Local

LaToya Flowers Jones and Rochelle Wright

By Angela M. Coggs

On Saturday, September 10^th Young Women Empowerment Foundation (YWE) hosted their fourth Annual Women’s Wellness Conference at San Bernardino Community Hospital Henderson Auditorium, 1800 Western Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92411, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. YWE welcomed family, friends, students and community supporters to the augural event that focused on emotional and physical health and wellness. It was a free event for women of all ages in the Inland Empire. The event was hosted by Carletta Loflin, who was also speaker at last year’s Wellness Conference.

This year’s theme was Double D’s. Double D’s refers to diabetes and depression. The theme was based on the idea of a dual diagnosis.  Both of these diseases plague all people but especially minority women. The conference focused on the prevention of diabetes and depression as well as learning to live with and maintain it if diagnosed with either. The women in attendance participated in several interactive demonstrations/exercises which included routines by the energetic Harriette Coggs Stuckey from Heart and Soul Dance. Coggs- Stuckey blessed participants for the past two years. “I attended last year and the line dancing was one of my favorite parts. I’m glad that she returned this year,” said one enthusiastic participant. “She’s awesome. I feel renewed and ready to go.”

There were life changing testimonials from women on diabetes and depression. The speakers for the wellness conference will focused on issues that are important and relevant to women, diabetes and depression. The keynote and guest testimonial speakers’ included:

Dee De La Cruz (Diabetes Keynote) of Lue Productions 1st Big Beautiful Woman Modeling Queen Winner 2016, Pasha Fruman, PA-C (Depression Keynote) – Health Educator and Community Health Activist, Deborah Smith (Depression Testimony) Community/Business Relationship Specialist- Personal Banker WFAW, Gloria Dowdy (Diabetes Testimony)-Retired IT Specialist (Programmer)-Department of Veterans Affairs, and Lea Michelle Cash (Depression Informational) President/CEO- The Brightest Star, Inc

LaToya Flowers-Jones and Rochelle Wright (Mary Kay vendor) attended the event for the first time and had a really good time. Both enjoyed themselves and indicated that they intend on returning next year.

In addition to providing useful health and wellness information at the conference, the attendees had their funny bone exercised as comedian Amber Thorney-Croft explored the humorous side of life in general. It was the perfect ending to a successful event. Many reported leaving the event feeling hopeful, informed, inspired and refreshed.

Several vendor booths were available for attendees to visit and gain information and resources. Vendors included: San Bernardino County Nutrition Program, Mary Kay, African American Mental Health, Coalition, Sonnier Beauty, Restaurando Vidas (Restoring Lives), Riverside/San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc., Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inc. and Inland Empire Black Nurses Association.

“I want to thank you (YWE) for having me as a vendor. I appreciate the fact that I was able to provide the services that my company has to offer and I was also able to be part of this awesome conference that you guys organized,” stated Diana Silva, Outreach Specialist for Inland Behavioral Health Services, Inc. “It was inspirational, educational and empowering.”

One of the most talked about item of the day was the Double D’s t-shirts worn by the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation board members. Although some attendees were able to win a few shirts during the opportunity drawing, many more people wanted to purchase one. In response to the inquiries about how to purchase the Double Ds Diabetes and Depression event t-shirt anyone can visit the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation website donation link at youngwomenempowerment.org to obtain one.

“This event was so informative and impactful for the women in the community,” Rochelle Wright said. “Every woman that presented at the Young Women’s Empowered Conference, blessed my life with their transparent, transformational and inspiration testimonies. The organization has a bright future ahead of them because they are planting great seeds of wisdom in preparing our youth to be successful and healthy global citizens.”

Attendees registered on Eventbrite under “Free Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) 4^th Annual Women’s Wellness Conference.  They were encouraged and invite family and friends to also register and attend the noteworthy opportunity focused on empowering women to live mentally and physically healthy lives. Over 100 women attended the event.

YWE T-Shirt Pic

Kaiser Permanente was a Gold Sponsor for the event. San Bernardino Community Hospital, European Wax Center, and San Bernardino Symphony also provided for the event. Volunteers from the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority were also on hand to ensure the conference ran smoothly.

