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Award-winning filmmaker, Malcolm D. Lee (Best Man; Best Man Holiday), partners with McDonald’s and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) for McDonald’s “Lovin'” Video Competition (PRNewsFoto/McDonald’s USA, LLC)

OAK BROOK, IL-  McDonald’s USA and the American Black Film Festival are joining forces to launch the McDonald’s Lovin’ Video Competition. To complement the new “Lovin” campaign, up-and-coming filmmakers are challenged to create one 90-second film that brings to life McDonald’s philosophy that, “A little more lovin’ can change a lot.”

Aspiring filmmakers nationwide are encouraged to enter their best, original submissions by 11:59 p.m. Eastern March 24, 2015, for their chance to win the grand prize and earn accolades from film industry leaders. Three finalists will be selected to attend the 19^th annual American Black Film Festival in New York City, June 11 -14 and have an exclusive opportunity to be mentored by critically-acclaimed film director Malcolm D. Lee (Best Man; Best Man Holiday), who will provide the finalists with invaluable film industry tips and advice.

The top three short films will premiere at the highly-anticipated festival and will be judged by a panel of industry experts. Each submission will be critiqued on creativity, implementation of concept and quality. In the end, only one finalist will take home the grand prize — a film equipment package valued at $2,500 and an opportunity to have their film featured on prominent websites, including McDonald’s 365Black.com and other media entities. More information about the competition can be found atwww.abff.com.

“We are excited to partner with McDonald’s USA on this most unique digital video contest,” said Jeff Friday, American Black Film Festival founder and chief executive officer. “The ABFF is committed to supporting emerging artists and providing trailblazing opportunities for them to gain exposure and visibility in the film and television industry.”

“I’m honored to mentor our next generation of aspiring filmmakers through ‘Lovin’ Video Competition’,” said Malcolm D. Lee.  “Many have mentored and guided me along my journey to make an impact in film, and it’s important for all of us to do our part to bring the next generation up.”

McDonald’s newest campaign reignites the spirit of “i’m lovin’ it” and will inspire everything the brand does moving forward. By focusing on the lovin’ people show each other every day, the campaign provides an opportunity to celebrate and bring more lovin’ to customers.

“McDonald’s is excited to embark on this initiative with ABFF and the filmmakers of the future from the communities we serve,” said Kristen Wells, External Communications Manager, McDonald’s USA. “We hope that the idea of sharing love throughout our communities will motivate and inspire the filmmakers as they work tirelessly to make their dreams a reality.”

The Lovin’ Video Competition and ABFF’s vision to promote diversity in the film and television industry align with McDonald’s 365Black platform — an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round.

McDonald’s encourages those who live out lovin’ in their lives each day to follow @365Black on Twitter and join the conversation using #365LovinFilm. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com.

To learn more about the American Black Film Festival and the Lovin’ Video Competition, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“I found Him whom my soul loveth: I held Him, and would not let Him go” {Song of Solomon 3}…  I want you to know that “My Beloved is mine, and I am His…” A love I never dreamed possible… Oh Lord, my heart belongs to you alone! Take me now and let me be the bride who will bring you great joy. Cause me each day of my life to walk so closely to you that I will experience your intimacy which will begin to change me into your blessed image forever.…. Oh when I contemplate the rich love of Jesus I am drawn to Him like iron to the magnet… I tell you, to be loved by Jesus is literally an indescribable thing.  God demonstrating His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. I don’t know about you but this text ministers powerfully to my heart. If you want a visible definition of love, look at what God did for you in Christ…  If you really want to understand love, don’t listen to love songs, or people who throw the term love around… If you want to get to the depths of what it means to love and be loved, look to the cross of Christ. The cross is the ultimate expression of God’s incomprehensible love to us… For the cross is God’s way of saying, “I love you this much,” with His arms outstretched. His final words etched on a Roman cross. They are blood red. They scream to be heard… I tell you I have been captured by love…  A love that knows no limits, no bounds, and no end… Jesus… My Sweet Valentine!

