(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERBARDINO, CA—In honor of former Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino) is continuing her legacy by hosting the 2^nd Annual 30 Under 30 event. The goal of the 30 Under 30 Award Ceremony & Art Showcase is to honor the accomplishments of young adults 30 or younger who live or work in the 47^th Assembly District.

“The 30 Under 30 event is a very special event for the 47^th Assembly District. This event honors young adults in our district who continue to break down barriers for themselves and others,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “It is an honor to recognize such service driven young adults who work hard every day to give back to their community, whether it is through the arts, entrepreneurship or community activism. Congratulations to this year’s 30 Under 30.”

Over 80 nominations were received.

“The process to select the 30 was difficult because there were so many extremely well qualified nominees. I am proud of the final selections,” said Assemblymember Reyes.

30 Under 30 Honorees

Alazzia Gaoay

Alazzia Gaoay is the engine driving the growth of the Fontana Chamber of Commerce’s online community. She develops relationships and keeps the community engaged through social media and digital marketing strategies and management. Her conversational style has catapulted the Chamber’s following by over 600% in the past year. She oversaw a complete rebrand of the logo, newsletter, website, and social media. Alazzia is a gifted photographer and artist who has applied those talents to make a real impact on the work accomplished at the Chamber of Commerce. Alazzia has her B.A. in Mass Communications from CSUSB.

Anthony Victoria

Anthony Victoria is a former reporter for the Inland Empire Community News and newly-appointed Director of Communications at the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ). As a native of the City of Rialto, and a graduate of Eisenhower High School, San Bernardino Valley College and the University of California, Riverside, Anthony has built a career on being the community’s watchdog. At a time when local news is underreported by major news media, as a journalist, Anthony helped shine a spotlight on Inland Empire policymakers and government agencies and their policy positions on immigration, homelessness, job-creation and public safety.

Autumn E. Blackburn

Autumn Blackburn was born and raised in the 6th ward of San Bernardino. She has been one of the most resilient people I’ve ever gotten the chance to work with, even after losing both of her parents she still managed to survive and graduate high school. In 2017, she was elected as the San Bernardino Valley College Student Trustee and helped co-found Student Jibe with a group of friends, a student lead effort to help formerly incarcerated individuals navigate the college system, get help with FAFSA, and connecting them with other resources already available in San Bernardino. Autumn volunteers at the House of Hope IE and continues to be a big advocate for women’s rights through Planned Parenthood.

Berenice Villa

Berenice Villa’s roots are deep in San Bernardino. Berenice started her community involvement at Colton High School with an after school girl’s empowerment club called Girls Con Ganas. She led the initiative to pass the social host ordinance in various cities across the IE. She continued her work with Mental Health System where she formed various coalitions of families to reduce underage drinking and drug use. This community work came naturally because of Berenice’s faith. She serves as a youth leader for Youth In Action, a youth ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, San Bernardino.

Charles “Silky Smooth” Harris

Charles Harris has been boxing since he was 8. He came to Project Fighting Chance in 2016. In 2017 he fought his way to the National Junior Olympics in Charleston, West Virginia. He competed and after 4 fights was crowned National Junior Olympic Champion leaving with the #1 ranking. He then went through the competition at Nationals in Salt Lake, only to be handed a very questionable decision loss in the finals leaving with the Silver. He is a very humble and respectful young man who desires to one day be a world Champ.

Destiny Muse

Destiny Muse was born in San Bernardino and raised in Rialto where she attended Frisbie Middle School and graduated from Eisenhower High School in 2009. She is currently attending Cal State San Bernardino where she will receive her Bachelors in Psychology. Destiny has been producing events for 3 years and recently launched an event company called “The Muse” which focuses on building individuals through artistic, entrepreneurial, and interpersonal growth. Destiny Muse has added a fresh environment of creative expression in downtown Rialto. Lunch Break – an art showcase was featured in the local newspaper. Since the start of Lunch Break in April, Destiny has received two awards honoring her leadership abilities and contributions to others: one from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and one from Assemblymember Eloise Goméz Reyes.

