Photos by John Coleman

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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SACRAMENTO, CA— Assemblymember Marc Levine (D – Marin County) today named non-profit leader Socorro Romo as the California State Assembly’s Woman of the Year for Marin and southern Sonoma counties.

Romo was born in Jalisco, Mexico and moved to the United States in 1980, where she began her family in West Marin. Romo’s children attended West Marin School in Point Reyes Station and went on to attend local universities in the North Bay.

In 1990, Romo began a volunteer job at West Marin School after noticing a lack of Latino leaders in the community and the need to build bridges between immigrant and non-immigrant residents in Marin County. Motivated by her work, Romo went back to school to complete her higher education.

In 1993, Romo began working as a social worker and in 2009, joined West Marin Community Services (WMCS) where she has had the opportunity to work with some of the most marginalized in society. In 2014, Romo co-developed Abriendo Caminos, a project to increase Latino civic engagement, build leadership and find pathways to promote mutual respect, embrace diversity and promote equality for all people. In the summer of 2018, Romo became the Executive Director of WMCS and is the first Latina to lead the organization.

“Socorro Romo is a bright light in Marin County, giving inspiration and hope to people in our community and throughout the North Bay,” said Assemblymember Levine.  “I am pleased to honor Ms. Romo for her commitment and dedication to help residents maximize their potential, to build a strong and diverse workforce and to improve the lives of residents throughout the region.”

The Woman of the Year event was created in 1987 to recognize March as Women’s History Month and to individually celebrate the contributions and unique accomplishments of women in each of the Assembly’s 80 districts.

The 2019 Woman of the Year event took place in the Assembly Chambers of the State Capitol on Monday, March 4, 2019.

Assemblymember Marc Levine represents California’s 10^th Assembly District, which includes Marin and southern Sonoma Counties. Connect with Assemblymember Levine on social media: @AsmMarcLevine.

By Lou Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Talking ‘bout you chasing that paper…. Fool, don’t you know that Jesus warned, “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” [Luke 12:15]. If you going to chase anything….. You best chase God…. For He alone can only satisfy. Everything here on earth is vain. If you don’t believe me believe the wisest man endowed by God: King Solomon. Not only was he given wisdom, but wealth beyond measure. The combination along with the experiments of life, lead to his conclusion; All is vanity [Ecclesiastes 1:1-2; 13-17]. He tells us, “I tried everything. I sought ever pleasure. I gained great knowledge. I possessed unsurpassed wealth and power. I had the power and resources to do anything I wanted to do.” Yet, in spite of all that, he declares, “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher [King Solomon] all is vanity! What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun goes down and hastens to the place where it rises. The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits, the wind returns. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.  

King Solomon was fabulously wealthy. And yet, he says in Ecclesiastes 5: 10-12…. All his riches and all his possessions nothing withstanding. It’s a chasing after the wind. A life lived under the sun, seeking satisfaction when this is all there is, is such an empty thing.”

Paul puts it similarly in 1 Timothy 6:10… the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. “But those who chase riches are constantly falling into temptation and snares. They are regularly caught by their own stupid and harmful desires, dragged down and pulled under into ruin and destruction. For the love of money – and what it can buy – is the root of all sorts of evil. Some already have wandered away from the true faith because they craved what it had to offer; but when reaching the prize, they found their hands and hearts pierced with many sorrows. Don’t let this happen to you – run away from these things! Let your quest be for justice, godliness, faithfulness, love, perseverance, and gentleness…. [1 Timothy 6:9-11]

The Take Away – Don’t put money before God. God is your Father, and He will always provide for you. Money is just a tool. Chasing after money will only result in disappointment. Chasing after God will result in blessing and increase.

Chasing God, Not Money!

Why God had me to go this route, I don’t know…. but as the spirit gives utterance so shall it be!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— King Middle School is the District’s fourth and newest School to Watch.

King joins just 15 other schools across California to earn the prestigious honor this year from the California Department of Education and the California League of Schools.  Curtis, Golden Valley, and Serrano Middle Schools earned the Schools to Watch designation in previous years.

Becoming a state and national model of school excellence is the result of years of hard work on the part of teachers, staff, students, and parents, said Principal Maria Jauregui.  And, the focus of that work was not solely on improving academic achievement.

Cultivating caring connections with students has been a major emphasis for every King Middle School staff member, from teachers to custodians.

“We’re focusing on social-emotional learning along with academics,” said Jauregui, who has lead King for the past nine years. “If we don’t have a relationship with our students, we have nothing.  That’s why every interaction is an opportunity to connect with our students and all stakeholders.”

Teachers have undergone training in social and emotional learning, which emphasizes the approach of learning to be empathic and compassionate of others as a means to establishing relationships. Studies show that children who have been exposed to traumatic experiences cannot focus on learning. But when educators are given the tools to be aware of students’ emotional, social and behavioral needs they can help them address those issues so that learning is not interrupted, Jauregui said.

Teachers are not the only ones who benefitted from training.

