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Nipsey Hussle’s Legacy Honored by Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On August 15 on what would have been his 37th birthday, the late Grammy-nominated rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Nipsey Hussle’s was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He is the 11th rapper to have a Walk of Fame star.

Hussle’s fans, family and friends from the industry attended the ceremony.

“I think I speak for the entire city of LA when I say that we’ve known Nip was destined for greatness,” said Lauren London, Hussle’s longtime girlfriend who spoke at the ceremony. “This moment only amplifies that for us. Nip would have been honored by this moment. I think he would want everyone to remember that you can’t get to what’s possible unless you commit to moving forward. It doesn’t mean forgetting where you come from, but it requires acknowledging the reality you were born into and the power you must change that reality for the better.”

Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson declared Aug. 15, Nipsey Hussle Day in Los Angeles.

“Today, on his born day, we finally got him a star on the walk of fame. Rest in Paradise Nip” Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) a guest in attendance at the 30-minute ceremony posted on Twitter.

Born Airmiess Joseph Asghedom, Hussle was a Los Angeles native who rose to fame in the mid-2000s. After gaining notoriety locally following the release of a string of mixtapes, his gritty sound and inspirational spirit captivated listener’s imaginations.  He became more famous as he sold physical copies of his mixtapes for $100 each, an unheard-of strategy given the music was available digitally for free. This declaration of self-worth caught the attention of his fans and the music industry at large. Jay-Z famously bought 100 copies of the mixtape in a show of respect and support.

Hussle’s crowning musical achievement was the release of his 2018 album ‘Victory Lap’. The effort received a Best Rap Album Grammy nomination in 2019. In 2020, at the 62nd Grammy Awards, he posthumously earned three more nominations and took home two wins for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap/Sung Performance.

His impact on the community impact grew with the opening of his Marathon clothing store in the heart of the Crenshaw commercial district. The store gave customers access to exclusive music along with the clothing. Hussle would go on to buy the entire shopping mall that surrounded the Marathon clothing store, in which he invested in STEM technology workspaces and housed other local entrepreneurs.

On March 21, 2019, Hussle was killed outside of his Marathon store by Eric Holder who last month was found guilty of first-degree murder. Following his death, there was an outpouring of tributes. People in his community, across California and around the country honored his life with murals, vigils and other remembrances, reflecting the impact Hussle had on California and the hip hop community worldwide.

While the Marathon store has closed, the location remains a memorial to Hussle where fans pay daily tribute to his memory. There are plans to open a second store on Melrose Avenue. However, no date has been set for its opening.

Writer and sports media personality Justin Tinsley narrated an ESPN 30 for 30 special about Hussle and his close relationship with athletes and the sports world, particularly LA Sports.

“That star on the Walk of Fame is symbolic of so much,” said Tinsley. “Nipsey is one of those people who will always be remembered, yes, as an incredible rapper. But even more than that, he was a man who had a vision for himself and his people. He put that into action and the result of which will keep his name alive for generations of Black folk. That’s so beautiful and it’s inspiring that he cared so much to do everything he did. But that star is also symbolic of everything we lost with him to. Everything he was yet to think of. Everything he was supposed to do and accomplish.”

Tinsley said he feels the sadness following the senseless murder of Hussle still lingers amongst his supporters but that the joy, pride and motivation he brought to many cannot be forgotten.

“Losing Nipsey in the physical sense will never truly make sense. It’s something God — or whomever you pray to — can truly answer. But it’s such a blessing that we were all given the time to be impacted by him whether up close and personal or from afar. And through all the pain that’s still there — and will always be there — that’s how we got to look at it. Grief is a very real emotion. But it shouldn’t be the only one when we talk about Nipsey Hussle.”

The concept of ‘The Marathon’ was a staple in Hussle’s music. Persevering through obstacles to reach your goal and enduring the pain that inevitably comes when striving for greatness. At the conclusion of London’s Walk of Fame induction speech, she referenced this concept and left a message for everyone visiting Hussle’s monument.

“Whenever you’re in the City of Angels and you see this star, I hope it encourages you to break away from whatever might be holding you back and for you to run your marathon until God says that it is finished,” she said.

