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McDonald’s USA, through its Black & Positively Golden movement, surprised its Future 22 leaders with $10,000 each, totaling $220,000, during a celebratory event in their honor at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola®. These grants were awarded to help further the community-driven causes of these 22 change leaders, introduced earlier this year. Award-winning actress, singer & entertainer, Keke Palmer, took part in the surprise announcement as the Future 22 spokesperson.

From a STEM educator who is leveling the playing field for Black and brown children in computer science to a financial literacy champion who is bridging the financial gap in inner cities, these visionaries are shattering ceilings and breaking barriers to create meaningful change in communities across the country. Since February, their stories have been told through an integrated marketing campaign that includes videos on Instagram at @wearegolden and McDonald’s YouTube channel, as well as TV and radio spots voiced over by Keke, and more.

“It’s an honor to join McDonald’s to recognize and celebrate these awesome leaders, while also supporting their work and mission,” said Keke. “They are creating bright futures for themselves and the next generation – and, really, all of us – and the excitement on their faces during the McDonald’s surprise gave me joy.”

During the celebratory event held at Essence Fest last weekend in New Orleans, which McDonald’s sponsored for the 22nd year, Keke and Marissa Fisher, a second-generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator in New Orleans, participated in a fireside chat moderated by McDonald’s Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, Elizabeth Campbell, to inspire Future 22 leaders and provide tips on staying true to one’s mission, finding balance while changing the world and paving the way for others, among other topics.

“This year’s Essence Fest theme was Black Joy, and we couldn’t wait to celebrate all 22 leaders and bring them to New Orleans, in honor of their accomplishments,” said Campbell. “We certainly could’ve surprised them virtually but making them a part of our Essence Fest moment meant unlocking the additional community of supporters who are McDonald’s Owner/Operators and the Essence Fest family, to further celebrate them and demonstrate our belief in their work. It was more special than imagined, representing our commitment to feeding and fostering the communities we serve.”

McDonald’s has sponsored Essence Fest for more than 20 years to help shine a positive light on the Black community, culture and youth. All weekend, the Golden Arches celebrated and brought to life “Black Joy.” This included impactful booth experiences like show-stopping performances from R&B singer Jacquees, and award-winning gospel artists Sir the Baptist and Jekalyn Carr who previewed the 16th annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour that kicks off (in person) this fall. Booth guest were also treated to a star-studded celebrity meet and greet lineup featuring Toya Johnson, Reginae Carter, Uptown Angela and actor and musician Jacob Latimore.

McDonald’s also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Black media and communities of color by convening some of the leading voices in marketing, media, business, and tech for panels that offered tips and resources for opportunity creation and breaking barriers.

McDonald’s Future 22 and the Essence Fest partnership are two of the many company initiatives that celebrate Black excellence. For more than 65 years, McDonald’s and its Owner/Operators have awarded scholarships to HBCU students, created impactful partnerships with community organizations like the National Urban League, NAACP, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and more. And this year, McDonald’s is proud to congratulate the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association for 50 years of entrepreneurial and community excellence.

NORTH DESERT, CA— Congratulations to Battalion Chief Kelly Anderson, who was promoted to Assistant Chief of the North Desert Division 5 following the retirement of Chief Dave Corbin.

Chief Anderson will oversee fire, rescue and emergency medical response in the many parts of the First District, including Silver Lakes/Helendale, Phelan, Wrightwood, Spring Valley Lake, Hesperia, Adelanto and other locations.

In 1994, she began her career as a Fire Explorer in Hesperia. She was hired as a Limited Term Firefighter in 1999 and promoted to full-time status in 2002 as a Firefighter/Paramedic.

Chief Anderson has served throughout the ranks, promoting to Battalion Chief in 2015 assigned to North Desert Division. Her responsibilities have included the oversight of the Ambulance Operator program as well as the Fire Corps volunteer program.

