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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— As the only Latino History Bee in the nation, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) event is truly unique and the student winners are among an elite group of who have proven that they value the rich culture and history of Latin America.

Last month, students in grades 6–12 from 11 SBCUSD schools competed in three rounds focused on different aspects of the Latino experience. Round one focused on Latino history. During round two, students identified Latino artwork, including the title, artist, and country of origin. New this year for round three, students presented a Latino-inspired dance, skit, monologue, or other performance.

This year’s judges included Dr. Barbara Flores, Dr. Scott Wyatt, Dr. Esteban Diaz, and Dr. Enrique Murillo.

The winners of the middle school division (grades 6–8) were:
1st Place—Alani Guzman, Richardson PREP HI Middle School
2nd Place—Sophia Williams, Arrowview Middle School
3rd Place—Katty Camacho, Arrowview Middle School

The winners of the high school division (grades 9–12) were:
1st Place—Elizabeth Bañuelos, Arroyo Valley High School
2nd Place—Crystal Tello, Arroyo Valley High School
3rd Place (tie)—Stephen Zermeño, San Gorgonio High School, and Valeria Ramirez, Arroyo Valley High School

“We are proud of the hard work that our students put in to prepare for the competition and their ability to perform under pressure,” said Multilingual Department Director Tex Acosta. “Their collective mastery of facts and knowledge of the Latino culture was impressive.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— “66ERS” is teaming up with Riverside Black chambers of Commerce, and Green Smilez Loving Care Foundation to present a community meet and greet tribute featuring the minor league baseball team who will pay a tribute to the 102nd year negro league, along with a recognition ceremony to the Black Excellence and Achievements of individuals and their businesses.

The “SB 66ers Negro League Tribute” Community Meet and Greet & Award ceremony event gives the community the opportunity to showcase and celebrate the talents of African American players during segregation. Their organized efforts became a successful business enterprise generating millions of dollars in revenue and thousands of jobs in the Black community.

The Negro league athletes were inspiring, and a grand success beating the odds, and representing the very best of the sport.

The event will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at San Manuel Stadium, 280 S E St, San Bernardino, CA 92401. The event hashtag for social media posts is #66ersblackexcellencetribute. The community is encouraged to attend the event. Admission is $18.00. San Manuel Stadium will sell food and beverages. There will be merchandise for purchase and a small vendor marketplace.

The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino are a Minor League Baseball team of the California League and the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. The 66ers are based in San Bernardino, California, and play at San Manuel Stadium.

The Black chambers of commerce of Riverside Mission is to empower and inspire minority entrepreneurs, in their indigenous communities to be successful, partner with like minded individuals, companies, and nonprofit organizations to achieve that mission. We believe that our greatest opportunity to empower and inspire minority communities and businesses lies in cooperation and collaboration with the industries of tomorrow.

The narrative of African-American playing Professional Baseball has changed sports history. An enterprise of Black ownership launched and funded the Negro National League.

Black Baseball became known for showcasing a style of speed, daring play and showmanship. August 1945, Jackie Robinson shook the baseball world with his official announcement he integrated major league baseball playing for the Dodgers in 1947.

After Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier other major league team followed suit and eventually the Negro American league support was stretched thin. As of 2020 many of the founding Negro leagues baseball teams have been declared official major leagues with their players records and statistics counted in baseball’s record books.

Baseball fans around the world garner strong supporters of players, teams, and the BIG games.

The inner-city kids who play baseball in the community spend this time rising above their circumstances, baseball is where young people find a common purpose in the ball parks and in the stadiums.

It is important that the inland empire youth, and many who grow up in challenging neighborhoods with limited opportunities, be exposed to positive events like the 66ers Negro league tribute to honor the legacy of their ancestors and be empowered by the organizations that bring them resources. Public recognition and highlighting the achievements of local businesses and the people who serve, motivate, encourage, and inspire is the icing on the cake for this event. There will also be a fireworks display preceding the Baseball Game. This will be a Family fun event where all is welcome and your support very much appreciated. Purchase tickets at this link.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, May 14th, 2022, over 150 youth from San Bernardino County joined Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. for a day of fishing and fun at Glen Helen Regional Park’s Lake. The lake was filled with trout the day before the youth came to fish. Children from ages eight to sixteen were in attendance and they spent the day learning how to fish by professionals. The day was made possible by the support of San Bernardino County Probation, Bass Pro Shops, California Fish and Wildlife, San Bernardino County Libraries, San Bernardino County Fire, San Bernardino County Museum, San Bernardino County Agriculture, San Bernardino County Airports, Preschool Services, First 5, Children’s Network, Friends of Regional Parks.

