Local

RIVERSIDE, CA —”It takes a village to raise a child” is a wise African American proverb and the premise behind the upcoming summit taking place this month. The Riverside Branch NAACP and the 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire are joining forces to unite the Black social, professional, faith-based, and fraternal organizations in Riverside County to answer the call of addressing the needs of young Black girls and boys. The Riverside African American Village Summit will take place Saturday, January 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cross Word Christian Church, located at 21401 Box Springs Road in Moreno Valley.

The Riverside African American Village Summit will address nine important priorities:

Advocate for state and local policy (advocacy); Develop youth leaders in Moreno Valley, Perris and Riverside; Groom young men of color for entrepreneurship/circulating Black dollars; Reform school discipline policies; Expose young men of color to professional, technology, and trade careers; Work to fully implement Proposition 47; Teach the importance of the church in addressing issues; Create stable and consistent mentoring programs; and Black parenting.

The Riverside African American Village Summit is the first of a series of summits launched to address these pertinent issues. Partners and sponsors include: Boys and Men of Color Alliance, Moreno Valley Sons and Brothers Coalition, NAACP Riverside Branch #1059, 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire Inc., Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce, Moreno Valley Islamic Center, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, C.O.P.E., and African American Coalition.

The Riverside African American Village Summit is free and open to the public. Join the discussion! All African American’s in Riverside County are encouraged to come. Please register at villagesummit.eventbrite.com.

VICTORVILLE, CA- On January 7, recording artist Justified and his Men of Faith in Action rallied up the fathers in the High Desert and had an awesome “Dinner with Dad” event at the Hometown Buffet in Victorville. Several families came out and made a powerful statement for Fatherhood, displaying the power of a father at the dinner table with his children. The promotion of the event definitely grabbed the attention of the community and also brought out the Superintendent of the Victor Valley Unified School District Dr. Ron Williams.

Thanks to the Community Action Partnership (CAP), during the dinner Justified and his team distributed toys and activity books to all the children in attendance. The smiles on the children’s faces was more than worth all the effort that went in to putting an event of this magnitude together. On top of the free giveaways all the children ate for FREE, thanks to Terry Boykins, CEO and Founder of Street Positive.

The Hometown Buffet has agreed to give the first Thursday of every month in 2016 to Justified and Men of Faith in Action to host “Dinner with Dad.” The next “Dinner with Dad” Event will be February 4 at the Victorville Hometown Buffet located at 14689 Valley Center Drive in Victorville.

Enrique Murillo

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Friday, January 15, Youth Action Project (YAP) will host “YAP TALKS” in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at San Bernardino Valley College in the Library Viewing room. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Rev. Dennis Brown (Rachel Luna / Staff Photographer)

“YAP TALKS” is a TED Talks style event where four speakers each captivate the audience in 18 minutes or less with powerful monologues.  According to Youth Action Project Founder and CEO, Joseph Williams, the goal for this YAP TALKS is to talk about Dr. King’s philosophies and principles in the context of what can be done today.

The lineup includes: Enrique Murillo, Professor at California State San Bernardino and Director of Latino Education Advocacy Days; Johnathan Buffong, co-founder of Buffong Consulting and Mental Health Consultant with the County of San Bernardino; Lolita Lyles, Professor at California State Long Beach; and Rev. Dennis Brown, as the “Voice of King.”

The event will also feature a special performance by R&B sensation, as seen on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Voice, Abraham McDonald. The aim of the event is to inspire community members young and old to take positive action toward building a healthy and vibrant San Bernardino. The YAP TALKS will be like no other event in honor of Dr. King’s legacy says YAP CEO Joseph Williams.

For more information about the Youth Action Project and/or if you are interested in making a financial donation, please visit YAP’s website at www.youthactionproject.org

CASTING CALL IS WHAT IT DO WITH THE LUE!!! LUE Productions is looking for 10 models to be a part of the first Inland Empire “BIG, BEAUTIFUL, WOMEN – BBW Fashion Show and Model Competition.” Ladies, this is YOUR OPPORTUNITY to rip the runway and show what you got in front of modeling agents seeking models.