You know there have been many definitions of love. There have been many people who have written books about love. There are songs about love. There are poems about love. There are discussions about love. But when you’ve said it all and you’ve read it all and you’ve sung it all, you just might wonder “What Love Got to Do with It,” because the things they talk about, sing about and write about really aren’t about love at all, but rather about affection, longing, goose-bumps types of emotional thrills. The love they talk about runs hot, it runs cold, and it runs lukewarm. It brings tears of joy, tears of depression, and screams of excitement and hollers of disappointment. The Bible however, addresses a “Greater Love” that uses an entirely different term than “philo.” That term is “Agape.” The difference, Agape is a love characterized by commitment.  If you believe in Jesus Christ, don’t think of His love for you merely in terms of the love He has for the world. Think of the love that takes captive and cleaves and unites and cherishes and defends. Think of a marriage covenant between you and God in which He has sworn by His Holiness to love you with a saving, cleansing, and glorifying love. Remember His Words in Psalm 89:34 that says, “I will not violate My covenant, or alter the word that went forth from My lips.” This is what we long for, and this is what we have by faith, an experience of being loved with a love that lasts, that is not fickle, or uncertain, or capricious, but durable, constant, and stable. Not, only, a love that is extensive, but that lasts over time, all time, but also a love that is intensive. We long to be loved radically, deeply, excessively, passionately. I tell you, My Beloved is mine and I am His! Oh may God give us the power to comprehend what is the height and depth and length and breadth, and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge that we might be filled with all the fullness of Him.

If you would allow me to make this very personal, love being the high point of everything, the fulfilling of the whole law and the number one ingredient in life {Romans chapter 13}.  I want you to know that God knew every flaw and weakness I would have and every mistake I would make when He called me into relationship with Himself. Nothing about me surprises Him. God knows and has always known everything about me. He knows what I will think, do and say every day for the rest of my life. He also knows how He will help me, teach me, correct me, encourage me, and give me grace for all my faults and failures. He is always for me and never against me, no matter what I do. God loves unconditionally, and that means He accepts us the way we are and then helps us to be all we can be. When you have someone who loves holding you, it doesn’t matter anymore what everyone else does or what the circumstances are or what the future holds. When you are in the arms of a loving God, when you have been consumed with His love, you share in His benefits. God’s love is beyond comprehension. Amazing, isn’t it? God knows us and still loves us. God knows that we are sinners, yet He forgives; we are diseased, yet He heals; we are in a pit, yet He pulls us out; we are ungrateful for His good gifts, yet He gives them anyway; and we deserve justice, yet He grants mercy. When God says I love you, He is saying that you matter to Him. You are a person of worth. You are valuable to Him. Regardless of what others think, in His eyes you are wonderful! God’s love touches every part of our life. Nothing – no calling or circumstance, no adversity or advancement, no pain or promotion, no status or station – escapes the brush strokes of God’s love. God’s love bleeds into every fabric and fiber of our lives. God has loved us with an everlasting love, and with loving-kindness He has drawn us. Indeed, we belong to Divine Love, and only God’s love is unfailing and always fully satisfying. In these last days, there has never been a time when we so desperately need to spend significant daily time contemplating the life of Jesus. “No greater love than this that a man would lay down his life for his friends” {John 15:13}. Oh, how He loves you and me! My Sweet Valentine! To the only wise God my Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen!

Agape and Grace – Marriage God’s Way

He looked across the garden. His breath short, palms sweating, mind racing; is this the one? As the sun shines upon her face reflecting the perfecting of beauty she approaches him. They gaze into each other’s eyes, as doves look upon their love, never again to turn their gaze. Then he speaks, “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called women because she was taken out of a man.” God’s plan for marriage was in scripted in the hearts of Adam and Eve as they displayed the pureness of God’s perfect plan; two hearts becoming one. The holiness of these unions with the approval of God and under an open Heaven, took place on Saturday, February 7 at Shandin Hills Golf Club where they all committed to live their lives God’s way by putting a ring on it, officiated by Minister Trey Sims.

Each couple desired a wedding of their own in order to unite themselves and children together, but couldn’t do on their own, whether it was financial issues, family or fear, the day never came until God spoke to the Visionary of Tribe of Judah World Outreach {Angela Slaughter}, and instructed the ministry to give all the couples a wedding. When the news reached the couples they were speechless, surprised and overwhelmed with less than three months to plan. So the preparation, counseling and planning begun. As the big day quickly approached, some of the original couples decided to wait while others joined in. Even two days before the wedding, one last couple was added. There was music, laughter, tears and lots of love! This was more than a one day celebration it was the beginning of the couple’s marriage and family ministry in the story of “Agape and Grace – Marriage God’s Way!

