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SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Oh what a majestic evening for the thirteen Knights of the Social Lites, Inc. 51st Beautillion Ball presented to society on Saturday, March 24 at the National Orange Show of San Bernardino.  Over 400 guests witnessed over $45, 000 in scholarships and gifts presented to these young men.  An additional $8,500 was awarded from “The Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” Scholarship sponsored by the Social Lites, Inc.

Sir Knight Malachi Davis of Highland California who attends Citrus Valley High School and a member of Life Changing Ministries received a $9,000 academic scholarship, $800 scholarship from “The Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” Scholarship and various gifts.  Jonathan Moreno was first runner-up and awarded a $7,000 scholarship plus gifts; Tyree Walk was second runner up and awarded $5,500 plus gifts, $6,000 scholarship for winning “The Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” Essay Contest in addition to sharing the title Mr. Congeniality with Devin Clay. Kamau Osonduagwuike was third runner up and awarded $3,000 in scholarship plus gifts. Scholarships awarded to all Knights of various amounts to help fulfill their future educational career and gifts.  

LA QUINTA, CA- La Quinta residents and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC) laced up their shoes and came together in support of critically ill children and their families at the annual Inland Empire Walk for Kids, a fun, family-friendly 5k (3.1 miles) event that raises funds for the life-changing services provided by the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House. The walk took place at a Quinta Civic Center Park.

 This year the fundraising goal was $250,000 with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to serving local families right here in the community, continuing its mission to provide a “home away from home” when it’s needed most – enabling families to stay near their hospitalized child at little to no cost. No eligible family is ever turned away due to inability to pay.

KMIR-TV’s Kitty Alvarado was the emcee of the walk-a-thon this year. Other special guests included The Hernandez Family, La Quinta Walk for Kids Ambassador Family; and Karen Hooper, Executive Director of Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House. The Walk had on-site experiences including family-friendly carnival games, activities, Kids Zones, food, music and more.

Whitney Ashley, graduate of J.W. North High School and former Olympian, will be the keynote speaker at the “I Am Enough” women’s conference.

RIVERSIDE, CA- “I Am Enough” is the theme for the 17th Annual Empowering Young Women Conference, a collaborative effort of the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation, Riverside Community College District, the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, Riverside Police Foundation, Blumenthal Law Offices, and Dr. Kathy Wright. The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 in the Landis Auditorium located on the Riverside City College campus at 4800 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside.

This free conference, geared to young women ages 12 to 21 and their mothers/guardians, will feature informational workshops about health, nutrition, domestic violence, human trafficking, cyperbullying, social media issues, self-image and dress, college and careers as well as a fashion show, a poetry contest and a talent competition.

The morning keynote speaker, Whitney Ashley, is a J.W. North High School graduate and a former Olympian, whose specialty is the discus throw. She represented the United States at three consecutive Global Championships in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Dr. Leita Harris, professor at UC Riverside’s School of Medicine, and Obstetrician-Gynecologist, will be one of our afternoon keynote speakers.

The afternoon career panel includes Virginia Blumenthal, Member of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees and one of the top 100 lawyers in the nation; Dr. FeRita Carter, Vice President, Student Services, Riverside City College; Carmen Cuevas, Senior Field Representative for California State Assembly Member, Jose Medina; May Lynn Davis, Founder of the Asian Lunar Fest; Commissioner Belinda Handy; Ninfa Delgado, Vice President and COO Riverside Community Health Foundation; and other notable female leaders and entrepreneurs. These dynamic and accomplished women will share their experiences and the steps they took to achieve their personal and career goals with the conference participants.

“We are very excited about this year’s conference as we have a cadre of excellent keynote and workshop speakers willing to share their knowledge and personal experiences with the young women,” said Conference Chair Wanda Scruggs. “Participants will receive breakfast, lunch, a goodie bag and information on everything from how to defend themselves to identifying human traffic perpetrators — all at no cost, thanks to the generosity of our wonderful sponsors.”

Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz praised the conference for its excellence. “The Empowering Young Women Conference is a wonderful opportunity to expose young women to inspiring role models. The participants also receive practical advice for academic and professional success,” said Chief Diaz. “I am proud that the Riverside Police Department is able to contribute to the conference”.
 
All conference participants will receive a free continental breakfast, lunch, a goodie-filled tote bag and opportunities for great door prizes. Participants are requested to pre-register no later than Wednesday, April 11 at
www.empoweringyoungwomenconference.com.

About The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation
The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation (formerly Riverside Black History Parade Committee) is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization established in honor of founders Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts. The foundation focuses on the development of events and activities such as: the Riverside Black History Parade, Expo and Car Show; Empowering Young Women’s Conference, and the Back-to-School Back Pack Giveaway event, which promotes positive family and cultural interaction in a cross section of communities.