Estefania Esparza

Estefania has volunteered with various community organizations throughout the Inland Empire. Her endless efforts have included volunteering with many non-profit organizations including Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC), Mi Familia Vota, El Sol Educational Community Center amongst others. Throughout her college years Estefania, was very closely involved with immigration work in the community. She assisted many people with DACA applications, as well as finding other resources for undocumented immigrants. Estefania just graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Cal State University of San Bernardino.

Francis Chavez

Francis Chavez is a first-generation Guatemalan-American. Her family originated from Guatemala and embedded in her the value of public and community service, which has ignited in her a passion to pursue a career in the Foreign Service. In 2015, she went on to earn two bachelor degrees in Political Science and Spanish, with a minor in Business Administration from Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) in San Diego, California. Francis served on two humanitarian mission trips to Armenia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo where she and her team worked with the various communities in need on behalf of Point Loma Nazarene University. As a year-long international student, Francis volunteered as a teacher’s assistant in a rural school in Seville, Spain, teaching English to children, K-3rd. She now serves as the Political and Community Affairs Assistant at the Consulate of Guatemala in San Bernardino, fulfilling the needs of the local Guatemalan community.

Gary Walker

Gary Walker Jr. is an American football free safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He played college football for the University of Idaho. Gary now spends his time in the Inland Empire training and mentoring young athletes through his lifestyle brand athletic training company Get Your Mind Right.

Guadalupe Tellez

Guadalupe Tellez is18 years old and just graduated from Arroyo Valley High School. During high school she has been involved in community service, such as, phone banking for ICUC students for change. Last year she was involved in Assemblymember Reyes’ Young Legislator program. Her participation led to her advocacy for the Muscoy Sidewalks for Safety campaign. She plans on attending University of California, Merced in the Fall.

Ivan Aguayo

Ivan Aguayo began as a young man advocating for the most vulnerable in the community. His activism took him to Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) where he was a young trainee. Throughout his professional career, Ivan has mentored countless activists who have accepted positions in politics, community-based organizations, campaigns and elected offices. Ivan has managed local and regional campaigns and grassroots field operations with resounding success.

Izaiah Frazier

Izaiah Frazier is a 14 year old TeenPreneur, and President of the Mini Mogul Club where he teaches monthly workshops like Instagram for Business, the Cash Flow Quadrant and golf. At age 7, Izaiah founded his first company, Dollar Chores For Sale, a service business offering lawn care, recycling, document shredding, and kick scooter repair. His business story was featured in Yes We Can Newspaper. Izaiah has accomplished over 140 hours of community service, and was recognized by the California Assembly and City of Rialto for completing Shades of Blue Aeronautics Academy where he co-piloted his first Cessna flight. Izaiah’s goals are to grow his Rare Flip.biz retail company, sell his existing service business, and continue to inspire other youth to become business owners before their 20th birthday.

James Albert

James Albert has been an avid, competitive athlete in golf, basketball, and baseball. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 2009 and was awarded an athletic scholarship to California State University, Monterey Bay and competed as a dual sport, student-athlete in basketball and golf. He graduated cum laude and received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in May of 2013.

He found his voice in the historic, grassroots presidential campaign of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. He was elected to serve as a Delegate for Senator Bernie Sanders Presidential Campaign to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. James has been actively involved in coalition building that engages high school, community, and 4-year college students to find their voice and engage them in the political process through civic education presentations and town halls in the Inland Empire.

Currently, he is appointed to the Young Leaders Advisory Council of the South Coast Air Quality Management District and serves on the boards of the San Bernardino County Young Democrats and the League of Women Voters of the San Bernardino Area.

Janneth Milian

Janneth Milian is a current undergraduate student at California State University, San Bernardino pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Milian was recently appointed as the student voting representative for the College of Education where she partners with the Dean of the College to focus on issues on food insecurity, scholarship funding, and study space availability.

Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernandez has taken direct action against anti-immigrant policies and deportations throughout the country and is a co-founder of the Inland Empire-Immigrant Youth Collective. His efforts towards improving the lives of the immigrant community started many years ago. In June 2012, Javier did a sit-in and six-day hunger strike at the Organizing for America office in Denver to bring awareness of the record-setting number of deportations in President Obama’s first term. Currently, Javier is the Director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ICIJ), a regional coalition advancing immigrant rights in the Inland Empire.

Jennifer Xicara

Jennifer Xicara, 26 years old, Co-Founder and Program Manager of Akoma Unity Center (Akoma) which is located in San Bernardino, CA. Akoma is a Non-Profit organization that consists of programs and services that are specifically designed to meet the needs of historically excluded African American youth and communities. Jennifer is a native of the City of Rialto and also an alumnus of Eisenhower High School. In 2014, Jennifer received her Bachelors of Science in Women’s Studies and Public Policy from University of California, Riverside. Her goal is to empower marginalized and disenfranchised communities of color.  Through her grass roots activism and dedication to the community, Jennifer is fulfilling her life’s work

Jessica Gunawan

Jessica Gunawan recently joined A&R Tarpaulines, Inc. team as Project Manager. She is an avid volunteer with 10 cent Meal Mission which serves to feed approximately 300 children in Tanuan, Leyte, Philippines. Also, she volunteers with Justice Speaks which is non-profit organization advocating against human sex trafficking. With her new role and active volunteering service, Gunawan’s goal is to spark hope and spread love to those in need.

John Devine

John Devine currently lives in Riverside, CA where he is a Master’s of Social Work graduate student at California State University, San Bernardino. John currently works as a Peer and Family Assistant for the Independent Living Program, a program to prepare foster youth for adulthood and to become self-sufficient, successful adults. John has worked with a number of organizations including; National Foster Youth Institute, Foster Club, Foster Youth in Action, and Foster Leaders Movement.

Jonathan Gonzalez-Montelongo

Jonathan Gonzalez-Montelongo serves as the Campus Tour and Events Coordinator at California State University, San Bernardino. He also serves on the Black and Brown Committee where he implements programs for Black And Brown young males in the Inland Empire.

Jonathan Williams

Jonathan Williams wears numerous hats as a Certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach, Substitute Teacher, and a Mental Health practitioner. Equally, he is a skilled recording artist, trained actor, and tactful lyricist. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Drama Education from Cal State University, San Bernardino he uses his knowledge to artistically heal and advocate in the name of mental health and social justice. With goals of becoming a Licensed Drama Therapist, he seeks to connect and heal the lives of others, especially other artists, leading them towards balance and wholeness. 

Joseline Moran

Joseline Moran is a recent graduate from Arroyo Valley High School who was part of Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes’ Inaugural Young Legislators Class. An essential part of the Young Legislators Program for the 47th Assembly District, she actively participated and provided potential legislative ideas to help shape our community. Recently, Joseline helped organized a group called SOAR IE to bring sidewalks to schools in Muscoy. Her dedication led to bring temporary safety infrastructure for the community to help get input for future grants.

Juan Villa

Juan Villa is a lifelong resident of San Bernardino. He is currently going to San Bernardino Valley College and is pursuing an AA-T in Political Science. Because of his political interest, he is a California Democratic Delegate for the 47^th assembly district. In his free time, he serves as the president of La Plaza/Ramona Neighborhood Association and youth leader for the Youth In Action ministry of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Lyzzeth Mendoza

Lyzzeth Mendoza has been active in immigrants’ rights and public policy advocacy for over 8 years. She has worked with Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) and 5 years with Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective and Catholic Relief Services. Lyzzeth coordinated over 15 DACA clinics with pro bono immigration attorneys and local nonprofits. Additionally, she led a group of community members in a series of advocacy meetings for policies that advanced the life of the immigrant community and tracked local legislation relevant to immigrant issues.

Malek Bendelhoum

Malek Bendelhoum was raised in Moreno Valley, California in a multicultural home with his father from Algeria and mother, an African American from Alabama. Malek received his bachelor’s degrees from University of California, Riverside in Political Science and Forensic Psychology. He has also traveled to Saudi Arabia for Islamic Studies and is a committed student to the Islamic Sciences. Currently Malek is Co-Founder at Sahaba Initiative and the Associate Director of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California.