King students also learn about positive ways to resolve conflict.  The school’s new Wellness Center is a quiet place where students can meet with a counselor or student support specialist to receive extra support or to just self-soothe by engaging in individual mindfulness activities.

The emphasis on the whole child has resulted in students making academic gains, Jauregui stated. More than half of King’s 700 students have a grade-point average of 3.0 or above for the first semester reporting grades this academic school year. Halfway through the school year, only four King Middle School students have faced suspension.

“Campus is calm, students are learning, we are a school on the move,” Jauregui said.

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Erica R. Gardner, Navy Office of Community Outreach
U.S. Navy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— PEARL HARBOR – An Ontario, California, native and 2011 A.B. Miller High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Tovar has served in the Navy for one-and-a-half years and is a U.S. Navy quartermaster aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

A Navy quartermaster, Tovar is responsible for navigating the ship.

Tovar credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Ontario.

“I was taught to be patient, disciplined and make the best out of every opportunity,” said Tovar

Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. According to Navy officials, their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Tovar is most proud of earning a letter of commendation from the commanding officer of the USS Chung-Hoon.

“I was rewarded for working hard during my underway with them,” said Tovar

A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea Navy officials explained. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons systems.

Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Tovar is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world’s population, many of the world’s largest and smallest economies, several of the world’s largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Tovar and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.

“It’s an honor to serve and since no one in my family has served, it feels great to be the first,” added Tovar. “Being able to be a part of the best military in the world is amazing.”

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Compton NAACP President Paulette Simpson Gipson continues to make black history, as well as history as a woman. Gipson was sworn in to another term as president on February 16 at the Compton Airport.

A decade ago Gipson made history as the first woman elected to lead the Compton NAACP and has done an excellent job while in office. The reality is when you hear the NAACP name mentioned locally it’s often because of Gipson, who continues to be a consistent civil rights leader in our community. 

Her leadership in the NAACP is especially critical at a time when the LA NAACP has been dormant and useless to our community for the past two years. This wasn’t always the case. 

For news tips, email Brothernajeeali@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter@Najeeali.

Twenty-one African American artists featured in show recognizing Black History Month

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— The San Bernardino County Museum, in partnership with the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Inland Cities, East, presented an exhibit featuring the fine art works of prominent African American artists from throughout Southern California to recognize Black History Month. “Images of Black Culture, Life, & History” was featured at the Museum on February 1through March 3.  The Chamber hosted an exhibit reception at the Museum on Thursday, February 7.

Guest curated by Charles Bibbs, who also had two works in the show, the artists who participated included  Adeola Davies-Ayeloja, Alva, Bernard Hoyes, Christopher J. Wesley, Derrick Dzine, Diana Shannon Young, Emmy Lu, Errol Cook, Keith Mikell, Kenneth Gatewood, Manuelita Brown, Michael Massenburg, Maurice Howard, Nathaniel Bustion, Rosalind McGary, Synthia Saint James, Shaz Taylor, Theresa Shellcroft, Viveca Mays, and Zeal Harris. The show included paintings, watercolors, collages, ceramics, and quilts.

Curator of visitor engagement and exhibits, David Myers said, “these images are reflective of an array of experiences expressing power, beauty, provocation, hopelessness and hope. Charles Bibbs, with his immense talent and profile in the arts, brought together both established and emerging artists to weave a complex story of the African American experience. We are truly grateful to Charles and the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce for helping us ensure that our exhibits are representative and reflective of our community both during our Black History Month celebration and all year long.”

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

Photos by John Coleman

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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— U.S. Navy Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Atrian Voorhees, from Apple Valley, California, prepares lobsters in the wardroom galley aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the South China Sea, March 1, 2019. The John C. Stennis is deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ikenna Tanaka)

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Over a century after her death, a Harriet Tubman biopic is finally scheduled for release in the fall of 2019.

The biographical movie, Harriet, will focus on the freedom fighter’s escape from slavery in 1849 and her heroic efforts to free hundreds of slaves as a conductor on the underground railroad.

While many remember Harriet Tubman as an influential abolitionist speaker and a Union Army scout during the Civil War, these aspects of her life will not appear in detail throughout the film. According to the film’s director, Kasi Lemmons, they made the choice to document the earlier portion of Tubman’s life to provide people with a new perspective on the popular historic figure.

“The images that we see of Harriet Tubman and the way we’re used to thinking of her is of a much older person, but to think what she did when she was a young woman is quite extraordinary,” she told Refinery 29. “That period of her life [is what] we often refer to, [but] we don’t really have a lot of [visuals] from that period, when she was really doing her superwoman thing.”

Cynthia Erivo, a British actress known for her Tony and Grammy award-winning role as Celie in the 2015 Broadway revival of The Color Purple, will be playing the role of Harriet.

According to Lemmons, Cynthia perfectly fit the image she had in her head of how she wants to portray Harriet.

“When I met Cynthia, I already had this picture of who this young woman was: very petite, very powerful and very spiritual, who could sing and who was an incredible mimic, and who had to be an incredible actress,” Lemmons said. “All of a sudden, I’m looking at this woman that is all of these things.”