“It’s an honor to serve the North Desert. I love the High Desert and its uniqueness. I was born and raised in the City of Hesperia, went to school there and it’s where I began my journey in the fire service,” said Chief Anderson. “I look forward to working with our partnering agencies as we continue to look for ways to further enhance our fire, rescue and EMS services.”

Welcome, Chief Anderson!

And thank you, Chief Corbin, for your 33 years of service to the citizens of San Bernardino County!

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

A bill that would generate over $400 million for an estimated 785 public school districts   across the state to provide critically needed academic support for Black students is on its way to the California Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Authored by Akilah Weber (D-San Diego), Assembly Bill (AB) 2774, passed out of the Senate Education Committee with a 7-0 vote on June 30, the last day before the Legislature’s summer recess.

“Thank you, CA State Senate Education Committee, for passing my bills,” Weber said via her Twitter account. “Our shared goals are to keep our students safe, provide opportunities for each of them to excel academically, and receive the support they need to stay in school and graduate.”

Weber introduced AB 2774 in February. The bill is co-authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Both are members of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Before the Senate Education Committee vote, many supporters of the bill from around the state rallied in front of “the Swing Space” – temporary legislative offices while the Capitol is under renovation — to urge Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign the bill. The building is located one block south of the State Capitol.

Margaret Fortune, Fortune School of Education; Yolanda Moore, Clovis Unified Board of Education, Keshia Thomas, Fresno, Unified School District Board of Education, and students from Fresno, Sacramento, and Elk Grove made an appearance.

In addition, Sacramento County Democratic Party Chairperson Tracie Stafford, Chache Wright from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People of San Bernardino, and Sacramento County Board of Education trustees Al Brown and Bina Lefkovitiz joined the supporters of AB 2774.

“There is an undeniable achievement gap when it comes to Black children and we cannot continue failing them,” Moore said. “Our students want to do better; they want to be held to a higher standard, but they need our focus and effort to get them there. AB 2774 would push for sustainable, equitable, and academic growth.”

AB 2774 addresses equity issues with the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which was created to provide additional funding for the highest need students in California.

AB 2772 would amend the definition of “unduplicated pupils” for the 2023–24 fiscal year to include pupils who are included in the lowest-performing “subgroup or subgroups,” as defined in the language.

The subgroups identified as unduplicated pupils receiving supplemental funding include English Language learners, low-income students, and foster/homeless youth.

The adjustment is based on the most recently available mathematics or language arts results on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, as specified.

 “I want to specifically call on the governor to support AB 2774,” Fortune said. “Everybody would agree that there is a crisis that 67% of Black kids can’t read at grade level in our public schools. Now it’s time for (Gov. Gavin Newsom) to stand in front of this issue. This group of students deserves support.”

The LCFF was enacted in 2013. Weber said over one-quarter of Black students are not receiving supplemental funding through LCFF.

In 2019, testing data showed that Black students are the lowest-performing subgroup on state standardized tests with 67% not passing English Language Arts (ELA) and 79% not meeting the Math standard.

AB 2774 states that the subgroup identified for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, based on the 2018-19 the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores “shall be included within the ‘unduplicated’ pupil count until its scores equal or exceeds the highest performing subgroup (Asian American students).”

AB 2774 would require the Superintendent of Public Instruction to annually identify the lowest-performing pupil subgroup or subgroups and would authorize school districts and charter schools to review and revise their submitted data on pupils who are included in the lowest-performing subgroup or subgroups.

There are nearly 310,000 Black students enrolled in California’s public schools. Approximately 80,000 Black students in the state do not receive any additional funding under the LCFF, according to data compiled by the California Department of Education.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond supports the legislation.

“This is a state of emergency and we have been in a state of emergency for far too long and nothing has been done,” Thurmond said. “We cannot and will not continue to let our babies fall behind.”

CBM Video: AB 2772 Rally in Sacramento

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino held a public swearing in ceremony for its new police chief Darren Goodman on Wednesday, June 15 at the Feldheym Main Library located at 555 West 6th Street in San Bernardino.

Goodman, whose starting date was June 6th, joins a department with 262 sworn officers and 150 civilian staff. He is the first African American police chief in the San Bernardino Police department’s 117-year history.