“Fishing with these youth was something that I will always hold dear to me. These kids got to have a fun day outdoors, and we got to highlight the exciting recreational opportunities that Glen Helen has to offer, all while providing mentorship opportunities. This day would not have been made possible without the support and mentorship of all our sponsors, partnering agencies, and volunteers. Fun days like this are made to teach the youth in our community that they can always grow and learn that there is a lot more to life. Their opportunities are endless, and we use these events to remind our youth that they have great potential that should not go unrecognized.”-Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— With 23 valedictorians from 7 comprehensive high schools, San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) has a lot to be proud of—two valedictorians are going to Stanford University, one to Princeton University, three are headed to the University of California, Berkeley, and two to California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).

Our valedictorians have even more to be proud of, as they have shown that with hard work and dedication, you can rise to the top, even when life throws obstacles at you.

Wendy Aguilar has a 4.91 G.P.A. and a passion for politics and leadership, as evidenced by her participation in the Global Leadership Academy club and the Young Legislators club at Arroyo Valley High (AVHS) and her decision to major in Political Science at the University of Redlands. The teacher who had the greatest impact in her life was her high school art teacher, Robyn Holt. Holt’s kindness, positivity, and belief in her students made all the difference.

San Gorgonio High School (San G) valedictorian Melody Ambriz’s 4.92 weighted G.P.A. and extracurricular activities, including National Honor Society and Calculus Club, were the ticket to being accepted to almost any college. And after being accepted to UCLA, Cal State Long Beach, University of California, Irvine, and Cal State LA, she has decided to major in psychology or social gender studies at the University of California, Riverside (UCR).

With a 4.76 weighted G.P.A., Desteny Becerra Figueroa has earned her place as a Middle College High School (MCHS) valedictorian. In addition to taking both high school and college courses, as all MCHS students do, Desteny was also a member of Key Club, School Site Council, National Honor Society, Principal’s Focus Group, Peer Leaders, and the Class Committee of 2022. She plans to become a general physician or cardiothoracic surgeon.

Cardinal City Mayor and valedictorian Kimberlyn Chavez Quiroz is graduating from San Bernardino High School (SBHS) with a 4.785 weighted G.P.A. She is on her way to UC Berkeley to study psychology. She credits Arrowview Middle School science teacher Roice Bethel with teaching her “the importance of keeping a balance between fun and school.”

Indian Springs High School (ISHS) valedictorian Sarai Conde is graduating with a 4.84 G.P.A. and college acceptance letters from California Baptist University, Creighton University, Xavier University, University of California, Santa Cruz, and UC San Diego. However, she has decided to attend University of California, Riverside (UCR) to study neuroscience and neuropsychology.

Daniela De La Torre is a member of ASB (Associated Student Body), Key Club, the Class of 2022 Committee, and Peer Leaders, and maintains a 4.66 weighted G.P.A. This MCHS valedictorian plans to major in business administration at UC Berkeley with the goal of becoming a financial manager.

San G valedictorian Lilianna “Lily” Gracia is a musician at heart, so it’s no surprise that she was part of the San G Quintet and Symphonie Juenesse and the teacher who inspired her most was her high school orchestra teacher, John Brannon. When college starts in the fall, Lily will be studying music history and the music industry at either Berklee College of Music or the University of Southern California (USC).

AVHS valedictorian Frankie Grant credits her freshman English teacher Brian Mudd for much of her academic success by challenging her to develop the work ethic that would land her at the top of her class. Frankie would go on to participate in Academic Decathlon, Best Buddies, Students for Change and Calculus Club. Her goal is to attend UCLA and eventually become a clinical psychologist.

Michelle Le is graduating from AVHS with a 4.87 G.P.A. and plans to earn an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology degree from University of California, Irvine. Her ultimate goal is to become a marine biologist. She credits her ninth-grade biology teacher, Karen Swedlove, with sparking her love of biology.

With activities like Best Buddies, Students for Change, varsity tennis, NHS, and CSF under her belt, Cajon High School valedictorian Kalea Luna had her choice of colleges, and she decided to attend UCLA. She credits Dr. Stephen Imbriani and Cajon’s Sports Medicine Pathway with teaching her basic first aid and injury prevention and helping her build leadership and teamwork skills that have prepared her to deal with an emergency if one happens.

