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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Youth Action Project will be able to provide increased job training opportunities to our youth.

“I’m happy to accept a $30,000 contribution from Bank of America, on behalf of Youth Action Project (YAP). The contribution will allow YAP provide education and employment opportunities to more than 100 “out of school youth”, helping to drive economic opportunity for the most vulnerable in the Inland Empire.” Said Joseph Williams, chief executive officer. 

Youth Action Project was one of eleven San Bernardino area organizations to receive funding from Bank of America.

Funds from Bank of America will be used to match a recent workforce development grant awarded to YAP by the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board. YAP will help the County implement the GenerationGo program by providing work-based learning opportunities to out of school youth, ages 16 to 24. Youth will have access a variety of career and educational services through Youth Action Project. YAP workforce services are designed to help enhance job skills, develop leadership qualities, explore career options, participate in adult and peer mentoring opportunities, and take advantage of work experiences.

“Bank of America aims to remove the barriers to economic mobility and likes to partner with organizations that are really having an impact in the region”, said Al Arguello, Inland Empire Market President for Bank of America. “Bank of America is committed to working with organizations that put those who have served on the path to economic self-sufficiency.”

Bank of America made the check presentations at its San Bernardino branch during a short ceremony on Tuesday, June 19.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK, ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Congressional Candidate Sean Flynn attended the San Bernardino Pastors United Annual Community Block Party at La Placita Park on Sunday.

“It was an incredible event filled with food, fun, prayers, and celebration,” said Flynn.  “I enjoyed meeting and talking to families and community leaders from Ecclesia, New Hope, Temple, and the Black Chamber.”

Sean Flynn is running for the 31st Congressional District representing all or portions of Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, San Bernardino, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, Colton, and Rialto.

Sean Flynn is the best-selling author of Economics for Dummies.  He is also coauthor of the world’s best-selling college economics textbook, Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies.  An avid martial arts enthusiast, Flynn is also a former U.S. National Aikido Forms Champion and coach.  Flynn is a small business owner and founding board member of a local non-profit, Employment Means Success.

The General Election on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

For more information on the Flynn campaign go to www.SeanFlynnforCongress.com.

Left to Right: Sean Flynn, candidate for the 31st Congressional District, poses for a picture with Carl Dameron Founder and CEO of the Dameron Communications at the Pastors United Community Block Party on Sunday in San Bernardino.

By Lawrence Carey, III

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— UPLAND, CA— On behalf of the men of Victory Community Church and Pastor Tommy Morrow, I’d like to personally invite you to share in our upcoming 2^nd Annual Men’s Forum and Youth Leadership Summit.  This one-day empowerment for men and youth boys will take place on Saturday, July 21 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Victory Community Church and the Inland Valley News Conference Center located at 2009 Porterfield Way, Suites C, D, E & F in Upland.

The theme for this year’s Forum is “Men Pressing for the Prize”, Philippians 3:13-14. Attending this Forum can be beneficial, considering our current social and political climate toward African American Men and Youth. This Forum will empower, encourage and strengthen the Men and Youth Boys in our communities.

We will have experts leading workshops in the areas of Family, Health, Wealth, Mental Health, Business and Faith. The workshops for teenagers will be on Social Responsibility, Decision Making, Manhood and Respect. One of the highlights will be our panel discussion on What It Means to Be a Man. Our keynote speaker will be Mr. Ed Taylor, CIF Hall of Fame Coach and community leader.

Come and meet other Brothers who will be recharged, refreshed and renewed. This one-day of workshops, panel discussions and fellowship will go a long way in the lives of those who participate. The cost is $45 for Adults and $25 for Junior High & High school students. The cost is all inclusive and includes catered lunch, workshop materials, panel discussions, the keynote address and other amazing activities. 

Also, new this year, we’re proud to present a special Women’s panel discussion entitled, “What We Really Wish the Men in Our Lives Knew about Women.”  This frank and candid discussion is designed to explore issues that are at the very heart of women at various stages of life and how they wish to be loved and respected. You don’t want to miss it!

Take a moment to look at the website www.vccmensforum.org . Please be kind enough to come and be a part of this extraordinary day for Adult Men and Young Men. Please encourage the men in your experience, friends and family to join with you in attending.

