By Anna Lee Mraz | Special to California Black Media Partners

The fifth of May, Cinco de Mayo, is a holiday that celebrates the Battle of Puebla, which took place in 1862 near the Mexican city of Puebla. On this day, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French in their attempt to take over the country.

While this date is not widely celebrated in Mexico, except for perhaps in Puebla itself, it has become a popular holiday in the United States.

It’s a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s independence. In fact, Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th.

In 1867, five years after the Mexican army’s victory over the French forces at Puebla, the triumph was first celebrated in the United States, in Texas where General Zaragoza was born. Later in 1930, the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles held an official celebration that helped establish the identity of the Mexican and Latin American community in the United States.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo gained popularity in the United States due to the efforts of the Chicano movement. This movement fought for the civil and human rights of Mexican Americans and played an important role in structuring the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo became a way for the Mexican American community to assert their identity and say “We, Mexicans, are here. This is us. We speak Spanish and this is how we celebrate.”

In 1980, as the Chicano movement was gaining momentum, U.S. beer companies began to market Cinco de Mayo through advertising campaigns that encouraged the community to celebrate their identity by consuming their products.

Subsequently, other companies followed suit giving a twist to the meaning of the celebration and redefining it as a celebration of Mexican culture in the United States. As a result, while Cinco de Mayo is now widely celebrated, many people who participate in the festivities are unaware of its origins.

Cinco de Mayo has evolved to become not only a celebration of Mexican culture but also a symbol of the struggle and unity of all oppressed migrant and Latino communities.

This date is typically celebrated with large festivities that feature Mexican music, traditions, art, food, and beverages.

Rubén Ábrica, mayor of East Palo Alto, pointed out in an interview with Peninsula 360 Press that during the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo “people of Mexican descent celebrate their contributions to the American society and join Latino communities affirming their culture, history, and aspirations for justice and equity for the Latinx community and for the people of the United States and around the world.”

Ábrica acknowledged that the celebration of Cinco de Mayo in East Palo Alto retains its historical significance by inspiring the community to stand up for their rights and fight “against racist oppression and inequality. These issues have caused suffering for many people, particularly those who are people of color and other vulnerable groups.

The Cinco de Mayo holiday provides an opportunity to explore themes of freedom, culture, and identity. By challenging stereotypes and rejecting one-dimensional representations of Mexican culture: tropes like Sombreros, Burros, and Huaraches.

Undoubtedly, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo has deeper roots than being a celebration where Mexican music is played, it must be more than an excuse to drink Tequila or Mezcal (but who needs one, right?), or a marketing strategy for beer companies, and where typical food is consumed.

There is more than one good reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. Acknowledging the value and importance of Mexican Heritage and learning about the rich history of Mexican people in the United States is a worthy endeavor.

Karina Alvarado from Peninsula 360 Press provided information for this article.

This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

LOS ANGELES, CA— On Saturday, May 13, powerful women in communities throughout the WestCoast will be honored at the Queendom Awards. The award show will take place at Cosmos in Victorville. The Queens that will be honored include Mayor Debra Jones, High Desert’s Radio Personality Mia Mocha, the voice of Y102 FM in The Afternoon, Co-Founder Of SINGLE MOMS PLANET Brittany Tinna White, Radio & Television Celebrity Mirna Velasco, and more. The event will kick off with local Business Vendors, Giveaways, and Live performances from local stars, which include Ashanti Major, Lady Lines, and more. Music is provided by our DJ Queens Lady DJ Jamar, DJ Jiji Sweet, and Dj Aycreate.

This Event is sponsored by Red Your Broker, Luxs Bling Trends, Daughters Lives Matters, Sincere Team, and more. Let’s celebrate our Queens this Mother’s Day Weekend. This event is a FREE all-age Event. The WestCoast Queendom Awards event is an intro pre-event to the Summer series City Tour across the West Coast which includes the High Desert, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas where they will be recognizing many Women, in uplifting, encouraging, and celebrating Women in various industries moving like Queens.

