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The Miss Juneteenth Pageant honors a young woman between the ages of 14 to 18 who exemplifies the spirit of Juneteenth through resilience, determination, and a deep connection to the enduring mantra, “We Shall Overcome.”

This pageant celebrates young Black women who rise above adversity, lead with purpose, and inspire others by living out the legacy of strength and hope rooted in our history. Enter yourself or nominate a young woman for a chance to win a $500 scholarship by completing the form below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdT0pJW4MdHGMhHE7PYFQksPqpMdV51HG_dDQrgzRn1oRMK7A/viewform

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

“Senate Bill (SB) 437 utilizes the California State University to explore options to determine how to confirm if an individual is a descendant of a person who was a victim of American chattel slavery,” said Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego).

“The bill seeks to determine a clear, concise and evidence-based process for individuals to verify genealogical ties and claims to potential benefits or rights associated with their ancestral heritage” continued Weber Pierson, who is also Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

Weber Pierson was speaking during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for her bill, SB 437, which was held on April 22.

This article is the third in a series by California Black Media (CBM) providing details on the 16 bills in the Black Caucus’s 2025 “Road to Repair” package, including SB 437.

Each article focuses on four pieces of legislation. Here are summaries of this week’s four bills with information about their authors, and updates on where each one is in the legislative process. 

SB 437

SB 437, introduced by Weber Pierson, would require the California State University to study and report on scientific methods for verifying whether someone is a descendant of an enslaved person in the U.S.

In 2020, California enacted AB 3121, establishing the Reparations Task Force to study and develop proposals for addressing the lasting impacts of slavery and systemic discrimination against African Americans. The task force emphasized the need for improved documentation and recognition of genealogical and descendancy claims to ensure access to reparative programs.

“SB 437 builds on these findings by requiring the CSU to develop an accurate and evidence-based eligibility standard for reparative claims,” said Weber Pierson. “By developing such standards, it aids AB 7 by providing a clear and concise process for determining who is a descendant of American chattel slavery.”

On April 22, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-2 to advance the bill. It now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for review.

SB 503

SB 503, also introduced by Weber Pierson, seeks to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in critical healthcare applications to mitigate racial biases present in commercial algorithms or common in Large Language Model (LLM) data sets

“As A.I. becomes more prevalent in healthcare, we must be vigilant about how biases in these technologies can perpetuate existing racial disparities,” said Weber Pierson. “If A.I. models are trained on biased data, it can lead to misdiagnoses of Black patients or provide inadequate treatment recommendations, which could ultimately deepen health inequalities.”

Weber Pierson believes that addressing A.I. bias is vital for creating a healthcare system that serves everyone equally, ensuring that Black patients and other minority groups are not left behind or harmed by technological advancements.

AB 935

AB 935, introduced by Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton), would require the Civil Rights Department and the Department of Education to collect anonymized data including gender and marital status to determine how complaints are handled.

“This bill brings transparency, exposes patterns of injustice, and empowers California to take meaningful action,” said Ransom. “For too long, systemic disparities have gone unaddressed and unchallenged. Without data, we cannot measure the full scope of discrimination or craft effective policies to combat it.”

Existing law prohibits the inclusion of any question relative to an applicant’s race in any application form required to be filled in and submitted by an applicant to any department, board, commission, officer, agent, or employee of this state. Existing law also states that any person who violates this provision is guilty of a misdemeanor.

The Assembly Education Committee is currently reviewing AB 935 after the Judiciary Committee voted 9-1 on April 8 to move it forward.

AB 785

AB 785, introduced by Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-La Mesa) would create the Community Violence Interdiction Grant Program, which would fund community-driven solutions to decrease violence in neighborhoods and schools.

“For too long we have been told that there is not enough money to fund programs that invest in youth and end the pipeline into incarceration,” said Sharp-Collins. “AB 785 rejects that and would allocate savings from prison closures to evidence-based programs like diversion and school-based health to reduce community violence.”

Applicants for grant funding must show how they will focus on students most affected by trauma, especially those who struggle to access traditional services, such as low-income or homeless students, those with PTSD or severe trauma, immigrant and refugee students, students with special needs, and those involved with child protective services or the juvenile justice system.

