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By Tanu Henry and Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

It was a history-making moment as Malia M. Cohen was inaugurated the 33rd California State Controller at Los Angeles City Hall on February 23. During the swearing-in, she was flanked by her husband Warren Pulley while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass administered the oath.

As California’s chief fiscal officer and top accountant, the State Controller’s office is an independent watchdog overseeing the disbursement of state and local funds, including one of the nation’s largest public pension funds.

Cohen, a San Francisco native will be the first Black person, and second woman Controller, as the state continues to make an intentional effort to break gender and racial barriers. Two of the top four largest cities, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are led by Black women Mayors, Karen Bass and London Breed respectively, and the state also elected its first Black in Secretary of State, Shirley Weber, who previously served under an appointment by Gov. Newsom.

“Mayor Bass and Congresswoman Lee: I know that you know all too well, that no matter the campaign budget difference, no matter how much they outspend you, leadership can’t be bought,” Cohen said in her inaugural speech.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. allocated for the approval of a funding contract with Provisional Educational Services Inc., to the PAL Ballfield at Blake Park to begin improvements on the park. The project has now been approved and plans to begin the rehabilitation project have begun. PAL Center Chief Executive Officer Dwaine Radden Sr. said, “restoring these fields has been a long time coming. But we are grateful that Joe Baca Jr. embraced the vision to refurbish this community baseball field. He allocated 2.1 million dollars to make this project happen for the PAL students, local baseball youth programs, and the community. Our children need safe fields to play on, or they will be playing in the streets.”

“Allocating these funds for an underserved and disadvantaged community such as Muscoy was just a small step in the right direction. Blake Park Ballfield project approval has allowed our County to keep pushing to provide recreational, health, social services, and better quality of life to our county residents. Creating safe fields, especially for our youth is pivotal in keeping them safe and keeping them from playing on the streets. We are so excited to see this project soon come to life and see our residents enjoy it together, “Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., stated.

By Tanu Henry and Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

March is Women’s History Month, and several California organizations are celebrating trailblazing women making history in our state — whether it’s recognizing the record-setting number of women who are state constitutional officers or lauding the unprecedented number of women serving in the Legislature ((50 out of 120).

Last week, the Black Women’s Collective kicked off Women’s History Month with an event organized to help build an Economic Action Plan for Black Women. It brought together experts in policymaking, labor, economic development, and entrepreneurship.

“Black women serve as breadwinners in 80% of Black households in California with over 70% headed by single mothers,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO, California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute. Griffin was citing statistics from a report on the State of Black Women in California from 2018 and 2022.

“Typically, Black women have higher labor force participation rates than other women, meaning a higher share of Black women are either employed or unemployed and looking for work,” Griffin continued. “However, the economic safety net is not secure as Black Women makes less than most of their counterparts making .55 cents to White males, which is one of the lowest in the nation equally the wage gap in Mississippi. California falls short of the national rate at .63 cents.”

Panelists at the event included Los Angeles City Councilmember Heather Hutt (CD10); Yvonne Wheeler, President, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor; Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, President and CEO, Center by Lendistry; and Denise Pines, Co-Founder and CEO, Tea Botanics and Women in the Room Productions. Moderators were Griffin and Regina Wilson, Executive Director, California Black Media.

SACRAMENTO, CA— This week, long-time San Dimas resident, and Monrovia High School alumnus, Ronald “Ron” Husband was recognized by Assemblymember Chris Holden and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) as the 41st Assembly District’s Unsung Hero for his positive impact in the community. An Unsung Hero is defined as a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution — a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged. The California Legislative Black Caucus established the Black History Month Unsung Hero Award to recognize individuals who have contributed selflessly to their respective districts.

“Ron is an example of perseverance and persistence – by doing what you love and offering a seat at the table to people who did not think that was possible,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Through his vision of art, he has taught students across the nation what it means to imagine more.”

Mr. Ron Husband, a 38-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company retired as a character artist from the Walt Disney Consumer Products Division. Ron graduated from Monrovia High School and went on to receive his Associate’s Degree in Art from Citrus College, and later his bachelor’s degree in 1973 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Ron joined Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1975 as an animation trainee and worked for 30 years in that department. He holds the distinction of being the first African American animator & the first African American supervising animator for Walt Disney Studios. In 2019, he was inducted into the College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

“I am so touched and humbled by this award, thank you to Assemblymember Holden and The California Legislative Black Caucus,” stated Ron Husband, 2023 Unsung Hero Awardee.

