“Life isn’t measured by the years you live, but by the love you gave and the things you did.”
On Friday, December 15 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., a homecoming service will be held for Maurice C. Robinson at Community Memorial Chapel of San Bernardino located at 738 E. Highland Avenue in San Bernardino. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
By Lou K. Coleman
Too late! You should have nipped in the bud. Over and over again, God gave you opportunity after opportunity to get it together. But Naw, you thought that you would have time, just like the people whom God invited to the Banquet. He sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, come for everything is now ready! But they all began to make excuses. The first said I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it please excuse me. Another said I just bought five yolk of oxen and I am on my way to try them out, please excuse me. Still another said, I just got married so I can’t come. Then God said, those who were invited will not get a taste of my banquet, it was too late for them to come and partake of the banquet. Stop your crying!
Now if you are reading this and you are putting off salvation, you better think about the consequences of your delay. For in [2 Corinthians 6:2] Jesus says, “In the time of my favor I heard you. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. Don’t waste the moment. Remember in [John 8:12-21] Jesus responded to a charge and a question from the Pharisees telling them that if they miss the opportunity, it will never be afforded to them again. I tell you wisdom is the principal thing, but in all your getting get an understanding. How shall you escape if you neglect so great salvation? [Hebrews 2:3].
Remember, Jesus told the Pharisees that after He was gone, they would realize what they had missed. They would then try to search for Him but would be unable to find Him. Don’t you wait until it’s too late! Failure to take advantage of the opportunity which God affords you means that you will die in your sin. Take advantage of the opportunities God’s grace provides.
OTS and Caltrans Encourage You to Plan Ahead for Safer Holiday Travels
ELK GROVE, Calif. — With the holiday season just around the corner, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are committed to raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving so that Californians travel safely during this festive time. As celebrations ramp up, it’s crucial to remain vigilant on the roads, particularly when it comes to preventing driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications. By emphasizing the importance of sober driving and encouraging drivers to follow the rules of the road, the OTS and Caltrans aim to make this holiday season joyful, memorable, and above all, safe for everyone on California’s roads.
Being responsible and driving sober are the most valuable gifts drivers can give. Drunk driving remains a chronic issue and represents a major threat to the safety and well-being of the public, especially during the holidays. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A total of 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths in 2021 — a 14% increase from 2020.
Additionally, the use of any impairing drug, whether it’s marijuana, prescription medication, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances while driving is illegal. Most drugs taken for colds, allergies, and muscle or nerve relaxers can cause drowsiness and impair the ability to drive safely. Combining medicine with alcohol or other drugs increases impairment, making it necessary to stay informed and alert. Any drug that “may cause drowsiness or dizziness” or with a “do not operate heavy machinery” warning label should not be taken before driving. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.
To help create safer streets and encourage Californians to take a proactive role in preventing impaired driving, the OTS and Caltrans offer the following tips to celebrate the holiday season responsibly:
Taking proactive steps such as planning for a sober driver, choosing designated drivers, and making sure guests leave with sober drivers are simple yet effective measures. By understanding the devastating consequences of impaired driving and following the tips provided by the OTS and Caltrans to celebrate responsibly, you can help save lives. Let’s embrace the spirit of the holidays by looking out for one another, making responsible choices, and ensuring that the magic of this season is paired with the gift of safety on our roads.
In 2021, the OTS and Caltrans introduced the “Go Safely” game plan to discourage impaired driving and promote the use of designated sober drivers when attending sporting events, concerts or functions where alcohol is served. Additionally, the OTS grant programs provide funding to agencies and non-profit organizations across the state to address alcohol and drug-impaired driving issues.
For more information and resources on DUI prevention, please visit www.gosafelyca.org or email ContactOTS@ots.ca.gov.
Good afternoon, Ward 6 and the City of San Bernardino,
On December 11th,2023, I was notified that the campaign failed to secure the signatures needed to be placed on the ballot. For this, I take full responsibility and I apologize to you. But this in no way reflects my continued commitment to serve the residents of Ward 6 and the City of San Bernardino. We must now pivot to a Write-In “Kimberly Calvin” for Ward 6 Re-Election campaign.
