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ATLANTA, GA— Lights, camera, action! Awakened Lounge and All Things Authentic is excited to share a sneak peek of their latest production, Jubilee Amor, coming to a screen near you in 2024. This past weekend, the cast and crew had a blast shooting behind the scenes footage and we can’t wait to see the final product!

The talented cast and crew, led by the amazing Naomi K. Bonman, Writer and Director; Lillie Mae, Producer and Casting Director; and Quintin LaFrench Cammack, Assistant Director, worked tirelessly to create a romantic drama that will have you on the edge of your seat. The story follows a former playboy and a strong woman as they navigate jealousy, tragedy, and self-discovery to find true love.

They are also thrilled to announce their incredible cast, including Nieashia Eyvette, Maurice Leggett, Tiffany Walter, Ray A Kendrick, King Judah, Lillie Mae Jones, and Akilah Khari Duncan. With such a talented team, we know Jubilee Amor The Movie will be a hit!

And to all the brands out there, they are currently accepting brand placement opportunities for the film. Send an email to namaste@theawakenedlounge.com to inquiry more about brand placement.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In an effort to increase the peace and decrease the violence and to restore hope in the City of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Pastors United, will be having another Community Block Party. The purpose of the gathering is to let the community know that the church community is here for them, and to let the community know that hate will not define us, and love conquers all, “Better Together: Growing Stronger.”

On October 28, 2023, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. all roads lead to Due Season Fellowship located at 1024 N G Street, in San Bernardino, Calif. Bishop Daniel Frazier, of DSF will be the host church and will bring a short inspirational word. Local area churches: Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, His Neighborhood Church, Life Changing Ministries, Victory Outreach Church, Kingdom Culture Worship Centre, The Way World Outreach, Cruz Chacon Foundation, Young Visionaries, The Pal Center, United Way, and many others will come together to be a blessing to the community.

SBPU is expecting hundreds to be attendance, to receive Free food, free groceries, resources, job referrals.  We are asking the community to join us as we bring:  “Healing, Change, and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino, for more info call 909-534-1383 or 909-238-6891 or email sbpastorsunited@gmail.com. Thank you for showing that San Bernardino is still Strong.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) San Bernardino High School crowned a new Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court.

The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant is the brainchild of Bilingual School Outreach Worker and Pageant Director Jaime Rios, who wanted to bring positive attention to both San Bernardino High School (SBHS) and the entire San Bernardino community, as well as build confidence and inspire positive values in the young men and women of SBHS.

Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court

Mr. Cardinal City 2023–2024: Alejandro Davalos

Mr. Cardinal City 2023–2024 First Runner Up: Carlos Robb Godoy

Mr. Cardinal 2023–2024 Second Runner Up: Nicholas Virgen

Miss Cardinal City 2023–2024: Danielle Francesca Villanueva

Miss Cardinal City 2023–2024 First Runner Up: Stephanie Dominguez

Miss Cardinal City 2023–2024 Second Runner Up: Dalia Aracely Mendoza

Special Pageant Awards

Mr. Photogenic: Oswaldo Diego

Miss Photogenic: Kayanna Aaliyah Marie Walker

Mr. Congeniality: Angel Ramon Jauregui

Miss Congeniality: Lisa Mariah Morfin

Mr. Cardinal People’s Choice: Alejandro Davalos

Miss Cardinal People’s Choice: Wendy Madariaga

Mr. Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Salvador Gaeta (4.65 weighted G.P.A.)

Miss Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Stephanie Dominguez (4.48 weighted G.P.A.)

Mr. Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Alejandro Davalos

Miss Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Danielle Francesca VillanuevaPrior to the pageant, all contestants had to volunteer many hours of community service. Winners commit to attending a wide variety of community events and providing many additional hours of community service to benefit the SBCUSD community.

Mr. Cardinal City Alejandro Davalos (center) and his court, Carlos Robb Godoy (left) and Nicholas Virgen (right)

Celebrating 30 Years of Empowerment with our Presidential Gala, we, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, mark a milestone anniversary, awarding local community leaders on November 18, 2023, at the Embassy Suites Ontario, Ontario, California.

The SCBCOC proudly commemorates three decades of unwavering commitment of advocacy for economic growth for over 200,000 businesses and entrepreneurs. Established in 1993, the organization has been a driving force in fostering a vibrant and resilient business community, making significant strides in the pursuit of economic equality and social progress.