To purchase tickets, visit westcoastqueendom.eventbrite.com.

The WestCoast Queendom Awards and Tour is brought to you by Group Economics Promotions and Fathers in Hip Hop who brought you the Desert Jam Music Festival. Fathers in Hip Hop founder Justified Smith is a Hip Hop artist, and songwriter, with 17 independent album releases who created the movement in 2017 shortly after the loss of his mother and wife to shed light on Men and their important roles as fathers as he was left with two daughters. Towards the goal to assist in increasing fatherhood engagement around the world Justified created a series of events from Award shows, Concerts, and programs such as ie: Dinner with Dad, Daddies on Wheels, Bless in the Mess, and more. Within these events, he has recognized Hip Hop pioneers to Community leaders such as DWFLAME, Compton AV, Xzibit, Ray J, Slim 400, Spice One, Black C of RBL Posse, and many more. Now we get ready to kick off our Queendom series launching in the WestCoast on May 13th, 2023.

PASADENA, CA—- This month, Assemblymember Chis Holden announced a brand-new member to his team. Timme Mackie, who previously served as Director of Digital Engagement for a prominent U.S. Senate candidate in Louisiana during the 2022 election cycle, is taking over Communications for Mr. Holden’s office. She will work mostly out of the district, in collaboration with staff in the capitol office.

“Timme brings a great deal of value to our team, with a record of boosting online presence, and forming lasting relationships on the ground,” said Assemblymember Holden. “Timme Mackie is a proven leader, with a heart for the community and helping people, and a great deal of expertise and innovation in her field.”

Ms. Mackie has a diverse background in communications, having led teams in local news and non-profits before stepping full time into politics. She’s produced political ads that have reached millions of people at a time on social media and created messaging that’s gone from cell phone screens to national headlines. She is new to California, but not new to influencing meaningful change.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is extremely proud to present the Joshua White Ensemble in a special tribute to the music of Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane on May 20 at 7:30 p.m. the San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium. This performance is part of the Symphony’s Chamber Series curated – and at this event also performed in – by Music Director and Conductor Anthony Parnther.

Explained Maestro Parnther, “Following the popularity of last year’s focus on Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, we were excited to design a new concert centering on the legendary musical minds of John Coltrane and Thelonius Monk. Bringing the great Joshua White to San Bernardino was a real coup for our organization, and I can’t think of anyone better to feature on such a technically challenging concert.”

Thelonius Sphere Monk (1917-1982) was an American jazz pianist and composer with a quique improvisational style whose work significant informed the standard jazz repertoire. The second most recorded jass composer after Duke Ellington, his compositions and improvisations feature dissonances and angular melodic twists and are consistent to his unorthodox approack to the piano which combined a highly percussive attack with abrupt, dramatic use of switched ket releases, silences, and hesitations.

John William Coltrane (1926–1967) was an American jazz saxophonist, bandleader and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and  20th-century music. Coltrane moved to Philadelphia after graduating high school, where he studied music. Working in the bebop idiom early in his career, he helped pioneer the use of modes and was one of the players at the forefront of free jazz. However, his addiction to heroin stalled his career and it was not until he formed a collaboration with Monk that he was able to turn his life and his music around.

Following, he led at least fifty recording sessions and appeared on many albums by other musicians, including, of course, Thelonius Monk. Arguably, their most important album collaboration is 1961’s Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane. The impetus for the album was the discovery of three usable studio tracks recorded by the Monk Quartet with Coltrane in July 1957 at the beginning of the band’s six-month residency at New York’s legendary Five Spot Club. To round out the release, label Jazzland included two outtakes from the Monk’s Music  album recorded the previous month, and one additional outtake from Thelonius Himself  recorded that April. The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007.