Cajon valedictorian Luis Luna is planning to dual enroll in New York’s Columbia University and France’s SciencesPo to study political science and eventually become a diplomat. With a 4.0 unweighted G.P.A. and extracurricular activities like Speech & Debate and Model United Nations and being the debate coach at Rodriguez Prep Academy, Luis is well on his way to accomplishing his dream.

Cajon valedictorian Eric Martinez is on his way to Stanford University to major in Anthropology and Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. The founder and president of the DREAMers Club credits his high school International Baccalaureate teacher John Anderson for teaching him “how to learn, how to question my learning, how to take control of my learning, and what it truly means to be human.”

With extracurricular activities like water polo, National Honor Society (NHS)/California Scholarship Federation (CSF), and Jr. Public Relations and Communications Specialist for Tomorrow’s Talent, it’s no surprise that Cajon valedictorian Roxana Martinez will be attending Princeton. Her goal is to become an immigration lawyer.

Not only does Spencer “White Lightning” Nelson excel in academics, he is also part of the SBCUSD Teen Music Workshop and the cross country and track and field teams. Spencer credits Richardson PREP HI Middle School music teacher Peter Llamas with helping him blossom into the type of hard-working student who becomes a Cajon valedictorian. Spencer’s next stop is UC Berkeley, where he will major in biology or business.

MCHS valedictorian, School Site Council member, and peer leader Julie Nguyen said her sophomore math teacher, Steven Wright, “instilled in me an appreciation and fascination of (math), which ultimately led me to deciding to pursue a career in computer science.” Julie was accepted into UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, and UC Santa Barbara, but decided to attend UC San Diego.

Pacific High School valedictorian Miranda Owen excels in academics, sports, and music. She maintained a 4.69 G.P.A. while also playing on the basketball, tennis, and track and field teams, and playing in the band. This Keith Hubbs Award winner was accepted to UCLA, UCR, the University of Hawaii at M?noa, and CSUSB. She has chosen to stay local and study geology at CSUSB.

SBHS valedictorian Fernando Ramirez-Barragan was accepted to UCLA, CSUSB, Cal Poly Pomona, and UC Irvine, but he has decided to attend UCLA to become a civil engineer. He maintained an unweighted 4.0 G.P.A. while also participating in track and field, cross country, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society.

Stanford, Yale, Claremont McKenna, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine all wanted Alexa Roman Serrano, but this San G valedictorian has set her sights on Stanford University. Alexa has not decided on her major yet, but with her 4.87 weighted G.P.A. and her experience in Academic Decathlon, varsity tennis, Key Club, Thrive Scholars, and Speech and Debate Club, she’s ready for whatever she decides to do.

Cajon valedictorian Vivianna “Vivi” Santos wants to open her own dermatology practice in the future, and she has a plan to get there. Her time with Best Buddies, Caremates, and the Latino Student Union have prepared her to lead her own company and care for patients. Soon, she’ll be majoring in pre-biology, with a minor in business, at UC Santa Barbara. Once she earns her bachelor’s degree, Vivi will be heading to medical school to complete her education.

Sahian Solares will go from a wolverine to a coyote when she graduates as a valedictorian from MCHS with a 4.80 weighted G.P.A. and then joins the CSUSB campus to major in kinesiology. Her final goal is to become a doctor of physical therapy. Sahian said Eva Tillman, her fifth-grade teacher from Jones Elementary School, had the greatest impact on her education.

With extracurricular activities like tennis, Academic Decathlon, Club de Español, Best Buddies, AP Spanish Club, and Calculus Club, it’s no surprise that AVHS valedictorian Alexa Tapia-Plazola was accepted into colleges including the University of Redlands, UC Berkeley, USC, UCLA, and Claremont McKenna College. She plans to major in linguistics at Pomona College.

With her involvement in Best Buddies, National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and the girls’ basketball team, it’s impressive that Cajon valedictorian Mya Verrett maintained a 4.82 weighted G.P.A. In a few months, Mya will be at UC San Diego working toward a degree in bioengineering.

San G Spartan valedictorian Emily Viramontes maintained a 4.0 unweighted G.P.A. while also participating in the National Honor Society, Key Club, the MedicaZone, track and field and cross country, and the BRAINterns Summer webinar. Emily said, “My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. (Julie) Ohrt, was the first teacher to truly encourage me to push myself to new limits, and expectations I wouldn’t have thought of reaching.” Now she is reaching for new heights as she works towards a career as a neurosurgeon.