Goodman has been in law enforcement for over 31 years, and came to San Bernardino from the City of Upland, where he spent four years as its Chief of Police. Prior to joining Upland, he spent 27 years with the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, including serving as the Police Chief for the Chino Hills Police Department and Commander of the Frank Bland Regional Training Center. He also worked in Corrections, Patrol, Narcotics, Emergency Operations, Regional Gang Enforcement, Fugitive Apprehension, and SWAT.

For those that missed the ceremony, a recording should be available on the city website at https://sbcity.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. hosted a street renaming ceremony at the San Bernardino County Government Chambers on June 11th, 2022, in honor of the Rialto music pioneers, J.J. Fad. The public was invited to join in on the celebration and a large outpour of local supporters, family and friends of the group, and artists attended the ceremony. Jesse Duran from KOLA-FM emceed the ceremony. J.J. FAD, the locally grown female artist group performed their hit song, “Supersonic” for the crowd. A street has been renamed “J.J. Fad Way” in honor of their support to the community throughout their rise of fame. The street name has already been updated and can be found on Cactus Ave. in the unincorporated area of Rialto, California.

“I am so excited to get a street in the Rialto area, where the music group JJ Fad were raised, to be renamed in their honor! The street is called J.J. Fad Way and is named after the group who always supported their city no matter how famous and busy, they got. I would like to thank all who came out, I would like to thank Jesse Duran for emceeing the event, and I would also like to thank the members of World Class Wreckin’ Cru and Arabian Prince for coming out and showing support to our girls and our city!” -Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

LOS ANGELES, CA— Areva Martin is one of the nation’s leading voices in media, covering topics such as law, race, politics, pop culture, celebrity, and breaking news! She has a unique way of blending her outstanding legal expertise with her passion for promoting inclusion, diversity, and equality within ALL environments!

A Harvard University law graduate, Martin releases a statement about the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade:

Statement by Areva Martin:

The aftershocks of today’s SCOTUS opinion overturning Roe vs. Wade are already rippling across the country, as many states have trigger laws withdrawing the established right to abortion. This devastating decision is happening despite that documented fact that a majority of this country — Democrats and Republicans alike — support the abortion and understand it as a fundamental right.

Black and brown women in this country have always struggled with obstacles to equality and with the bitter reality that, as citizens, we are “lesser than.” And, as always, Black and brown women and those struggling to get by financially will be hit hardest by the ruling.

As a lawyer deeply engaged with civil rights issue, I am appalled at a ruling that claims, at its core, the justification that the right to abortion is not specifically enumerated in the constitution. The Constitution is silent on countless other rights we rely on every day in this country; it’s [saying] that a woman’s right to abortion is the one the Court has chosen to decimate today.

The concurring opinion of Justice Thomas should be a wake-up call to everyone. Thomas calls out the rights to same-sex marriage and contraceptives as examples of others that are not enumerated in the constitution. He is laying out the game plan of the right. We should consider ourselves forewarned.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Dr. Willie Morrow, publisher emeritus of the San Diego Monitor and creator of one of the most well-known symbols of Black pride, the Afro Pick, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 22.

Morrow is also the creator of “California Curl,” a once-popular hair texturizer many call the forerunner to the Jheri Curl.

Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to a family of sharecroppers, Morrow taught himself the basics of barbering and chemistry, tools that served as the foundation to his hair care empire.

From the 1960’s to the mid-1990’s, Dr. Morrow set up his headquarters at 4165 Market Street in San Diego. The two-story building housed his barbershop, salon and publication company where he printed the San Diego Monitor newspaper and operated a San Diego’s 92.5 FM radio station

“There was no voice other than the radio at the time,” said Morrow in a 2017 interview with San Diego Voice and Viewpoint newspaper. “When we first started throwing the paper, we would have mountains of them, about 15 or 20 thousand. We would throw them in every home and church in the community. Then we married the print and radio components together (with 92.5). It became the most powerful tool in the Black community.”