Life can present many challenges, and we must then choose to face them and continue on our destined journey. I have chosen to face this election as a Write-In Candidate to retain my seat as your Ward 6 Councilwoman.
I have not become the leader that I am without your unwavering support. Each time I have needed you Ward 6 to show up and stand together on behalf of our community, you have never failed me. I appreciate that so very much. Once again, I need your support. Write-In “Kimberly Calvin”
In the past three years, we have fought arm-in-arm to promote our community’s needs. It is evident that we have made great strides together. Within the first three years of my term, we brought forward:
Never has Ward 6 received this level of city funding and resources, and for that, we fought together. It is essential that we do not allow past failed leadership and unproven promises to deter us from the progress we have made in our community.
This is a call to action; as your proven 6th Ward leader, I now need you to help me push forward in this fight. On the day you receive your ballot, February 5th, Write-In “Kimberly Calvin” for San
Bernardino City Council. Please share this message with your friends, family, and neighbors. Our life, our community, and our future depend on this.
Humbly and In Community,
Kimberly Calvin, Ward 6 Councilwoman
By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) is a statewide organization comprised of various associations, community groups and individuals united by a commitment to fight for reparations and reparative justice for the descendants of enslaved Black American men and women.
In 2020, CJEC worked alongside California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber, when she was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in San Diego, to author and enact Assembly Bill (AB) 3121. That bill, now state law, created America’s first-in-the-nation Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans.
CJEC was one of seven “anchor organizations” sanctioned by the Reparations Task Force and the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to host a series of “listening sessions” designed to ensure certain communities in the state provided their thoughts and concerns about the work the task force was doing. In addition, CJEC helped the task force evaluate California’s role in slavery and Jim Crow discrimination – and followed that work up with developing resolutions to compensate African Americans for past and ongoing race-based injustices.
During one of CJEC’s signature “listening sessions,” the organization introduced Marian and Michael Johnson, sister and brother, members of a Black family that lost property in Russell City due to eminent domain. Russell City was an unincorporated majority Black community located between the Bay Area cities of Oakland and Hayward. Their story garnered national press coverage.
CJEC is also a community co-sponsor of Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 8 — the Ending Slavery in California Prisons Act of 2023-204. The California Constitution prohibits slavery and prohibits involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. Authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), who is also chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, said ACA 8 called for prohibiting slavery in any form, including forced labor compelled by the use or threat of physical or legal coercion in California prisons.
ACA 8 received the two-thirds vote required during the legislative session and a constitutional amendment was placed on the ballot for the November 2024 general election to allow the voters of California to decide its fate.
California Black Media spoke with Chris Lodgson, a CJEC member, about the organization’s advocacy and the work it is doing to support the fight for reparations in California.
What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?
CJEC works to improve the lives of Black Californians who descend from persons enslaved in the U.S. by organizing, mobilizing, and advocating for strong lineage-based Reparations.
What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?
Over the course of last year our greatest successes include:
First, we helped the California Reparations Task Force successfully complete its work developing Reparations recommendations, which were submitted to the Governor, State Senate and State Assembly.
Second, was the passage and signing by the Governor of legislation we wrote that will require California state agencies to collect data on descendants of U.S. Chattel Slavery. Currently our State does not have a way to measure the living conditions of those of us whose Ancestors were enslaved in this country.
Third, organizing and hosting over a dozen Reparations community meetings, town halls, listening sessions, and panel events.
In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
The biggest challenge Black Californians face is making ends meet to feed and support our families.
What was your organization’s biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge and opportunity our organization faced over the last year was raising awareness about California’s Reparations efforts.
Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?
Absolutely. We are California’s first, only and leading state-wide grassroots organization born specifically for lineage-based reparations and reparative Justice.
How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?
Visit our website at www.cjec.org and sign up for volunteer opportunities, our free monthly Reparations news via email and text updates and donate.