In order to qualify for the honor of valedictorian or salutatorian, a student must be among the top 10 to 20 students with the highest grade value based on the specific courses that every student at an SBCUSD high school campus has access to for seven semesters of high school. Additionally, the student must complete all SBCUSD graduation requirements and complete the eighth and final semester at the school from which they have been selected as valedictorian or salutatorian.

Unweighted G.P.A.s are based on the standard grade-point system of four points for every A grade, three points for every B, and two points for every C grade. Weighted G.P.A.s are determined by adding a point to grades earned for Honors-level, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. For example, an A grade earned in a Chemistry AP class would be worth five points instead of four.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The City of San Bernardino has announced that Commerce Public Works Director Daniel Hernandez has joined San Bernardino as its new Public Works Director.
“Daniel Hernandez has a proven track record of both leading effective Public Works Departments and private sector experience getting things done efficiently and cost effectively,” said City Manager Robert Field. “This is another win for San Bernardino.”

Hernandez is an accomplished and seasoned leader with two decades of experience in the public sector, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. He has spent the past six years leading public works departments in Los Angeles County, first in Huntington Park for three years and most recently as Public Works Director in the City of Commerce. In both Commerce and Huntington Park, Hernandez modernized those departments, implementing productivity and performance measurement systems, cost controls, work order/process systems, and customer care and responsiveness programs.

In 2011, Hernandez was elected City Clerk in Montebello and served a four-year term.

The San Bernardino Public Works Director oversees the wide variety of operations and programs in the Public Works Department, including Capital Projects, Fleet, Environmental Compliance, Traffic Operations, and Maintenance and Operations. Public Works is also responsible for the maintenance of the city’s parks and community centers.

It’s an honor and privilege to serve the City of San Bernardino,” said Hernandez. “I look forward to taking on challenges, embracing the opportunities, and leading the Public Works Department in achieving the City’s goals.”

Hernandez’s start date was May 16th.

By Tanu Henry. | California Black Media

Last weekend, two of the most powerful Black women in California — both elected officers — visited seven churches in the Inland Empire, ahead of the June 7 primary elections.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Board of Equalization Chair Malia Cohen began their micro-tour of Black churches at Loveland Church located in Fontana where the Rev. Charles Singleton is pastor.

“I’d like to introduce you to two outstanding servants of God in our state government,” retired California Assemblymember Cheryl Brown told the congregation at the oldest Black church in San Bernardino before Weber and Brown spoke.

Brown, who served in the Assembly representing the 47th District in San Bernardino County, was a member of the State Legislature from 2012 to 2016.

“First, the highest ranking African American in the state and the third in line for the governor succession, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber,” Brown asked the church to welcome Weber.

“Following her is Malia Cohen,” Brown continued. “Malia is the Chair of the Board of Equalization, and she’s running for State Controller. Both have the highest integrity.”

“I’m honored to be with you,” Weber told the congregation. “I’m the first African American to serve in this position in the 170-year history of California.”

Weber reminded the parishioners that it is “election time” and they are presented a unique opportunity to make their voices heard. She contrasted the voting rights Californians enjoy with restrictive policies in some conservative states that she says are being implemented to restrict access to the ballot box and limit public information about the electoral process.

Weber, who was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in San Diego before Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed her Secretary of State in 2021, told the churchgoers that standing up for freedom and justice has been central to her professional career.

“I’ve spent my life as a legislator advocating on your behalf,” she said. “Making sure we had laws concerning police use of force, reparations – those opportunities that are there – those are my bills. But also making sure that everyone has the right to vote, has the information about voting, and we’ve lifted so many of the barriers to voting. Right now, in California, if you’re not sitting in state or federal prison for a felony, you can vote.”

Cohen took the podium following Weber.

“I love being in the Black church,” said Cohen, who served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2018 to 2019 before she was elected to the BOE. She was a member of the San Francisco city leadership team from 2011 to 2019.

“To the church, I know you know how important voting is. I know you know a lot of elected officials that come through here’” Cohen told congregants. “I don’t want you to be offended. It is our way of saying thank you and acknowledging the power that lies in this congregation.”

Weber and Cohen are two out of three African Americans among California’s eight constitutional officers. The other is State Superintendent for Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. All of them are on the ballot for the upcoming June 7 primary election.