RIVERSIDE, CA—- Healthy Heritage, an Inland Empire nonprofit organization, has been awarded the Community Service Award presented by the African American Family Wellness Advisory Group (AAFWAG) for their outstanding work in addressing mental health within the African American community.

Healthy Heritage is the first recipient ever to receive the Community Service Award from AAFWAG, which will now be presented annually to an organization that demonstrates exceptional community service and makes a significant impact on the lives of individuals within the African American community. AAFWAG is part of the Riverside University Health Systems Behavioral Health Cultural Competency Program. Their primary focus is to educate and engage the community to reduce the stigma and disparities associated with mental health in the African American community.

“Healthy Heritage was recognized for their work in providing culturally responsive mental health programs and services to support African American individuals and families within the Inland Empire”, commented Hazel Lambert, Cultural Community Liaison of AAFWAG. “They provide unique and creative ways of reaching the community outside of traditional therapy services which helps to reduce barriers. I was especially impressed with their Broken Crayon’s Still Color Project, their Laughing for the Health of It mental health resource fair and comedy show and their My Hair, My Health collaborative community event.”

Mental health is a critical issue in the African American community, where individuals often face unique challenges related to stigma, access to care, and historical trauma. Since 2007, Healthy Heritage has been dedicated to addressing these issues through a range of programs and services, including mental health workshops, healthy lifestyles workshops, seminars, and community outreach.

“It’s definitely a special honor and privilege for Healthy Heritage to receive this award. AAFWAG helps to bridge the gap and brings together so many organizations throughout the Inland Empire that do great work in our community, and we’re grateful to be one of those organizations and be recognized for our contributions,” said Phyllis Clark, CEO & Founder  of Healthy Heritage. “Mental health is a crucial component of overall wellness, and we are committed to providing unique, responsive and accessible services to those who need it most.”

The award recognizes the significant impact that Healthy Heritage has made in the African American community throughout the Inland Empire.  By providing creative and engaging programs and services, they have helped to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and promote overall well-being.

Healthy Heritage is proud to be recognized for their work and looks forward to continuing to serve the community through their programs and services. Those interested in getting involved can save the date for May 21, 2023 for their Laughing for the Health of It mental health resource fair and comedy show at Ontario Improv.

For more information about Healthy Heritage, their work in the community and their upcoming comedy show, please call 951-293-4240 or visit their website at www.HealthyHeritage.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Black History Month Celebration commenced at California State University, San Bernardino Campus with Black Faculty, Staff, and Student Association presenting scholarships to deserving students, honoring emerging leader Prince Ogidipke, presenting village awards to Kiana Webb, Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers, Kim Carter, Social Lites, Inc., Westside Action Group, Kimberly Calvin, and Terrance Stone. The Lorraine Frost Award presented to Robie Madrigal. The following Pioneer Honorees included, Aaron Burgess, Kathryn Ervin, Twillea Evans-Carthen and Cindy Black-Wyatt.

Scholarship awardees included Mustafaa Bell (Dr. Mildred Henry Scholarship), Lynn Brown-Summers (Ms. Belva Holder Memorial Scholarship), Vivian Osunde (Dr. Jean Peacock and Walter Hawkins Scholarship), Kya Ny’Ashia Necole Olive (John Overton Scholarship), Kuadwawashe Jonah Magwenz (Terrilyn Monette Memorial Scholarship), Shareen Mc Dade (Dr. Milton Clark Scholarship), Tyler Harris (Felix Family Scholarship), and several students received the John Futch Book Scholarship.

Congratulations to all honorees!!!

FONTANA, CA— The 55th San Bernardino County Black Awareness Month Parade and Expo will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 10 a.m., on Citrus Avenue, North of the 210 freeway. Immediately following the parade will be the Expo on the Home Depot parking lot on Sierra Lakes Parkway in Fontana. This is a photo opportunity for young and old to have a picture taken with First Black Fire Captain in San Bernardino County, Kenneth White.