L/R: Shero Cherilynne Hollowell, Shero Twillea Evans-Carthen and Shero Gail Martin-Mathews

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Sacred Sistahs, Inc.  10th Annual Shero and Scholarship Fundraiser Breakfast was held on Saturday, March 17 at Immanuel Praise Fellowhip Church.  Dr. Tonia Causey-Bush, Founder and Chief Executive Officer was pleased to honor Shero Twillea Evans-Carthen, University Ombuds Officer and Director of Ombuds Services at California State University, San Bernardino; Shero Cherilynne Hollowell, Educator for Riverside Unified School District; and Shero Gail Martin-Mathews, Retired Assistant Superindent of Curriculum and Instruction. 

Congratulations to the following 2018 scholarship recipients: Thandiwe Bush, Summit HS; Alondra Duncan, Summit HS; Jada Simone Gray, St. Bernard HS, and Kandace Simmons, Summit HS. 

The mission of Sacred Sistahs, Inc. is to empower serve, and improve the overall health, well-being, spirit, and vitality of African American and African women and children by nourishing and elevating the mind, body, and spirit.   For more information visit www.sacredsistahsinc.org.

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

FONTANA, CA- The North Fontana Black Awareness Parade Committee and Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana held their 50th Annual Black History Month Parade and Expo, Saturday, February 24 in a North Fontana shopping center.  The celebration this year was on the theme, ‘Our Legacy’, purposely connected to the date February 24, 1968, during the period when the Black People of Fontana were prevented from obtaining housing or residing south of the roadway still known as “Baseline”.

The Parade honors Fontana’s early families who despite racism, segregation and other adverse circumstances opened businesses, raised families and like the Turners, contributed to the growth and welfare of the community.  Former longtime resident of North Fontana, Whitman Mayo, became an actor in Hollywood and co-star of the “Sanford & Son” sitcom. He served as Grand Marshall of one of the first North Fontana Black History Parade.

Following the Parade community service organizations, clubs, food vendors and neighbors mingled and filled the streets of the post-parade Expo event.

The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana meet monthly at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Monday.  Currently, they are continuing to ask people to help collect photos, records and/or memories of old North Fontana for the growing History and Archive Project.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Pastors United (SBPU) will be having another Community Block party on Saturday, April 2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Highland Pacific Elementary School located at 3340 Pacific Street in Highland.

For the first block party of 2018, they want to take a stance against violence on our school campuses; a stance against crime and increasing gun violence. SBPU wants to bring God back into the community. The Pastors believe that we must show more love, more togetherness by helping and letting community residence know they are here. The Churches of San Bernardino will take a stand together as a united front to encourage the community.

There will be free food, free groceries, free shoes, free clothes and free health checks. There will be a life-saving message by Bishop Ernest Dowdy of Church of the Living God. There will be powerful gospel music, dancing and good fellowship, face painting, free prizes and much fun!  Please preregister by phone, email or visit www.sbpastorsunited.org.

It’s going to take the whole village to turn our community around.  SBPU is here to help make a difference in our community, by providing, “Healing, Change and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino. To volunteer call (909) 353-7977. Good things are coming out of San Bernardino.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Celebrating A Vision honored two dignitaries whom are cancer survivors at Casey Elementary School on the morning of March 12.

Third grade teacher, Ms. Stitt, and Principal Mr. Velez were both honored with a treasure chest full of cookies, gift cards, scented candles, inspirational books, chocolate covered strawberries, cake pops, popcorn and more! Velez did not except to be honored and was under the impression that only Ms. Stitt was being honored.

They both were whisked away to brunch in a stretch limousine to Beola’s Southern Cuisine in Ontario to enjoy a piping hot plate of her famous Chicken and Waffles. There is a never a cost to the survivor.

Celebrating a Vision was launched by Sonya Adams, President and CEO, as a non-profit organization that provides random acts of kindness to cancer survivors. They provide several services, such as concert tickets, groceries delivered right to the doorstep, wig services, limo rides, trips to Malibu, sunset sails, gift baskets, hotel stays for two, a nice fine dining experience for two and a host of others.

“We measure success by the lives we change,” Adams stated.

You can help to keep Celebrating a Vision alive by donating via PayPal to celebratingavision@gmail.com. Most of the services rendered are out of Adams’ own pocket. If you don’t have the money to donate, then you can send a letter to ‘Celebrating a Vision’ at P.O. Box 415 Pomona, CA 91769. You may also call for more information at (909) 896-9041.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Thirteen distinguished young men will be presented to society on Saturday, March 24 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino during the Social Lites, Inc. 51st Beautillion Ball. The theme this year is, “Reflections of Our Past and Visions of Our Future.” Formal attire is required. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $50 per person. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

The Beautillion Program was started in the Inland Empire out of concern for the future and survival of young, Black men in the community in which they live and serve. High school seniors who participate in the program are known as Knights. This program is designed to help young men who are seniors in high school prepare for college through the solicitation of ads, leadership development, accountability, responsibility, etiquette, attire for all occasions, spiritual growth, public speaking and community service. The all-around Knight will be identified at the conclusion of the program as Sir Knight. Other awards are given for academics and other achievements.