Joshua White’s own style is in many ways a reflection of the Monk-Coltrane partnership. As one of the current music scene’s most creative and technically accomplished pianists, and praised by legendary musicians like Herbie Hancock as having “immense talent” and lauded for his “daring and courageous approach to improvisation… on the cutting edge of innovation,” Joshua White has distinguished himself as a formidable leader among his peers. Born and raised in Southern California, White received early training at the piano and developed rapidly through rigorous study of both Western European Classical literature and the Black American Music traditions. Shortly after placing in the top two as a finalist of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition, he began concertizing as a soloist and musical collaborator all over the world — and continues to maintain an active touring schedule throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The ensemble is comprised of a talented and eclectic group of outstanding musicians including bassist Karl McComas-Reichl, drummer Mark Ferber, vocalist Dwight Trible, alto saxist Josh Johnson, and on tenor sax and clarinet Chris Speed.

Bassist McComas-Reichl is also a cellist, film composer and artist. He earned a BFA from The New School. His arrangement and performance credits include:  Baskets Season 4, The Shrink Next Door, Special, Three Busy Debras, ONI: Thunder Gods Tale, Grace & Frankie, NY State Lottery  Other performance credits include:  Jane Monheit, Ingrid Jensen, Mark Turner, John C. Reilly, Larry Goldings, Ben Monder, Matt Wilson, Joshua White, Joy Crookes, Matt Otto, Tony Tixier, Anthony Wilson, Glenn Zaleski, Josh Nelson, Peter Schlamb, Hermon Mehari, Maelo Ruiz, Liberty Ellman, Logan Richardson, Colin Stranahan, Geoff Keezer, Logan Hone and Tommy Crane.

Drummer Mark Ferber can be heard on nearly 200 recordings.  His ongoing projects include ECM recording artist Ralph Alessi’s ‘This Against That’,  the Marc Copland trio, the Brad Shepik Organ Trio, and his twin brother, Alan Ferber’s Grammy nominated big band.  He currently maintains a busy freelance schedule throughout New York’s jazz clubs, recording studios, and international touring circuit.  Past work includes tours and recordings with Lee Konitz, Gary Peacock, Jonathan Kreisberg, John O’Gallagher, Don Byron, Fred Hersch, Tony Malaby, Anna Webber, Mark Helias, Pete McCann, Matt Pavolka, Michael Attias and Billy Childs, among others.  Mark has taught extensively in the United States and Europe.

Vocalist Dwight Trible combines the best of vocal virtuosity with musicianship and improvisational skills to the delight of audiences and musicians alike. In addition to performing with his own group, the Dwight Trible Ensemble, he is the vocalist with the Pharaoh Sanders Quartet and is also the vocal director for the Horace Tapscott Pan Afrikan Peoples’ Arkestra.  Trible has worked with such notables as Oscar Brown jr., Charles Lloyd, Billy Childs, Kenny Burrell, Kenny Garrett, Steve Turre, Harold Land, Harry Belafonte, Della Reese and Norman Conners, John Beasley, Patrice Rushen, Babatunde Lea, Ernie Watts, Kahlil El Zabar, as well as contemporary soul artist like LA Reid and DJ Rogers.

Josh Johnson is a saxophonist, keyboardist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He has performed extensively with the likes of Jeff Parker, Kiefer, Makaya McCraven, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Leon Bridges, and Marquis Hill.  Johnson can be heard on records by all of these artists, as well as records from the Chicago Underground Quartet, Jeremy Cunningham, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Dawes, Dexter Story, Louis Cole, and Joshua White.  Since 2018, Johnson has been the musical director, keyboardist, and saxophonist for Leon Bridges, which has taken him to Europe, Asia, and Australia. Highlights of his time with Bridges include sold-out performances at Radio City Music Hall, Greek Theater, and the Hollywood Bowl.  As a composer, Johnson has written music for many of his own projects, including the bands Snaarj and Holophonor, in addition to writing music for commercial use. He recently contributed arrangements to Sara Gazarek’s album “Thirsty Ghost”, which was nominated for two Grammy awards.