For more information and to RSVP please contact Joann Washington at Victory Community Church at (909) 981-1195 or email info@vccupland.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Hundreds of children all across the Inland Empire are starting their Summer Break with brand new books to enjoy! They are having fun reading with their families and friends while keeping their academic skills sharp during the school break.

Children from San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda and other regions of the county attended the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) Summer Book Fest 2018 and Resource Fair on June 9 at CAPSBC.

Assemblymember Elois Gòmez-Reyes stopped by to support the event and presented a certificate of appreciation stating, “This event celebrates the joy of reading and reinforces important skills that will prepare our students for successful futures.”

Thousands of new, colorful children’s storybooks and activity workbooks were given to kids for pleasure reading and family learning time during the Summer break from school. The books feature fun Disney themes and characters, including “Frozen,” “Star Wars” and “Snow White.”

10,000 new books ? enough to fill a library shelf the length of two football fields ? were granted by the Molina Foundation to CAPSBC as part of their “Launch into Learning” campaign. The books, valued at $84,000, provide free educational resources to help children, parents, and caregivers create word-filled homes this summer through reading and learning together.

CAPSBC Board Chairwoman, Dr. Margaret Hill stated, “With this wonderful donation from Molina Foundation, we were able to provide books to children in families for whom a book purchase would otherwise not be financially feasible. These books go a long way in helping children in our disadvantaged communities to learn and read with their families.” 

The Molina Foundation, based in Southern California, believes that book distributions can be an effective way to reinforce storytelling at home and create opportunities to build home libraries.

“We care deeply about helping children in their academic and personal achievement,” said Foundation President and Founder Dr. Martha Bernadett about the Launch into Learning initiative. “We know that giving out books and learning materials can have a wonderfully positive impact on the kids and their families.”

At the event, children were able to choose free age appropriate books and parents received a free Thermos travel mug. A resource fair with over 30 agencies were on site to give goods, services and information to help families. Kids were entertained by reading butterflies, got their faces painted, did crafts with Home Depot, and participated in the Super Raffle of prizes. There were lots of smiles and fun which can be seen on both CAPSBC and Molina Foundation Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/capsbc and www.facebook.com/MolinaFoundation

The event was designed to fight the “Summer Slide” when children are out of school for summer break, and are not as academically active. According to Oxford Learning, students lose 2 months of reading skills over the summer and 2-3 hours of reading per week is needed to prevent any learning loss.  CAPSBC wants parents to have the resources to help their kids achieve success.

Research shows that there continues to be significant academic achievement differences between children in poverty and their more affluent peers. In San Bernardino County, 26% of children under 18 years of age live in poverty. 

The Molina Foundation is dedicated to the mission of reducing disparities in access to education and health. Since its inception in 2004, the Foundation has partnered with more than 2,000 organizations and schools around the country to promote literacy and wellness. In addition, it has donated more than 5 million new children’s books in English and Spanish, and hosted hundreds of free workshops and programs for educators, families, and children.

CAPSBC, which was established in 1965, works with our low-income communities to address barriers to economic stability. This is accomplished under an array of services and assistance including food/nutrition, home energy and family development.  For more information about CAPSBC, visit www.capsbc.org

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— REDLANDS, CA— On Saturday, June 16, the City of Redlands held its first annual Juneteenth celebration at Israel Beal Park. To commemorate the momentous occasion, the city unveiled the memorial honoring the late Israel Beal, who was an African American who helped in founding the city.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA —- In March 2018, San Bernardino Valley College was awarded 17 silver and bronze “Strong Workforce Stars” by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to recognize it for increasing graduate earnings by up to 551%, as well as for helping students to attain a regional living wage and find employment in their field of study.

“Strong Workforce Stars” is an annual recognition for career education programs within the California Community Colleges system whose graduates show significant gains in factors important for advancing social mobility: a substantial increase in earnings, attainment of a living wage and a job closely matched with the field of study. The 2018 Strong Workforce Stars were given to programs throughout the state that met one or more of the following thresholds:

• An increase in earnings by 50 percent or more, based on a match to the state wage file, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2015-16.
• Attainment of the regional living wage by 70 percent or more, based on a match to the state wage file, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2015-16.
• 90 percent or more are employed in a job similar to their field of study, according to the Career Technical Education Outcomes Survey, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2014-15.