Nia Bush

Nia Bush, a San Bernardino native, graduated from Spelman College in May 2017, Magna Cum Laude, with a degree in Philosophy and a minor in Comparative Women’s Studies. Currently, Nia serves as a Volunteer Coordinator for Youth Action Project. Nia is responsible for organizing YAP’s community events and activities that help recruit and engage short and long term volunteers. Because of Nia’s efforts, over 700 homeless individuals received food and basic necessity bags. 

Nicholas Akingbemi

Nicholas began his career in law enforcement working for the San Bernardino County Probation Department at the age of 21. Now at 25, Nicholas is a police officer for the UCI police department and speaks at several college and high school campuses with a focus on mending the relationship between law enforcement and the general public. Nicholas has served as an advocate, educator, and confidant in the communities of the Inland Empire. Currently, Nicholas has embarked of becoming a criminal defense Attorney for underrepresented minorities

Noah Asherbranner

Noah Asherbranner faced hardships with his health at a younger age, yet continued to persevere towards his dream in technology. Asherbranner recently graduated Grand Terrace High School (GTHS) where he served as the videographer and producer for the GTHS Girls’ Basketball team and an administrator for the community Facebook page. Noah will be attending Arizona State’s Polytechnic Campus for Robot Engineering in August. 

Polet Milian

As a California State University, San Bernardino alumnae, Polet is deeply committed to supporting our students to achieve their career goals through professional advisement and college success initiatives.

Polet is a true leader to watch.  She chaired the 2018 Women’s Leadership conference inviting hundreds of faculty, staff and students together to celebrate and learn how to advocate on behalf of women leaders and how to become a woman leader in their family, community and organizations. She led 50/50 day, a global awareness campaign to ensure a just and gender equitable society.  Her curriculum for the day was considered so exceptional, that CSUSB was selected as one of 25 programs that were highlighted globally.  Polet serves on the African American Student Recruitment and Retention Task Force at CSUSB, established to recommend strategies to strengthen African American enrollment, student success, and graduation rates. She brings an equity-minded approach to all her work and understands the importance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure student success.  Polet is always willing to give of her time and has garnered a great amount of respect for her commitment to the work of the task force.

Sadie Albers

Sadie Albers is currently assigned as the San Bernardino Police Department, Northern District Community Engagement Specialist. Ms. Albers is primarily responsible for developing and implementing communications and community engagement strategies, in order to enhance the department’s presence within the city. Sadie was a recent recipient of the “Shining Star-Emerging Leader” Award, presented by the Orange County Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Yassi Kavezade

Yassi Kavezade was born and raised in southern California her whole life and is the eldest daughter of Iranian immigrants.  She moved to the Inland region to complete her studies at UC Riverside majoring in Psychology with a Minor in Environmental Sciences. Yassi currently works as an organizing representative for My Generation. She and her team fight to build solutions for cleaner air and power that is rooted in justice across the district.

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Who: Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes recognizing the top 30 young adults under the age of 30 for their achievements in community activism, business, health, education, art and social entrepreneurship.

What: 30 Under 30 Award Ceremony & Art Showcase

Where: Court Street Square | 349 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92401

When: Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 7:30pm – 9:30pm

RSVP:  Go to the link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30-under-30-award-ceremony-art-showcase-tickets-47195413753 or call District Representative Daniel Peeden at (909) 381-3238

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA —- Band of Vices Art Gallery is thrilled to announce Process and Materials, the new solo exhibition by artist Sharon Louise Barnes. Featuring over a dozen new abstract sculptures and multimedia works on canvas, the salvaged objects that comprise this new body of work become Barnes’ vehicle to explore the subjects of marginalization, social class and willpower, while the process of creating them connects her to her heritage as an African American. Process and Materials will be on view from July 6 to August 4, 2018, with an Opening Reception on July 6 from 6pm to 9pm. Barnes will hold an Artist Talk at the gallery on July 28, 2018 at 4 p.m.