While other actresses have played tribute to the historic figure in productions such as WGN’S Underground and NBC’s Timeless, Cynthia will be the first actress to represent Harriet Tubman in a biopic about her life.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— On Sunday, February 24, 2019, from 8 p.m. to 1 am. the 2nd annual Griot Gala Toast to Diversity & Inclusion After Party took place at The District by Hannah An, Crustacean restaurant group’s latest concept. Six hundred guests gathered to honor and celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of today’s top entertainers, influencers and industry greats who represent today’s diversity, inclusion and the world becoming ONE. Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a global nonprofit organization providing cutting-edge medicine, advocacy to over 1 million people in 43 countries and largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the U.S, served as the charity partner onboard.

Famous faces to grace the event and it’s purple carpet included Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip), Craig DiFranca + Brian Distance (Green Book), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Dreamgirls), Loretta Devine (Grey’s Anatomy), Shervin Roovenpur (Bravo’s Shahs of Sunset), Chaz Dean (celebrity hair stylist), Vanessa Williams (Soul Food), Jayk Gavagher (VEEP), Billie Lee (Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules), Angie Everhart (Supermodel), Brock O’Hurn (Boo! A Madea Halloween), Al B Sure (R&B Artist), Rolanda Watts (Rolanda), David Dobrovik (YouTuber), Miyavi (Unbroken), Cisco Reyes (All Eyez on Me), Camille James + Chantelle Albers (VICE), Kris D. Lofton (HBO Ballers), Mirai Nagasu (US Olympic Figure Skater Medalist), Renee Lawles (The Haves & Have Nots), The cast of Skin, Antonique Smith (Notorious), Porscha Coleman (TV personality), Dr. Chris Donaghue (Love Line), Steve Longi (Oscar-winning director), Kimberley Elise (Diary of a Mad Black Woman), Lunelle Campbell (comedian), Andre K. Jefferson (Actor), and Mitchell Marchand (2019 Oscars writer).

Highlights from the evening incorporated Griot Gala co-founders Dionne Miller and Reid Johnson honoring Tony Award-winning and acclaimed veteran of film and television, Sheryl Lee Ralph with The Trailblazer Award. “Sheryl Lee Ralph is a trailblazer in the worlds of entertainment and activism. She represents the foundation of what the Griot Gala stands for and to honor her was a dream come true for her organization,” stated Miller.

The VIP Lounge featured “Opulence Revealed,” a multi-sensory and interactive tasting experience for exclusive celebrities and industry members. Guests sampled Rémy Martin’s XO sophisticated flavors paired with fragrant fruits such as grapes, pear, dried apricots, and figs; spices like cinnamon, dried saffron, and stem ginger; or earthy characters like walnuts, hazelnuts, cheese, and chocolates — where taste buds hung upon every note. Premium producer of non-toxic, essential oils, Young Living created an aromatherapy oasis of diffused oils that streamed throughout the air of the VIP lounge as well. Full body massage chairs further heightened the senses to promote relaxation for those trying to unwind from the excitement of the 91st Academy Awards. Opulence Lounge furnishings were provided by Vitality Furniture, committed to traditional and contemporary values that create quality relationships and classic environments.

Kush Boys, a leader in California’s cannabis footprint, spotlighted a Kush Boys Lifestyle Lounge with curated cannabis treats by Cal Farms, Lucid Mood, Try Chemistry, Papa & Barkley, Mellow, Foria Wellness, Apple Dabs, Neptune Sticks and Main Express. While DJ/Model MAAD kept the dance floor hot, signature Remy Martin cocktails, 1738, Botanist Gin, Cointreau, Mount Gay Rum and Moreno champagne glasses overflowed. The District tray-passed modern Vietnamese fare of crab, candy walnut prawns, lobster & crab wontons, tuna poke on rice crisps, spring rolls, noodle station, chocolate mousse cake, pineapple bread pudding, mango cheesecake and assorted macaroons for guests to devour. Annette BibbyOliver of Dream House MGB and Dwight Eubanks (Real Housewives of Atlanta) spearheaded event production and design. No Oscars event would be complete without gift bags. Griot Gala Remy XO VIPs received Bella Spirit and Wen bath, body and hair products by Chaz Dean, Young Living essential oil kits, AHF, Blings by Marium, Feather Lite Aesthetics/Mari Abdulian medical spa certificates, Paragon Cleaners, and Mixed Chicks multi-racial, non-sticky, lightweight curly hair products totaling three-thousand dollars.

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About the Griot Gala: The Griot Gala celebrates diversity and inclusion while recognizing outstanding achievement in the Arts and Entertainment Industry. The Griot honors women and people of color who exude a Spirit of Excellent and who are trailblazers in the Arts and Entertainment Industry. The Griot recognizes the need for diversity, inclusion, and equality for ALL people regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. We are GRIOT.

Stay connected @TheGriotGateway

Photo Credit: Brittany Mobley of BMobley Media Relations

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