In the 70s, as his popularity grew within the beauty industry, the Department of Defense enlisted Morrow to teach and cut hair on military bases and in war zones, which led to him writing several hair styling and barbering technique books.

In 2016, the Museum at California Center for the Arts in Escondido curated an exhibit honoring Dr. Morrow and his accomplishments. The exhibit featured more than 250 objects, from paintings to vintage hair styling equipment. Most of the objects were part of Morrow’s own private collection.

The exhibit also included a diorama of Morrow’s Market Street barbershop, featuring the barber chair he used for years. The red velvet chair hosted local Black leaders including the first Black judge in San Diego County, Judge Earl Gilliam, and even basketball hall of famer Michael Jordan as customers.

Following his death, Morrow’s daughter, Cheryl Morrow, will now take over the newspaper and oversee her father’s California Curl Company.

“He had the foresight not just to create the style but the service so it can enrich an industry,” said Morrow to ABC 10 News in San Diego. “Prior to 1962, you couldn’t buy a comb exclusively for your cultural affinity,” says Morrow. “While that whole era was going on, San Diego Black panthers had the best afros.”

Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) tweeted about the impact Morrow had on the city he called home.

“Our community is rocked by the news of the passing of Dr. Willie Morrow. He was a true San Diego success story; having built several businesses from hair care products to publishing. His legacy as an entrepreneur and community educator will continue to touch and inspire many.”

Shane Harris, a San Diego-based activist and founder of the People’s Association of Justice Advocates, expressed his grief about Morrow’s death.

“Lost for words. To a man I called Dad, mentor, and confidant. Rest in Peace. Dr. Willie Morrow was one of a kind and was an innovator. San Diego has lost a tremendous leader. The creator of the California Curl and so much more has now left his earthen vessel,” he tweeted.

RIVERSIDE, CA— The Inland Empire chapter of Democratic Socialists of America held a rally Saturday calling for “free abortion, on demand, without apology” in response to the Supreme Court decision overturning landmark abortion rights case Roe v. Wade.

Over 100 people attended the event, which began at Riverside’s Cesar Chavez Memorial. Organizer Angel Huipo said, “The Supreme Court has violated the will of the people and 50 years of precedent. We will not stand by and watch our rights be stripped from us. Stand up, fight back!”

IE DSA co-chair Anabel Nevarez spoke as well stating that, “The Democrats are worse than useless,” Nevarez said. “I am not here to tell you to vote more or vote harder. This June election, we saw lower voter turnout from Democrats in general. Why is that? Because in the 2 years Biden and Democrats in Congress have been in power, little has been done by the Democrats to address the needs of working-class people.”

Member Ren Miles concurred. “The Democratic party is just as complicit as the Republican party through their inaction. For those who blamed the people and told them to vote. We voted. We voted for Democratic leadership as the lesser of two evils. Evil is still evil, and they did nothing to stop this.”

Following speeches, the crowd marched through downtown Riverside. Chants included, “They say no choice! We say pro-choice!” and “Voting blue is not enough! Democrats, we call your bluff!”

The rally followed a Planned Parenthood vigil on Friday which drew several hundred people and numerous similar events across the country.

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

Juneteenth also referred to as “Freedom Day” has now been declared as an official holiday. More than half of the states around the world now acknowledge the date June 19th as a national holiday. The day is a celebration to the end of slavery in the United States.

The Juneteenth celebration at San Bernardino Valley College this past Saturday was EPIC. The weather was perfect, and the vibe was right. There were 1500 plus attendees from all over the Inland Empire and beyond. The theme, “Celebrating Freedom a Fun Family Experience” was just that. It was great to see so many families, friends, and community members coming together in honor of such a historical achievement. Children were laughing, playing, and running freely within the kid’s zone sponsored by First 5 San Bernardino. Food, Resource, and MERCH vendors were placed along one row which was named “Vendor Row”. The row had more than 80 vendors. I was able to get over 30,000 steps in by walking back and forth.