On April 23, the Assembly Committee on Health voted 13-0 in favor of AB 785. It is currently under review by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Family-owned restaurant hosts locals with 15% off all food and giveaways from 4-9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7

EASTVILLE, GA— Georgia’s Restaurant welcomes the community to its Eastvale location (12303 Limonite Avenue #740 in the Eastvale Gateway Center) for its inaugural “Soul Delicious Night” on Wednesday, May 7 from 4-9 p.m.  Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy 15% off their food bill that evening and partake in giveaways of gift cards and more, set to take place every 30 minutes.

“Over the past year and a half since debuting our family recipe-driven menu of authentic Southern cuisine in Eastvale, we’ve been fortunate enough to get to know many locals in the community,” explains Georgia’s Co-Owner Nika Shoemaker-Machado, who operates four locations of the restaurant in Southern California with her husband, Marlon. “This night is our way of showing our gratitude to our many regulars in the area, while also attracting newcomers who want to indulge in great soul food.”

GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT ROOTS

Contrary to what many may expect, Georgia’s origins do not trace back to the deep south, but instead to a suburb of Philadelphia, where high school sweethearts Gretchen and George Shoemaker decided to leave the Keystone State and head west to Orange County, California. It was in Lake Forest that they raised their three daughters, and also where Gretchen began a successful catering business built on her family recipes. Most mornings, Gretchen would rise early to get started in the kitchen, with George by her side playing sous chef. Oftentimes, Teddy Pendergrass’ voice would waft through the air, harmonizing with the sweet and savory aromatics of Gretchen’s Southern soul cuisine.

In the early 1990s, Gretchen’s catering business came to an abrupt halt after the untimely passing of George Shoemaker. Twenty years later, with all three daughters grown, Gretchen’s middle child, Nika, with her husband Marlon, introduced the idea of creating a restaurant that would be driven by her tried and true recipes, and serve to fulfill her lifelong dream of sharing her food with the world. They dreamed up a Southern restaurant that would celebrate authentic Soul Food, while sharing Gretchen’s story of survival, community and love.

Named in loving memory of patriarch George, with the addition of a single letter from each of his daughters’ names, Georgia’s was born. In 2014, the first Georgia’s Restaurant opened at the Anaheim Packing District, bringing an experience that celebrates Southern comfort food for the soul.

“The opening of Georgia’s was essentially a re-birth for my mother,” says Shoemaker-Machado, who adds that her mother is now best known as “Nana Gretchen” to all she meets. “Over the last ten years, I’ve developed a new, deeper relationship with my mother, as she has reacquainted herself with her legacy recipes, and redefined her family history.”

SOUL DELICIOUS

Georgia’s diverse menu delivers the experience of a home-cooked meal with recipes originating from generations past, adapted and updated for today’s diner. A great place to begin is with Nana Gretchen’s Fried Green Tomatoes, crispy coated fresh green tomatoes with a lemon aioli, and finger-licking Pulled Pork Sliders, slow-roasted pork and house-made BBQ sauce served on a brioche bun. For something a little more substantial, Southern Soul Food lovers must experience Georgia’s signature herb-seasoned, cornmeal-crusted, buttermilk Fried Chicken.

“Featuring only dark meat chicken and a special brine, our Fried Chicken has developed quite a following for being extra crispy, insanely juicy, perfectly golden and utterly addictive,” adds Shoemaker-Machado. “A personal favorite of mine, is our succulent Smothered Pork Chops, which are hand-tossed, pan-fried, and covered in bacon gravy… most people are compelled to lick the plate clean.”

Plates also include Georgia’s half rack of slow-roasted St. Louis BBQ Ribs; grilled-to-order 1855 premium Black Angus Tri-Tip; and farm-raised Fried Catfish, which is noted for its Creole-seasoned cornmeal crust. Each plate offering is accompanied by choice of delectable Soulful Sides featuring Southern favorites, including Red Beans & Rice, Collard Greens, Black-Eyed Peas, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Rice, Corn on the Cob, French Fries, and Nana Gretchen’s famous Cornbread, served with house-made honey butter.

Among Georgia’s specialty dishes are Gretchen’s Jambalaya, cooked to order with shrimp, andouille sausage and chicken, and served over pasta or rice; and Louisiana Tilapia & Shrimp, Creole-seasoned and grilled with a tomato Creole sauce, and served over rice. A sweet and savory favorite is Chicken & Waffle, with signature Fried Chicken atop a Belgian Waffle, served with maple syrup and creamy honey butter.