YWE serves to strengthen the character of young women of high school age in the San Bernardino City region of the Inland Empire in Southern California. Young Women’s Empowerment was founded by Gwendolyn Dowdy- Rodgers. The mission of our program is to empower these young women to achieve at their highest potential, particularly in education, and to instill in them a commitment San Bernardino city council member Bessine Littlefield – Richard San Bernardino Community College Trustee Joseph Williams San Bernardino County Superintendent of School Trustee Hardy Brown II Senator Connie Leyva’s Field Representative Micheal Townsend San Bernardino City Unified School Board Superintendent Dale Marsden County Board of Supervisor Josie Gonzales Field Representative Erika Willhite to return to their community as leaders and mentors.

Dignitaries who attended included:

• San Bernardino City Council member Bessine Littlefield – Richard,
• San Bernardino Community College Trustee Joseph Williams,
• San Bernardino County Superintendent of School Trustee Hardy Brown II,
• Senator Connie Leyva’s Field Representative Michael Townsend,
• San Bernardino City Unified School Board Superintendent Dale Marsden,
• County Board of Supervisor Josie Gonzales, and Field Representative Erika Willhite

The Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) is dedicated to strengthening the self-esteem, character, integrity and capacity of young women ages 12-21 so that they may achieve their highest potential. YWE accomplishes its purpose through strategic partnerships with other organizations. YWE is guided by ethics and principles which exhibit respect for cultural diversity.

Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation next event: Girl Talk V (March 2017)

Evan T. Carthen

Mr. Evan Tyler Carthen, 22, Pepperdine University Law Student, former California Lutheran University Student Body President, former Arrowhead Christian Academy High School Graduate (2012) and former Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion Sir Knight 2012, passed away on September 5, 2016. He was the son of Tracy Carthen and Twillea Evans-Carthen, twin brother to Eric Carthen and brother to Megan Carthen Jackson (Marcus).

Carthen, 2016 graduate from California Lutheran University with a dual major, BA in English and BS in political science.  Carthen was known for his compassionate heart and deep desire to make the world a better place. As an undergraduate, he served as president of the Associated Students of California Lutheran University Government executive cabinet and was secretary of the Black Student Union of California Lutheran University. Carthen was inducted into the California Lutheran University Scholar-Athlete Society in 2013 and 2014 in recognition of his performance on the men’s basketball team as well as in the classroom. He chose Pepperdine School of Law for its Christian mission and to fulfill his dream of becoming a district attorney.

Evan’s life was celebrated on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in addition to a celebration of life service honoring Evan Carthen on Friday, September 9, at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA and a candlelight vigil on Tuesday, September 6, at California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Tributes in memory of a life well lived are welcome by going to www.dignitymemorial.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The deadline to apply for the eighth annual San Bernardino County Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project is September 23.

Applications for the Veterans Diploma Project are to award diplomas to men and women whose high school education was interrupted due to military service or internment in a Japanese American camp. The effort is sponsored by the County Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Diplomas will be awarded to qualified applicants at a ceremony in November.

Applicants will be notified of their status and qualified applicants will be provided with the date, time, and location of the presentation. 

Veterans who served in and received an honorable discharge from World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War; or individuals who were interned in a Japanese American relocation camp and are San Bernardino County residents are eligible to participate. There is no charge to participate.

For assistance with verification of military service and/or discharge papers, contact the County Department of Veterans Affairs at (866) 472-8387 or (909) 387-5516. For more information, contact Samantha Koker at County Schools at (909) 386-2412.

The Social-Lites Inc., of San Bernardino 50^th Beautillion Season will start on Saturday, October 8.  Mentoring Young Men toward a better future is there Mission.

The Beautillion Scholarship Program is designed to assist the Young Men of the Inland Empire and surrounding Communities, who are High School Seniors, College Freshman and boys of ages 8 years through 15 years old in reaching their Educational Goals.  Also the program helps to provide scholarship funding, as well as computers, gifts and awards to the young men.

All young men interested in participating in the Annual Beautillion Scholarship Program are encouraged to attend along with their parents, to the Beautillion informational briefing on Saturday October 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Hope Family Life Center, 1505 West Highland Ave, San Bernardino CA 92411.

For additional information please contact Mrs. Bettye Brewster, Social-Lites President at (951) 204-0022 and Ms. Joyce Smith, Social-Lites Vice President at (909) 534-2929.  Application available via email at Sociallites@msn.com or www.socialitesinc.com.

