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Another Successful Year in the Bag! San Bernardino Black History Expo

By Naomi K. Bonman

It was another successful year for the annual Black History Expo in San Bernardino. The weather was excellent, the crowd showed out and the talent that performed brought it! The expo was held in Downtown San Bernardino in the Courtyard off of E and Court Street. 
In addition to the performances which included drill teams, steppers, dance teams, rappers, singers and more, guests indulged in a wide range of vendor booths where they were able to get their shop on and grub on. There were also groups that passed out information to keep our community engaged in issues that affect us. 
Each year the expo is expanding. We wonder what year four will have in store. If you missed this year’s event, please view a few photos at below. Hope to see you next year! 

This Saturday Come Out and Celebrate Mardi Gras Style at the 3rd Annual Black History Super Expo Celebration

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  The Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire will be hosting the 3rd Annual Black History Super Expo Celebration on Saturday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Court Street Square located at 349 N. E Street in San Bernardino. The event is FREE to the public.

There will be live entertainment, vendors, great food, a veggie connection pop-up, and a kids’ zone. Free rides to the expo will be provided by OmniTrans. You can pick up bus tokens from the Akoma Unity Center located at 1367 N. California Street in San Bernardino.

For more information, please contact Tammy at (714) 292-0205 or visit www.BCCInlandEmpire.com.

Unveiling of the Rosa Parks Statue Will be Held in Downtown San Bernardino Friday, February 2

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  On Friday, February 2, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes and community partners; San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation and California Department of Transportation District 8 will be unveiling the Rosa Parks Statue at the Rosa Parks Memorial Building located at 464 W. 4th Street in San Bernardino. The unveiling starts at 10:30 a.m.

The Rosa Parks Statue was made possible by funding contained in the 2017 state budget. “Working together with community partners and the Governor, I was able to secure the final funding needed for this iconic statue,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “The 47th Assembly District is honored to recognize the first lady of the civil rights movement and we are confident her statue will be a beacon of hope for those yearning for change.”  

Join us as we unveil the bronze Rosa Parks Statue and recommit ourselves to justice.

For more information or to RSVP contact District Representative Daniel Peeden or call the District Office at (909) 381-3238.

Celebrity Entertainer, Tommy the Clown, Will Be at the 39th Annual Black History Parade

Tommy The Clown and DancersRIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Black History Parade and Expo has been a popular annual tradition for 39 years. This cultural event, held annually on the 2nd Saturday of February, will take place Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10 a.m. in downtown Riverside. This year’s theme, “It Takes Village — Celebrating Community Leadership”, salutes local community heroes.

This year the committee is excited to announce the newest edition to this year’s festivities. Special celebrity guest appearance by internationally-acclaimed Hip Hop entertainer,Tommy the Clown“. Tommy the Clown has become a world-renown entertaining sensation and innovator of a dance style known as “Clowning” and “Krumping,” which has become a worldwide phenomenon. 

Tommy the Clown and his dance entourage have traveled all over the world including London, Japan, Germany and Hong Kong. He has also performed for the likes of Madonna, Pamela Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer to name a few. In 2005, Tommy the Clown landed a starring role in Lions Gate Films release of ‘RIZE’, directed by David LaChapelle.

The Riverside Black History Parade & Expo is also proud to have Dr. Judy White, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools as this year’s Grand Marshall. Dr. White has worked as a classified educator, teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent in San Bernardino City Schools and Superintendent of Moreno Valley Unified School District. The community affectionally refers to her as a “history maker and stereotype breaker” because of the numerous recognitions and accomplishments she has made. Some of these include: Moreno Valley 2014 Citizen of the Year, Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 2016 Community Member of the Year, NAACP 2015 Educator of the Year and many more. She is the current ACSA Region 19 Superintendent of the Year and CAAASA 2017 Superintendent of the Year.

The 39th Annual Riverside Black History Parade & Expo creates a sense of cohesiveness within the community, bringing people together from all walks of life and various cultural backgrounds to celebrate with pride Black History through food, music and fun-filled family activities, attracting thousands of attendees annually.

The parade route begins at Riverside City College at the corner of Terracin and Magnolia Avenue, ending on Main Street in front of the Riverside County Courthouse in downtown Riverside. The procession will include government and city officials, local high school drill teams, vintage cars and various other parade vehicles. Parade-goers will cheer along the parade route on Market Street, as well as in front of the Historic Riverside County Courthouse where parade participants will be announced from the main parade stage as they proceed past.

If you are interested in becoming involved by participating in the parade, being a vendor, or sponsoring, forms can be found awww.adcrfoundation.org, or email Lakishajefferson@yahoo.com and 951.255.5877

Social Lites, Inc. Honored by Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation honored the Social Lites, Inc. for 61 years of service to the Inland Empire in empowering and mentoring youth for a better future through the annual Beautillion program and performing community service at the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation scholarship fashion show held on Friday, January 5 at the Shandin Hills Golf Club in San Bernardino.