WSS News affiliate of Lue Productions, Lue Dowdy, needs the community’s help in finding her son Usif Jackson. He has been missing for a couple of months now. He suffers from mental illness. His case number is Mv233450114. If anyone has seen him or know his whereabouts, please call (909) 495-0848 or (909) 567-1000.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— This week, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) hosted its annual SBCSS Open House! It was a fantastic day bringing together amazing its community partners and dedicated staff for a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and connection. Grateful for the positive energy and shared enthusiasm that makes our community shine!
By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
In the complex and ever-evolving tapestry of the American identity, Asian Americans have been compelled to deal with the myth of being the “model minority.” This widespread perception appears to have been hardwired into our collective consciousness.
This seemingly commendable stereotype wrongly asserts that all Asian Americans uniformly excel in academics, employment, and societal roles, contributing to a narrative that inaccurately describes their diverse experiences and potentially serves as a racial wedge, particularly between Asians/Asian Americans and African Americans.
The roots of the “model minority” myth can be traced back to the mid-20th century. The myth emerged highlighting the success of Japanese Americans and other Asian American groups as a counter- narrative to systemic racism allegations that were being raised as the civil rights movement gained momentum.
The “model minority” stereotype obscures the rich diversity within the Asian American community, which comprises over 19.9 million people from more than 40 ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages, each with their own unique cultures, languages, and histories. Despite 91% of Asian American adults maintaining distinct cultural practices, their values align closely with the broader U.S. population.
This stereotype frequently overlooks the social and economic hardships experienced by groups like Southeast Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian refugees. The impact of issues like socioeconomic instability, unequal educational opportunities, reliance on public health insurance, housing instability, and health disparities are often downplayed due to this stereotype, making it difficult to address the unique challenges these communities face.
The “model minority” stereotype contributes to the “perpetual foreigner” stereotype, implying that Asian Americans regardless of how long their family has been in the United States, are seen as perpetual outsiders. This feeling of always being seen as foreign fosters feelings of exclusion and alienation, hindering a number of Asian Americans’ full participation in American society.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision to end affirmative action has elicited mixed reactions both in and outside of the Asian American community. The case against Harvard University, brought by the Students for Fair Admissions, argued that the university’s admission policies discriminated against Asian American applicants. The verdict, which doesn’t single out any racial or ethnic group, has raised concerns about its effect on diversity in elite educational institutions, particularly for underrepresented students like Black, Latino, and certain Asian American subgroups. Some Asian American groups and leaders have criticized the decision, arguing it exploits Asian Americans to undermine civil rights.
It is essential to acknowledge and confront the strategic use of the “model minority” myth as a racial wedge, particularly between Asians/Asian Americans and Blacks. This myth, which contrasts the success of one minority group with another, can intensify tensions and perpetuate damaging stereotypes. Understanding the interconnected struggles faced by different minority communities is vital to fostering unity and dismantling divisive narratives that deepen racial divisions.
A prime example of this interconnectedness is the successful campaign Japanese Americans conducted to secure an apology and reparations for their unjust internment during World War II. Influenced by the Civil Rights movement and Martin Luther King’s demonstrations against racial injustice, their initiative was supported by Black legislators and activists. This shows how unity and understanding can lead to significant social change.
Beyond its visible impact on their socio-economic conditions, the “model minority” stereotype significantly affects the mental health of Asian Americans. This label makes them feel like they must be perfect in school and conform to high academic expectations, leading to stress and potential mental health problems. Unfortunately, Asian Americans are two to three times less likely than White people to seek help for mental health issues. This is made worse by the fact that talking about mental health is often stigmatized in their communities.
Despite reporting lower discrimination in employment, housing, and criminal justice compared to other racial minorities, Asian Americans face a unique set of stereotypes that render them invisible in discussions about race and prejudice in America. Evidence suggests that Asian Americans, representing about 6% of the U.S. population, are frequently denied leadership opportunities. Additionally, they are often overlooked in research, clinical outreach, and advocacy efforts. Health outcomes vary greatly among different Asian American groups. Recognizing this diversity exists can help in providing culturally appropriate health care and addressing health disparities.