Celebrate Beauty from The Inside Out at the 11th Annual My Hair My Health Festival at Fairmount Park

RIVERSIDE, CA—- The much-anticipated 11th annual My Hair, My Health Festival will be back in-person on Sunday, August 28, 2022, from 2pm-6pm at Fairmount Park after being virtual for the last two years.  The event, located at 2601 Fairmount Blvd., Riverside, CA 92501 will feature music, dancing, hair demos, dynamic guest speakers, historical reflections, interactive activities, a kids’ corner, contests, raffles, food, and more.

This powerful festival is a celebration of beauty from the inside out and aims to raise awareness about hair and health as well as empower African American girls, teens, and women to be proud and confident in their crowns.  The goal of the event is to remove the stigmas impacting mental health, as it relates to women’s hair within the black community.

“There’s a lot of healing that needs to be done with how black women across several generations have cared and felt about their hair than most even realize,” My Hair, My Health Committee Member, Reverend Bronica Martindale emphasized.  “We want to create a safe space that encourages one another to look at the beauty within ourselves and each other and leave this event feeling empowered inside and out.”

The event is open to the entire community, as this sponsored event is free to attend and open to all ages. To reserve your tickets, visit www.MyHairMyHealthCali.com.

The festival will feature a Royal Welcoming by vocalist Mirraje and dynamic keynote presentations by two leading mental health and wellness educators, Dr. Sayida Peprah-Wilson, Psy.D and Dr. Janiel L. Henry, Psy.D. The conversation will touch on how women can take care of their hair in active settings, inform them on the harmful ingredients to avoid in black hair products, and share resources and apps like DeTox Me, Environmental Work Group, Think Dirty, and ClearYa that help women make healthier decisions when buying products and caring for their hair.

Hair demos will be provided by two My Hair, My Health Champions, Linita Hawkins, M.E.A. CEO of Lovely Locs, and Shor Denny, MS Founder & CEO of Community Now with her presentation entitled “Breaking Down the Lie”.

Committee Member Terri Akens shared, “My Hair, My Health is a breath of fresh air, in a society that pushes a standard of beauty that denies the natural beauty we were born with. This event was created to remind us of our greatness allowing us to tap into what is really important, positive self-image, living a healthy lifestyle, sisterhood, and love for one another.”

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Mystique and the Unspeakable Praise, who will delight attendees with a Circle of Life praise dance.  The Kids’ Corner will include coloring, drawing, and storytelling.  The coloring pages will depict African American girls rocking their natural hair with positive affirmations displayed.  Storytelling will include a reading of “Timmy Tut and the Pyramid Adventures”,  read by Davil Jackson. This book is co-authored by James Woods, aka “Dat Yoga Dude” and Davil Jackson.

This event is sponsored by the Riverside Community Health Foundation and IEHP, and made possible by the My Hair, My Health committee members including founding members Phyllis Y. Clark, Founder & CEO of Healthy Heritage Movement, Terri Akens, Director of Community Health Programs at Riverside Community Health Foundation, Eryn Young, MPH, Program Director for Just Muv Consulting, Rev. Bronica Martindale, and Teslyn Henry-King, MPH, MPA, RD, Program Coordinator for San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Nutrition along with, April Gillis, Project Coordinator at Healthy Heritage Movement, and the new 2022 committee members Carla Towns and Shavon Johnson, both from Delta Sigma Theta San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter.


My Hair, My Health is a celebration of beauty and wellness from the inside out.  It is a movement encouraging African American women to define and promote a standard of beauty that is uniquely theirs.  If you need mental health services or for more information about My Hair, My Health please contact Healthy Heritage at (951) 293-4240 or visit them on their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Myhairmyhealth

 

Over 100 in Attendance at the American Girl Doll Tea Party

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- More than 110, daughters, sons, granddaughters, parents, and grandparents from throughout the Inland Empire enjoyed canapés, tea, and cake at the first American Girl Doll “Tea Party” in two years, thanks to the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.

The multi-generational American Girl Doll Tea Party took place recently at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School, complete with a book signing from the school’s namesake and author Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry herself.

In opening his school to host the Tea Party, Dr. Christopher Tickell, Principal said he plans to make this a signature event of his school for the foreseeable future. “ I was so excited to be a part of such an amazing event. To see so many people working so hard together to make something special for our community. I look forward to hosting this tea again and again and again.”

