Local

Edited and Re-written by Naomi K. Bonman

LOS ANGELES, CA- This year marked the 32^nd annual Kingdom Day Parade which was held on Monday, January 16 in South Los Angeles. Each year the parade brings our dignitaries to help honor the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr.

Groups that participated in the 2017 Kingdom Day Parade included a New Orleans-style brass band with dancers from the Los Angeles Korean Dance Academy. The 200,000 people crowd loved the band. The band also brought in more diversity to the celebration, something that King would be pleased to see and fought for.

One thing that was different and brought to light during this year’s parade was the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, which had the focus of some officials’ attention on how they would push back against the new administration’s policies and decisions. Others referenced the parade’s theme: “Now more than ever, we all must work together.”

“We are confronting a dichotomy of democracy — something that is unique in our history,” state Senate leader Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) said at a breakfast before the parade. “More than ever, California must remain a beacon of hope and opportunity in an uncertain world.”

He continued, “California will never appease anyone who seeks to undermine our economic prosperity and fundamental human rights.”

Los Angeles County health workers, including nurses and technicians, marched in protest of a possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act, President Obama’s landmark healthcare legislation. And L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas marched with them, holding a sign that read, “Obamacare Works.” 

Other groups celebrating at the parade Monday included representatives from local labor unions and law enforcement agencies, as well as high school marching bands and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity — the first predominately black fraternity to be founded at a historically black university. Another float, sponsored by Denny’s and adorned in gold and green tinsel, displayed a large photo of the slain civil rights leader. 

“We stand with him, and with the community, in trying to support all the things that he stood for,” Ronald Smothers, who owns a Denny’s restaurant on Crenshaw Boulevard, said in an interview with ABC 7. 

Christopher Kirkpatrick

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Christopher Kirkpatrick, a local San Bernardino poet and English teacher at the PAL Charter Academy, recently published his 5th collection of poetry, In Case You Were Wondering. This new book includes selections from his other previously published works written over the past decade: Learning To See From The Blind, Mixed Metaphors, and I Don’t Know What To Tell You. His work has also previously appeared in various other magazines and literary journals such as Aleola, Chaff, Nourishment Notes, Clever Copywriting, and Time of Singing. His books are available on Amazon.com and from America Star Books.

By Lou Coleman

As we all know Worship is Celebration – A Celebration to be Experienced and a Celebration to be shared.

This is a call to all church music ministries to join us on the mountain top of worship, to come into God’s presence, and to stand before God’s throne. If your church music ministry would like to be a part of this great commission, please email a video of your music ministry in songs to walleniv@yahoo.com and/or colemanlou@hotmail.com.

“Worship is the goal of evangelism and evangelism is the fruit of worship.” Be a worshipper, but be a witness. Be one drawn into God’s presence, but also be one sent out into the world. [Gerrit Gustafson]

By Frances Grice

 Please join area children at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. statue ceremony Monday, January 16, 2017, starting at 10:30 a.m. at San Bernardino City Hall, 300 North D Street.

The Martin Luther King Restoration and Maintenance Committee is inviting the area youth, parents, and businesses to participate in the MLK Annual birthday celebration in downtown San Bernardino. The area youth elementary children will conduct the “Laying of the Wreath” program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The statue is the first bigger than life statue in the world, the vision of Dr. Gertrude Whetzel. Funding for the construction of the statue was spearheaded in 1971 by Mayor Bob Holcomb with donations by area residents from various races, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. For many years, the statue served as the focal point in bringing together all cultures as a testament to Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy.

As you are aware, the City of San Bernardino entered into financial challenges that have prohibited the City from providing the statue with proper maintenance and repair for years. To address the need for annual maintenance of the statue, community residents came together and raised the needed resources to restore the statue which stands as a beacon of hope for area residents.

We are trying to reach out to as many elementary schools as we can to participate in this year’s event. Dr. King’s greatest motivation was to make the world better for our children. It would be an honor for the children to be the main focus on the program. If you have any further questions you may contact Frances Grice at fnetwrk@aol.com or Faye Pointer at fpoint1122@sbcglobal.net.

By Joandrea Reynolds

Initiation of positive change and progression brought members of Westside Christian Center together at City Hall on January 7 at 10 a.m. under hovering clouds in sixty degree weather participating in a walk to help restructure a community. Newness of hope was birthed for San Bernardino under the life changing inspirational leadership of Dr. Clyde A. Stewart, who speaks newness into existence and demonstrates belief in it for residents of not only this city but inclusive of all those surrounding.