The stereotype of cultural uniformity, which assumes all Asian Americans are identical, has led to damaging misconceptions. This problem is intensified when Asian Americans see violent attacks on their community members in the media, resulting in “vicarious trauma,” an emotional distress caused by witnessing harm done to others.
Despite the “model minority” stereotype, hate crimes against Asian Americans rose by 76% in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. These incidents, as documented by the FBI, range from verbal harassment and discrimination to physical assaults. This wave of violence and discrimination has undeniably contributed to vicarious trauma within the Asian American community.
Breaking free of this stereotype necessitates a collective effort to challenge preconceptions, celebrate and embrace diversity, and create an
inclusive narrative that authentically represents the complexity of being Asian American. This involves dismantling racial divides and promoting understanding between communities that have historically encountered systemic challenges.
Guided by comprehensive studies like Pew Research on Asian Americans, this collective effort can pave the way for a more respectful, and united appreciation of the diverse Asian American tapestry of cultures and histories shaping America’s identity.
About the Author
Joe W. Bowers Jr. is a contributing editor to California Black Media. He is a graduate of Stanford University.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
Firefighting Equipment manufacturer Phenix Technology, Inc. announces the graduation ceremony for the first Phenix Opportunity for All Neurodiverse Work Study Cohort.
RIVERSIDE, CA. — Phenix Technology, Inc. (Phenix), a 51-year-old Riverside-based firefighting equipment manufacturer completes its first Opportunity for All Training Cohort in support of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. The 10-week cohort provided opportunities for four incredible individuals from the neurodiverse community, accompanied by their dedicated job coaches, in an immersive work study opportunity. Candidates spent 10 weeks learning about the rich history of Phenix, insights into the products they create, and took a deep dive into their renowned lean manufacturing program.
Over the course of the 10 weeks, they completed comprehensive learning experiences, which included: On-the-job training, personal development activities, soft skills workshops, and tailored training. Participants also had the opportunity to participate in a job fair hosted by Phenix and the County of Riverside Workforce Development, undergo mock interviews, and will now celebrate their achievements at a graduation ceremony. Best of all, one of the candidates will begin a new role with American Medical Response of Riverside on December 4, 2023, with the other three candidates actively engaged in job search activities.
“Ten weeks ago, we welcomed four new family members into Phenix. In a short period of time, we watched them grow and develop into true professionals with the skills and characteristics every employer is looking for. I couldn’t be prouder of what they have accomplished.” said Phenix OFA Program Administrator Bailey Comstock.
In June of 2023, The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) named Phenix Technology, Inc. as an EmployABILITY Business Grant recipient. The EmployABILITY Business Grant provides $20,000-$200,000 in funding to California-based small- and medium-sized businesses, like Phenix, to expand their operations for hiring individuals with disabilities. The grant funding assisted Phenix with strategically growing the Opportunity for All program they started in 2021.
The Opportunity for All program was started by Phenix in November of 2021 and has provided work experience opportunities for fourteen people, five of whom have accepted permanent positions with the company. The program has five components including: Targeted hiring of neurodiverse candidates, structured work study, development of a scientific academic training program for employers, identification, and support of employers in expanding their DSEI efforts, and building of awareness with local, state, and federal legislators and agencies about the impact of expanding neurodiverse workforce development.
For more information on the Phenix Technology, Inc. Opportunity for All program visit https://phenixfirehelmets.com/pages/ofa.
By Lila Brown | California Black Media
A growing number of Black Americans, relying on newly digitized federal records and other sources, are discovering direct bloodlines to Native American ancestors. These discoveries are inspiring individuals to trace and claim their Native American ancestry, leading some to apply for citizenship with tribal Nations.
When Daniel Bruce Kelly, 32, an actor and minister, began researching his genealogy, he was sure that he would identify a place in Africa where his family came from.
The Huntington Beach man who identifies as African American, says he was determined to prove his parents wrong. His mom and dad had begun discovering, exploring, and embracing their European and Indigenous American ancestry.