Chris Speed is a tenor saxophonist, clarinetist and composer, whose work ranges widely, from a jazz base out through various forms of folk, classical and rock music. Affiliated with a bewildering variety of ensembles, he has been a prominent and influential voice in jazz and improvised music for three decades.  After studies at New England Conservatory followed by a stint with the Artie Shaw Band (led by Dick Johnson), Speed moved to New York City where he started working with Tim Berne and his band Bloodcount. Speed has put an inimitable stamp on the classic sax-bass-drums format.  Most compelling about his music is the incorporation of early jazz styles in a way that is direct and deeply felt.

“Tickets are selling fast to this year’s jazz event. I can’t wait for our patrons to experience this spellbinding concert!” said Maestro Parnther.

Ticket Availability and Performance Location

Single tickets for this and all SBSO concerts are available online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by calling the box office at (909) 381-5388. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Single tickets prices range from $20 – $100 with students and active military always just $15. Money-saving season tickets are also currently available.

The San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Street, San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available directly across from the venue. Doors open for this concert at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are also sold at the venue on concert night; however, their availability cannot be guaranteed.

Sakrekoff will lead the organization while the board searches for a permanent CEO. A national search will start now with a new CEO expected by the Fall of 2023.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Ann Marie Sakrekoff has been named Interim President & CEO of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), effective May 15, following the retirement of Dr. Carlos Ayala.

GIA serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties as a regional, cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit and business partners in the Inland Empire; collectively, they work towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.

Sakrekoff has over 20 years of higher education and nonprofit leadership experience, including her current role as GIA’s Chief Operating Officer.

Sakrekoff stated, “I am proud and excited to take on the Interim CEO role during such an exciting time for GIA as we continue building on our service to the Inland Empire educational network of students, families, institutions, and community partners. GIA will remain focused on its mission, impact, and growth while we search for our next permanent CEO.”

Diana Rodriguez, GIA Board Member and Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District praised Sakrekoff’s experience.

“Ann Marie’s passion for helping Inland Empire students achieve their college dreams is truly inspiring. With her deep understanding of the challenges facing students in the region, she is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed,” said Rodriguez.

“Whether through innovative programming, advocacy efforts, or community outreach, Ann Marie is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Her unwavering commitment to this cause has made her an invaluable asset to Growing Inland Achievement, and we are confident that under her leadership as Interim CEO, the organization will continue to make great strides in improving educational outcomes for students throughout the Inland Empire,” Rodriguez added.

Sakrekoff was the first employee hired by GIA’s Board of Directors in 2005, helping to lead the organization since its inception.

“Ann Marie has served as the operations leader for the GIA since its early days. She has been a steady force and an excellent collaborative leader focused on advancing our region’s higher education and workforce goals,” said Sheila Thornton, GIA Board Member and CEO of OneFuture Coachella Valley. “Her dedication to student success is evident throughout her work. We’re grateful to Ann Marie for being willing to serve in this interim position.”

GIA’s board of directors anticipates launching a search for a permanent President & CEO in the coming months.

“Ann Marie is an exceptional leader poised to continue GIA’s efforts to increase equitable educational attainment in the Inland Empire,” said Dr. Kim Wilcox, GIA Board Chair and Chancellor of UC Riverside. “The board fully believes in her abilities to lead the organization while we search for a permanent CEO.”

Growing Inland Achievement, serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, in a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, bringing more than $20 million and collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.

About Growing Inland Achievement

Growing Inland Achievement, serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, in a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.

GIA staff support this work by researching issues and opportunities, developing financial resources for the region, and connecting diverse stakeholders across the two-county region of the Inland Empire.

GIA’s vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities, and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.

By Lou K Coleman

Playing among us in real life and ain’t nobody paying attention. Everybody just doing their own thang. Well let me put you on game, before you get your head took off by these cats.

The “Sneak Attack Platoons” [Satan and his minions] is going to lead you into strange pastures where smiling faces will greet you, but in reality, they are awaiting an opportunity to cut your throat and kill you. That’s right! The “Sneak Attach Platoons [Satan and His Minion] wants to destroy and kill you and all of your off springs. So Wake Up and Grid your Loins, [in preparation] because if you don’t you are going to be destroyed. For there is no shame in their game. I tell you the Truth, the Whole Truth and nothing but the Truth, so help me God!