True Southern aficionados can dig right into one of the bowls offered on the menu, such as the Hoppin’ John with slow-simmered black-eyed peas and deboned smoked turkey neck; and the sinfully delectable Chili Mac, with golden creamy mac and cheese served over homemade chili.

For a flavorful lunch or handheld option to take on the go, Georgia’s offers a Spicy Andouille Po’Boy, with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, dill pickles, garlic mayo and dijon mustard on a French roll; Pulled Pork Sandwich, with slow-roasted, gently pulled pork, signature house-made BBQ sauce, and coleslaw on organic brioche; and BBQ Chicken Sandwichon organic brioche with signature house-made BBQ sauce, onion straws, spring mix, and sliced tomatoes.

Desserts cannot be overlooked, with Nana Gretchen’s house-made Peach Cobbler, Sweet Potato Pie, Lemon Cake, Pound Cake, and made-to-order Beignets, served hot and dusted with sweet powdered sugar.

Georgia’s beverage offerings include a selection of soda, iced tea, signature peach and seasonal sangria, red wine andwhite wine by the glass or the bottle, and bottled craft beer to complement each dish.

Nana Gretchen’s food philosophy is as earnest and welcoming as her famous hugs – “so long as there is love put into what you’re cooking, anything can be soul food!”

ABOUT GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT

Georgia’s Restaurant is a Southern restaurant that celebrates authentic Soul Food through family recipes that deliver a home-cooked experience. At the heart of Georgia’s is Gretchen Shoemaker, who tells the story of her life through the comfort foods she learned to make with her grandma, that she raised her daughters on, that served in her successful catering business, and that she has shared with family and friends throughout the years. When Gretchen’s daughter, Nika, and son-in-law, Marlon, opened Georgia’s at the Anaheim Packing House in 2014, they were intent on spreading her story of survival, community, and tradition through her food.

Today, you can find Gretchen’s recipes at their Southern California restaurants in Anaheim, Eastvale, Irvine, and Long Beach, where a diverse menu delivers the experience of a home-cooked meal with recipes originating from generations past, adapted and updated for today’s diner.

Locations:
– Anaheim Packing District (440 S. Anaheim Blvd #209A; upper level, Anaheim)
– Eastvale Gateway (12303 Limonite Avenue #740, Eastvale)
– Irvine Spectrum Center (732 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine)
– Long Beach Exchange (4101 McGowen St. Suite 155, Long Beach)

For more information, hours, and menus, please visit https://georgias-restaurant.com/.

Social Media: Please follow Georgia’s Restaurant on Facebook @georgiassoul and Instagram @georgiassoul         

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Mauricio Arellano, a proud product of the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), has earned the highest recognition in his field—2025 Superintendent of the Year—from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). The honor celebrates his bold, student-centered leadership and his relentless belief that all students are brilliant.

A San Bernardino native who first walked the halls of SBCUSD schools as a student (Riley Elementary, Golden Valley Middle and flagship San Bernardino High School), Arellano now leads the District with the same passion and purpose that defined his own education journey. Under his leadership, SBCUSD is transforming what is possible for students, families and educators across the region.

“Superintendent Arellano is a shining example of what it means to lead with heart, vision and purpose,” said SBCUSD Board of Education President Mayra Ceballos, herself an alumna of SBCUSD schools. “His leadership is inspiring a new generation of students to believe in their brilliance and reach for their dreams.”

Since taking the helm of SBCUSD, Arellano has championed the District’s Vision 2030: SBCUSD SHINES initiative, laying the groundwork for safer schools, cutting-edge career pathways, stronger community partnerships and pride for the community SBCUSD students are thriving in. His collaborative approach and commitment to student-centered leadership have earned the respect of educators, families and community leaders across the state.

“I’m humbled by this recognition,” said Arellano, “But this award is not just about me—it’s about the incredible team of educators, staff, families and students I have the privilege to serve alongside every day. San Bernardino is my home, and our kids are our future. They deserve our very best.”

Arellano, who joined SBCUSD as superintendent in April 2023, will be honored at the ACSA fall conference alongside other top educational leaders from across California.

The San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra (SBSYO) will perform their spring concert on Sunday May 18 at 3 p.m. at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium.