Process and materials are essential elements of any artists’ practice, whether that be painting on canvas or creating sculpture. Over the course of her creative career, which has included everything from music to visual art, Barnes has turned the creation of her sculptures into an alchemical practice that allows her to find hope and transformation in the struggle to work with rough and salvaged materials.

“By using industrial materials that might normally be held in a laborer’s hands, as well as an array of discarded materials that can be found on city streets, my abstract works are both conceptual and aesthetic,” explains Barnes. “They look outward into society, opening dialogs about marginalization, about how we determine value, and the potency of change. They also speak to my African American heritage where people built something from very little or nothing, and demonstrated the power to transform one’s condition through the exercise of will.”

The recurring motif of cloud and tree-like formations made of interwoven strips of roofing paper appears in suspended sculpture pieces like “She Wove Constellations Through Her Dreadlocks” and “Humming in the Night.” “Viewpoints: A Verité” juxtapose found photo transfers with abstract acrylic and mixed media backgrounds. The visceral works are a coalescence of passions she’s been exploring as an artist for almost two decades.

“On this creative path, nothing has been more remarkable in my memory than when my fifth grade teacher gave me the tools of perspective drawing to create the illusion of reality, or when my African American Art History professor, renowned artist Dr. Samella Lewis, exposed me to the visual artists of the Black Arts Movement,” says Barnes. “These instances truly changed my life because they brought me to understand both the sheer magic of art and its unrestrained power to communicate.”

Band of Vices is located at 5376 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016.

OPENING RECEPTION

July 6, 2018 | 6pm – 9pm

ARTIST TALK

July 28, 2018 | 4pm

ON VIEW

July 6, 2018 – August 4, 2018

BAND OF VICES

5376 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016

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About Sharon Barnes

Sharon Barnes is an American artist of African American and Cape Verdean descent, who has been exhibiting professionally since the turn of the millennium.

Barnes was inspired to create visual art as a young college student by her art history professor, Dr. Samella Lewis, who introduced her to the artists of the Black Arts Movement. In addition to her art studies, Ms. Barnes earned a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in video and film. Her work has been exhibited in major cities of the United States and in the Republic of Panama, including the California African American Museum, Los Angeles Municipal Gallery at Barnsdall, Aqua Art Miama and the Arco Chato in Panama.

About Band of Vices

Band of Vices Art Gallery, one of the leading spaces in the emerging West Adams arts district, was founded in 2015 by professional actor and art curator Terrell Tilford. His first gallery, Tilford Art Group (1999-2010) was originally in Mid-City, Los Angeles. Tilford rebranded the gallery as Band of Vices to concentrate programming on emerging and mid-career artists whose work gives voice to the voiceless. Recognizing the importance of cultivating future leaders, curators, artists, and civic patrons, Band of Vices has partnered with the Los Angeles Promise Funds’ LA Promise Charter School of South Central Los Angeles to ensure that every young scholar and instructing leader has the opportunity to be exposed to the full diversity of the international art world.  

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The 3,273 graduates in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Class of 2018 earned a total of $8,101,934 in scholarships, which included $1,043,000 in military academy scholarships.

A full 100 percent of Middle College High School’s 65 graduates earned scholarships, averaging more than $10,000 per student.

Cajon High School and Arroyo Valley High School (AVHS) graduates also had impressive showings, with 75 percent of Cajon’s 649 graduates and 68 percent of AVHS’s 557 graduates earning scholarships.

Cajon High School’s graduates also earned $992,000 in U.S. Military Academy scholarships from the Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy.

San Andreas High School graduates earned seven U.S. Army and one U.S. National Guard Military Academy scholarships for a total of $51,000. Including non-military scholarships, San Andreas students earned $67,983 in scholarships.

SBCUSD’s oldest high schools, San Bernardino High School (SBHS) and Pacific High School, may have had smaller graduating classes than the other comprehensive high schools, but their graduates were no less motivated to succeed. Almost 65 percent of SBHS graduates shared in $566,050 in scholarships. Pacific’s graduates earned an average of $4,155 per scholarship recipient.

