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SACRAMENTO, CA— This week, long-time San Dimas resident, and Monrovia High School alumnus, Ronald “Ron” Husband was recognized by Assemblymember Chris Holden and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) as the 41st Assembly District’s Unsung Hero for his positive impact in the community. An Unsung Hero is defined as a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution — a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged. The California Legislative Black Caucus established the Black History Month Unsung Hero Award to recognize individuals who have contributed selflessly to their respective districts.

“Ron is an example of perseverance and persistence – by doing what you love and offering a seat at the table to people who did not think that was possible,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Through his vision of art, he has taught students across the nation what it means to imagine more.”

Mr. Ron Husband, a 38-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company retired as a character artist from the Walt Disney Consumer Products Division. Ron graduated from Monrovia High School and went on to receive his Associate’s Degree in Art from Citrus College, and later his bachelor’s degree in 1973 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Ron joined Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1975 as an animation trainee and worked for 30 years in that department. He holds the distinction of being the first African American animator & the first African American supervising animator for Walt Disney Studios. In 2019, he was inducted into the College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

“I am so touched and humbled by this award, thank you to Assemblymember Holden and The California Legislative Black Caucus,” stated Ron Husband, 2023 Unsung Hero Awardee.

RIVERSIDE, CA—- Healthy Heritage, an Inland Empire nonprofit organization, has been awarded the Community Service Award presented by the African American Family Wellness Advisory Group (AAFWAG) for their outstanding work in addressing mental health within the African American community.

Healthy Heritage is the first recipient ever to receive the Community Service Award from AAFWAG, which will now be presented annually to an organization that demonstrates exceptional community service and makes a significant impact on the lives of individuals within the African American community. AAFWAG is part of the Riverside University Health Systems Behavioral Health Cultural Competency Program. Their primary focus is to educate and engage the community to reduce the stigma and disparities associated with mental health in the African American community.

“Healthy Heritage was recognized for their work in providing culturally responsive mental health programs and services to support African American individuals and families within the Inland Empire”, commented Hazel Lambert, Cultural Community Liaison of AAFWAG. “They provide unique and creative ways of reaching the community outside of traditional therapy services which helps to reduce barriers. I was especially impressed with their Broken Crayon’s Still Color Project, their Laughing for the Health of It mental health resource fair and comedy show and their My Hair, My Health collaborative community event.”

Mental health is a critical issue in the African American community, where individuals often face unique challenges related to stigma, access to care, and historical trauma. Since 2007, Healthy Heritage has been dedicated to addressing these issues through a range of programs and services, including mental health workshops, healthy lifestyles workshops, seminars, and community outreach.

“It’s definitely a special honor and privilege for Healthy Heritage to receive this award. AAFWAG helps to bridge the gap and brings together so many organizations throughout the Inland Empire that do great work in our community, and we’re grateful to be one of those organizations and be recognized for our contributions,” said Phyllis Clark, CEO & Founder  of Healthy Heritage. “Mental health is a crucial component of overall wellness, and we are committed to providing unique, responsive and accessible services to those who need it most.”

The award recognizes the significant impact that Healthy Heritage has made in the African American community throughout the Inland Empire.  By providing creative and engaging programs and services, they have helped to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and promote overall well-being.

Healthy Heritage is proud to be recognized for their work and looks forward to continuing to serve the community through their programs and services. Those interested in getting involved can save the date for May 21, 2023 for their Laughing for the Health of It mental health resource fair and comedy show at Ontario Improv.

For more information about Healthy Heritage, their work in the community and their upcoming comedy show, please call 951-293-4240 or visit their website at www.HealthyHeritage.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Black History Month Celebration commenced at California State University, San Bernardino Campus with Black Faculty, Staff, and Student Association presenting scholarships to deserving students, honoring emerging leader Prince Ogidipke, presenting village awards to Kiana Webb, Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers, Kim Carter, Social Lites, Inc., Westside Action Group, Kimberly Calvin, and Terrance Stone. The Lorraine Frost Award presented to Robie Madrigal. The following Pioneer Honorees included, Aaron Burgess, Kathryn Ervin, Twillea Evans-Carthen and Cindy Black-Wyatt.

Scholarship awardees included Mustafaa Bell (Dr. Mildred Henry Scholarship), Lynn Brown-Summers (Ms. Belva Holder Memorial Scholarship), Vivian Osunde (Dr. Jean Peacock and Walter Hawkins Scholarship), Kya Ny’Ashia Necole Olive (John Overton Scholarship), Kuadwawashe Jonah Magwenz (Terrilyn Monette Memorial Scholarship), Shareen Mc Dade (Dr. Milton Clark Scholarship), Tyler Harris (Felix Family Scholarship), and several students received the John Futch Book Scholarship.