The opening ceremony began at noon and took place in the auditorium hosted by ya’ girl, yes me, Lue Dowdy. Reverend Bronica Martindale, CEO of “Reverend B. Productions”, began with a Libation ceremony, as Pastor Joshua Beckley of “Ecclesia Christian Fellowship Church” led in prayer directly after. The spirit was in the building.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Daniel Walker, was a breath of fresh air. He definitely got the audience engaged and excited to learn and reflect. Remarks were given by Dr. Scott Thayer, San Bernardino Valley College Interim President; Karen E. Scott, Executive Director for First 5 San Bernardino; Damon Alexander, San Bernardino City Councilmember 7th Ward; Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers, San Bernardino Unified School District; and Kimberly Calvin, San Bernardino City Councilmember 6th Ward. Additional speakers and live performances took place outdoors in the Greek Theater throughout the day.

This celebration had so many moving pieces such as mini educational seminars, a pie eating contest, art walk, bike and car show, domino tournament, mac and cheese contest, sidewalk chalk contest, spades contest, gaming tournament and more. Coach Cooley and his team from DGK gave away 30 professional skateboards along with helmets to youth. Community drawings took place and winners received gas cards, event shirts, paintings, and other items. Tournament winners received either a cash prize, a trophy, or medal.

In honor of Father’s Day, the committee gave away eight community father awards to deserving individuals that work day in and day out to service the community of San Bernardino and its members. Congratulations to Johnathan Buffong – (THE SPIRIT AWARD) Buffong Consulting, Josiah Bruny – (THE COMMUNITY ACTIVIST) Music Changing Lives, Reverend Samuel Casey – (THE NOBLE AWARD) C.O.P.E. Congregations Organized for Phrophetic Engagement, Uncle Daytona – (THE PEOPLE’s CHOICE AWARD) Uncle Daytona’s Barbershop, Rich Wallace – (THE STAND AND DELIVER AWARD) Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Edwin Johnson – (THE COMMUNITY FATHER AWARD) Chords Youth Enrichment Center, Ian Franklin- (THE MENTOR AWARD) Project Fighting Chance, Terrence Stone – (THE PINNACLE AWARD) Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy.

The City of San Bernardino on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, presented the SBJC with a proclamation at the San Bernardino City Council Meeting, then on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted to declare June 19 each year as Juneteenth. Now it’s a paid holiday. The goal of the San Bernardino Juneteenth Committee was to provide something for everyone to enjoy and in my opinion the goal was accomplished. Be part of the fun next year by becoming a 2023 committee member. For more information, please email the SBJC at Eventjuneteenth@gmail.com.

The San Bernardino Juneteenth Committee is orchestrated of several amazing organizations based out of San Bernardino and neighboring cities. The board consist of Edwin Johnson: President, Ronecia Miller: Vice President, Lue Dowdy: Director of Operations, and Zepporah Johnson: Director of Administration. If you missed it this year, please be on the lookout for next year’s.
Committee Members: Kecia Miller, Kecia Worline, Dawn Gains, Calisha Millage, Krissy Harper, Porscha Dillard, Amanda Smart, Cat Clark, Dee Goins, Robin McKinnon, Kimberly Woods, Kristen Aguas, Shalita Tillman, Mary Valdemar, Shiana Cole.

Title Sponsors & Supporters: San Bernardino Valley College, Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, 47th District Supervisor, Eloise Gomez Reyes, First 5 San Bernardino, IEHP, ICUC, Health Net, City of San Bernardino, Chase Bank, LifeStream Blood Bank, 5th District, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr, Helen Tran, City of San Bernardino Parks N REC Department, Westside Story Newspaper, Domino Tournament Winners:1st Shug Wesley, 2nd Keyon Sams, and 3rd Dillard Anderson

Mission: The Mission of the Juneteenth Committee is to bring together the community in celebration of African American FREEDOM and HOPE.
Vision: To bring forth a community gathering to increase awareness of our past struggles and triumphs by coming together as a collective to reflect, educate, uplift, in celebration of the observed national holiday.