Westside Story Newspaper would like to congratulate all of the couples.  As we all know true love begins well before the wedding day, and the efforts of marriage and of love continue well beyond the ceremony’s end. A brief moment in time, a beautiful memory and the stroke of the pen are all that is required to create the legal bond of marriage, but it takes a lifetime of love, commitment, and compromise to make marriage durable and every lasting. Today you declared your commitment to each other before family and friends; your yesterdays were the path to this moment. Now may you continue your journey toward a future of togetherness, building each day in strength and unity. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you always need one another, not to fill emptiness, but to help each other know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another… Live well – Love fully!

-Lou Coleman

LUE Productions Indie Artists Showcase Showdown this Sunday at the Office Saloon in San Bernardino located at 123 North E. Street is WHAT IT DO! So, this Sunday several artists will be going head to head for a chance to open for the legend, SUGA FREE. The winner will not only receive a free performance slot but other awesome prizes. The competition will be judged by qualified individuals and hosted by the TWEET TWEET MAN himself, IE’s own, TheRealDirty Birdy.

The night will be action packed with dope performances starring musician NOFACE THE SHADOWMEN and featuring LUE Productions artists: Mack Pepperboy, Paul Douglas, Dunamis L1019, Dada Doe, Lowla Scott, Speaker Junkie ENT, and B.C. Group. There will also be special performances by Yung Muusik, Faulty, Yawnie Mami, RETRO 80z, Jet Tanner, Ms Beauty, and Money Ant.

Going Head to Head we have the following artists: KJ Jankiies, SoCal Street Team, Franklin Barnes, GWAAP Fam, AP The Great, Cali Stone, Natural Born, ID Mack, Michaelangelo Willis Newell, Jay Iverson, BigSpooke The Foe, and Dc Offxtop Jme. The venue will be packed, so early arrival is suggested. DJ Muda will be on the 1z and 2z all night, and there will be exclusive red carpet interviews provided by Onmymama.TV, The Nut House, and Rigorouse TV. Come have some fun with LUE Productions! Remember L’s Up!

Doors open at 8 p.m. and yes there will be drink Specials. For more information, please text (909) 495.0848 or (909) 496.2151. The judges will be Adam Sutton, a Surprise Guest, and DJ Muda.

Photo credit Freddie Washington

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, February 7, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce held yet another successful Black History Expo in downtown San Bernardino. People of the community gathered together for a positive and enlightening outing that was filled with plenty of food, entertainment, and networking. Some of the entertainment for the day included artists from the roster of LUE Productions, city drill teams, drumlines, a performance from the Chamber’s very own Tammy Martin-Ryles and her group of ladies, and a host of other performers and speakers.

Jessica Ajoku

Jessica Ajoku of San Bernardino was selected to participate in the 2015 Miss Teen San Bernardino pageant competition that will take place on Sunday March 1, 2015. She   learned of her acceptance into this year’s competition when the pageant announced their selections following interviewing in the local San Bernardino area.

Miss Ajoku will be competing for her share of thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts that will be distributed to contestants in the  Miss Teen division, one of four divisions that will have young ladies ages 7 and 19 competing in modeling routines. These routines include casual wear and formal wear.  In addition, the ladies will also display their personality and interviewing skills while interviewing with this year’s San Bernardino judging panel. Personality is the number one aspect that each contestant is judged on during all phases of competition.

If Jessica were to win the title of Miss Teen San Bernardino she would represent the City of San Bernardino and the surrounding communities at the National Competition that will take place in Orlando, Florida. Over $30,000.00 in prizes and awards will be presented at the National Competition while each winner enjoys this expense paid trip of five nights and six days in Orlando, Florida.

“Miss Teen requires that I have sponsors to participate in this year’s 2015 Miss Teen San Bernardino. I love my hometown and am honored to have the chance to represent San Bernardino nationally. It would mean the world if my community could help be a part of this!” Jessica stated.