Congratulations to all honorees!!!

FONTANA, CA— The 55th San Bernardino County Black Awareness Month Parade and Expo will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 10 a.m., on Citrus Avenue, North of the 210 freeway. Immediately following the parade will be the Expo on the Home Depot parking lot on Sierra Lakes Parkway in Fontana. This is a photo opportunity for young and old to have a picture taken with First Black Fire Captain in San Bernardino County, Kenneth White.

Kenneth White and his wife Sharon have been married for 15 years and have two daughters, Rhay (14) and Taelyn (12). In 2005, White began his fantastic journey of becoming a firefighter. In 2010, he was hired as a full-time firefighter paramedic for San Bernardino County Fire Department.

In 2015, Mr. White was promoted to Engineer and transferred to the City of San Bernardino during the transition to County. For many years, he has invested his career in servicing his community. Captain White brought dedication and success to the Spark of Love toy drive which is an honor each year to be a part of such an incredible organization. You can also find him drumming for the Local 935 Professional Pipes and Drums.

“My passion is to give great service both internally to my peers and externally to the community we serve,” White stated. “After 18 years of dedication to this department, I am the first Black Fire Captain to promote through the ranks for San Bernardino County Department. I am honored to have this opportunity to help inspire the next generation of firefighters. My new role as captain will be at station in 161 in the city of Upland.”

RIALTO, CA—- Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District, and Rialto small business owner Willetta McDowell will be honored as 2023 Jewel Award winners at the City of Rialto’s 17th Annual State of Women conference March 4 at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB).

The theme for this year’s event is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,”And will feature as its keynote speaker KNBC 4 News Correspondent Darsha Philips. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren will serve as Mistresses of Ceremony. The celebration begins at 9 a.m. at CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union Building.

“We are so proud of this event and the opportunity it presents to honor women leaders and entrepreneurs from across our region. This year’s honorees embody the strength and perseverance that distinguish Rialto and our surrounding communities from any other region,” said Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson.

Rodriguez became Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District in 2021 acfter serving as President of San Bernardino Valley College since 2016. McDowell, owner of Hair Biz Salon, has been a salon owner or stylist for 40 years.

Past winners of the coveted award include former State Assemblymember Amina Carter, Time for Change Foundation founder Kim Carter and Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The Rialto State of Women conference takes place during National Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is aligned with the National Women’s History Association’s ongoing recognition throughout 2023 of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts and more.

To reserve a spot at the free event, please click here.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter hosted the 35th Annual Oratorical Contest at the Riverside County Office of Education, Riverside, California on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Young scholars demonstrated their public speaking skills in three different categories: Grade School, Middle School, and High School. Over 30 participants took part in the speech competition.

L/R: Dr. Charles Brown (A Phi A, Mu Xi Lambda Vice President), Twillea Evans-Carthen (AKA Eta Nu Omega Chair), James Kennedy, David Eoff V, Xavier Buffong, Wanda Khan, Sophia Barrett, Lauren Stewart, Isaiah Buffong, BrookeMonae Westbrook, Natalie Castro, Ruth Rembert (AKA Eta Nu Omega President), and Dar’rell Jones (A Phi A Chair).

This year’s theme was “Overcoming Stereotypes.” Young scholars shared some stereotypes and prejudices they have faced and what they have done to overcome them. Participants also shared what they can do to change other people’s prejudices, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices.

Audience included parents, family members, friends, and Riverside County Office of Education executives. All scholars were provided with a certificate of recognition from the organizers and from Assembly Member Corey Jackson, 60th District.

Winners in each category received a monetary award.

Elementary

Xavier Buffong – 1st place – $200.00

David Eoff V- 2nd Place- $100.00

James Kennedy – 3rd Place- $75.00

Middle School

Lauren Stewart – 1st Place- $300.00

Sophia Barrett – 2nd Place- $200.00

Warda Khan – 3rd Place- $100.00

High School

Natalia Castro – 1st Place- $500.00

BrookeMonae Westbrook – $300.00

Isaiah Buffong- 3rd Place- $150.00

Congratulations to these young scholars. The community looks forward to their participation next year as we celebrate the 36^th year of the Oratorical Contest offered to students in the Inland Empire. Students who will be attending college in the fall of 2023, we wish them much success in their educational and career goals.