In his research, Kelly discovered that his great-great-great-grandfather was registered as Cherokee on the Dawes Roll, a U.S. Government record listing individuals eligible for indigenous tribal membership.
Kelly also identified other family members listed as Indian on U.S. Census Bureau records.
“At first, I was offended that my parents didn’t want to claim to be African, but then I had this awakening. You can’t talk about Native American history without talking about the Black American Indians,” Kelly said.
Similarly, Cameron Lewis, 48, a truck driver from Sacramento, says he always heard family members talk about having “Indian in the family.”
Delving into family documents, he found out that his great-great grandfather acquired land in the mid-1800s in areas of Florida inhabited by Seminole Indians.
“I found it hard to believe that Whites would sell hundreds of acres of land to Blacks in the South during slavery. The more I started digging, I found out this particular ancestor also had brothers each owning hundreds of acres of land. This is when I started coming across terms, I was not familiar with describing my ancestors as ‘mulatto’ and ‘intransigent,’ and linking them to tribes such as the Yamasee, Catawba and Creek — terms I’ve never even heard of,” he said.
The Dawes Act of 1887 gave each tribal family head 160 acres of land and each single person 80 acres. The government would hold the land title in a trust for 25 years, after which each individual would receive United States citizenship and a “fee simple” land title. Under this law, Black tribal members, known as Freedmen, were granted approximately 2 million acres of land.
In Oklahoma’s Creek Nation, about a third of the land was Black owned.
While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, slavery in the continental United States did not fully end as a legal institution until June 14, 1866, when the Creek Tribe agreed to abandon enslavement of African Americans. That was the day after Congress approved the Fourteenth Amendment.
Recent efforts to recognize historical injustices against Native Americans have seen progress, such as last month, during Native American Heritage Month, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a Proclamation celebrating the unveiling of a monument dedicated to California Native peoples at the State Capitol.
While this progress is appreciated, many Black Native Americans feel that the history of their Black Freedman ancestors remains largely overlooked.
“We have to tell the whole of the story,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr in 2022 during the 70th annual Cherokee National Holiday.
The Cherokee Nation has committed to including the descendants of Cherokee Freedmen.
“We have to acknowledge that we enslaved African Americans under our own law. If we ignore or suppress that, we do to Freedmen and their descendants the same things that has been done to Cherokee people. Any nation is a stronger nation if they tell their whole story: the tragedy, the triumph, and the chapters that are dark and difficult,” added Hoskin.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, approximately 1.4 million Californians identify as full or partially American Indian and Alaskan Native. California also has the largest American Indian population in the country, with close to 900,000 American Indian residents.
A population map commissioned by the Cherokee Nation in 2013 shows that California has the second-largest Cherokee population in the country, after Oklahoma, where many displaced American Indians settled after the Trail of Tears.
In 2021, the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court removed the phrase “by blood” from its constitution. That change acknowledges that the descendants of Black people once enslaved by the tribe, the “Cherokee Freedmen,” have the right to citizenship, which means they are eligible to run for tribal office and to access other resources. In 2022, The University of California (UC) began waiving tuition and fees for Californians who are members of federally recognized Native American tribes.
However, debates about who is — and who is not — American Indian continues with some darker skinned indigenous people facing challenges in claiming their Native American ancestry.
Not all Native Americans had lighter skin as often shown in Hollywood movies. There are even historical renderings of phenotypically Black Indians drawn by professional artists in the early 1800s.
For people without a record of acceptance into what are considered “the Five Civilized Tribes” — Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Seminole and Chickasaw Indians — many have been denied citizenship.
For example, the 3x great-grandmother of Kiori Jordan-Marquering, 46, of Santa Rosa who was known as “Indian Julia,” was denied acceptance into Choctaw Nation based on her appearance.
“She is visibly Negro,” the space reserved for “office use” on her application form noted.
“My ancestor’s application for citizenship was contested in court for more than three years before ultimately being denied,” says Jordan-Marquering.
The Choctaw Nation has consistently refused to recognize Freedmen as citizens.
Only the Cherokee Nation and the Seminole Tribe of Florida recognize Freedmen as eligible for citizenship.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate
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