The repertoire will include Aaron Copeland’s Hoedown, highlights from “Wicked”, “An American in Paris”, and “How to Train Your Dragon”, Jeffrey Bishop’s Aethelinda, Jay Ungar’s Ashokan Farewell, and a new vibrant and heartfelt orchestral piece inspired by Dvorak’s Romani Melodies called Short Emotional Sketches by the Youth Orchestra’s newly-named  Composer-In-Residence Adam Arroyo.

Arroyo is a classically trained violist and composer, currently studying at California State University, San Bernardino under SBSO Board Member Dr. Kevin Zhang. He has composed for the CSUSB Symphony Orchestra and New Music Ensemble, and performed at the prestigious Seoul Arts Center in South Korea. As a multi-instrumentalist (viola, clarinet, jazz bass), he brings a wide-ranging ear to his compositions, blending influences from classical, jazz, metal, and more. Arroyo’s vision for educational music is “to challenge young students with new techniques and ensemble skills that make music enjoyable with replayability.”

This will be the second concert for the SBSYO which was established as an expansion of the Symphony’s Youth Wind ensemble which began in 2021. In response to public demand, the full youth orchestra was established in the late summer of 2024 and performed their inaugural concert to a packed house this past December.

Shared SBSYO Conductor Dr. Lucy Lewis, “As we are preparing to bring the first year of our San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra to a close, we are reflecting on how proud we are of all of our students and how hard they have worked this year to grow, both as musicians, and also human beings. Our concert on Sunday, May 18 will be a wonderful celebration of their achievements, and we hope to see many of you there!”

Tickets and Location Details

Thanks to the generosity of many, San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra tickets are always just $10, with children under 12 attending for free. Seating is unassigned general admission. All concert tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Symphony office at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Venue box office sales are also planned prior to concert performances, but the availability of seats can never be guaranteed, so securing seats early is always highly suggested.

The historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. Free parking is available adjacent to the venue for all concert performances. Doors open one hour prior to concert time.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— For Keyawna and Natalie, dreams of stability, hope, and a brighter future for their families have always been at the center of their lives. Though their journeys began on different paths, while facing various challenges with unwavering strength, both saw their prayers answered when they became proud Habitat for Humanity homeowners.

Keyawna had always envisioned a life of achievement: becoming a doctor, starting a family, and traveling the world. While some dreams blossomed, life also delivered unimaginable trials. Her greatest blessing came in the form of her twin daughters, but just after their first birthday, the girls were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II—a rare, life-altering condition. When the twins faced severe pneumonia a few years later, their home was transformed into a makeshift hospital, filled with beds, suction machines, nebulizers, and more. The need for a safer, more accessible home grew urgent.

Meanwhile, Natalie, a devoted single mother of three, had her own dreams for her family. With a daughter now on the verge of high school graduation and two young sons in elementary school, Natalie has worked tirelessly to create a loving, stable environment. Deeply committed to her church and community outreach, Natalie never imagined homeownership could be within reach, especially when it was so rare in her family’s history.

On Friday, April 25th, Habitat for Humanity Riverside, alongside local dignitaries and guests, celebrated a milestone that would forever change the lives of both these remarkable mothers. At a special home dedication ceremony, Keyawna and Natalie were honored with proclamations from Congressman Pete Aguilar, State Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assemblymember James Ramos, San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr, and San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. Both women were also gifted a $1,000 check from Dr. Bill Orr, President of the San Bernardino Rotary Club—another gesture of support as they began this new chapter.

For Keyawna, the new home means much more than just walls and a roof—it’s a sanctuary designed to meet the unique needs of her daughters. “It feels surreal,” she said through tears of gratitude. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. Habitat has made this an answered prayer for me and my family. I’ve prayed for this every day, and to finally have this prayer answered has been amazing.”

Natalie shared a similar joy, knowing this achievement would ripple through generations. “In my family history, becoming a homeowner has not been common. But with God and the help of Habitat for Humanity, that changes with me. Now my children will be emboldened to break the mold and believe they can achieve even greater things.”

Together, these two mothers prove that no matter the obstacles, faith, perseverance, and community support can transform dreams into reality. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to servant leadership, Keyawna, Natalie, and their children now step into a future filled with security, promise, and endless possibilities.

To learn more about how you can support families like Keyawna’s and Natalie’s, visit www.HabitatRiverside.org.