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.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 2018 Advocates of the Year Award honors those individuals whose strengths and courage amplifies the voices of change and criminal justice reform in their respective communities.  This year among the advocates being honored, Ms. Kim Carter is pleased to honor Jayda Rasberry and Mianta McKnight. 

“Both of these young ladies give me so much hope,” Kim Carter, Founder of Time for Change Foundation, stated. “We know that change will only come when those most impacted by the harmful effects of mass incarceration are at the helm leading the efforts for reform.”

Jayda Rasberry is from Los Angeles. She is in her late twenties, has 5 younger siblings, and a whole host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was raised by her grandmother who loved her unconditionally and instilled in her what it takes to be a productive citizen. In 2006 she was sentenced to Valley State Prison for Women where she would spend six years of her life. Since her release in 2012 she has been to Sacramento to speak about medical negligence and reducing the prison population with alternatives. In 2014 she became an organizer with Dignity and Power Now. She is out 5 days a week educating community members and making them aware of what is happening behind jail walls. As a formerly incarcerated person and a queer woman of color she believes that it is important to be a voice of change in directly impacted communities. She has lived the harsh realities of what happens behind the walls of prison and strongly believes that it is her duty to fight and to be a voice for people who are incarcerated.

Mianta McKnight is a formerly incarcerated juvenile offender tried as an adult who is passionate about incarcerated women. She knows firsthand what the prion experience is like since she served 18 years and 1 day on a 15 year to life sentence and essentially grew up within the prison industrial complex. As a fellow for Justice Now and activist for social change, she is dedicated to challenging inhumane conditions and being a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves. She attends SFSU and is majoring in dance, which she plans to use to work along with holistic medicine to promote longevity, self-awareness, and self-care.

Other Honorees include: Dr. Carolyn Eggleston with the Community Education Champion Award, Jordyn Rivera with the Humanitarian Award, Bobby Barzi with the “Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion” Award, Virginia Blumenthal with the Women’s Empowerment Award, Dr. Harvey Nurick with the Dynamic Duo Award, Cedar House with the Community Champion Award, and Mitla Café with the Unsung Hero Award.

Time for Change Foundation’s 16th Year Anniversary Gala will take place on Friday, April 13^th , at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton in Ontario, CA from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. To support TFCF’s efforts to help homeless women and children become self-sufficient, thriving members of society you can become a sponsor, purchase an ad in the event program book or purchase a Gala ticket.  To purchase tickets for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’ visibility in the community, please visit our website www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org or contact Vanessa Perez at (909) 886-2994 or by email at vperez@timeforchangefoundation.org.

Time for Change Foundation empowers disenfranchised, low-income individuals and families by building leadership through evidence-based programs and housing to create self-sufficiency and thriving communities. We accept all forms of donations. To see how you can help make a difference visit us on the web at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – On February 21,, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino) hosted the 47^thAssemblyDistrict Young Legislators on their inaugural Sacramento Trip to the State Capitol. Students who participated attend San Bernardino City Unified School District, Colton Joint Unified School District, Fontana Unified School District, and Rialto Unified School District.

The students who were afforded the opportunity included: Abigail Menara, Adamaris Zamora, Adriana Golding, Amy Vasquez, Andres Torres, Ariel Ideishi, Ashley Garcia, Bryanna Gonzalez, Daniella Mora, Elizabeth Rubio, Eunice Molina, Gabriel Macias, Gabriela Vasquez, Guadalupe Tellez, Jacqui Ochoa, Jasmin Ponce, Jayleska Johnson, Josaline Moran, Joshua Lechega, Karen Rojas, Leslie Tapia, Manny Medrano, Sahvannah Rodriguez, Valarie Valero and Xiomara Thompson.

During the visit, the Young Legislators attended an Assembly floor session, toured the State Capitol, visited the State Library, participated in a meet and greet with State Legislators, a panel discussion with Assembly Fellows and professional staff, and presented legislative proposals to benefit San Bernardino County youth.

“Our young people are the next generation of leaders that will contend with the emerging challenges facing our region and state for years to come.  That is why it is so important they are engaged in their community and get a firsthand experience of the public policy making process,” said Assemblymember Reyes.

The Young Legislators is a yearlong program to provide high school students living in the 47^th District with leadership development training and an opportunity to discuss important youth related issues occurring in the community. Assemblymember Reyes is currently accepting applications for the next class of Young Legislators on her website at www.asm.ca.gov/reyes.