The Sneak Attach Platoons are out to get you! It’s Crunch Time! Crunch time for all human race to Wake Up! The world is telling us what the Bible warned was coming – Prepare for Armageddon! For we are heading for the climax event in this world, the Battle of Armageddon, which the Bible warned was going to take place in the very end times, and the WORLD IS NOW EVEN WARNING of this impending war. “Prepare for Armageddon: China’s warning to the world – A message from President Xi Jinping that is getting louder by the day.

Awake from your slumber and grid your loins! A treacherous time is before us. War and the nations gathering for more war. Economic woes, massive inflation, crime on all sides, wickedness everywhere, natural disasters, famine, etc., etc. We are living in a time like no other before us, and yet just as in the days of Noah and Lot, people continue to ‘eat and drink’ and live as if nothing is going to happen. Wake up! Your salvation draweth nigh!

Traveling film festival highlights women filmmakers

REDLANDS, CA— The American Association of University Women, Redlands Branch, is proud to present our annual LunaFest Event. It will be offered as both a live, in-person experience with a pre-screening reception and a virtual option for those who are far away or prefer a virtual experience. The In-person event will be held on the Esri Campus.  Reception will begin at 5:30pm in the Esri Cafe. The reception includes wine and beer and a collection of hors d’oeuvres by the Esri Cafe catering staff. At 7PM, we will make our way over to the Esri Auditorium for a screening of this year’s films. The evening will be a lovely event at this beautiful venue that you will not want to miss.  Seating in the auditorium is limited, so we suggest purchasing tickets soon! The virtual event will begin at 7PM on Friday May 5th. You may begin viewing the films at any time in the 48 hours following the start of the screening window.  Your ticket acknowledgement will contain information about how to access your screening.

This year’s stories are told from a variety of perspectives that champion women and gender nonconforming individuals, highlighting their aspirations, accomplishments, resilience, and strength. The 2023 season of LUNAFEST® features seven short films with a total running time of 95 minutes.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://lunafest23.eventive.org/schedule/639114dd09408100d469de1c

ELK GROVE, Calif. — April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are encouraging people to do their part to help reduce traffic crashes, pedestrian injuries and roadway fatalities by paying attention on the road.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal and non-fatal car crashes in the United States and is defined as doing any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road. That includes, but is not limited to, eating, grooming, operating a navigation system, talking on a cell phone, using a cell phone app, texting or anything that can endanger the driver, passengers and others on the road.

This form of reckless driving isn’t just risky for motorists, it can be deadly for every nearby driver, pedestrian, bicyclist and highway worker. In 2020, a person was killed in a crash involving distracted driving on California roads about every three days. Nationally, 3,142 people were killed in vehicle crashes where distraction was a factor, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This comprised 8.1% of all traffic fatalities in 2020 and a 0.7% increase from 3,119 fatalities in 2019. Also in 2020, 10.6% of victims in distraction-involved fatalities were Black.

One of the biggest causes of distracted driving is cell phone usage. In California, it is illegal to use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands. Any driver under the age of 18 is prohibited from using a cell phone for any reason.

OTS and Caltrans remind all drivers to Get Off Your Apps and focus on the road. Simple tips to consider to avoid distracted driving include:

• Do not engage cell phones: Texting or using your cell phone can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Silence your phone before you get on the road.
• If you need your cell phone, be responsible: If you must answer a call, text or attend a video conference, pull over to a safe location and park your car to use your phone.
• Fallen objects: If something falls on the floor, leave it until you can safely retrieve the item or pull over to a safe parking spot before trying to reach it.

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an ideal time to shine a light on the importance of prioritizing safer behaviors on the road to protect our children, parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and co-workers. Our roads are safer when they are distraction-free.

To learn more about ways to stay safe while on the road, visit  www.gosafelyca.org.