A total of $1.1 million in GI Bills and $400,095 in non-military scholarships will help San Gorgonio High School’s 213 scholarship recipients attend college in the fall.

Indian Springs High School, the newest of SBCUSD comprehensive high school, boasted $512,091 in scholarships for its graduating class.

Sierra High School graduated 167 seniors, who earned a total of $38,000 in scholarships.

Graduates of Inland Career Education Center (ICEC), formerly the San Bernardino Adult School, earned $27,425 in scholarships.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—— The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office has become embroiled in a scandal that is symptomatic of the political problems facing this country. Over the weekend it was revealed that Michael Selyem, a gang prosecutor, made hateful comments about former first lady Michelle Obama and Rep. Maxine Waters.

“Being a loud-mouthed c#nt in the ghetto you would think someone would have shot this bitch by now …” said Selyem, in a post referring to Waters.

He also posted a picture of Michelle Obama holding an altered sign that read “Trump touched my penis.”

Waters has engaged in a verbal battle with President Donald Trump. She said she is determined to see him impeached. Trump has responded by referring to Waters as “a low-IQ individual.”

Waters has also come under fire from her own party for saying that Trump administration officials should be confronted in public for working with a president she sees as a criminal. But Waters was backed by the Congressional Black Caucus and a Twitter hashtag #standwithmaxine, created by the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP)/ Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR.)

However, pushback against Trump administration officials is already happening. White House staffers Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Senior Advisor Stephen Miller have both been confronted in public. Sanders was asked to leave the Red Hen restaurant in Virginia. Miller was cursed at by a Washington, D.C. bartender while picking up an order of sushi.)

However, Selyem’s comments about Michelle Obama are curious. The Obama family has been out of the White House for two years. But when President Barack Obama was head of the government, there was a lot of hate directed at him and his wife from right-wing sources. One of the slurs claimed Michelle Obama was born a man and transitioned to a woman. (Selyem is a Trump supporter.)

But there’s another problem with Selyem’s comments. Apart from being unprofessional, they may also call into question his objectivity in the courtroom. Selyem is a gang prosecutor and he mainly went after Latino gangs. But his social media posts show him making racist comments. One of his posts read “Mexican word of the day: Hide.”

Selyem’s comments have been criticized by African-American political activist Najee Ali, a Los Angeles-based community activist. Ali held a press conference in San Bernardino on Monday.

“Selyem’s public comments are hateful and could be interpreted as a call to violence against Congressmember Waters. Law enforcement personnel and officers of the court system should not incite violence,” said Ali. “How can a public prosecutor, who publicly espouses such views be trusted to impartially administer justice.”

Terrence Stone, a gang intervention expert who works in San Bernardino, said that these kinds of comments make it difficult for young people to trust the legal system.

“I’m appalled and it’s disgusting,” he said. “These are people who are in charge of giving us a fair trial.”

According to a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County DA’s office, Selyem’s comments have been under investigation since late June. And he has been placed on leave until the investigation is finished.

Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable President Earl Ofari Hutchinson takes the matter even more seriously. He called for Selyem to be charged with a federal crime.

“In this volatile climate such a threat poses a grave danger to Waters. The shooting of an Arizona congresswoman and the recent physical confrontations with government officials in public places underscore that grave threat,” said Hutchinson. “The law is clear on public threats to federal officials, it is a crime. The U.S. attorney must take action against Selyem for his violation of federal law in calling for the attack on Waters.”

 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Several notable celebrities, community leaders and entertainers descended on the city of New Orleans once again to attend the 15th Annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards, held today at the Ritz Carlton, New Orleans. They were joined by attendees from across that nation who converged to recognize this year’s recipients of the distinguished awards, including popular Political Commentator Symone Sanders, renown actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, Black Girls CODE CEO Kimberly Bryant and next generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator Monique Vann-Brown. Additionally, college philanthropist Tishauna Wilson was recognized alongside this lineup to receive a $10,000 McDonald’s HBCU Forward Scholarship, facilitated by Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

McDonald’s 365Black Awards take place annually to honor outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community. The program launched in 2003 as an extension of the company’s 365Black platform, created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year-round. Held in conjunction with ESSENCE Festival™ presented by Coca-Cola®, the event was hosted by actress Essence Atkins.