The other Inland Empire churches Cohen and Weber visited are Loveland Church in Fontana, Life Changing Ministries in San Bernardino, St. Paul AME in San Bernardino, Temple Metropolitan Baptist Church in San Bernardino, and Ecclesia Christian Fellowship in San Bernardino.

Cohen also visited New Life Christian Fellowship in Fontana.

“I am here to ask humbly for your support,” said Cohen. “I’ve served eight years on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. I’ve served three years on the Board of Equalization, and I would like to serve another four years as your State Controller. Please remember me as you cast your ballots.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Superintendent Doc Ervin announced Tuesday, May 3 that he will retire at the end of this school year. In making the announcement, Ervin praised the educational community for putting students first during what he called “the most unprecedented time for public education.”

“When I joined the SBCUSD team, my goal was twofold. First to reopen schools to in-person learning after the pandemic pushed classes online for a year, and second to set us on a transformational path toward becoming a high-performing public school district,” said Ervin. “I am proud to say we accomplished the first and have good curricular, instructional, and assessment systems and structures in place to support the second.”

Ervin was hired one year ago, with the Board of Education unanimously appointing him for a three-year assignment. According to Ervin, he made the decision to retire earlier than expected after carefully considering family, health, and progress toward his professional goals here.

“Superintendent Ervin came to SBCUSD, listened to our community, and led us through reopening our schools with an emphasis on doing what’s best for kids,” said Dr. Scott Wyatt, President of the Board of Education. “While his tenure will be brief, his impact on our system has helped us see new opportunities to help scholars excel and move our District on a trajectory toward becoming a high performing district of excellence.”

Ervin spent several months gathering input from the community through his Listening & Learning Tour. He shared his findings with the District’s leadership team who developed five overarching goals to strengthen student outcomes. Then at Mr. Ervin’s urging parents, students, teachers, community leaders, principals, District administrators, and Board members joined a task force to build on these overarching goals and create a new strategic plan known as Framework for Excellence: Vision 2025. Nearly complete, the Framework will provide SBCUSD with a roadmap to guide its success in the future.

Ervin noted that he appreciates the support he’s received from members of the District’s Board of Education. He added that he hopes they will embrace the collaboratively designed Framework before the next school year begins and will come together to select a new leader who is aligned with their educational philosophy.

“As I have said since I started my role here, SBCUSD has everything it needs to be a high-performing, urban public school system,” said Ervin. “I believe in the plans our team developed together with input from our school community. I believe they can be successful regardless of my decision to step away because this District is an educational community that wants transformational change. Success is possible if everyone stays focused on making decisions in the best interests of kids.”

In addition to reopening schools and preparing the Framework for Excellence, Mr. Ervin also led the District in many other accomplishments including:
• Implementation of a robust COVID-19 management system that protected SBCUSD students, staff, and community to the greatest extent possible.
• Establishing a District division to focus on Equity, Access and Innovation and ensure all students are met with the support and opportunity they need to be successful.
• Implementation of a system-wide digitized 4-year plan to guide high school students toward graduation and improve college readiness.
• Adoption of the NWEA assessment systems to provide meaningful insights for teaching and learning that will help educators improve their effectiveness.
• Establishment of a Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee to ensure representation and improved communication with parents and guardians from all 73 schools.
• Improvement of communication between the District and its various stakeholders through the deployment of ParentSquare and several electronic newsletters.
• Achievement of three new Linked Learning Gold Certified Career Pathways and the state’s first Linked Learning Gold High School.
• Launching of a pilot program for a Learning Labs as a model to scale Districtwide in support of academic success in literacy and math.
• Initiation of teacher-led efforts to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems to provide uniformity, continuity, and consistency across all schools.

Mr. Ervin’s last day as Superintendent will be July 1, 2022. The Board of Education will discuss the process of identifying the District’s next superintendent at a future board meeting.

YUCAIPA, CA— Eight senior students within the Chaffey Joint Union High School District have been awarded with Chaffey College Trust Fund Scholarships.

The Chaffey Trust, established in 1882, created the scholarship program in 1967 to provide awards to outstanding students in the Chaffey District. Every year, scholarships are awarded to seniors at each of the Chaffey District’s eight comprehensive high schools for their academic record, participation in student activities and potential for collegiate success. Each scholarship is named after a former Chaffey District superintendent.