Among the stars awarded, SBVC’s psychiatric technology program was lauded for increasing student earnings by 551%, with 96% of graduates attaining the regional living wage. SBVC’s nursing program increased earnings by 53%, with 83% of graduates attaining the regional living wage.

Graduates of San Bernardino Valley College’s Psychiatric Technology Class of 2017 attend a graduation celebration on campus.

Other SBVC programs recognized included:

• Electronics and Electric Technology: 54% increase in earnings.
• Welding Technology: 53% increase in earnings.
• Diesel Technology: 56% increase in earnings.
• Automotive Technology: 137% increase in earnings.
• Automotive Collision Repair: 162% increase in earnings.
• Real Estate: 66% increase in earnings.
• Child Development (Early Care and Education): 58% increase in earnings.
• Environmental Control Technology: 79% of students attained the regional living wage.
• Construction Inspection: 73% of students attained the regional living wage.
• Water and Wastewater Technology: 79% of students attained the regional living wage.
• Pharmacy Technology: 207% increase in earnings.
• Alcohol and Controlled Substances: 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study.
• Radio and Television: 84% increase in earnings.
• Graphic Art and Design: 107% increase in earnings.
• Administration of Justice: 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study.

San Bernardino Valley College graduates prepare to participate in the college’s 91st Commencement procession on May 25, 2018.

For more information on the Strong Workforce Program and the California community colleges that have been recognized statewide, visit http://doingwhatmatters.cccco.edu/StrongWorkforce.aspx.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- RIVERSIDE, CA- A four-year cancer survivor who works to help reduce the mortality rate among African-American breast cancer patients in Inland Southern California was named one of the nation’s top “40 Under 40 in Cancer” this month.

Kamesha Miles, 34, of Riverside, was honored at a cocktail reception on Saturday, June 2 in Chicago designed to celebrate the contributions of 40 people under the age of 40 who are working to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. She started as a volunteer for Susan G. Komen Inland Empire, which serves all of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and was hired three years ago.

Miles serves as Mission Program Coordinator for the affiliate and has been instrumental in leading an initiative called Circle of Promise that focuses on cultural breast health disparities among African-American women and helps women overcome those disparities through education, awareness and preventative care in pursuit of health equity. 

“It’s such an honor to be nominated and selected for this award,” Miles said. “Empowering people and advocating on behalf of breast health in San Bernardino and Riverside counties has been both rewarding and eye-opening as a mission coordinator and survivor.”

Nominations for the 40 Under 40 in Cancer award came from across the country and represented the following categories: clinical and patient care; biopharma, diagnostics and devices; research, science and technology; government, regulatory and payer; and patient, advocacy and policy. Members of the 2018 inaugural class were selected by a panel of judges. 

Miles holds the Oncology Patient Navigator–Certified Generalist Certification” (OPN-CG), working with an oncology nurse navigator to help women access community resources. Miles was nominated by fellow breast cancer survivor Deborah Lefkowitz, a doctoral student at UC Irvine; Michelle Melancon, the oncology nurse navigator at Dignity Health St. Bernardine in San Bernardino; and Gwendolyn Limon, the physician relations liaison for City of Hope.

The award was created by McGivney Global Advisors, an expert consulting firm for biopharma companies, and The Lynx Group, a global strategic alliance of medical communications and education companies.

“Early-career leaders in oncology — clinicians, researchers, business people, advocates — are making an enormous impact on patients and the cancer community, but many of these individuals have not had the opportunity to be widely recognized,” says McGivney Global Advisors partner and cancer survivor Jennifer Hinkel. “’40 under 40 in Cancer’ is an effort to highlight the contributions of these rising stars.”

“These individuals are tomorrow’s driving force in innovation,” said Brian Tyburski, president and chief executive officer of The Lynx Group. “Their achievements are crucial, well deserved, and should be applauded by all.” 

More information about the award, nomination process and the “40 Under 40 in Cancer” awards ceremony and recipients can be found at 40under40incancer.com. 

Follow the Susan G. Komen Inland Empire affiliate on Facebook Susan G. Komen Inland Empire and or Twitter. 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA—On Saturday, June 16, women of the Social Lites, Inc., were in the community at the San Bernardino Juneteenth Annual Festival held at Anne Shirrells Park to promote and educate the community on Healthy Living.  The weather was beautiful, and it was a pleasure to see the community come together for a wonderful event.  There was music, dancing, food and several other vendors. 