R&B singer Dave Hollister gave a dynamic performance during the awards. Presenters included actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery, actor Larenz Tate, actress Bresha Webb, media personality Tai Beauchamp and McDonald’s Owner/Operator Tanya Holliday. Award-winning gospel artists Fred Hammond and JJ Hairston also made appearances.

TV personality and model Cynthia Bailey brought her large social media following along to the event, posting live from the ceremony. Other celebrity attendees included actor Lance Gross, award-winning talk show host, Loni Love and R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn, among others.

 “It was a privilege to witness and take part in the celebration of our outstanding female honorees. Their accomplishments reflect the tenets of our 365Black platform,” said Kenny Mitchell, McDonald’s U.S. Vice President of Brand Marketing & Content. “Our 15 year-long partnership with ESSENCE and continuation of the 365Black Awards affirms our commitment to celebrating everyday people who are doing extraordinary things to positively move Black Forward.”

Those who were unable to attend the ceremony can follow @365Black on Twitter for commentary on the awards and join the conversation on all social platforms using #365BlackAwards.

To view more photos, please click here. 

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Laughter in the High Desert is What it Do! Actor and Comedian J.T. Turner is a true talent!

I had the pleasure of meeting J.T. while supporting another comic friend at a show. From the moment he walked on stage, I was cracking up and so was the audience. His set up and delivery seems so effortless.

J.T. has opened up for some of the greats such as: Steve Harvey, Joe Torry, Tommy Davison, Renaldo Ray, Shang, G-Thang and many more. Having hosting skills, he’s hosted for 112, Boys II Men, E-40 and Chris Brown concerts, as well as community, corporate and private events.

Comedian J.T. Turner has the comedy game on lock in the High Desert. Every Thursday and Friday you can relax at the Green Tree in Victorville and get your comic fill with him as your host and other talented comics on the line-up. All the comics have either been on BET’s Comic View, Comedy Central and have performed at the IMPROV, Laugh Factory, Ice House and several other popular venues.

This year he will serve as LUE Productions event host on Sunday, August 26 for their Annual BBW/Plus Size Model Competition bringing awareness to domestic violence. This comedian’s star is rising higher and higher. His TV credits include: “Laughs” on the FOX Network and the movie “Cheaper to Keep Her” (2017).  Follow him!

Catch me next week L’s!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Cal State San Bernardino said goodbye on to its first Coyotes Rising cohort after the students’ visit to the university from June 24 to June 26. The summer overnight stay program is for high achieving African American students. One of its goals is to increase the number of underrepresented students at CSUSB through effective collaboration with on-campus and off-campus constituencies.

By Barbara James

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— On Monday, July 2, we laid to rest Joseph Jackson, the patriarch and former manager of one the most talented and legendary families of all times, the Jackson’s. His controversial legacy by some, shall remain interfused with his epithet being “an extremely harsh disciplinarian, womanizer and also perhaps engaging with mercenary motives.”  Whether these statements are true or false, the facts that can be unanimously agreed upon is the legendary Joe Jackson successfully raised and produced one of the most prominently talented musical families throughout history. 

Janet Jackson lovingly stated prior to the funeral services, “Joseph, my incredible Father, drove us all to be the best that we can be and for that I am truly grateful.”

I had many red carpet moments with Joseph Jackson throughout the years, and they will remain as fond memories for our entire staff. Mr. Jackson, (though he insisted upon being called Joe), was always an extremely jovial, flamboyant and humorous individual throughout each interview. His eyes would instantly light up when asked questions regarding his children and grandchildren. Joseph Jackson embraced the ‘Black Media’ with candor and endearment, always reminding us that only we, can tell the true stories of our families and communities in which we live and strive daily. Jackson entertained us with sharing his most cherished thoughts and sentiments each time we met. 