We’re looking for you! So here’s what’s required: Plus Size/Full Figured/BBW, No Experience Needed and Must be over 18. The crowning model will receive a prize package worth over $2000, including $500 in cash and a one day workshop. The competition will consist of four categories in which each model will have to capture the theme and wow our panel of highly qualified judges.

The actual event is to be held Saturday, June 11 in the city of San Bernardino. Registration is $50 to enter the competition. All information regarding the event can be located on the LUE Productions Facebook page

LUE Productions is always about giving back to its community. This event will highlight the need to focus on the health and well-being of young women. Gwen Rogers, founder of Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE), will be our keynote event speaker. A percentage from each ticket sold will be donated to YWE.

You can also become a vendor or a sponsor for the low rate of $50; all logos will be added to promotional materials.

For more information text (909) 567-1000 or contact Deeveatva Foy at (909) 556-7637 or Freddie Washington at (714) 833-3196.

Until next week L’z and San Bernardino Strong!

LOS ANGELES, CA- In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the California African American Museum (CAAM) will host their annual Cake for King Community Celebration, sponsored by Target Corporation, on Monday, January 18, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

In celebration of Dr. King and his legacy, guests are encouraged to visit CAAM to experience his dream through art, culture and history. Event activities will include Storytime with Babe Evans who will read, “My Brother Martin,” written by Christine King Farris; a gospel performance by the Fernando Pullum Youth Ensemble; historical documentary film screenings on Dr. King’s legacy and historic speeches; an art workshop where guests can create a linocut image on tile of Dr. King; dance and drum performances; and two giveaways of an acrylic painted portrait of Dr. King, created throughout the day by speed painter Zachery Brown.  Lastly, enjoy a slice of homemade birthday cake while the treat lasts.

In addition to the holiday activities, enjoy the art, culture and history created by some of the most dynamic artists in several ongoing exhibitions on view at CAAM.  This annual celebration at CAAM is free and open to the public.  Parking is $12 in the lot at 39th and Figueroa Streets or take the Los Angeles Expo Line and exit the USC/Expo Park station.  For more information visit www.caamuseum.org. RSVP is encouraged at (213) 744-2024.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“That was then but this is now, I’m starting all over again. I need a miracle in my life today, ‘Cause I’m tired of walking in the same old way…” [Lyrics Shirley Caesar – Starting All Over Again]

I wonder is there anyone who has been in a situation in which you really wanted something to work out but it didn’t. You felt like if you just had a second chance, you could make it work. I wonder am I talking to anybody today. When you look back over your life, at some of the situations that you have been involved in and some of the choices that you have made, you think, if only I had a second chance. If only I had a second chance, I wouldn’t have married who I married. If only I had a second chance, I wouldn’t have moved where I moved. If only I had a second chance, what might have been? The fact is we all fail. We do things we regret. We say things we deplore. And we hurt people we love. Even the Apostle Paul was no stranger to failure. He said in [Romans 7:15] “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” I tell you; sometimes we are on our “A” game, and other times we fail. Reminding us in our human state how imperfect we are. Yet, because of the LORD’S loving kindnesses, His compassions never fail; they are new every morning… [Lamentations 3:22-23]

I want you to know that today God is giving you another chance to get your life right with Him. The Bible is full of people who received not only second chances, but third and fourth chances: Peter, Jonah, Mark, Samson, David, and others. All trophies of God’s Grace… I tell you, my list of “if only” moans could go on at length, but the common denominator of all the incidents is that when we are given a second chance, we need to make sure that we do not squander the precious opportunity. We have to come to realize that we cause tomorrow’s “if only” regrets by today’s neglects. I tell you, God is willing and able to give us a second, a third, a fourth, and a fifth chance; but we need to soberly reflect on the caveats that accompany these plaintive requests.