San Bernardino City Library Director Ed Erjavek, and Library Foundation President Arlington Rodgers, Jr., welcomed the families to the celebration. San Bernardino City Council member Kimberley Calvin, School Board member Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers and Kim Knaus, Senior Field Representative for Board of Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. joined the festivities.

Families—complete with fathers, mothers, and grandparents—came from San Bernardino, Riverside, Rialto, Hesperia, Redlands, and Rancho Cucamonga to attend the American Girl Tea Party in San Bernardino. Four children won American Girl Dolls and books in the event’s free raffle.

Cheryl Brown former Assemblymember (retired) and San Bernardino City Library Foundation Board member and committee chairperson and President Arlington Rodgers, Jr., served as emcees and led the afternoon with information, food, and fun.

Canapés and tea were served by youth and adult volunteers including Black Voice newspaper publisher Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, Jordan and Peyton Brown, Isabell and Olivia Lee ,San Bernardino City Library Foundation board members Mary Kay DeCrescenzo, Vice President, Operations, Debra A. Fields, Secretary, and Arlington Rodgers, Jr., President. The annual event attracts children and their parents from the Greater San Bernardino Area.

Lynn Summers presented the University of California’s local Master Gardener/Master Food Preserver program members who taught the children the oldest secrets on food preservation, making seed paper, pickled vegetables and gave all participants free milkweed plants.

Milkweed plants are the favorite food of Monarch butterflies. The children were asked to plant them to draw butterflies to their yards and help renew the butterfly population.

Angela Encinas , Children’s Librarian described how The San Bernardino City Library allows children to check out an American Girl Doll kit. It includes ethnically diverse dolls, a carrying case, accessories, a book about the doll and a journal. Children checking out the dolls are encouraged to write about their playing with the dolls in a journal. She included a reading of one of the journal pages and the author was in the audience, imagine the surprise on her face after hearing her words two years after she wrote them.

“Another great success of the day included The Girls Scouts obtaining enough sign-ups to start a new Girl Scout Troop in the Mt. Vernon area, the first new one in many years,” said Knea Hawley, Girl Scout executive.

The doll collection and the annual tea are both made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino that take delight in giving children entertaining educational experiences.

Foundation President Arlington Rodgers, Jr., says, “Our deepest gratitude to our generous Foundation Partners who made the afternoon tea possible: Dr. Christopher Tickell, the Irvine Foundation, Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, the University of California Cooperative, Extension Master Food Preservers and Master Gardeners of San Bernardino, the Westside Action Group, Mary Kay DeCrescenzo, Debra Fields, Edison International, Amazon, the Inland Empire Community Foundation, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Friends of the Library, Johnnie Ralph, Shelby Obershaw, Dameron Communications and Evy Morales.

Planning for next year’s American Girl Tea Party begins next week. If you are interested in joining the planning, please call Stacy at (909) 381-8211.


About the San Bernardino City Library Foundation

The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure that our public libraries continue to be places where everyone in the community can gather, learn, grow, and interact.

Since 1995, the San Bernardino City Library Foundation has provided the San Bernardino Public Library system with the financial support it needs to provide new books for patrons, offer free tutoring for all academic levels, provide patrons with access to e-books and audiobooks, and provide innovative programs like a Makerspace and the American Girl Doll program.

https://play.americangirl.com/

Board members include Arlington Rodgers, Jr., President; Cheryl R. Brown, Vice President, Community Relations; Mary Kay DeCrescenzo, Vice President, Operations; Debra A. Fields, Secretary, Dr. Chris Tickell, Treasurer Evy Morales and Timothy Prince, Director.

Meet Lauren Valdez: The Youngest Member of the Crafton Hills College Class of 2022

YUCAIPA, CA— For Lauren Valdez, Crafton Hills College was the perfect place for her to make connections and discover opportunities. About two years ago, the now 18-year-old Redlands resident made the choice to take the California Proficiency Exam and start her college career at the Yucaipa-based college.

“I was going to Redlands High School and just felt it wasn’t the best choice for me,” said the youngest member of the Class of 2022. “But I couldn’t go to a four-year university because I did not have the A-G requirements needed, so the plan was to do my general ed courses at Crafton and then transfer to a four-year university.”