The recipients are:

Emily Barrera, Chaffey High School, the Bette Harrison Scholarship ($2,000). Barrera plans to attend the University of La Verne and major in education.

Navnit Kaur, Ontario High School, the Barry W. Cadwallader Scholarship ($1,900). Kaur plans to attend the University of California Irvine and major in biology/public health.

Rhema Hooper, Colony High School, the Merton E. Hill Scholarship ($1,800). Hooper plans to attend the Lehigh University and major in humanities and medicine.

Aidan Daniel, Alta Loma High School, the Gardiner W. Spring Scholarship ($1,700). Daniel plans to attend Cal Poly Pomona and major in aerospace engineering.

Annie Pan, Los Osos High School, the Daniel B. Milliken Scholarship ($1,600). Pan plans to attend UCLA or Vanderbilt University and major in applied mathematics.

Hanna Mann, Rancho Cucamonga High School, the Allan G. Smith Scholarship ($1,500). Mann plans to attend UCLA and major in psychobiology.

Richard Nguyen, Ontario High School, the Mike Dirksen Scholarship ($1,400). Nguyen plans to attend the University of California Irvine and major in nursing.

Meghann Domond, Los Osos High School, the Dean Smothers Scholarship ($1,300). Domond plans to attend the California State University Fullerton or the University of California San Diego and major in business legal studies.

The scholarship candidacies were reviewed by Bob Beck, Gary Ovitt, Susan Petrocelli, George Johnson and Joey Collisson.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Election offices have begun sending out vote-by-mail ballots for the June 7, 2022, California Primary. Statewide, voters will discover that Black candidates for United States House of Representative seats are over-represented on their ballots.

California Black Media (CBM) is reporting that 18 Black candidates are running for 14 US House seats. Eleven are registered as Democrats and seven are running as Republicans. Nine are women and nine are men.

Although African Americans are 5.8% of California residents, Black candidates are on ballots for 26.9% of the US House seats.

California’s delegation to the US House of Representative will have 52 members in the next Congress. While it is the still the largest delegation, one seat was lost due to a decline in population count from the 2020 US census. Congressional district population following the 2020 census is about 761,169 people.

A consequence of losing a US House seat is that district boundaries have been redrawn by the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) and many district numbers have been reassigned. For example, Rep. Barbara Lee, one of the three Black members of the California delegation, currently represents House District 13 and is running to represent District 12. However, the district numbers for the other Black representatives, Maxine Waters (District 43), who is running for re-election, and Karen Bass (District 37), who has decided to run for mayor of Los Angeles have not changed.

The Black candidates running for Congress are:

Democrat Kermit Jones is a Navy veteran and an internal medicine doctor who has a law degree. He is running to represent District 3 (Yuba). He is running against three opponents. This district leans Republican. No current member of Congress is on the ballot for this race.

Republican Jimih L. Jones is a parts advisor for a car dealership. He is running to represent District 4 (Napa). He has five opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Mike Thompson (D) is running in this race.

Republican Tamika Hamilton, a former Air Force Sergeant, is running to represent District 6 (Fair Oaks).  She has six opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Ami Bera (D) is running in this race.

Two Black candidates are in the competition to represent District 12 (Oakland). Democrat Barbara Lee is a current member of Congress representing District 13 (Oakland). Democrat Eric Wilson is a Nonprofit Organization Employee. Five candidates are on the ballot. This is a solid Democratic district.

Republican Brian E. Hawkins is a Councilmember and Pastor. He is running to represent District 25 (Riverside). He has four opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D) is running in this race.

Democrat Quaye Quartey is a US Naval Academy graduate, veteran, and entrepreneur. He is running to represent District 27 (Santa Clarita). He has five opponents. This district is predicted to be a toss-up for Democrats and Republicans. Rep. Mike Garcia (R) is running in this race.

Republican Ronda Kennedy is a Civil Rights Attorney. She is running to represent District 30 (Burbank). She has eight opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Adam Schiff (D) is running in this race.

Democrat Aarika Samone Rhodes is a teacher. She is running to represent District 32 (Sherman Oaks). She has six opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Brad Sherman (D) is running in this race.

Republican Joe E. Collins III is a Retired Navy Sailor. He is running to represent District 36 (Torrance). He has seven opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D) is running in this race.

Three Black candidates are running to represent District 37 (Los Angeles). Democrat Jan C. Perry is a Community Investment Executive and former LA City Councilmember. Democrat Sydney Kamlager is a California State Senator. Democrat Daniel W. Lee is Mayor of Culver City.  Seven candidates are on the ballot. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Karen Bass (D) currently represents this district.

