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RIVERSIDE, CA- The Fair Housing Council of Riverside was the site of holiday joy and the spirit of giving on Tuesday, November 22, 2016.  The Riverside Alumni Chapter (RAC) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and members of its Kappa League Youth Program collaborated with the Council, community volunteers and local charitable organizations to provide turkeys, canned goods, clothing, socks, shoes and toys to families in need.
Over 400 families were served with the help of community partners, which included the Silhouettes of RAC Kappa Alpha Psi, Theta Pi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., the Pi Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Martin Luther King High School Black Student Union.
On the heels of its successful turkey giveaway, the Fraternity is in the midst of finalizing the details of its upcoming Shop with a Kappa event, which is its annual toy distribution to Riverside children.
“Every year we look forward to shopping with the children and their families, because it allows Kappa to impact the children in a meaningful and memorable way”, says Polemarch Demarius Carmichael.   Walmart Stores has partnered with the Fraternity to host the annual shopping spree, which will take place on Sunday, December 18, 2016. Participants are referred by the Fair Housing Council and other charitable organizations based on need.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, December 10, community members and elected officials came out to celebrate the 50th Anniversary Kwanzaa Celebration. The annual celebration was held at San Bernardino Valley College. This year there was a special skit presented by the PAL Charter Academy.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Mu Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc will be hosting its Men of Tomorrow Rites of Passage ceremony on Saturday, December 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at California State University, San Bernardino in the Student Union, Event Room A.
The program will be in collaboration with our fraternity’s national initiative, to inspire young men to complete high school, and college.  Over the past eleven months, members of the fraternity have been mentoring a group of young men (ages 8-18) on various skills that are vital to their future success.  They have attended workshops on goal setting, self-respect, and peaceful conflict resolution, to name a few.
These young men will be honored during Saturday’s luncheon to celebrate their commitment to complete this intensive learning program they began at the beginning of the year.  To RSVP to this event, please contact Kevin Hall at khall1949@yahoo.com by Thursday, December 15. The event is free but parking is $6 for vehicles that do not have a CSUSB parking permit. The street address of the student union is 5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, December 10, PAL Charter Academy students Jesse Hamilton, Brent Matthews, Rica Taylor, Jacqueline German, Edward Orrego and Devyn Graves attended the 50th Anniversary Kwanzaa Celebration at San Bernardino Valley College.  These students actively participated in the event by presenting a skit that highlighted The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, working together, supporting one another, purpose, creativity and faith.

Publishers Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

Greetings and Merry Christmas! As we enter this season of holidays and goodwill, I encourage you to remember the importance and impact of where you spend and invest your money. Please, all of you, regardless of your race ethnicity or political persuasion, help balance America’s economic opportunity by supporting Black Owned Businesses (BOB) whenever possible. There are jobs that follow your spending and being that the Black unemployment rates are the highest, spending with BOB creates potential employment opportunities that otherwise do not exist for some Black males. There are several Directories of Black Owned businesses on the web. Google, “Black Owned Business Directory” and you will find a variety of directories.

As we ask your participation in supporting the economic wellness of America via supporting BOB, we will make it easier for you by highlighting businesses in the Inland Empire.

This week we are highlighting a familiar face and place. Most of us can find the time and appetite to patronize McDonalds. Yes you can support BOB by eating at certain McDonalds restaurants! The following list of McDonalds restaurants is owned and managed by Webb Family Enterprises.

Reginald Webb, the founder and patriarch of Webb family Enterprises will be my guest on this Sunday’s “Empire Talks Back” (ETB) radio show. Listen to the program at 10: 00 AM via 1050 AM in San Bernardino/Loma Linda, 102.3 FM in Riverside/Moreno Valley and 106.5 FM in Redlands/Yucaipa.

The program streams live video via www.kcaaradio.com

Sheryl Lee Ralph

By Angela M. Coggs

Most people do not know that December 1, 2016 will mark the 31st annual World Aids Day. Over thirty years ago, a mysterious illness invaded the country. Doctors could not find anything to prescribe for the mystery illness because nobody knew exactly what it was. The world soon discovered the silent assassin was called HIV/AIDS. Once given a name, people who had contracted the disease were ostracized by many. The disrespect and lack of compassion for those HIV/AIDS patients inspired some people to help find a cure. One of those people was veteran actress of stage and screen, Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Just as AIDS commenced to devastate the United States in 1981, Sheryl Lee Ralph starred in the original production of the Broadway smash hit musical, “Dreamgirls.” That time in her life would be formative, and it would turn Ralph into one of the world’s preeminent AIDS activists.