Jessica Ajoku is a native to San Bernardino. She has lived here her whole life and this past May she graduated with the top of her class at Cajon High School. She is now a freshman at the University of California, Berkeley. Jessica is a black belt and loves filmmaking. She is also the President of the AATP at the University. Jessica is participating in this pageant to proudly represent her hometown of San Bernardino. If you are interested in supporting her, please call (877) 403-6678.

Info:

Tremaine Mitchell (second from left), director of Operations for the Youth Action Project, receives the Community Partnership Award from Southern California Edison (SCE) during SCE’s recent Black History Month celebration. SCE President Pedro Pizarro (second from right), Tammy Tumbling, director of Philanthropy and Community Involvement (right) and Qiana Charles (left), local public affairs manager, presented the award to the organization for successfully helping youth and young adults in the development of skills and habits needed to experience economic and social success. Since 2007, it has hired and trained more than 200 local college students, provided more than 90,000 work experience and community service hours and provided tutoring and mentoring to more than 1,000 high school students within the San Bernardino Unified School District.

Photos by:  Southern California Edison

Edison Scholar Kyanne Parchment, 18, spoke at Southern California Edison’s 13th annual Black History Month celebration. A graduate of Henry J. Kaiser High School in Fontana, Kyanne engaged the audience by discussing how the $40,000 Edison Scholarship she received last year to pursue her studies in the STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) fields has provided her with much more than the funds needed to attend and graduate from college. Before entering college, the college freshmen dreamed about developing programs and apps. But now, she strives to create a virtual classroom to make STEM classes more readily available to diverse students. “I think we need more ‘Edisons’ to help give a greater number of minorities a chance to succeed and explore the STEM fields,” she said. “There are many other students with tremendous abilities who just need a helping hand.”
More of her story can be found at Edison’s newsroom.

ROSEMEAD, CA- Southern California Edison (SCE) will honor the Compton Unified School District, the Inglewood Unified School District, the Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce and the Youth Action Project at its 13^th annual Black History Month celebration today at SCE’s Energy Education Center in Irwindale.

A crowd of 300 is expected at the event, which honors the achievements of local African-American businesses and leaders, their contributions to economic growth, service to the community and participation in energy-efficiency programs.

“This celebration recognizes the importance of African-American contributions to our communities, our state and our nation,” said SCE President Pedro Pizarro.  “SCE serves one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the country and serving our customers means embracing and incorporating diversity into everything we do.

Bonnie Boswell, a reporter, producer, commentator and talk-show host, served as keynote speaker during Southern California Edison’s recent Black History Month event focused on “Celebrating Business and Community Partnerships” with the theme of “Giving Back.” She is executive producer of “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights,” a film about her uncle that first lady Michelle Obama presented at the White House during the 50th anniversary celebration of the March on Washington.

“Our partnerships with our business and community leaders are the foundation of the service we provide to our customers,” added Lisa Cagnolatti, vice president of SCE’s Business Customer Division.  “Southern California Edison’s annual Black History Month event is an opportunity to show our appreciation to them and to the communities we serve.”

Bonnie Boswell, a reporter, producer, commentator and talk-show host, will serve as keynote speaker. She is executive producer of “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights,” a film about her uncle that first lady Michelle Obama presented at the White House during the 50^th anniversary celebration of the March on Washington.

The Compton and Inglewood school districts will be honored with SCE’s Energy Efficiency Participation Award for energy conservation at their respective school sites. Their participation in the School Energy Efficiency Program has saved both school districts money on electricity consumption and helped create more comfortable learning environments for students.

Alvin Jenkins, director of Facilities for the Compton district, and Joe Dominguez, chief deputy superintendent for the Inglewood district, will accept the award for their school districts.

The Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce is the recipient of SCE’s Diverse Business Enterprise Award for its commitment to the economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests of the area. Linda Wright, president/CEO/founder of the chamber, will accept the award.

The Youth Action Project will receive SCE’s Community Partnership Award. It has successfully helped youth and young adults in the development of skills and habits needed to experience economic and social success. Since 2007, it has hired and trained more than 200 local college students, provided more than 90,000 work experience and community service hours and provided tutoring and mentoring to more than 1,000 high school students within the San Bernardino Unified School District.