Our 30th Anniversary, Presidential Gala will be celebrated on November 18, 2023, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, at the Embassy Suites Ontario, Ontario, California. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a formidable organization. The SCBCOC stands at the forefront of economic empowerment by fostering opportunities for businesses across the nation.

Throughout the years, with 15 chapters, SCBCOC has provided invaluable resources: mentorship programs, workshops, networking, as well as funding opportunities. Additionally, our organization has actively engaged in policy advocacy, ensuring that the voices of businesses are heard, and acknowledged at local, state, and federal levels.

“We are immensely proud to reach this milestone,” said Richard Wallace President of the SCBCOC. “Over the past three decades, we have witnessed the transformative impact of our efforts in the lives of countless entrepreneurs, fostering an environment of growth and prosperity. As we move forward, we remain committed to breaking barriers, and building a future where opportunities are boundless for every business owner. We invite all stakeholders, partners, and supporters to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion on November 18, 2023, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, at the Embassy Suites Ontario, Ontario, California.”

To learn more about the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and our Presidential Gala, please visit www.blackchamberofcommerce.org/30-years-of-service.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- For the first time, at the San Bernardino County Government Center, Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. hosted another successful College and Career Day. The event gathered over 200 students from the Colton Joint Unified, Rialto Unified, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, and San Bernardino City Unified, school districts.

Supervisor Baca, Jr. stated, “The significance of this event reaches far beyond today. It’s about planting seeds for our community’s future. Offering pathways for our youth to explore diverse career and educational possibilities enriches not just individual lives but fortifies our community’s backbone.”

This enriching event featured interactive workshops, panel discussions, and opportunities for direct networking, empowering students to connect with San Bernardino County Departments, San Bernardino County Fire, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s, and other professionals in their fields of interest. The initiative has seen consistent growth and serves as a valuable asset for students from Bloomington, Rialto, Colton, and San Bernardino.

“In hosting this event at the Government Center, we’re not only providing educational and career guidance but also issuing an invitation for civic participation. Our youth, in particular, are given a firsthand look at public service as a viable career path, to provide for their families” elaborated Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

The Office of Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. is committed to providing our young people with the resources necessary for them to succeed in their academic and career goals.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) Sierra High School has been recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a Clinton Foundation-funded organization that is dedicated to health and wellness in public schools. It has awarded the distinction to Sierra this week for its dedication to supporting the health and well-being of students, staff, and families. Sierra is one of 781 schools across 36 states in the U.S. honored this school year.

As a continuation high school, Sierra serves students who are behind in high school credits or who may need a flexible educational environment because they are employed or fulfilling family obligations, making it even more vital that the campus meet most of the needs of its 470 students, according to Principal Hector Murrieta.

“Being honored as one of America’s healthiest schools is a testament to our unwavering dedication to promoting the well-being of all our students,” said Murrieta. “We believe in nurturing the whole student in a customized, personal way.”

Murrieta expressed pride and gratitude for Sierra’s recognition, emphasizing that this achievement is the result of collective efforts made by teachers, staff, students, families, and the entire community.

Sierra High School prioritizes student mental and emotional well-being. The school takes a proactive approach to address mental health concerns, implementing programs that focus on stress reduction, mindfulness, and coping strategies. With help from key partners like Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health, the school offers on-campus counseling services and support groups, creating a nurturing environment where the emotional well-being of students is as important as their academic success.

America’s Healthiest Schools is an annual recognition program that celebrates schools for implementing policies and practices to promote health and well-being. Sierra was recognized for demonstrating remarkable efforts to prioritize the essential health needs of its school community and exceeding best practice standards in three of the nine evaluation topics.

The three topics Sierra excelled in were:

• Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning—Supporting the social-emotional, mental, and behavioral health of students
• Improving Nutrition & Food Access—Promoting and increasing healthy eating and food access through school nutrition programs and nutrition education
• Implementing Local School Wellness Policy—Advancing health-promoting practices through implementation of the district’s wellness policy

Healthier Generation’s list of America’s Healthiest Schools remains one of the country’s longest-running, nationwide recognition programs honoring schools for achievements in supporting the whole health of students, teachers, and staff.

“This year, Healthier Generation continues to meet districts, schools, and educators where they are, recognizing it takes a considerable degree of effort to serve as a model of best practice in whole child health for students, teachers, staff, and community,” said Kathy Higgins, Chief Executive Officer at Healthier Generation. “We commend America’s Healthiest Schools for demonstrating resilience and adaptability amid challenging times for our nation’s schools.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- League of Women Voters, San Bernardino celebrated their 48th annual Citizens of Achievement and Civic Engagement Ceremony honoring community leaders and organizations on a beautiful Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the Sterling Natural Resource Center in Highland, CA.