An HIV/AIDS activist for over 25 years, Ralph has been in the forefront of why it is important to know ones status. Her activism began while she was performing on Broadway. “I witnessed so many people who were sick be treated horribly and with distain. People were hurtful to those who needed help,” said Ralph. She has memories of the friends she lost during that time. People talk about the success of “Dreamgirls” but you never hear how “we lost one third of our company to AIDS. It was devastating.”

Although HIV/AIDS has not been a current topic in the news anymore, the recent status report last year about actor Charlie Sheen recently diagnosed with HIV has brought HIV/Aids back to the forefront of a national conversation. Though Sheen’s recent status may be the reason why people are talking about HIV/AIDS again, Ralph doesn’t mind at all.

“As long as information regarding HIV/AIDS is being talked about openly means that people are once again aware and engaged.”

The loss of friends and witnessing the mistreatment of those afflicted inspired Ralph to get involved and be a voice for those who could not fight for themselves. That experience is what was to become the beginning of the DIVA (Driving Infectious Viruses Away) Foundation. With the success of the foundation, the Broadway actress took her activism to the next level by starting the DIVA’s Simply Singing Fundraiser Event.

DIVA’s Simply Singing Fundraiser is the longest consecutively running musical AIDS benefit fundraiser in the county to date. Last year the event was kicked off on August 27, 2015 in Philadelphia at the Del. Over 5,000 people attended the event. “It was wonderful to see all the people come out and be receptive to the message we delivered,” said Ralph. They were open the information and it is needed out there. “The South is a hotspot and no one realizes it.”

The fundraising event continued on October 25, 2015 in Los Angeles. The show will feature performances by some of the most talented DIVAS in entertainment, including Loretta Devine, Jennifer Lewis, A’ngela Winbush, Meli’sa Morgan, Shanice, CeCe Peniston, Jordin Sparks, the Supreme Mary Wilson, and more. The audience of donors packed the Montalban and supported the worthy cause. Not only were they donating to a worthy cause, but they were also treated to a magical night of entertainment and song. The DIVA’s Foundation in conjunction with World AIDS Day utilizes star power to help raise money, awareness and erase stigma associated with patients who have contracted the disease.

Unfortunately, the DIVA’s Simply Singing Fundraiser has been canceled. The star of Broadway’s original Dreamgirls made her debut in this season’s run of Wicked, one of Broadway’s longest running and praised productions, as Madame Morrible on Tuesday. Most notably, Ralph is the first African-American actress to take on the classic role. Regarding her groundbreaking return to Broadway, Ralph stated, “It’s so nice to be in a show that’s living forever.”

Proceeds from past benefit concerts have benefited organizations like Project Angel Food, Caring for Babies with AIDS and the Black AIDS Institute among others.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from “DIVAS Simply Singing!” support The DIVA Foundation’s awareness and prevention programs. The DIVA Foundation is a 501c 3 not for profit organization.

In addition to the DIVA outreach in the United States, Ralph recently visited South Africa and met a group of young women who are the definition of D.I.V.A. However, the dialogue of AIDS is as prevalent as we may think. “I was surprised that although South Africa is a hotspot for AIDS, it is still not talked about. It’s still a quiet secret.” Plans are currently in the works to expand the foundations outreach internationally.

The message that the DIVA Foundation wants to get out on World’s AIDS Day was for everyone to know their HIV status, be aware, and to put themselves first. In conjunction with providing important resources, DIVAS took a step closer to raising awareness by partnering with OraQuick, the 1^st in-home rapid HIV test. It is a quick in-home that is easy to use. Understandably, some people do not get tested because they are afraid of needles and having their blood drawn. The OraQuick kit does not use needles but it uses a swab. The person swabs the inside of their cheek, places it in the receptacle, and twenty minutes later the person see the results. For those who may need to talk to someone regarding the results they received, OraQuick has a 24 hour technical/phone support counselors are available to answer question and address any concerns.

The counselors available via phone are only the first step. OraQuick and the DIVA Foundation maintain the importance contacting your regular doctor for any follow up as needed. Partnering with the DIVA’s Foundation, OraQuick goal is to provide 10,000 HIV test kits to people in underserved communities.

In 2015, Ralph was announced as the Event Ambassador for the Atlanta AIDS Walk. The invitation was a very welcomed surprise. “I was elated,” exclaimed Ralph. “The committee was aware of my years as a HIV/AIDS activist and they called me. I was honored to be chosen.” The 25th annual AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run took place on Sunday; October 18th, 2015 raised more than $950,000.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a force to be reckon with on the stage, film, television, and, most importantly, in the community. She is passionate about her work and she dedicated to spreading awareness to this, still, devastating virus. She pledges to work toward prevention until a cure can be found. Congratulations are surely in order for Sheryl Lee Ralph!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Area Kwanzaa Group with San Bernardino Valley College will host the 50^th Anniversary Kwanzaa Karamu 2016 on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 4 p.m. at San Bernardino Valley, Business Building Room B-100.