The Social Lites, Inc.  Beautillion Program is currently underway.  Weekly meetings are held on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino.  The Beautillion program will commence on March 24, 2018 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

For more information, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Donna Little-James at (909) 528-9793 or co-chairperson, Mrs. Bridgette Shaw at (909) 648-6165 or publicity chairperson, Mrs. Twillea Evans-Carthen at tevanscarthen@yahoo.com.

Donna Brazile Delivers Keynote at California Legislative Black Caucus MLK Day Celebration

SACRAMENTO, CA- The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) celebrated its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day breakfast “Black Voices: Reclaiming Our Influence” in Sacramento. The commemorative event featured veteran Democratic Political Strategist Donna Brazile as the Keynote Speaker, with additional remarks from CLBC Chair Chris Holden, Senate pro Tempore Kevin de Leon, and members of the CLBC.

“We must always remember the rich history that surrounds MLK Day and reflect on how much work still remains to fulfill Dr. King’s dream,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “In a National environment where divisive rallies and demonstrations are on the rise, it’s critical for African Americans to unite and stand against hatred bigotry.”

Donna Brazile, former Chair of the Democratic National Committee delivered a dynamic keynote addressing the importance of unity, activism, and voter engagement within the current political climate. During the program, California Legislative Black Caucus Members recognized civil rights pioneers in their districts as 2018’s “Unsung Heroes.” The honorees included journalists, academics, social workers, activists and community leaders.

“This year’s ‘Unsung Heroes’ are pillars in the Black community” said Assemblymember Chris Holden, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. “They continue the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their voices and actions.”

 

Social Lites, Inc. and Knights Celebrate MLK Day at Cal State San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  Members of the Social Lites, Inc. were among 500 guests at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast held on Monday, January 15, at California State University, San Bernardino.  Those that were in attendance included the community, community leaders, and youth who took their time to perform community service and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The keynote speaker Dr. Michael Andrew Owens, Senior Pastor at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino message to “Dream On” inspired attendees!

Beautillion Knights performed community service on their day off by helping the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC) organizers Ms. Beverly Wright and President of IECAAC, Dr. Regional Woods, Senior Pastor at Life Changing Ministries of San Bernardino (former Beautillion Sir Knight) set-up, escorting guests to their seats, serving guests who had mobility issues and other acts of kindness. 

April 4, 1968 marks the 50th anniversary of King’s assassination.  Let us not forget at the time of King’s premature death King was fighting for issues concerning economic inequality, employment, full citizenship, and access to safe and affordable housing. King took a stand against these issues, and today it is more important than ever to pick up the fight.  “The time is always right, to do what is right!”- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Services for Civil Rights and Economic Development Pioneer, France Grice

Frances-GriceThe viewing for Frances Grice will be held on Thursday, January 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Harrison-Ross Mortuary located at 738 E. Highland Avenue in San Bernardino.

The funeral services will be held on Friday, January 19 at 10 a.m. at Loveland Church located at 17977 Merrill Avenue in Fontana.

Live Life Abundantly in 2018! PIGB Hosts “Abundant Life” Conference

The Professional International Group Bookings (PIGB) recently held its “Abundant Life 2018 Conference”. Attendees were fed and learned a lot during the conference.

It had four main components with Dr. Maudie Roberts opening it up in in Prayer. The components included: The Spiritual Aspect led by Pastor Anthony Brown where guest connected themselves back to the community and caring for their fellow ‘brother’ by putting an end to homelessness in San Bernardino County with programs already in place such as A.I.M. 2 Excell, Inc., which fed 87 people on Thanksgiving Day.

Brenda Johnson did an entire presentation on a naturopathic and holistic approach to receive a total transformation in our bodies.

Dr. Lorraine Roberts Presented an “Introduction to Black Wall Street Past and Present.” This was pertinent to the entire Abundant Life Theme.

Lastly, Yvonne Randle, Founder of PIGB.INFO, gave an overview on the four-part Conference Spiritual Health, Physical Health, Financial and Economic Health. Yvonne Randle introduced PIGB.INFO Platform and expressed the features and benefits of a virtual community (Black wall Street). This silent, yet powerful worldwide virtual community consisting of its very own Entrepreneurs, Business Leaders, Service Providers, Non-Profit Organizations and more.

Youth Action Project (YAP) Hosts YAP Talks in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, January 13, Youth Action Project (YAP) will host a YAP TALKS event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to educate the community and youth on his philosophies and teachings while promoting an action-based response to continue his legacy and service. The event will take place at the San Bernardino Family YMCA from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The presenters include: Dr. Wil Greer, Professor Monica Stockhausen, and Pastor Laquetta Bush-Simmons. The speakers will deliver 20 minute speeches that connect the philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to current issues experienced by San Bernardino community members and its youth.

Following the YAP TALKS, attendees are encouraged to join in a community service project centered around the issue of homelessness in San Bernardino. Volunteers will assemble 500 “Necessity Bags” that include personal hygiene products for the homeless community in San Bernardino. Volunteers will also prepare 500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to feed the homeless community as well.

Youth Action Project is excited to host a community event that not only remembers and honors the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but galvanizes a diverse group of people to give back and make a positive difference.

For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.youthactionproject.org/latest-news.