New Report on Future of Transportation Discusses Key Challenges in Southern California and Across the Country

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced that California State University, San Bernardino has been selected as one of 18 institutions across the country to lead research on the major transportation challenges that our nation will face over the next three decades.

California State University, San Bernardino’s designation as a Beyond Traffic Innovation Center was announced on the same day that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) released the final report, Beyond Traffic 2045. The report is the culmination of a two-year analysis of the transportation challenges presented by trends including population growth, increased freight shipping, and the movement of people into concentrated megaregions.

“In the next 30 years, our country will have 70 million more people competing for the use of our roads, transit and rail networks, and airports, and we are going to have to make some big choices about how we fund and prioritize transportation,” said Secretary Foxx. “The Beyond Traffic Innovation Centers will bring together researchers, students, and thought leaders to develop the ideas we need to keep Americans moving and build a transportation system that works for everyone.”

Beyond Traffic Innovation Centers are non-profit institutions of higher education and non-profit organizations which will promote study and thought leadership around the challenges raised in the Beyond Traffic report. Centers will convene leaders and other key decision-makers in each of the megaregions around the United States, as well as in rural communities, to discuss these challenges and coordinate related research, curriculum, outreach, and other activities.

As part of the research for the Beyond Traffic 2045 report, USDOT officials held a public forum with local leaders and stakeholders in Long Beach, California, on September 28, 2015, to understand the major issues that were facing people across the Southern California megaregion. The report released today notes that the region is home to some of the largest ports in the nation, and the population is expected to increase by over 61 percent to 39 million by 2050.

The full list of Beyond Traffic Innovation Centers and more information about Beyond Traffic 2045, including the full report, is available at: www.transportation.gov/beyondtraffic.

RIALTO, CA– The Mu Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in collaboration with the Eta Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., partner with the Riverside Unified School District to present the 28^th Annual Oratorical Contest, being held at Central Middle School in Riverside, on Saturday, February 4, 2017, beginning at 9 a.m.

The aim of the contest is to give area students an opportunity to showcase their speech writing, and oral delivery talents for distinguished guests, family, friends, and community leaders. The event is open to any student in grades 1 through 12. Participants are grouped into 3 grade groups, and three cash awards are presented in each group.

Deadline for applications to be received is January 26, 2017. Due to initial expressed interest, participation will be limited. Students interested in competing are urged to submit an application early. Speeches do NOT have to be completed, to submit an application.

For information on the contest, or to request an application, contact Mr. Kevin Eastman at: eastke1@yahoo.com, or Mrs. Samantha Dotson at: samantha.dotson524@gmail.com. All Riverside Unified School District students should contact Dr. Keyisha Holmes for information: kholmes@rusd.k12.ca.us.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., are community service organizations that service the Inland Empire, by providing mentoring programs for adolescents, and are in involved in numerous social activities and causes through the Inland Empire.

For more information on Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, visit: www.apa1906.net. For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, visit: www.aka1908.com. Information on the Riverside Unified School District may be found on the district web page: www.rusdlink.org.

By Joandrea Reynolds

Initiation of positive change and progression brought members of Westside Christian Center together at City Hall on January 7 at 10 a.m. under hovering clouds in sixty degree weather participating in a walk to help restructure a community. Newness of hope was birthed for San Bernardino, CA; under the life changing inspirational leadership of Dr. Clyde A. Stewart who speaks newness into existence and demonstrates belief in it for residents of not only this city but inclusive of all those surrounding.

Rosalyn Bryant stated, “There is power behind and within unity and this march signifies the start of reversing hopelessness.” Too many deaths have altered the course of expectations for San Bernardino and futures have permanently been removed but this new day brought forth a year of change.

“The common cause for restored hope is why we are here”, First Lady Florence Stewart said. Actions led by faith brought down strong holds with each unified step. As this year progresses change is mandatory because of a walk destined to happen. Eyes were opened, joy ignited, and unity displayed. Thirteen year old Alexia Miller was quoted as saying “I need to help with change by inspiring adults and kids to be part of the change that will bring us all together.”

