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Letter To The Editor: Annual Black Rose, Humanitarian Of The Year And Community Service Awards Is Moving To Black History Month!

By Jim King

The new year brings with it great things.  The Black Culture Foundation is excited to announce the “30th annual Black Rose, Humanitarian of the Year and Community Service Awards” which will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023, and the SoCalGas is continuing to sponsor this incredible community event, with Kristine Scott from SoCalGas serving as Co-Chair.

In remembrance of Dr. Margaret Hill, the Black Culture Foundation has renamed the “Margaret Hill Community Support Award” to the “Dr. Margaret Hill Black Rose Youth Inspiration Award”. This award will present scholarships to two inspirational and outstanding San Bernardino Black American students graduating grade 12 or in their 1st or 2nd year of college. This award will be presented with the Dr. Juanita H. Scott Humanitarian of the Year, Black Rose, and Corporate/Founders awards.  Winners will be announced soon.

World-renowned Charles Bibbs will have an amazing Art Show and Exhibit.  Buy your next art piece at this event and support our scholarships.

Please join us as “We Still Rise”. Ring in the new year with the optimism of a bright and hopeful future with the gifts given to us by our ancestors.

San Bernardino Police Historical Society Honors City’s First Female African American Officer

By Manny Otiko

Former San Bernardino police officer Sherri Adams was recently honored for being the first African American woman on the force. She was honored by the San Bernardino Police Historical Society, which presented her with a plaque. The plaque now hangs in the police department headquarters below a plaque honoring Johnnie Epps, the city’s first Black officer.

Adams, a graduate of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy, joined the police department in 1985. She was highly recruited because of her youthful appearance, which enabled her to work undercover in narcotics in San Bernardino schools, much like in the movie “21 Jump Street.”

“Being the first African American woman at the department was a significant accomplishment,” said Assistant Police Chief Francisco Hernandez during the ceremony that honored Adams.

Adams admitted that being the first African American woman on the force was a tough job. And she had to work hard to prove herself. She recalls she fought hard to be as tough as the men on the force and once fainted when she was on bike duty.

During her years on the force, Adams received several citations, was nominated for Office of Year, and worked in various departments of the police force.

She retired in 2001 and now works with at-risk youth for the county. She’s a mother of three and is married to a retired police officer.

Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County Distributes Over $500,000 in Food Assistance to Brighten the Holiday Season for Thousands of Low-Income Families

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Every year Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) strives to brighten the holiday season for thousands of low-income families throughout San Bernardino County, and this year was no exception. CAPSBC purchased over 4,100 turkeys, 2,000 holiday food boxes, and 15,000 hams to distribute to families in need of food with the total value exceeding $453,000.

To meet the demand for food assistance from families struggling to put food on their tables, CAPSBC hosted two large scale Annual Turkey Giveaway events in San Bernardino and Joshua Tree. The San Bernardino event was held on November 19th in the CAPSBC parking lot where approximately 1,000 low-income families received turkeys and holiday food boxes. The Joshua Tree event was held on November 21st at the Joshua Tree Community Center where 500 families received turkeys and holiday food boxes. Additionally, CAPSBC provided turkeys and holiday food boxes to the following organizations to support their community distribution events: (view site locations online).

“In the richest country in the world, we believe that no one should go without a meal. As a result, CAPSBC has partnered with over 250 organizations throughout San Bernardino County to distribute food. This holiday season, CAPSBC’s Food Bank Program will distribute over $500,000 worth of food,” stated Patricia Nickols-Butler, CAPSBC President and CEO. “Last year, our agency’s Food Bank Program distributed over 16 million pounds of food. The work that we do in this community could not be done without the partnerships that we hold dear to our heart. We are proud to serve our communities and the positive impact we have each year in our fight against hunger. We are grateful that so many families will enjoy a special meal with their loved ones and wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!”