Tremaine Mitchell, director of operations for the project, will accept the award.

Kyanne Parchment, a 2014 Edison Scholar who attends the University of California, Davis, will give a testimonial highlighting the difference her $40,000 scholarship has made in her life. The West Covina resident, who graduated from Henry J. Kaiser High School last year, is majoring in engineering and computer science.

This year’s event theme is “Giving Back” and the focus is “Celebrating Business and Community Partnerships.”

Chris Schauble, a co-anchor for the KTLA 5 Morning News, will serve as emcee.

About Southern California Edison

An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

Linda Wright (middle), president/CEO/founder of the Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, shares a moment with Southern California Edison (SCE) President Pedro Pizarro (left) and Lisa Cagnolatti (right), vice president, Business Customer Division during SCE’s annual Black History Month celebration. The chamber was the recipient of the Diverse Business Enterprise Award for its commitment to the economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests of the area.

Compton Unified School District Director of Facilities Alvin Jenkins (fourth from left) and Superintendent Darin Brawley (third from right) accepts the Energy Efficiency Participation Award for energy conservation at schools in their district during Southern California Edison’s recent Black History Month celebration. SCE President Pedro Pizarro (second from right) and Lisa Cagnolatti (right), vice president, Business Customer Division joined other company representatives in honoring the district for its commitment to save money on electricity consumption and create a more comfortable learning environment for students.

Inglewood Unified School District Chief Deputy Superintendent Joe Dominguez (fourth from left) accepts the Energy Efficiency Participation Award for energy conservation at schools in his district during Southern California Edison’s recent Black History Month Celebration. SCE President Pedro Pizarro (third from right) and Lisa Cagnolatti (second from right), vice president, Business Customer Division joined other company representatives in honoring the district for its commitment to save money on electricity consumption and create a more comfortable learning environment for students.

Some of the Media representatives (Photo courtesy of Charles Jackson, City Pride Magazine)

Hardy Brown is honored on the floor of the California State Senate. Included in this photo from left to right: (back row) son-in-law and Stockton City Manager Kurt Wilson, granddaughter Kennedy Wilson, brother Vince Brown; (middle row) daughter and California Black Media chair Regina Brown Wilson, wife Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino); (front row) Senator Richard Roth (D-Riverside), Senator Connie Leyva (D-Chino), Hardy Brown, and Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga).

“Hardy’s life story is an inspiring one,” said Morrell. “The Black Voice News is an important news outlet in our region and provides valuable insight to its readers every week. But as much as Hardy and his wife Cheryl are known for their contributions to the publishing industry they are also generous philanthropists. They do incredible work on behalf of kids and families in neighborhoods across the Inland Empire. We are fortunate to have them as leaders in our community.”

“I’m truly humbled to be honored by Senators Mike Morrell and Connie Leyva during Black History Month, and am deeply appreciative of the graciousness displayed by the entire Senate body,” said Brown. “As the son of a poor-sharecropper from North Carolina, I never imagined that I’d be here today in front of you all, partaking in the American Dream. Words cannot fully express my appreciation. Thank you to my family, friends, community and employers who all believed in me and supported me over the past 50 years. I’ve dedicated my life to community service. This honor is a strong testament to the power of God and what he can do with someone who believes in Him.”

(Photo by Michael Bezjian/WireImage)

Four talented and diverse fashion designers showcased their collections to a select group of celebrities and influencers during Grammy weekend

LOS ANGELES, CA- Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) presented Style Beat, its first-ever West Coast event during Grammy Awards weekend in Los Angeles.  The glamorous daytime affair took place on Friday, February 6th at a luxurious Beverly Hills estate.  HFR is a unique movement founded to increase diversity in fashion by producing events to educate, stimulate, and advance opportunities for emerging designers of color.  Collections by four talented and diverse fashion designers were showcased to a select group of 250 tastemakers.  The featured designers were the legendary L.A.-based designer Kevan Hall, custom menswear designer Waraire Boswell, and emerging designers, Joseph Bethune and “Project Runway” finalist Kimberly Goldson.