But Valdez found more at Crafton, she said, including that sense of belonging that she did not experience while attending RHS. Crafton, she explained, “was the closest community college to me, but when I got here, I absolutely loved it here and there were so many opportunities for me.”

Those opportunities included having her first two years of college paid for through the CHC Promise Program and diverse course offerings, including Chicano studies.

“It was just balanced,” she said.

Valdez has plans to attend UCLA in the fall and hopes to receive a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in gender studies. But what she really wants to do is become a poet.

As for others who might want to follow in Valdez’s footsteps, she has some words of wisdom for you. “I think my advice would be to try it. It couldn’t hurt because it can only help you if you go for it,” she said. “If you work hard and stick with it, you’ll see the reward at the end.”

Black Farmers Concerned Inflation Reduction Act Will Roll Back Promised Debt Relief

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The National Black Farmers Association is worried that the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will roll back debt relief provided Black, indigenous, and other farmers of color in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

When President Joe Biden signs the law, which just passed both houses of Congress, approximately 15,000 farmers of color across the country — including over 400 in California — will be affected, according to the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA).

Of the 70,000 farms in California, less than 1% are Black-owned or managed, while more than 90% are White-owned or managed. In 2012, California had 722 Black farmers according to an agriculture census report released that year. By 2017, the number had decreased to 429. Nationally, 45,508 Black farmers (1.3% of all farmers) were counted in the 2017 agriculture census, making up 0.5% of the country’s farmlands.

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan which included $4 billion to help Black and other “socially disadvantaged” farmers  will be replaced with a plan that makes relief funds available to all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) farmers suffering hardships.

“I’m very, very disappointed in this legislative action,” John Wesley Boyd, Jr., NBFA’s founder and president, said in an Aug. 9 statement. “I’m prepared to fight for debt relief for Black, Native American, and other farmers of color all the way to the Supreme Court. I’m not going to stop fighting this.”

The NBFA is a non-profit organization representing African American farmers and their families. It serves tens of thousands of members nationwide. NBFA’s education and advocacy efforts are focused on civil rights, land retention, access to public and private loans, education and agricultural training, and rural economic development for Black and other small farmers.

The American Rescue Plan debt relief program was expected to pay off USDA loans held by 15,000 Black, Native American, Alaskan Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic and Latino farmers, Kara Brewer-Boyd, NBFA’s Program and Event Coordinator, told California Black Media in a telephone interview on Aug. 12.

“Socially disadvantaged Black, Native Americans, and people of color were automatically approved for 120% debt relief. They were to be paid in full,” said Kara Brewer-Boyd. “Now they won’t get that money at all. It’s horrible. Those farmers were already identified and sent letters that their debt had been paid. These farmers are in a bad situation. Congress put them in a worse situation by telling them ‘You’re gonna get it.’ Now they are telling them ‘You’re not going to get it.’”

Objections raised by non-Black farmers to the debt relief the federal government pledged to Black farmers has put the program in limbo.

Those opponents have filed a dozen lawsuits against the American Rescue Plan Act, including one class action case. The courts are currently hearing the cases.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the USDA is authorized to provide $3.1 billion to distressed borrowers. Another fund has been established to supply farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who faced discrimination before 2021 with a package of $2.2 billion.

“What they replaced (the American Rescue Plan Act 2021) with is Section 22006 that now states that any farmer can apply to see if they are economically distressed, get their loans written down, or have them restructured,” Brewer-Boyd said. “Now, can you tell me that’s not a big difference? You took $4 billion in debt relief at $120%, put it in a fund of $3 billion, taking $1 billion away, and you opened it up to every farmer.”

Brewer-Boyd said Black farmers from California were approved under the original debt relief program.

“Discrimination at USDA against Black farmers was rampant and severe. Section 1005 Loan Repayment program was a necessary step towards fixing those harms. To acknowledge and correct racism is not unconstitutional or racist,” James Wesley Boyd, Jr., stated.

Last year, Lawrence Lucus, who founded the USDA Coalition of Minority Employees, told the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans that racism is prevalent in agriculture, and it is the primary reason why there are just a little over 400 Black farmers in California.

“I’m sorry to say that it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any better under the times we are faced with,” Lucus said. “You have White farmers, who own most of the land and get all the benefits from the land, they are the ones now bringing court cases around the country. They are saying that it’s discriminatory to have debt-relief for Black farmers.”