Author T’ana Phelice will be coming to the San Bernardino Public Library to discuss her books and present workshops on Saturday, September 17. This free program will take place in Kellogg Room A at the Feldheym Central Library at 555 W. 6th Street in San Bernardino from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Phelice is the author of Jaded Diamonds, Pigs and Pearls, and a children’s book, Bratty Tatty: Liddo Kiddo’s Raps&Riddles.

Ms. Phelice will also be doing presentations on self-esteem, resume-building, and interview preparation following the book discussion. Her books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. 

 For more information on the author, visit www.tanaphelice.com. For more information on this presentation call the library at 909-381-8238 or visit www.sbpl.org or   www.facebook.com/SBPLfriends.

LOS ANGELES, CA – LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS (LC), a multicultural integrated marketing communications agency, announces the promotion of Keisha N. Brown (KB) to executive vice president and chair of the new Health and Wellness Practice. As chair of the practice, KB will drive creative solutions for all of the agency’s healthcare clients. With more than two decades of healthcare experience working with clients on a local, regional and national level, LC is excited to launch their Health and Wellness Practice with a skilled professional that works across all disciplines and cultures.

“I look forward to leading the new Health and Wellness Practice at the agency and utilizing my experience and passion to make a difference in the lives of African Americans and Latinos,” said KB. “I have worked on health care accounts for more than 20 years, and understand the challenges that impact behavioral change to make our communities healthier and people live longer.”

KB brings a wealth of experience, insight and maturity to the Health and Wellness Practice. She has worked with corporate, not-for-profit and government clients, including American Cancer Society, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Novartis and the Office of National Control Drug Policy, to name a few. Relying on her keen understanding of health disparities and cultural nuances amongst African American and Hispanic communities, KB has successfully executed award-winning campaigns with multi-million dollar budgets and led multidisciplinary teams. She now manages the advertising and marketing account for Covered California, educating African American consumers about their services and maximizing the number of Californians enrolled in health insurance coverage. In addition, under KB’s leadership the team will focus on entities such as hospitals, healthcare plans, not-for-profit, government, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies

“KB is the biggest success story of the agency’s internship program,” said Mr. Kim L. Hunter, President and CEO of LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS. “She is the epitome of what an IMC specialist is and does. KB is one of the few communicators that has a good understanding of the three disciplines (advertising, marketing and public relations) and how they intersect with one another to create a truly holistic campaign.”

As a 21-year veteran of the firm, KB is an integrated marketing communications specialist that has successfully executed integrated advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns for clients such as L.A. Care Health Plan, The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Martin Luther King Jr., Community Hospital.

Throughout her career, KB has been recognized for her work and expertise in multicultural communications. Most recently, the firm received the Healthcare Public Relations & Marketing Association (HPRMA) Golden Advocate Award for the launch of the L.A. Care Covered Campaign, a project headed by KB. Johnson Publications, the publishers of Ebony and Jet magazine, also named KB “One of the Most Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communications” and PRWeek Magazine featured her in a roundtable discussion regarding diverse viewpoints on multicultural communications.

The Los Angeles native holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business administration from Howard University in Washington, DC.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – On Friday, August 26th, 2016, United Nations of Consciousness hosted Artivism: Activism Through the Arts for Safer Communities at their new facility, Anne Shirrells Park Community Center. This event was part of the #SchoolsNotPrisons campaign to bring awareness to school discipline policies and to advocate for prioritizing prevention over punishment for safe and healthy communities for our youth. 

They were honored to have shared the night with over 250 guests including community members, families, youth, community leaders and partnering organizations such as COPE, BLU Education Foundation, Time for Change Foundation and YAP. The night began with a gallery viewing, followed by powerful performances from local youth artists of the Inland Empire, who set the stage ablaze with poetry, music and dance. The room was filled with much diversity, and various forms of artistic expressions.

UNC would like to thank each and every person for coming out to support their event and contributing to make it a success.

“You all left a positive impact on our community through your contributions of partnership, performance, art and/or volunteering,” LaNae Norwood, President and Founder of UNC, said. “Together, we have spread the message of the importance of funding education, youth, intervention and prevention programs to help create safe and healthy communities for all.”

The work does not stop here! Please join them by continuing to support #SchoolsNotPrisons ensuring that we end the “School to Prison Pipeline” and to give our youth opportunities for a brighter future. For more information, please visit www.unitednationsofconsciousness.com.