CAPSBC has been serving the communities for over 57 years, and it is the largest provider of food throughout San Bernardino County.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus to Visit All City of San Bernardino Public Library Locations

Join San Bernardino Public Libraries for songs, stories and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There are four chances to see Santa this year – one at each city library location:

  • Monday, December 5 at 4 p.m. – Villasen?or Branch Library – 525 N. Mt. Vernon Ave.
  • Monday, December 5 at 5 p.m. – Feldheym Central Library – 555 W. Sixth St.
  • Tuesday, December 6 at 5 p.m. – Inghram Branch Library – 1505 W. Highland Ave.
  • Monday, December 12 at 5 p.m. – Rowe Branch Library – 108 E. Marshall Blvd.

For more information call (909) 381-8201.

County Committee School District Organization Elects New Officers

SAN BERNARDINO — Rafael Trujillo was elected the chair of the San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization during its annual meeting on Nov. 16. Trujillo is from Rialto and represents the Fifth Supervisorial District.

Resa Barillas of Adelanto, who represents the First Supervisorial District, was elected as vice chairman.

Prior to the meeting, incumbent members Trujillo and Patty Holohan joined newly appointed member Robert Bennett in taking the oath of office for four-year terms. Holohan, of Redlands, represents the Third Supervisorial District; Bennett, of Upland, represents the Second District.

The 11-member County Committee deals with proposed changes to school district organization issues, including number of trustees, trustee and school district boundary areas, and unification.

The committee has two representatives for each of the five supervisorial districts in the county, plus one member-at-large.

County Committee members cannot be employed by a school district in any county, community college district or county superintendent office. Monthly meetings of the committee are typically held on the third Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Meetings are conducted in accordance with the Brown Act or open meeting law. While a state declared emergency exists for health and safety concerns, the County Committee conducts its meetings virtually as allowed by law.

NAMRU San Antonio highlights San Bernardino Native, Sara Blackcloud, During Native American Heritage Month

By Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio 

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Nov. 18, 2022) – Native American Heritage Month marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Native Americans have made to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the nation.

For Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio, Sara BlackCloud, a financial management analyst, assigned to the Resource Management and Acquisitions Directorate, is a representation of the highly professional and diverse civilian workforce within the Department of the Navy.

Born in San Bernardino, Calif., and raised in San Diego, BlackCloud has been a Navy civilian for six years. She first enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2002 and enter service in the U.S. Army in 2008 deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

“I wanted to work for the Navy because they offered me an opportunity to expand my DoD knowledge of another branch of service,” said BlackCloud. “All I need now is some Coast Guard experience, and I will have worked for all the services in some form or fashion.”

According to BlackCloud, who was recognized as NAMRU San Antonio’s Civilian of the Year in 2016, before enlisting in the Army, her intention was to join the U.S. Marine Corps.

A Lakota Sioux Native American from the Cut Head Clan, Oglala Tribe of the Spirit Lake Nation in Fort Totten, N.D., BlackCloud is a second generation veteran. Her Grandparents Ivan and Gail BlackCloud served as seamen in the Navy along with another Grandfather Victor Corona. BlackCloud is also Mexican American drawing her roots from Mexico City. She has 22 aunts and uncles, one brother, 39 cousins, and 61 second cousins.

BlackCloud said the Navy has granted her an opportunity to provide a life for her four children while doing something she feels passionate about.

“What we do at NAMRU San Antonio contributes to the lives of others,” said BlackCloud. “We are a well-oiled engine with many integral parts. If one part is off…. we all have a problem. So, it really is about the team. Pulling together for the greater good of everyone here.”

She states that the best part of being at the command are the people and the mission.

“We are a cut above the rest in both areas. I have made tremendous career progression with NAMRU San Antonio, but my proudest accomplishment is the relationships I have created with long time members here,” said BlackCloud. “When things got tough, the solid members at NAMRU helped guide me to greatness. That is something not many places can compete with.”