High School Students Invited to Join First District Advisory Council

High school students — Would you like to get involved in the community, but don’t know where to start? Looking to improve your college application? Considering joining our First District Youth Advisory Council!

Members of the Youth Advisory Council will work directly with me and my staff on issues that directly impact the youth of San Bernardino County. Members will attend regular monthly meetings and get involved in local volunteer and community service activities. They may also have the opportunity to present to the County Board of Supervisors.

Each month we explore a different topic with an engaging guest speaker. Subjects have included teen mental health, crime and education. All First District high school students are invited to apply, providing they can attend the monthly in-person meetings at our Apple Valley office. Teachers are encouraged to spread the word to their students.

For more information, please contact Samuel Shoup at 760-995-8100 or email Samuel.Shoup@bos.sbcounty.gov.

Peer Support Training Gives Students Tools for Suicide Prevention

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS), in partnership with California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), provided a week-long suicide prevention training for university students.

“We can reduce the number of students impacted by mental health challenges when we provide support, resources and the necessary tools needed to ensure the well-being of all our students,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “I am incredibly proud of our community, education and government partners for their dedication to supporting the overall social emotional health of our students.”

During the week of August 8, CSUSB students experienced in-depth training on suicide prevention, leadership skills development and knowledge about mental health challenges.

“I think the biggest talking point here is to be there for somebody,” said CSUSB graduate student Ulises Velasco. “If you notice somebody looking down, you can be that one person that gets them out of their bad day or bad moment or those suicidal thoughts by giving them an ear and by lending them a shoulder to cry on. Everybody is capable of being that support buddy for somebody.”

Students were equipped with the fundamental knowledge and tools necessary to provide support to their peers in times of crisis. They will continue year-round learning with quarterly check-ins to provide updates, program shakeouts and booster training.

At the completion of the week-long training, students gained the ability to recognize early signs and symptoms of someone in crisis and were able to connect individuals to appropriate resources and available supports.

“I am really proud to be part of this group…and I want to actually help people that are in need of help,” said CSUSB student Elizabeth Bagley. “Trainings like this brings hope to people.”

Students who are exploring career paths in the mental health and public service sectors had the opportunity to learn about workforce development.

SBCSS developed this peer support training with the help of two CSUSB psychology professors to address mental health and peer support in our communities.

This training is partly funded through SBCSS, and the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, Inland Empire Health Plan, Molina Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente.

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

Muscoy Elementary School Students Welcomed Back to School with Backpack Giveaway

MUSCOY, CA.- On the morning of August 1st, Muscoy Elementary School Students were welcomed back to their first day of school with a backpack giveaway from Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. and other community partners. The backpacks were full of school supplies, hygiene kits, t-shirts, socks, books, and more for all the students. San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff, and California Highway Patrol brought their cars and K-9 Units out to have the children interact with them.

“Seeing the smiles on these children’s faces yesterday as they were receiving some of these everyday life essentials was truly priceless. Assisting these underserved children in our community is the least we can do to encourage them to come to school every day prepared and ready to learn. This day would not be possible without the assistance of Medline, California Highway Patrol, San Bernardino County Fire, Sherriff, and Probation Department, Code Enforcement, Department of Public Health and Behavioral Health, and San Bernadino County Children’s Fund for supplying these children with items that are necessary to assist them with their educational journey through the new school year,” Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., stated.

Crafton Hills grad’s positive outlook, strong support system pushes her drive forward

YUCAIPA, CA — Norma Viveros wears a lot of hats.

To her students at Victoria Elementary in San Bernardino, she’s known as Ms. Norma. At home, she’s Mom. At Crafton Hills College (CHC), she’s a proud graduate of the Class of 2022.

The San Bernardino woman was one of more than a thousand to celebrate their educational accomplishments during a campus-wide commencement ceremony on May 25. But her path to receiving an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development was not always easy, but one that was etched when presented with a challenge.

“I was working as a campus monitor at Victoria, and there was a teacher who told my son that he was going to ‘end up like his mother.’ I didn’t like that,” explained the 46-year-old. “The neighborhood I live in is not in the best area, but it is just home to me, and I didn’t like (my son) looking at me and saying, ‘I’m not going to graduate.’ So, I made it my mission to get my diploma and show him that if his mom could do it, he could do it.”

