarin through an online interpretation app.

“I’m pleased to welcome our young people from China,” Marsden said. “I’m so glad that we can participate in this exchange opportunity.”

Savant Preparatory Academy Equips Youth with Life Building Skills

Subheadline: Exclusive interview with director Eva Tillman and her core staff 

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— In traditional public schools’ certain classes have been getting cut from the curriculum and others have never been offered which leaves students lacking necessary life skills to survive in the “real world”. This is where charter schools come in.  Charter schools not only provide students with the basic K-12 programs, but they also incorporate courses that will help youth become successful beyond their school endeavors.

Savant Preparatory Academy, led by Eva Tillman, Jea Brown-Reese and Jennette Balcazar, leads students to experience an enlighten that will awaken a passion for lifelong learning outside of the core subjects which include English, math and science.

“We recognize that a true experience will help children develop a sense of purpose that will be the driving force of success or the rest of their lives,” Tillman states. “And we intend to give children the space to explore their abilities that will make them great entrepreneurs and leaders.”

At Savant, they make learning enjoyable to the students to where the kids are excited to go to school each morning. I recently interviewed the core team of the academy where I was able to hear first-hand about the excitement and journey of Savant Prep.

Listen to the interview below:

Memorial Services for NAACP Riverside President, Waudieur “Woodie” Rucker Hughes Announced

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA—- The memorial services for NAACP Riverside Branch President and Community Icon, Waudieur “Woodie” Rucker Hughes, will be held on Tuesday, July 24 at 12:30 p.m. at Harvest Christian Church located at 6115 Arlington Avenue in Riverside. There will be a viewing at 11 a.m. followed by the repass immediately after the service.

Woodie peacefully made her transition on the morning of July 13. She served as the Riverside chapter’s branch president for close to 20 years. She also recently retired from the Riverside Unified School District where she served as Child Welfare Attendance Manager/District Coordinator for Homeless Education. 

“Riverside has lost a great one. Woodie was knowledgeable, dependable and steadfast in her commitment to Civil Rights and community organizing. Her leadership and strength will be missed,” said San Bernardino NAACP President A. Majadi.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers and plants, donations should be made to the Memorial Fund at Altura Credit Union.

In Loving Memory of Niya Santos

By Naomi K. Bonman
#NiyaStrong wasn’t just a a slogan or campaign, but it was Niya Santo’s testimony to encourage others. She inspired not just those who knew her personally, but she was an inspiration to the community. 
Niya’s journey began on July 8, 2016 when she was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast Cancer. She went through 8 chemo’s and had a double mastectomy and 19 Lymphnodes removed. Then in June 2018, she received news that her cancer was still there and she began radiation treatments.
It was a long battle, but she fought a good fight with the support of many. Some may say she “lost her battle to cancer”, but in reality she didn’t lose her battle because she inspired so many people on her journey and that was her purpose. She wanted to inspire and impact the lives of others who were also struggling. She was that beacon of light to remind people that in the midst of it all to keep fighting and not give up no matter how bad it may get. 
Niya was the testament of a phenomenal woman. She was an amazing mother, daughter, sister, friend, and the list goes on. Her legacy will continue on and we all will continue to be #NiyaStrong. 
She leaves her legacy to her three young sons. If her journey has inspired you and you feel it in your heart to donate, please click here. You can also view the documentary below to watch #NiyaStrong. 

UC Riverside Psychologist Receives High Honor From NAACP

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA— Carolyn B. Murray, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, has been awarded the 2018 Dr. William Montague Cobb award for special achievements in public health at the local level, presented annually by the National Health Committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP.

The award is given to an outstanding individual in a local community “in recognition of special achievement in areas of social justice, health justice advocacy, health education, health promotion, fundraising, and research.”

Murray received the honor for her many years of research and activism addressing health disparities in the African American community. She will receive the award on July 16 at the Annual NAACP Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

“The College is thrilled to learn that our colleague Dr. Carolyn Murray has been honored with receiving this award,” said Milagros Peña, dean of the UCR College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. “The NAACP has led the nation as an organization and a voice to removing barriers, particularly for people of color, and, in doing so, holding our nation to its stated purpose of ensuring political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens. To have Dr. Murray’s scholarship and career be recognized by the NAACP is one of the highest recognitions one can receive in one’s career, and speaks so truly to Dr. Murray’s achievements.”

Murray joined UCR in 1980. Broadly, her research covers ethnicity, race, and health. She has published extensively on doctor-patient interactions, how culture is a factor in health, how racism and mental health are linked, the psychology of health disparities among African Americans, gender disparities in physician-patient communication among African American patients in primary care, and how mental health disparities in the African American population in California can be addressed and eliminated.

Murray’s research interests include the dynamics of the African American family. Specifically, she conducts developmental research on the socialization practices used by African American families. She also studies the processes by which African American children are prepared to participate successfully in society at large.

She is the founder and executive director of the University STEM Academy, a program housed in the UCR psychology building, that teaches children to be health ambassadors. Aimed mostly at African American students in grades six through nine, the academy, which is home also to a mini medical school, creates a healthy and active learning environment to increase participants’ academic skills and performance, and develop their leadership skills.

Murray has published research papers in several leading peer-reviewed journals and authored numerous book chapters in a variety of scholarly texts. Currently, she is writing a lay book for African American parents on how to advocate on behalf of their children within the educational system.

She has won numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Teaching Award from UCR, the Riverside Countywide YWCA “Woman of Achievement Award in Education,” the UCR Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research, and the Association of Black Psychologists Distinguished Psychologist Award. She is the recipient also of the NAACP Riverside Branch’s Roy Wilkins Award, UCR’s Outstanding Black Faculty of the Year, and the UCR Graduate Division’s Award for Commitment to Graduate Diversity.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from the NAACP,” Murray said. “It gives me a solid platform to bring the public’s attention to the dire state of health in the African American community and beyond. I would like to thank the local NAACP branch for its ardent support in helping address this issue. Life expectancy has decreased two years in a row for Americans, a grave concern that is largely unreported. This award will serve as a reminder that my crusade against health disparities, particularly in the African American community, must continue. Our work is far from done.”

William Montague Cobb, for whom the award is named, was a pioneering 20th-century physical anthropologist. Born in 1904, he was the first African American to earn a doctorate in anthropology. He also earned a doctor of medicine degree from Howard University Medical School. He was a scholar on the concept of race and its negative impact on communities of color. He served as president of the NAACP from 1976 to 1982. He died in 1990.