As a partner, Verizon Wireless was able to help HFR’s Founder and CEO Brandice Henderson- Daniel pursue her passion through technology and bring Style Beat to life, which was co-hosted by actress/entrepreneur/model/TV personality Vanessa Simmons (styled by Shop Le Look) and recording artist/actor Quincy.  Attendees were able to take part in Verizon’s 360 Glam Cam to share their fashion and style. There was also a special one-on-one conversation with Kevan Hall discussing his career and influences.  The event culminated with the poolside runway fashion show featuring designs by Hall, Boswell, Bethune and Goldson.  Celebrity and influencer guests included Vanessa Williams, Tamala Jones, Melissa De Sousa, Michael Jai White, Gillian Waters, Cedric Sanders, Gloria Govan, Laura Govan, AJ Johnson, VaShawn Mitchell, Malina Moye, Kwame Boateng, Kofi Siriboe, Davidson Frere, V Bozeman, Kay Cola, Ugo Mozie, Daver Campbell and Harriette Cole, among others.  Guests were treated to a complimentary beauty bar, gifting, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and much more.

“Style Beat could not have happened without the generous support from Prudential and Verizon Wireless.  Because of them, we were able to show four incredible designers, all of whom I’m thankful for their participation.  I am still blown away by the amazing welcome we received in Los Angeles and we look forward to presenting more events here in the near future,” said Brandice Henderson-Daniel, Founder/CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row.

About Harlem’s Fashion Row 

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) is an influential arts and entertainment organization that engages audiences and aligns brand partners with emerging multicultural designers.  HFR’s mission is to discover and showcase rising talent of color through a platform of national events and customized multi-platform programs.  HFR has gained corporate support from companies such as AOL, Target Stores, Iman Cosmetics, Smartwater, Dark & Lovely, and BET. Harlem’s Fashion Row has also been covered by Women’s Wear Daily, NY Daily News, Fashionista, New York Time Out, and Jones Magazine, as well as, “That’s So New York”, The Cut, NY Racked, Black Enterprise, and Centric.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.  As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 108.2 million retail customers, including 102.1 million retail postpaid customers.  Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

By Sylvia Mathews Burwell, HHS Secretary

Black History Month is an important time to reflect on the legacy of the African American leaders, thinkers, creators and philosophers who have made this country what it is today. From Harriet Tubman to President Obama, our black heritage is a story of courage, persistence, and indomitable strength.

Yet, despite the incredible progress that the African American community has made toward equality, these accomplishments must also remind us of how far we have to go.

Disparities still linger, and that’s especially true when it comes to health care:

• African Americans have the lowest life expectancy of any other race in this country.
• They are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and 40 percent more likely to have high blood pressure.
• African American women are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer – even though they are 10 percent less likely to be diagnosed with it.
• And the statistic that impacts all of that: African-Americans are more likely to be uninsured than white Americans.

These health inequalities impact our nation’s potential – from access to education to the stability of families and communities.

But we now have a chance to close these gaps.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 7.8 million African Americans with private insurance from both inside and outside the Marketplace now have access to expanded preventive services with no cost-sharing. That includes screenings for cancer, pap smears and mammograms, well-child visits, and flu shots.

As of June 2014, 1.7 million African Americans (ages 18-64) gained private or public health insurance coverage during the initial open enrollment period. That’s a 6.8 percentage point drop in the uninsured rate over that time.

These changes are helping people all over this country get the care they need. These changes mean a doctor can find a cancerous lump with enough time to intervene. They mean a mom will learn how to manage her diabetes before it threatens her life. They mean that a dad will be able to afford the prescription that keeps his blood pressure in check. And they are helping families sleep a little easier at night, knowing a sickness or an accident won’t wipe out their life savings.

If you or someone you know needs health insurance, now is the time to act! The Open Enrollment deadline is February 15, and there is less than a week left to sign up.

HealthCare.gov—or the 24/7 call center at 1-800-318-2596—has more choices this year and that means more competition. We’ve worked hard to make the consumer experience simpler, faster, and more intuitive. And financial help is available…in fact the majority of people —87% to be exact – who selected 2015 plans through HealthCare.gov got financial assistance to help lower the cost of their premiums.

During this Open Enrollment, we have the opportunity to help our friends and neighbors get the coverage and care they need. Help us spread the word about affordable, quality coverage at HealthCare.gov.