Habitat for Humanity’s mission is, “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope”. And Habitat for Humanity’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

About Habitat for Humanity Riverside

Habitat for Humanity Riverside, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, has been transforming lives and communities in Riverside County since 1988. Committed to eliminating substandard housing, the organization works tirelessly to construct, rehabilitate, and preserve affordable homes while advocating for equitable housing policies. Habitat for Humanity Riverside empowers families by providing training, resources, and opportunities to achieve safe, decent, and affordable housing.

HOME DEDICATION EVENT PHOTOS 

Photo Credit: Brenda Flowers

By Lou Coleman

What kind of earthquake or war must be sent by God to awaken a sleeping world to the imminence of coming judgment. I want to rush out into the streets and shout with Solomon of old, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” [Proverbs 3:7]. I want to remind people that “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” [Proverbs 14:12].

Jesus said unless you repent, you will likewise perish. [Luke 13:3]. What part of that do you not understand? God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a Son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? [Numbers 23:19].

As fast as end time prophecies are being fulfilled in the world, you want to delay salvation. I often wonder, what’s wrong with you?

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. [Isaiah 55:6].

For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation. [2 Corinthians 6:2].

If you do not repent and get under My Umbrella NOW, how will you escape My wrath? [John 3:36]; My condemnation? [John 3:18]; My word of banishment? [Matthew 26:41].

You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to Hell? [Matthew 23:33] … “where the fire never goes out” “where the worms that eat them do not die.” [Mark 9:43-48]. You will not!

I tell you, if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into Hell fire.

REPENT and DO NOT DELAY! If you do, your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. [Jeremiah 2:19]. I tell you; turn from your evil ways! For why should you die? [Ezekiel 33:11].

I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of the Lord. In the fire of his jealousy, all the earth shall be consumed; for a full and sudden end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth. [Zephaniah 1:14-18].

The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements. [Zephaniah 1:14; Zephaniah 3:8].

If you hear God’s voice, do not harden your heart. Jesus says of those who refuse to be saved, “These shall go away into everlasting punishment and be lost forever. [Matthew 5:22; Matthew 25:46]. Avoid Hell at all costs! Repent and get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God NOW! [Acts 3:19; Acts 20:21].

The Eternal Consequences of Delaying Salvation: Eternal separation from God. [2 Thessalonians 1:9]. Eternal torment. [Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 20:15]. Eternal Regret. [Luke 16:19-31].

Everyday God is doing everything possible to keep you from going into that awful, inconceivable place, called Hell. He has filled the road to Hell with a number of roadblocks designed to prevent you from going there.
The Holy Spirit calls you, woos you, pleads with you saying if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. [Revelation 3:20; Luke 12:36-37; Revelation 19:9; John 14:21-23].

God has already given His Final Appeal! Repent and get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God NOW!

No Time for God. [Acts 24:24-27].

The people laughed and sneered as the prophet wept and pleaded and warned them with fire in his eyes. They called him a fanatic and refused to listen until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. [2 Chronicles 36:16].

“You can give a person knowledge, but you can’t make them think. Some people want to remain fools, only because the TRUTH requires CHANGE!” [Tony A. Gaskins Jr.].

I am the cause of my own demise. If you really knew me, you’d know I did this all to myself. I ruined myself and gave into temptation and could not stop. I look for any chance possible to do it and without thought. I am lost. [Stones to Bridges].

Modern men and women, bound with chains of their own forging, are caught in a trap of their own making—empty, vacuous, godless. And all the while impressed with a false sense of their own importance. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. [Jeremiah 4:22].

Going to Heaven or Hell is not by accident but a choice!

YUCAIPA, CA— Crafton Hills College (CHC) is proud to announce the graduation of its first cohort of students earning a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy. On May 22, seven students will walk the stage, marking a historic milestone for the college and the Inland Empire region.

This cohort began their journey in January 2024, taking advantage of the opportunity created by California’s expanded community college baccalaureate program. The initiative, approved by the state in 2014 through Senate Bill 850, allowed select California community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in fields not widely available at the California State University or University of California systems. In 2021, Assembly Bill 927 made this program permanent, providing community colleges like CHC the ability to meet local workforce demands by offering affordable, high-quality bachelor’s degrees in specialized fields.

While an associate degree has traditionally served as the entry-level qualification for respiratory therapists, this will change by 2030.