As the apostle Peter issued a stern warning in [Luke 19] when you ask for a second chance, you need to commit yourself soberly to following through by truly repenting and changing the outcome to a positive, godly result.” In other words, when you cry out, “If I only had a second chance… “Make sure the sentence ends, “. . . I would not squander it!” Know that if you deliberately keep on sinning after you have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Think about it, if anyone who rejected the Law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses, how much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?  I tell you, it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

You see, Jesus made it clear that the gift of another day is not to be taken lightly.  Take the gift of another day and don’t squander it. You know David, Jonah and Peter, were three great men of God, yet imperfect like you and me, and they had to hit rock bottom before the scales came off their eyes, and they saw clearly. God wants to bring victory in your life, but you have to make the conscience choice and decision to follow after Him. I am enormously grateful for an opportunity to start all over again… What about you?

Captain Mark Wood Jr.

By Naomi Riggins

Captain Mark Wood Jr. of Lakeside played his way through New Year’s Eve 2015/16 for Lynn Paul’s 50^th Birthday Bash. The birthday was held at the newly renovated Elks Lodge located at 1073 Mt Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. To book your next event at the Elks Lodge call (909) 258-0254 and ask for Lynn.

The legendary band repertoire of feel-good fusion of soul/disco and funk transported us back to 1980’s when Lakeside was at their height of their game. As the intro to “Fantastic Voyage” came through the speakers it seemed to flick a switch which electrified the crowd into high gear. Mark Wood Jr. and Lakeside was definitely “All the way live”!

For more information on how to book Lakeside, please go to lakesidecaptnmarkwood.com.

Judge Asberry

FONTANA, CA- The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana and the North Fontana Black Awareness Parade Committee cordially invite you to the Charlotte Ray Award Ceremony and Recognition Dinner.   The honoree for the evening is Superior Court Judge Irma Poole Asberry.

Judge Asberry is the first African American to serve as the Presiding Judge of the Riverside Superior Court.  Asberry was the first African American Supervising Judge of the County’s Family Law Department from 2009 to 2012. She currently has an assignment in the Criminal Law Department. On June 4, 2009, she was honored by her sorority with the Outstanding Leadership and Service to All Mankind Award at the 80th Far Western Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  The Riverside African-American Historical Society Inc. recognized Judge Asberry for her Outstanding Community Service in October 2013.  The Inland Valley News presented Judge Asberry with its Excellence with the Juris Prudence Award in June 2014. The R.T. Fields Bar Association honored Judge Asberry as Judicial Officer of the Year in 2015.

On January 23 at 7 p.m. at Bethel A.M.E.  Church of Fontana located at 16262  Baseline Avenue, you are welcomed to join in showing her your  appreciation for the value contributions this Fontana resident has made.  The tickets are $35.00 per person or $200.00 a table (six at table).

Mail check or money order to: 16666 Baseline Rd.  Fontana, Ca 92336 c/o The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, or phone your payment  to (909)333-9950. Please RSVP by January 15.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Monday, January 18, 2016, the Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.  Restoration and Maintenance Committee will have its annual Recognition Ceremony at Dr. King’s statue which is located at San Bernardino City Hall, 300 North D Street in San Bernardino.  The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

The committee will place its annual wreath at the foot of his statue in recognition of our national hero.  All community members are invited to participate in this special recognition ceremony. For more information, please contact France Grice, Committee Member at (909) 534-6567.

Lula McMorris Thomas

Lula McMorris Thomas, a native of Columbus, Ohio and a resident of San Bernardino County for 55 years, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2015 at St. Bernardine’s Hospital in San Bernardino, CA. She was 89-years-old.

Funeral services will be held at Harrison Ross Mortuary located at 738 E. Highland Avenue in San Bernardino on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 11 a.m., with visitation on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at the same address.

She leaves to cherish her memory to her children: Marcus Thomas, Philip-Michael Thomas, Michelle Roby, Karen Thomas Robinson, Anita Haynes, George Thomas, Crystal Thomas, and her Grandson, Forrest Darnell Thomas she raised as a son; thirty-five (35) grandchildren, thirty-seven (37) great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

Burial will be Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery located at 22495 Van Buren Blvd., in Riverside, CA.