Kenneth White and his wife Sharon have been married for 15 years and have two daughters, Rhay (14) and Taelyn (12). In 2005, White began his fantastic journey of becoming a firefighter. In 2010, he was hired as a full-time firefighter paramedic for San Bernardino County Fire Department.

In 2015, Mr. White was promoted to Engineer and transferred to the City of San Bernardino during the transition to County. For many years, he has invested his career in servicing his community. Captain White brought dedication and success to the Spark of Love toy drive which is an honor each year to be a part of such an incredible organization. You can also find him drumming for the Local 935 Professional Pipes and Drums.

“My passion is to give great service both internally to my peers and externally to the community we serve,” White stated. “After 18 years of dedication to this department, I am the first Black Fire Captain to promote through the ranks for San Bernardino County Department. I am honored to have this opportunity to help inspire the next generation of firefighters. My new role as captain will be at station in 161 in the city of Upland.”

RIALTO, CA—- Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District, and Rialto small business owner Willetta McDowell will be honored as 2023 Jewel Award winners at the City of Rialto’s 17th Annual State of Women conference March 4 at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB).

The theme for this year’s event is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,”And will feature as its keynote speaker KNBC 4 News Correspondent Darsha Philips. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren will serve as Mistresses of Ceremony. The celebration begins at 9 a.m. at CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union Building.

“We are so proud of this event and the opportunity it presents to honor women leaders and entrepreneurs from across our region. This year’s honorees embody the strength and perseverance that distinguish Rialto and our surrounding communities from any other region,” said Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson.

Rodriguez became Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District in 2021 acfter serving as President of San Bernardino Valley College since 2016. McDowell, owner of Hair Biz Salon, has been a salon owner or stylist for 40 years.

Past winners of the coveted award include former State Assemblymember Amina Carter, Time for Change Foundation founder Kim Carter and Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The Rialto State of Women conference takes place during National Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is aligned with the National Women’s History Association’s ongoing recognition throughout 2023 of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts and more.

To reserve a spot at the free event, please click here.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter hosted the 35th Annual Oratorical Contest at the Riverside County Office of Education, Riverside, California on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Young scholars demonstrated their public speaking skills in three different categories: Grade School, Middle School, and High School. Over 30 participants took part in the speech competition.

L/R: Dr. Charles Brown (A Phi A, Mu Xi Lambda Vice President), Twillea Evans-Carthen (AKA Eta Nu Omega Chair), James Kennedy, David Eoff V, Xavier Buffong, Wanda Khan, Sophia Barrett, Lauren Stewart, Isaiah Buffong, BrookeMonae Westbrook, Natalie Castro, Ruth Rembert (AKA Eta Nu Omega President), and Dar’rell Jones (A Phi A Chair).

This year’s theme was “Overcoming Stereotypes.” Young scholars shared some stereotypes and prejudices they have faced and what they have done to overcome them. Participants also shared what they can do to change other people’s prejudices, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices.

Audience included parents, family members, friends, and Riverside County Office of Education executives. All scholars were provided with a certificate of recognition from the organizers and from Assembly Member Corey Jackson, 60th District.

Winners in each category received a monetary award.

Elementary

Xavier Buffong – 1st place – $200.00

David Eoff V- 2nd Place- $100.00

James Kennedy – 3rd Place- $75.00

Middle School

Lauren Stewart – 1st Place- $300.00

Sophia Barrett – 2nd Place- $200.00

Warda Khan – 3rd Place- $100.00

High School

Natalia Castro – 1st Place- $500.00

BrookeMonae Westbrook – $300.00

Isaiah Buffong- 3rd Place- $150.00

Congratulations to these young scholars. The community looks forward to their participation next year as we celebrate the 36^th year of the Oratorical Contest offered to students in the Inland Empire. Students who will be attending college in the fall of 2023, we wish them much success in their educational and career goals.

Oratorical Contest Committee Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega Chapter

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In honor of Black History Month, the South Colton Diversity Committee is honoring individuals for their community works on Saturday, February 18. Among those honorees is LUE Productions and Westside Story News contributor, LuCretia Dowdy. She will be honored at the Black History Awards Ceremony alongside the President for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce-Inland Cities East Chapter and Colton Sherriff, Art Satterwhite III. The ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. at the Crossing located at 165 E. O Street in Colton. There is no charge to attend, and food and drinks will be provided.