According to the American Association for Respiratory Care, beginning in 2030, new respiratory therapists entering the workforce will be required to hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related health sciences field with a respiratory therapy concentration, along with the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care. This requirement emphasizes the increasing complexity of healthcare and the need for highly skilled professionals.

The additional credential enhances earning potential, provides access to management positions and expands career opportunities, making CHC’s program a crucial resource for students and the broader healthcare community.

Building on this success, CHC is preparing to submit a proposal to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to offer a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services. When approved, this new degree will further the college’s mission of providing innovative, career-focused education that meets regional and statewide workforce needs.

For more information about CHC’s bachelor’s degree program, visit craftonhills.edu/bsrc or contact chc_rcp@craftonhills.edu.

By Keenan Abercrombia

I was 10 years old when I first snuck one of my mom’s cigarettes. By 15, I was smoking regularly. Where I grew up in Compton, smoking wasn’t just a habit—it was a way of life. My mom smoked. My family smoked. Everyone I saw hanging out around the neighborhood and at the corner stores smoked. It was normal. Cool, even.

My mom used to send me to the store with a note pinned to my coat, and the workers—who all knew me—would let me buy her cigarettes. They never pushed back and I never thought anything of it because my reward was extra cash for candy. Looking back, I realize how much I was shaped by the world around me. Nicotine was everywhere, woven into the fabric of my life, and before I even understood addiction, I was hooked.

After years of smoking, my addiction only worsened when I became a culinary chef. Kitchens are high-stress environments, and for a long time, smoking felt like the only way to take the edge off. The vast majority of chefs smoke—it’s part of the culture. I fell right into it, using cigarettes to push through the pressure, to keep up with the chaos. And as my smoking increased, my mom and I became two peas in a pod, enabling each other without thinking twice about the consequences.

At one point, I was smoking two packs a day, often smoking back-to-back cigarettes during my breaks. I tried quitting a few times. I even started vaping thinking it would help me cut back, but the flavors didn’t do it for me, and the headaches only made it worse. Clearly, I wasn’t ready to quit because I went right back to smoking cigarettes.

Then life started hitting me in ways I couldn’t ignore. I started losing family members to illnesses caused by smoking. My mom developed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, requiring her to rely on oxygen. I could feel my own lungs struggling at times. But the biggest wake-up call was my three kids. I grew up without a father, and I refused to let them experience that same absence. I had to stop making excuses. I had to face my addiction head-on.

When I finally quit, I did it cold turkey. No patches, no vapes, no crutches—just pure willpower and the realization that I wanted better for myself and my family. Shortly after I quit, my mom passed away. It was a devastating loss, but it pushed me to stay strong. Instead of turning back to cigarettes, I threw myself into my work as a private chef and focused on raising my kids.

I also immersed myself in my roots with the Compton Cowboys, caring for horses and mentoring youth. Horses have a way of grounding you, teaching patience and discipline. Now, I use that platform to show young people there’s more to life than the streets. More than addiction. More than the habits we inherit.

Today, at 33, I am committed to choosing life. I share my story because I know the struggle firsthand. I don’t judge anyone still in the cycle—I’ve been there. I know how easy it is to think you have time until you don’t. My mom didn’t take quitting seriously until it was too late. I tell my loved ones and friends who still smoke to start now. Get ahead of it before it gets ahead of you because breaking free from the cycle of addiction is worth it. You are worth it.

Big Tobacco deliberately makes products that are hard to quit because our addiction is their profit. Like Keenan, you can break this dangerous and deadly cycle with science-based quit programs like Kick It California which provides trained Quit Coaches ­– for free.

Earlier this month, I partnered with the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health and the Department of Public Health to celebrate the incredible voices of our local youth at the Reel Reality: Fentanyl Awareness Film Contest.

High school students from across the Fourth District put their creativity to work, producing powerful short films that helped shine a light on the dangers of fentanyl and its devastating impact on our communities.

A huge thank you to the talented students from Chaffey, Chino, Don Lugo, Hillside, Montclair, Upland, and Ontario High Schools—your voices are making a difference, and your films are helping spark life-saving conversations.

The winners included:

• Montclair High School: Prevention and Awareness, Knowing Why, Fentanyl: Don’t Wait for the Silence
• Upland High School: It Can Happen to Anyone – Addressing the Stigma, Not Just a Statistic
• Upland High School: Fentanyl Doesn’t Care. But We Do. Ordinary Day