Honorees included Francine Cepeda Blacksher in recognition for being the founder of Pacific Islander Graduate Recognition Program; Dr. Jenna Cortez-Aguirre for her work with St. Mary’s Ballet Folklorico of Redlands; Kristin Malaby for starting So Cal Trash Army clearing trash from the mountain recreation areas; Dr. Enrique Murillo, Jr., founder of Latino Education & Advocacy Days (LEAD) and appointment by President Joe Biden to the United States Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics of all age groups; Ratibu Shadidi (William “Bill” Henry Jacocks) posthumously for his community activities, civic engagement, social activism, and advocate of “Kwanzaa Consciousness;” High Desert Pearls for advocating social justice including campaigning in the high desert local schools to increase voter participation, registration, and education; Inland Empire Children’s Book Project main focus of volunteer work includes giving books to children ages 0-18 (donations and volunteers are always welcome); and Westside Action Group, unofficially known as WAG to reduce racial inequities in employment, education, government, etc. in the City of San Bernardino.

At the conclusion of the program, the League was honored with recognition from Mayor Helen Tran & Council members along with community leaders.

To make a difference in elections and public policy, consider joining the League of Women Voters at: https://my.lwv.org/california/san-bernardino-area/join-lvwsb

Inaugural Event Pays Off!

Dr. Corey Jackson, the Assembly Member representing California’s 60th district, hosted the ‘State of The Black IE’ on Saturday, which was the first of what is promised to be an annual event. It was held at the Moreno Valley Conference Center where approximately 300 excited guests mingled, as they glad-handed and hugged their ways to their assigned tables.

Dr. Jackson was the first amplified voice of the morning, with a call to order. He established that we were gathered, not to celebrate, not to network, but to recharge our commitment to service. Serving is sacred work.

The symposium presented data regarding health, housing, entrepreneurship, reparations, and topped it off with a crowd inspiring discussion with Nikole Hannah-Jones. She is the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the “1619 Project” and staff writer at the New York Times Magazine, as well as the book version of “The 1619 Project”, as well as the 1619 Project children’s book, “Born On The Water”, which ere instant #1 New York Times bestsellers. Her 1619 Project is now a six-part docu-series on Hulu.

Another highlight of the symposium was the presentation of a Million dollar check by Assembly member Jackson, from the State of California to the Black Equity Initiative (BIA). The BIA is composed of IE organizations that share a desire to improve social conditions through empowerment, education, and policy change.

Pam Montana, the Kiwanis president, honored the Provisional Accelerated Learning Academy and the PAL Center. She expressed how much the PAL Center and Charter meant to her and the community. The breakfast played host to many prominent organizations throughout the Inland Empire.

Kiwanis of Greater San Bernardino are local groups of like-minded volunteers who make a difference in our community. They are friends, neighbors, and anyone who loves working together to change children’s lives. Kiwanians are part of a global network of clubs and members who partner with each other, as well as organizations whose mission aligns with their own.PAL Charter is the first and longest-operating Charter school under the San Bernardino Unified City School District.

Their tenure as a school is 25 years and counting. PCA is a Free Public Charter School serving 6-12 graders. They have two campuses in San Bernardino and are using state-of-the-art equipment to drive home their school mantra, “Education with an Individualized Approach.”

San Bernardino City Unified School District named the Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School in her honor. The school’s mission develops college-focus, internationally-minded scholars through AVID Elementary systems, global studies, and project-based learning using research and technology.

Henry is ninety years old and is still active in the organization. She told her Board members and friends our nonprofit ‘Provisional Educational Services, Incorporated, “has been in continuous operation for 39 years-!! We incorporated it in 1984! PESI, the nonprofit, community-based organization, has continuously served thousands of people from 5 to 85 years old for four decades! WOW!”

PAL Center and Charter School is currently under the leadership of CEO, Dwaine Radden Sr. the founder of Saving Our Sons, I.E. Live Market Nite, San Bernardino Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading, and has many other accomplishments throughout the San Bernardino area. Radden showed off the Kiwanis plaque to students and staff, thanked them, and said this is for you. Without you, there is no PAL Charter Academy or PAL Center.”