The Social Lites Scholarship Foundation is a 501© 3 non-profit organization that has provided services to the local community for the Inland Empire since 1956. Efforts are to perform community service and encourage and support college bound youths as they succeed in college, with the hopes of paying it forward in their communities as professionals and entrepreneurs. 

Tina Darling, Chair of the Healthy Living Social Lites, Inc. sub-committee stated, “The Social Lites Scholarship Foundation is promoting healthy living because our bodies are the temple that God has granted us. Our bodies need nutrients by eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods such as whole grains, lean protein, fruits and vegetables for the soul.”  

We look forward to next year!

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— State Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) had harsh words for law enforcement officials during a California State Senate’s Committee on Public Safety hearing. Bradford lashed out at law enforcement officials during a discussion on Senate Bill 1421 authored by Nancy Skinner, a bay area representative, requires police agencies to open their records during officer misconduct cases.

Bradford made a pointed remark about the makeup of law enforcement organizations. During public testimony, supporters of the bill shared their support for the bill and their stories, including the uncle of Oscar Grant (who was shot in the back in the San Francisco area,). 

However, Bradford noticed that all the victims of police violence were black and brown and all the people representing police organizations where white.  He said, “Why doesn’t law enforcement fear for their lives when they’re approaching white men?” 

Bradford added that since he had been in the state legislature, he had never seen a person of color representing a law enforcement organization. 

“This speaks volumes to the mindset,” said Bradford. 

Law enforcement organizations have not been in full support of SB 1421,  although they gave public testimony, they said they are looking for common ground on the bill. 

According to a report by the California Secretary of State, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, a police union, has recently contracted with African American. 

Lobbyist Darryl Lucien. Lucien previously served as Chief of Staff to former Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), and previously 

served as policy director to the current California Legislative Black Caucus Chair,  Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena).  However, Los Angeles area legislator Sen. Holly Mitchell, said “You’re not going to be able to lobby your way out if it.”

The bill passed out of the Senate and will now be heard in the Assembly.

 (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA— When women bring their ideas together to the forefront, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Executive producer and director, Idalis DeLeon partnered with author, producer and playwright T’ana Phelice to re-adapt The Diamond Monologues into a stage-worthy play with careful reconstructing of the work, into a five-character, eighty-minute poetic play set to a hip-hop theme. After a year, Diamonds in the Waiting Room is finally completed and will showcase on Thursday, June 21 and June 28 at the ACME Theater in Hollywood, California. 

Award winning R&B producer Dre Knight serves as musical director along with Jasmine Jackson-Brown and T’ana Phelice as co-lyricists and vocal direction. 

“After putting on the show four times, I was excited to have Idalis come on as executive producer, director and an additional playwright,” Phelice stated.

The former MTV VJ, hopes that producing, directing and co-writing the work will highlight emerging playwright, Phelice’s, authentic voice into theatrical classic. Previous productions ran in small theaters in Arizona, Ontario and Los Angeles with sold out returns.

The Diamond Monologueswas launched from the 2012 release of Phelice’s first book Jaded Diamonds, as well as the release of her second book in 2015, Pigs and Pearls. Both books are from the author’s Jaded Diamond Collection.

The production has been revamped, restructured and renamed, “It’s a completely new play,” De Leon explains. “The characters are the same, but the play structure and content have been revamped for better access to the poetic plight of each character. I think people will be blown away by her work, and I am proud to be a big part of this rebirth.”

Actresses such as Pagion Walker (106 & Park), Ambyr McWilliams, Summer Keiona (Bodies in Ruins), and newcomer Janee Kristina exemplify the characters and bring an authentic, yet credible element to the piece.

“We were really lucky with this cast. As soon as they walked in we all knew before even discussing it,” De Leon revealed.

Phelice also composed the opening number which includes a Lauryn Hill inspired rap and R&B melody set to a hip-hop track. This also marks De Leon’s directorial debut and in a climate of the #MeToo movement, directing a play that displays women’s empowerment might just be the ticket for this actress, writer and director. We’ll see if the theater elites feel the same way later this month.

Attendees will be in for a treat as they experience a gritty, but stimulating tale of love, justice and redemption.

Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. The ACME Comedy Theater is located at 135 N La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.