Saturday, March 24, would probably be one of the last Red Carpet events for the 89 year old music icon. Joseph Jackson graced the 2018 Stellar Awards Red Carpet at the Orleans Casino in Las Vegas speaking with HDIV News Editor, Barbara James. Jackson was filled with excitement and humor as always when Barbara James asked,

“Why did you choose to attend one of the greatest gospel music events this evening?” Mr. Jackson smiling profusely replied, “I love gospel music. “

“It is the music that I grew up with and have thoroughly enjoyed over and above all music.” He further commented, “The Gospel Stellar Awards is the only event that you will leave, not feeling the same way that you came.”

“It is one of the most inspiring musical events ever.”

He then proceeded to give her a strong embrace, as he continued towards the backdrop for perhaps one of his last photo opportunities.  

LaToya Jackson delivered a loving tribute to him. “I will always love you!” “You gave us strength, you made us one of the most famous families in the world. I am extremely appreciative of that, I will never forget our moments together and how you told me how much you cared.” 

Michael Jackson credited his father with making sure his children weren’t cheated by industry vultures, and noted that unlike some child stars, his parents didn’t take their children’s money to enrich themselves.

“I’d say we’re among a fortunate few artists who walked away from a childhood in the business with anything substantial — money, real estate, other investments. My father set all these up for us,” Jackson wrote in his 1988 autobiography. “But still I don’t know him, and that’s sad for a son who hungers to understand his own father. He’s still a mystery to me and may always be one.”

Joe Jackson has been buried in the same Southern California cemetery as his late son Michael. He was laid to rest on Monday in a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.

 

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Thus saith the Lord; what right have you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth, seeing you hate instruction and cast My word behind you? You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother, you slander your own mother’s son. These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you and set them in order before your eyes. [Psalms 50].

Now consider this, you who have forgotten Me, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Turn from your wicked ways [2 Chronicles 7:14] while it is yet day and there is still time to repent, otherwise you will feel my wrath to the uttermost! On the outside you look righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. You snake, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape being condemned to hell? [Matthew 23:25-39]. Be zealous and repent NOW and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place. [Revelation 2:5].

I want you to know that the Word of God has very bad news for the wicked. God is angry with the wicked every day. If you do not turn back, He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready. He also prepares for Himself instruments of death; He makes His arrows into fiery shafts.  [Psalm 7: 11-13].  I tell you, you are just a step away from disaster! You best repent and repent NOW!

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you, life and death… therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live… [Deuteronomy 30:19].

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SACRAMENTO, CA— With the signing of the 2018-19 State Budget by Governor Brown, Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in the San Bernardino Community College District received $1 million to help launch the Advanced Manufacturing Futures Initiative. The partnership between Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D- San Bernardino), and the San Bernardino Community College District will help expand hands-on job training at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) to prepare students for the Inland Empire’s growing demand of qualified manufacturing and production sector workers.

“We have seen substantial increases in both demand and popularity for jobs in the manufacturing and production sector and I am elated to be partnering with San Bernardino Community College District to help provide training for our next generation of workers,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “In the Inland Empire alone, there are 17,500+ new manufacturing and production jobs projected by 2024 that will need skilled and trained workers and this program is just the start to meet those needs.” 

The initiative will provide students with modernized training in in-demand jobs that include electricians, welders, machinists, engineering technicians, chemical plant and system operators and mechanical drafters, among others. The current career options at SBVC will be enhanced by integrating the newest and state-of-the-art equipment, tools and software to aid in curricula for industry-recognized certificates and associate degrees that lead to “Pathway Occupations” that constitute manager and supervisorial roles that are offered through universities in the form of bachelor’s degrees.

“Thanks to Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes’ tireless leadership to elevate job training as a state budget priority, today our region took a major step forward in building a stronger workforce and stronger economy,” said San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Bruce Baron. “San Bernardino Valley College is now better positioned to provide students with leading-edge courses, and better positioned to support local businesses with a pipeline of workers who are job-ready and armed with in-demand skills.”