Republican Aja Smith is a small business owner. She is running to represent District 39 (Moreno Valley). She has six opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Mark Takano (D) is running in this race.

Democrat William Moses Summerville is a Pastor and hospice chaplain. He is running to represent District 42 (Long Beach). He has seven opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. No current member of Congress is on the ballot for this race.

Two Black candidates are on the ballot to represent District 43 (Los Angeles). Democrat Maxine Waters is a member of Congress representing this district. Republican Allison Pratt is a youth advocate and mother. Four candidates are running for the seat. This is a solid Democratic district.

Democrat Morris Falls Griffin is a maintenance technician. He is running to represent District 44 (San Pedro). He has two opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Nanette Diaz Barragan (D), a current Member of Congress, is running in this race.

In the June 7 primary election, the two candidates receiving the most votes – regardless of party preference – move on to the November 8 general election. If a candidate receives a majority of the vote (at least 50% plus 1) a general election still must be held.

The Black candidates winning the general election will serve in the 118^th Congress and be sworn in next January.

RIVERSIDE, CA – The San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will honor two outstanding community leaders during its annual Culmination program this month.

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, Dr. Regina Patton Stell, President of the Riverside NAACP, will receive the 2022 Waudieur Rucker-Hughes Social Action Advocate Award; and Rialto Unified Board of Education Member Dina Walker will receive the 2022 Dorothy Inghram Social Action Advocate Award.

“We are excited to honor these two dynamic women,” said San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter President Erica Shorts. “Both Dr. Patton Stell and Ms. Walker are strong, steadfast advocates for our youth and underserved members of our Inland Empire communities. The fact that they are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a testament to the ideals of our sisterhood, which is founded on social action and service.”

About the Honorees
Dr. Regina Patton Stell is a longtime educator and champion for social justice in the Riverside community. She started her career as a special education teacher and then served as a principal. She later became a director in the Riverside County Office of Education and was appointed the first Black assistant superintendent of her school district. Dr. Patton Stell’s passion drives her commitment to improve the lives of others and fuels her active engagement in Delta, in which she’s been a member for over 50 years, and the NAACP, in which she has served for over a decade.

Dr. Patton Stell currently serves as President of the NAACP Riverside Chapter. Under her leadership, the Riverside Chapter continually produces programming and events to raise community awareness about mental and physical health impacts, improve Black academic achievement, and encourage civic participation in local, state, and federal government elections and legislative decisions. She was recently elected to serve as the Democratic Party Delegate for District 58.

Dina Walker has been a member of the Rialto Unified Board of Education since 2014, serving over 25,000 students. Her elected position complements Ms. Walker’s over 20 years of experience working with educational, government, and community organizations. As President and CEO of BLU Educational Foundation, a nonprofit she founded in 2001, Ms. Walker leads a team that provides educational and human services programming to youth, adults, and organizations to build healthy, productive communities throughout the Inland Empire.

Motivated by data that validates the disparities that affect underserved communities and the success stories she hears along the way, she fiercely advocates for education justice on behalf of our most marginalized students. Through BLU’s Institute for Civic Engagement, Ms. Walker and her team are creating a leadership pipeline to help those who have historically lacked representation. The Institute is teaching a new generation how to be change-makers.
Our Memorial Recognitions

In 2021 the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter gave its first Social Action Advocate Award in Waudieur “Woodie” Rucker-Hughes’ name to honor the legacy of an icon who dedicated her life to seeking social justice, equality, and education for all. Her selfless commitment and tireless advocacy still impact individuals locally and nationally. On February 25, 2022, following the passing of his bill H.R. 5983, U.S. Representative Mark Takano joined the community in celebrating the renaming of the City of Riverside post office on 4150 Chicago Avenue after Woodie Rucker-Hughes.

The Dorothy Inghram Social Action Advocate Award recognizes the legacy of another trailblazer who shattered glass ceilings for black educators in 1942 when she became the first Black teacher in San Bernardino County. Later she became the first Black principal and then the first Black school district superintendent in California. Ms. Inghram was also a charter member of the San Bernardino- Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter, which started in 1959.

The San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter’s Culmination program will be virtual via Zoom on Saturday, May 14, 2022, starting at 10:00 AM. The event is free, but you must register in advance. Click here to register.