Two of BlackCloud’s short-term goals are to master the unit’s new financial system, the Navy Enterprise Resource Planning (NERP), and earn a college degree.

Her long-term goal is to one day having a small home in some secluded mountain range where she can live in harmony with nature as her ancestors.

“The Navy has broadened my knowledge base and experience that has challenged my way of thinking,” said BlackCloud. “I have had more opportunities to ‘think outside the box’ with this command than any other position in my 20 plus years of work experience.”

Possessing a diverse workforce is important to NAMRU San Antonio as it acknowledges individual strengths of each Sailor, Soldier, civilian and contractor, and the potential they bring to accomplishing the command’s mission.

“It is an absolute proud feeling to say I am a Native American, a woman, and a veteran who still continues to serve her country,” said BlackCloud. “I also love that my children show pride that they have a mother who has served, and I hope it plants a seed in them as well to continue the traditions our grandparents began.”

NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of DoD personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, Md.

Holiday Meals Distributed Throughout District 41

PASADENA, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden hosted and participated in thankfulness and holiday celebrations over the weekend. On Saturday, November 19, 2022, Assemblymember Holden held a turkey drive in partnership with Inland Valley Hope Partners, UFCW 1428, and the City of Claremont. Over 200 turkeys were provided to the community.

On Sunday, November 20, 2022, Assemblymember Holden participated in the annual community event, Operation Gobbler in partnership with Friends Indeed and Pasadena Jaycees. Over 400 turkeys were provided to the community.

“With the burden of inflation impacting families across the state, this year more than ever, working with the community to provide holiday meals has made this thanksgiving even more special for my staff, family, and me,” said Assemblymember Holden.

He continues, “As we celebrate this holiday season, let us practice gratitude but also kindness, being kind to our neighbors and our communities.”

The Fifth District Donates Turkeys to Organizations in the in Time for Thanksgiving

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On November 17, 2022, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. donated over 100 turkeys to organizations in San Bernardino County’s Fifth District right in time for Thanksgiving. The event was held at Leno’s Rico Taco’s in Colton, where the chosen organizations drove in and had their turkeys placed into their cars. Those who received turkeys are planning on giving them out to members of their organizations who are unable to afford Thanksgiving dinner this year for their families.

“Giving back to our Fifth District community is the least I can do. I am thankful for many things in my life and being fifth districts county Supervisor is something I will forever be thankful for. There is no better way to show thanks then by giving back to those who need some extra help during the holiday season. It was so touching to see just how grateful these organizations were as they drove in to pick up their donated turkeys. We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, full of happiness, peace, and love,” Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. stated.

UC Academics Picket Campuses in the Largest Strike of the Year

By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

Around 48,000 academic workers at all 10 University of California (UC) campuses went on strike November 14, shutting down classrooms and research laboratories in the largest employee walkout at any academic institution in history.

The Post-Doctoral scholars, teaching assistants’ and associate instructors, graduate student researchers, and academic researchers are represented by the United Auto Workers union in contract negotiations with the UC system.

Bargaining between the disputing parties has been ongoing for months, and while UC officials recently called for a third-party mediator to address remaining issues, they are continuing to negotiate without one.

“When I was working in the lab, I worked 50-60 hours per week, and the salary was so low that every month I really had to think about if I would make it through the month,” said Neil Sweeny, President of UAW 5810, which is representing the striking UC employees. “I have two small children and my partner was a full-time student. We lived in campus family housing, and we went to the campus foodbank every month to make sure that we had food.  This was while my research was bringing in millions of dollars in research funding for the University.”

The workers are demanding better pay and benefits, including wage increases tied to housing costs. Housing costs in California are among the highest in the country, especially in the Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas

Aside from UC campuses located in the state’s biggest cities, many of the research university system’s campuses are in parts of the state that have relatively high costs living, like Berkeley, San Diego and the Westside of Los Angeles.