ONTARIO, CA- Ms. Trudy Coleman and the Juneteenth/MLK Committee of Southern California, invites you to attend the “16th Annual, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast and Tribute”. This event has become an Inland Empire Tradition; bringing together many of the areas citizens as well as Civic and Political figures, such as Senators, Mayors, Assembly Members and many in the Business and Religious Communities. We are also grateful for our area Sheriff, Police and Fire Departments who have been long time supporters and attendees. Each year, we also honor our MLK Lifetime Achievement Recipient and our MLK Civil Rights Recipient.

We wish to give our sincere heart felt remembrance to the families of San Bernardino, who lost love ones, and the heroic police department who help to save lives.   Also to the families of officers and citizens who lives have been shorten over these last two years. As we know, Freedom fighters come in all forms and shapes, today, yesterday, and tomorrow. As, we continue to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of Freedom, Justice and Equality for African American’s and all Americans.

The visions of both Dr. King and President, Abraham Lincoln targeted one purpose. “To Bring Our Nation Together As A Unified Force For The Good Of The World”. For the past 16 years, we have been bringing people of every nationality together in keeping with the spirit of “The Dream”. This year features a mass choir comprised of singers from several Inland Empire Choirs, Mt. Zion Baptist church, Mt. Sinai C.O.G.I.C., New Direction C.O.G.I.C., and Blended Sounds of Joy. Our special guest artist is, “Patrice Morris”. Patrice has formerly song with the world renown “Fifth Dimension”. She has also ministered in song with many prominent gospel artists, including Daryl Coley, Andrae’ and Sandra Crouch, Marvin Sapp, and John P. Kee. Our second guest artist is Ms. Biddy Newborn, Directress for “Gospel Great”, Shirley Ceasar. She is internationally known, and is also a gospel recording artist. The Lord has truly anointed her in singing, preaching, and most of all directing, which has touched the lives of people of all ages. There will also be a special keynote speaker on program. Each year we have also included the MLK Student essay contest and give scholarships to the winner.

After the program, included for ticket holders only, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. are the Educational and Economic Workshops on topics ranging from “How to Retire Successfully”, “Designing Your Own Most Profitable Year”, and always the “Youth Mentoring – Advocacy Lawmakers Fellowship Program”. The day will also highlight many of the areas small business vendors who will display their products on that day, and gift raffles. This will be a momentous occasion and you will be greatly enriched by being present when it all happens.      

Junteenth Education Technology Mobile Arts Center, Inc., is a non-profit organization dedicated to educate and raise public awareness. among all Americans about Juneteenth (June 19, 1865)” and its significance as the foundation that completes FREEDOM for all American people. There are two events done yearly. 1) The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast, Ontario, Ca; On June 17^th, 2017, will be the “26^th yr. Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Jazz Arts Festival”, the Juneteenth event is always free for the public.

The MLK Breakfast on “King Day” is open to the public, ALL are welcome.   Ticket cost is $36.00 in Advance, $40.00 at the Door, $50.00 VIP ticket, Table of (10) $324.00, VIP Table $500.00. Students cost is $20.00. Please RSVP for your reserved seat. Sponsorship Opportunities are available, appreciated, and tax-deductible. Advertisement for program book are still available until January 9, 2017. For information Call: Trudy Coleman 1-909-418-8530/1-909-681-3554/ To purchase tickets, visit www.jetmacinc.us or eventbite.com, www.jetmacinc.com/Email:trudycoleman@jetmainc.com

COLTON, CA- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) leadership, leaders from the City of Colton and San Bernardino County, joined the Colton Police Officers Association to deliver toys, candy, and Christmas cheer to children and families spending the holidays in the hospital on Dec. 21. Santa Claus made a special appearance, escorted by Colton Police throughout the hospital including the lobby, emergency department, pediatric unit and clinic.

Children gathered around Santa as he pulled gifts from his bag amidst many “Ho, Ho, Ho’s.” More than 500 toys were wrapped and hand delivered by uniformed officers, Santa Claus and his elves and distributed throughout the entire hospital. Media were allowed into the hospital to follow Santa and to capture the holiday joy.

Operation Giving is a holiday tradition of the Colton Police Officers Association. This is the fifth year of Operation Giving at the hospital and more than 900 gifts have been donated over the years. Each year officers support families in need and senior citizen groups by delivering Christmas trees, meals, and presents.