The Karamu celebrates family, community and culture with an African feast of fine foods, dance, song and poetry. This year’s event will be held in memory of Ratibu Jacocks, the Kwanzaa Group’s Co-Chair.

Kwanzaa is an African-American Cultural Holiday, celebrating family, community and Culture and is celebrated throughout the world African Community December 26 to January 1. As an African American and Pan African holiday celebration, the ancient and cultural traditions reflect the best in African and African American thought and practice.

To purchase tickets for $10 each and/or reserve a table for ten, please contact Sheila Umbaji Futch at umbaji@me.com (951) 235-5123 or Wilmer Amina Carter at amina@ef-cbs.com (909) 820-4406.

Publisher’s Commentary By Wallace Allen IV

Today, and every new day presents an opportunity to choose to attempt to go forward or to quit or possibly do something in between. The President Elect, Donald Trump, said things that some will find encouraging. He will rebuild the inner city and African American Community, build bridges and highways and create jobs, and he has not at this writing, mentioned building a wall!

However, many people are disappointed and possibly afraid of the Trump Presidency. I suggest that depending on government action is risky business even when you feel good about who is elected. Life is surely stressful if you feel disrespected by them. I suggest that the election of Donald Trump can and must become a good thing, and to assure our community’s success, we must play our “Trump” card!

Economic issues confronting our community require that concerned and talented community members visualize and effect plans that acknowledge our resources. Demonstrating respect for our resources and potential is a big but very achievable step. Consider that our churches deposit a estimated $500,000,000 per Monday. That deposit is not being levered. Additionally, our trillion dollar annual buying- power is promptly diluted by our propensity to immediately spend it outside of our community. Correcting that bad habit will change things very quickly. Circulating money is how a community grows itself. There can be safety and security in numbers. A community that successfully utilizes its member resources will find that others outside their community will respect that accomplishment and want to work with them also. Whether the President Elect is somehow able to do something for us or not, controlling our resources can be more beneficial than any government program.    

That a group of people can spend a trillion dollars a year and not be economically viable is a demonstration of inappropriate behavior. The fact is, behavior is something that can be corrected. In the ‘games of life’ we know that doing the unexpected, the unusual, can lead to triumph. Our community will find economic triumph by doing the unexpected, the unusual. Focusing on levering our resources and ‘vesting our money in developing our community’ is indeed, an unexpected change and definitely appropriate behavior!

In this game of economics, changing from a random, suicidal spending attitude to a focused buying/spending strategy is in effect, “playing our Trump card”!

By Naomi K. Bonman

Despite the harsh reality of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, there is still a little praise to cheer about. California showed up and showed out in electing the state’s first new U.S. Senator in 24 years. State Atty. General Kamala Harris has become the first black politician in history to represent California in the Senate. This the start that we need in turning over the House of Representatives and Senate from the Republicans. Not only is Harris the states first new U.S. Senator in years, but she is only the second black woman ever to be selected to the Senate since 1999. 

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the Harris-Sanchez Senate race was the first major test of California’s “top-two” primary system, an experiment in democracy that California voters approved in 2010 in an effort to reduce the highly partisan influence of the Democratic and Republican parties and give independents and moderates more clout in the political process. 

Like many Californians, I voted for Harris, and not just because she was a Black woman but because I believed in and loved her vision that she has for not only for the our state but for the Nation. I admired her speeches and I feel a little comfort knowing that she will be representing us in the Senate. Even after the news of our 45th President selection, she gave us even more comfort and perseverance through her words. 

“Our ideals are at stake right now, and we all have to fight for who we are,” she said in a speech far more somber than most victory addresses. “I believe this is that moment in time for our country, where we are collectively being required to look in the mirror, and with furrowed brow, we are asking a question: Who are we? In California, I believe the answer is a good one: We are a great country.”

The country has survived horrible presidents in the past and this one is no different. We can still preserve and achieve our greatness. Let’s not let fear hinder us, but to push us further into achieving what we need to achieve. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The League of Women Voters provided a review and discussion of California’s seventeen voter initiatives last Saturday, October 30, at the Ingrahm Community Center in San Bernardino. The forum was organized by the Northwest Redevelopment Project Area Committee. The 9 a.m. to noon meeting was attended by committee members as well as the general public. Each proposition was discussed as well as the San Bernardino Measures. Though no recommendations were made, the general consensus was that the event and information was very helpful. For more information about the NWPAC, call (909) 913-0831.