“UC’s pay falls below all their self-identified peer institutions, including Harvard, Stanford, Yale and even public schools like the University of Michigan where living costs are far less” the union said in a press release on Thursday.

The UC maintains that “On average, UC rents systemwide are 20-25% below market rates, with some campuses providing even deeper discounts. UC has offered wage increases for all UAW members which would further help them meet their housing needs.”

The aggrieved employees paint a different picture.

“Being a TA pays for tuition but there is no way I can support myself in this city with what they pay,” said Victor E., a PhD. student and Teachers Assistant on strike at UCLA. “With teaching, my own coursework, and my research, there isn’t really any time to pick up another job. This has resulted in me taking out loans just to live and eat here. This shouldn’t be the case. With the amount of work the university gets out of its graduate students, postdocs, and others, a living wage is a small ask… A number one ranked public university should be doing no less and certainly much, much more.”

Another priority for the workers is transportation costs. The cost of gasoline has gone up around the world and according to a statewide survey conducted by The Public Policy Institute of California, an independent and non-partisan research firm, 43% of Californians including half of lower income residents worry every day about the high cost of gasoline and the increasing unaffordability of various modes of transportation.

The union wants UC to cover regional transit passes, and additional subsidies and incentives for taking public transit or bikes to work.

Recently, UC has offered to pay campus fees to extend “existing student-funded transit discounts,” to UAW members.

Although agreements have yet to be announced, on Thursday the UAW reported that “parties made progress on issues related to Parking and Transit, Appointment Notification, and Paid Time Off.”

There continues to be a large gap between the salary asks and the UC proposals. On Friday, a UAW statement said, “UC made another economic proposal to Academic Researchers containing 4.5% raises that do not match the rate of inflation.”

However, they did report progress in some other areas. “We have reached agreement on a few issues – such as health benefits improvements for Postdocs – which, while important, are not the major ones dividing the parties.”

As final examinations approach for students in the UC system, so does uncertainty. “UAW remains ready to meet for round-the-clock negotiations, but UC has not agreed to schedule sessions for the weekend,” a UAW release said. “Workers will be back on the strike lines Monday Morning.”

Students, faculty and elected officials are showing support for the strikers. Some professors are cancelling classes, and some students are electing to walk out. California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon tweeted “Academic workers are essential to the success of all of our @UofCalifornia campuses. The UC must continue to bargain in good faith to reach an agreement with the @UAW.”

The San Bernardino MLK Day Parade & Extravaganza Returns to San Bernardino’s Westside in Celebration of Dr. King’s Birthday

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce brings back The San Bernardino MLK Day Parade & Extravaganza in celebration of Dr. King’s birthday on Monday, January 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. The Parade starts at Graciano Gomez Elementary School at Mt. Vernon and Baseline and continues west on Baseline ending at Arroyo Valley High School and Anne Sherrell’s Park.

“Everyone is invited to attend the parade and & Extravaganza in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his legacy of freedom. Come rejoice with vendors, music, community booths, First 5 children’s zone, custom and classic cars, motorcycles, fun and entertainment at the parade and after at Arroyo Valley High School and Anne Sherrell’s Park,” said event Chair Lou Dowdy.

Set up and staging for The San Bernardino MLK Day Parade & Extravaganza begins at 11:00 am at Graciano Gomez Elementary School in San Bernardino and the parade starts at 1:00 PM. The celebration at Arroyo Valley High School and Anne Sherrell’s Park continues until 8:00 PM.

Collaborators for The San Bernardino MLK Day Parade include: The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Lue ProductionsCommunity Umbrella Services, Dameron Communications, YouthBuild Inland Empire, Chords Youth Enrichment Program, San Bernardino Valley College, San Bernardino Airport, Off the Chain Alliance, Westside Story Newspaper, Empire Talks Back and Black Health Coalition.

For more information or to sign up to be in the MLK Day Parade go to BlackChamberofCommerce.org follow the link for information and registration or call (888) 466-7408.