In partnership with Metro, this year marks Metrolink’s 24^th year of providing Southern California residents with a special stop at the Los Angeles County Fair. Starting Sept. 3, San Bernardino Line weekend trains will stop at the Pomona Fairplex platform except for trains 351, 352 and 353.  A free shuttle service is offered to the yellow gate entrance. The Fairplex Station is located just west of the Pomona Station on the San Bernardino Line.

Travel with ease with your family and friends by skipping traffic while avoiding the hassle and cost of parking. Riders can purchase Metrolink’s $10 Weekend Day Pass and take the train to the fair on Saturday or Sunday ONLY. The L.A. County Fair is offering Metrolink riders a special online price of only $12 for a single day admission ticket. Those interested in purchasing these tickets in advance should visit www.lacf.com.

Metrolink is also adding a train to provide later service from the fair back to Los Angeles. The train, 391, will depart the Fairplex stop at 8:30 p.m. and make all stops into Los Angeles Union Station.

As a result of the modified schedule to support the L.A. County Fair, Metrolink trains may operate late into other stops along the San Bernardino Line on weekends in September.

For real-time service updates or to get more information please visitwww.metrolinktrains.com or follow @Metrolink on Twitter.

 On September 6th, Omnitrans will begin offering direct bus service to Ontario International Airport (ONT), via Route 80 making stops at both passenger terminals. Due to customer demand, the transit agency also will increase hours of service on its Route 290 Freeway Express.

Route 80 will be realigned from its current path to continue south on Vineyard to Airport Drive then head east to the airport, instead of traveling on Holt to the Ontario Civic Center Transfer Center. Holt Blvd. between Vineyard and Euclid will continue to be served by Omnitrans Route 61.

“We are pleased to partner with the airport to provide a more convenient transit connection for air travelers,” said agency spokesperson Wendy Williams. “For the future, we are pursuing development of a high-frequency circulator route that would serve the airport, nearby hotels, shopping centers and the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink station.”

Omnitrans is also planning an sbX bus rapid transit line for the cities of Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Montclair and Pomona that would include a stop at ONT passenger terminals.

Route 290, a freeway express route launched a year ago, will add early morning and mid-day trips in response to customer requests. The route will begin running at 4:30 am, an hour earlier, and operate throughout the midday, instead of just at morning and afternoon peak times. Route 290 travels on the I-10 and I-215 freeways with stops at Montclair Transit Center, Ontario Mills, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and the San Bernardino Transit Center.

Another transit agency will be arriving at the San Bernardino Transit Center next month. On September 14, the city of Beaumont’s Pass Transit bus route 120 will begin service to the regional hub, joining Omnitrans, Mountain Transit and Victor Valley Transit Authority. More information at: Pass Transit

Personalized routing assistance available at 800-9-OMNIBUS (800-966-6428) or online at www.omnitrans.org.

LOS ANGELES, CA- In the height of the #BlackLivesMatter and #BuyBlack movements, it is becoming more pivotal than ever to support Black owned businesses. On Saturday, September 3 at The Reef in Downtown Los Angeles, LaTanya Alexander, founder of Afrowear, will be presenting the First Annual End of Summer Fashion Show. It will be a day filled with plenty of entertainment, food, and fashion as some of the latest designers from the L.A. area showcase their lines.

“I am extremely excited for the fashion show, as well as all the activities we have planned for the day,” Alexander states. “Growing up in Watts with a burning passion for fashion and no real outlet, this event is very near and dear to my heart.”

She continues, “I want to create a space for designers, performers and small businesses to come together, support one another and enjoy what I have been working so hard to plan. I am taking a huge risk and have devoted much of my personal funds so I am really counting on my community to support me and help the Black dollar circulate in the Black community. I cannot wait until September 3rd!”

Some of the designers that you can catch on the stage include Afrowear, Styled by Jay Taylor, CT Montgomery of Pearl Girl, and Janell of Power of Pretty. Sponsors include Poise Cosmetics, Stephanie Danine Hair, Universal Beauty Products, and Jay Taylor.

The festivities are scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. and will go into the early evening of 7 p.m. This is family friendly event that will also feature food vendors, retail vendors, musical performances, and much more. Think of it as an End of the Summer Block Party infused with fashion.

The Reef is located at 1933 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased via Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/afrowear-presents-end-of-the-summer-fashion-showexpo-tickets-19992308533