The PESI organization currently has a middle and high school: a Youth Build program serving young men and women between the ages of 16-24. Their Youth Build has programs like CNA, construction, and logistics programs. PESI also has an Upward Bound program, which helps students attend a four-year university or college, as well as the Food IMPACT program that feeds the local community. PAL Charter school also has a CTE program for pharmacy tech, automotive, construction, CNA, cosmetology, and culinary coming soon. For more information, visit https://www.palcenter.org or https://palcharteracademy.org.

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

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that his choice to succeed U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who passed away on Sept. 29, is Laphonza Butler, a labor leader and the president of EMILY’s List – the country’s most extensive resource for women in politics.

“As we mourn the enormous loss of Senator Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for — reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence — have never been under greater assault. Laphonza will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C.,” said Newsom in a statement released Oct. 1.

Butler will make history as California’s first openly LGBTQ+ U.S Senator and the first Black lesbian to openly serve in the U.S. Congress. She will join 47 other Democrats and three independents who caucus with the Democrats in the Senate for the remainder of Feinstein’s term, which ends in December 2024.

“An advocate for women and girls, a second-generation fighter for working people, and a trusted adviser to Vice President Harris, Laphonza Butler represents the best of California, and she’ll represent us proudly in the United States Senate,” Newsom stated.

Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), says he is proud of Newsom’s choice.

“As a proud member of @CABlackCaucus and Assemblymember for #AD65, I am extremely proud that @GavinNewsom stood by his commitment as he always has,” Gipson wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “And I appreciate him for standing by his word and providing a great successor amidst the passing of the honorable Senator Feinstein.”

“I am always excited when a Black Woman is elevated. Laphonza Butler will represent California well and will bring a perspective to the US Senate that is desperately needed as a Black, LGBTQ+, mother, organizer, and labor leader,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, founding convener of the California Black Women’s Collective.

“My goal is to lift up the voices and needs of Black Women throughout state,” continued Todd Griffin. “That’s what we did three years ago when we created Keep the Seat and what we did in this case. We will keep pushing for what we believe is right regardless of the outcomes.”

Butler, recognized as a Democratic Strategist and a labor leader, served for seven years as President of SEIU United Long Term Care Workers (ULTCW). The union she led represents over 325,000 nursing home and home-care workers across California.

Newsom, who has the constitutional responsibility to appoint a replacement, promised he would select a Black woman if Feinstein chose to step down before her term ended in 2024. He made that statement in 2021 after he chose Alex Padilla to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Kamala Harris when she resigned to become vice president. Black women groups had been urging him to appoint a Black woman to succeed Harris.

Until Butler is seated, the U.S. Senate has no Black women members even though Black women are the most influential – and most loyal – voting group within the Democratic party. More than 90 % of Black women voted for Joe Biden in the last presidential election.  Before Newsom’s announcement that he had been chosen her to succeed Feinstein, Butler expressed her condolences on X. She wrote, “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Sen.@DianneFeinstein. Not only was she a titan in the Senate, but a legendary figure for women in politics and around the country. Her legacy and achievements will not be forgotten. My prayers are with her family. She will be deeply missed.”

Since Feinstein’s passing was announced, pressure had been mounting on Newsom to quickly appoint an interim Senator in her place.  Three well known candidates running to succeed her in the 2024 election are Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-CA-28) and Rep. Katie Porter (D – CA-45).Lee, the only Black woman contending for Feinstein’s seat, congratulated Butler in a post on X.

“I wish Laphonza well and look forward to working closely with her to deliver for the people of the Golden State,” she wrote.

On Oct.1, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) wrote a letter to Newsom urging him to appoint Lee.“She is the only person with the courage, the vision, and the record to eradicate poverty, face down the fossil fuel industry, defend our democracy, and tirelessly advance the progressive agenda,” CBC Chairman Steven Horsford (D-Nevada), stated in the letter to Newsom. “For these reasons, we strongly urge you to appoint Congresswoman Barbara Lee to the United States Senate.”

Newsom had expressed that his appointee would not participate in the 2024 election out of respect for the candidates already running. However, this stance has changed. Now the decision to run in the 2024 election lies with Butler. The deadline for candidates to file for the office is Dec. 8.Butler, a native of Magnolia, Mississippi, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Jackson State University, an HBCU located in Mississippi.

“I’m honored to accept Gov. @GavinNewsom‘s nomination to be U.S. Senator for a state I have made my home and honored by his trust in me to serve the people of California and this great nation,”, Butler posted on X.