Oratorical Contest Committee Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega Chapter

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In honor of Black History Month, the South Colton Diversity Committee is honoring individuals for their community works on Saturday, February 18. Among those honorees is LUE Productions and Westside Story News contributor, LuCretia Dowdy. She will be honored at the Black History Awards Ceremony alongside the President for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce-Inland Cities East Chapter and Colton Sherriff, Art Satterwhite III. The ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. at the Crossing located at 165 E. O Street in Colton. There is no charge to attend, and food and drinks will be provided.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Saturday, February 25, the 55th Annua; San Bernardino County Black History Parade will be held starting at 10 a.m. The parade will begin on Citrus and Summit Avenue and will proceed to the Home Depot parking lot on Sierra Lakes parkway in Fontana where an expo will be held immediately following the parade.

This year’s Grand Marshal is the founder of the R&B group “Lakeside”, Captain Mark Woods Jr.  and his lovely wife, Soul Train dancer, Sharon Hill Woods.

Soul Train was an American music variety television show and the first to prominently feature African American musical acts and dancers. It was on air nationally from 1971 to 2006 and was one of the longest-running syndicated programs in American television history. The R&B group “Lakeside” performed their hit song “Fantastic Voyage” by lead singer Captain Mark a Woods Jr.  Woods.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) is pleased to announce the winners of the 40th annual San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon Competition. The awards ceremony honoring 18 high school teams, took place on February 9.

“These incredibly talented and hard-working students committed hundreds of hours preparing for this year’s academic decathlon,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It is an honor to not only recognize them for all their hard work, but also recognize their support systems and coaches for helping them excel in the competition.”

The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

• 1st place: Chaffey High School
• 2nd place: Redlands High School
• 3rd place: Rancho Cucamonga High School

The back-to-back champion team, Chaffey High School of Chaffey Joint Union High School District, will send its top nine scoring decathletes and coach to represent San Bernardino County at the California Academic Decathlon State Competition in Santa Clara from March 25-26. At large teams may also represent the county at the state competition.

In addition to coming in first place, Chaffey High School also won awards for the following team events:

• Art
• Economics
• Literature
• Music
• Science
• Social Science
• Speech
• Super Quiz

The award for the highest-scoring student from the Chaffey High School team went to junior classman, Dylan Ventura. Ventura earned 8,088 points out of a possible 10,000.

This year, nearly 300 students from 18 high schools throughout San Bernardino County participated in the competition.

For the first time in nearly 40 years, the San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon Competition was held as a hybrid event with portions of the competition being held virtually, while others were held in person.

This comes after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the competition to transition into a completely virtual format in 2021 and 2022.

The theme for this year’s competition was “The American Revolution and the New Nation.”

Each year, the theme is generated by the United States Academic Decathlon and is provided to SBCSS by the California Academic Decathlon.

The event competition took place over three days in December, January and February consisting of categories in essay writing, both prepared and impromptu speeches, panel interviews, objective testing and culminated with the highly anticipated Super Quiz.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.

By Angela M. Coggs

On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at the 777 N F Street in the newly remodeled San Bernardino Board of Education building, change and newness was in the air.

While some people were home, settling in to watch the President Biden’s State of the Union Address, there were also many people in the San Bernardino who braved the cold, windy temperatures outside to witness Felicia Alexander be officially sworn in as the newest San Bernardino City Unified School District Board Member. On January 24, 2023, the SBCUSD Board of Education made the provisional appointment of Alexander to fill a vacancy on the governing board. The vacancy was created in December when Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers resigned to accept an elected position on the San Bernardino County School Board. She will serve on the Board until the next general election in November 2024.

“Tonight, was a very emotional night as I had the honor of being a part of the swearing in of Felicia Alexander,” said Dr. Gwen Dowdy- Rodgers, San Bernardino County Superintendent of School Board Trustee Area D. “She is an engaged and compassionate leader that will make a great asset to SBCUSD.”

The room was filled with community members, friends, family, and members of the Divine Nine, all of whom were there to support Alexander as she took her oath. She was sworn in by her husband, San Bernardino City Councilman Damon Alexander, while her predecessor, Gwen Dowdy- Rodgers, held the Bible. The room bustled with cheers of excitement while family and friends quickly gathered for a few posed pictures. Alexander graciously took her place in the center in a sea of members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as they showed support on a large scale.

“A heartfelt welcome to our newest board member and superintendent,” said community member and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (retired) Carolyn Tillman. “I am looking forward to achieving what is possible for our students in San Bernardino.”

After all the flowers, hugs, pictures and smiles, Alexander took her place among the other board members, to continue with the agenda for the evening. With a beautiful congratulatory bouquet of red roses placed at her side, Alexander stepped in and did not miss a beat. The community welcomed her with open arms and know she is there the serve the students, parents, teachers, and the district. While others may remember February 7, 2023, as the night Lakers star LeBron James broke the NBA’s all-time scoring record, surpassing Kareem Abdul- Jabbar, our community will remember it as the night Felicia Alexander stepped into a new challenge and made her presence known. She has arrived!