Looking also to prove the doubters wrong, Viveros enrolled at Redlands Adult School (RAS) to earn her high school diploma. After crushing that goal, she began her CHC journey and will continue her studies at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) in the fall.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get my high school diploma,” she said with a chuckle. “I asked (staff) at Redlands Adult School ‘what’s next.’ And they replied, ‘What about college?’ I was 45 years old at the time. How am I supposed to go to college? That’s for young kids. There’s no way.”

With RAS officials’ encouragement, Viveros registered for CHC Summer Bridge Program, a five-week course that helps students from Redlands and Yucaipa adult schools transition into college. She then tried taking two classes and then more –until she graduated with her degree.

Balancing it all – work, home and school – was tricky, but Viveros credits her robust support system, which includes her four children, ages 26, 22, 17 and 14, for cheering her on, even if it meant missing family occasions.

And as she continues to make her goals a reality, Viveros knows that support will continue, which is a huge motivational boost. Another reason: she wants to set a positive example for the students of Victoria and those who live in the same San Bernardino neighborhood.

“My plan is to get my master’s in counseling and encourage ‘my kids’ to stay in school and help them be productive because I believe if we keep our kids busy, you won’t have them running these streets,” Viveros explained.

“I’m the first in my family to graduate from college. I’ve been through some crazy things in life, but no matter what I’m doing, no one knows what I’m going through because I’m always smiling. I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor. And when you put a challenge in front of me, I’m going to run with it.”

The Adult Education Program is a partnership between the community college and the local adult schools provided by the California Adult Education Program and the Inland Adult Education Consortium.

The program aims to facilitate the transition between adult school and college by providing adults with resources to advance their careers and education to improve their overall quality of life.

For more information, visit craftonhills.edu/adult-education-program.

For a PDF version of this release and to download Norma’s photo, click here.

Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health Program Adds Instructor

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—” I’m very happy to have been promoted to being an instructor by the Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health program,” says Yamileth Monarrez, “because the courses address issues that I’ve personally experienced and now I feel I can do something to make things better.”

The Making Hope Happen Foundation’s Inland Empire Men’s Mental program offers free classes that educate people on how to recognize signs of mental distress in people they know and love and teaches them how to get friends and family members to be willing to talk about what’s going on.

Program manager Gerzon Ceseña says, “Men—especially minority men—tend to be very reluctant to talk about problems they’re having. Instead, they often shut themselves off, which can make things worse. Our program is all about getting rid of the idea that real men don’t need help and instead, that real friends can help friends when things are tough.”

“Promoting Ms. Monarrez to our training staff allows us to accommodate more students for our suicide prevention and mental health first aid classes,” says Ceseña.

Yamileth Monarrez is a senior at UC Riverside and will be graduating in December. She spent a semester abroad at London South Bank University, taking a variety of courses, and psychology is an area she has been interested in for some time. The exposure to a different culture broadened her horizons while at the same time, showed how people everywhere often need to deal with the same problems.

Monarrez says, “At UCR I’ve served as a mentor to freshmen. I really enjoy helping people and I wanted to work for IE Men’s Mental Health because the program emphasizes the need to de-stigmatize mental health issues so that people can get the help they need.”

For more information or to sign up for a course, visit. https://www.mhhfmentalhealth.org/dult.htm or call (909) 347-7234. Class schedules are updated monthly.


About Making Hope Happen Foundation

Making Hope Happen is a nonprofit foundation linked with the San Bernardino City Unified School District. The nonprofit is based on the philosophy of Gallop Senior Scientist Dr. Shane J. Lopez. Hope allows people to envision a better future, design a path toward that future, and take purposeful steps toward it.  As a result of a deep commitment to this quest, the San Bernardino Community and School Alliance (CASA was reorganized and renamed the Making Hope Happen Foundation).

The Foundation’s Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health program offers free mental health training for people who would like to be able to help friends or family members that would like to learn effective ways to approach friends or family members who seem to he has emotional or mental health problems but aren’t sure about what to say or do.

For more information on The IE Men’s Mental Health Program, go to the group’s web page at IEMensMentalHealth.org or call (909) 347-7234.