San Bernardino Valley College holds first-ever CyberTech Girls Workshop getting girls more involved with technology on Saturday, April 21
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Sixty middle and high school girls from San Bernardino and Riverside counties are scheduled to participate in the first CyberTech Girls workshop on Saturday, April 21 at San Bernardino Valley College.
The students represent more than 25 schools and 14 districts in the two-county region. At the conference, they will learn about crime scene investigations, how to build a computer and work on constructing a website.
The event is organized by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ (SBCSS) CyberSB and San Bernardino Valley College. Participating schools and districts include: Alta Loma: Vineyard Junior High; Central: Ruth Musser Middle; Chaffey: Alta Loma High; Colony High; Etiwanda High; Ontario High; Rancho Cucamonga High; Colton Joint Unified: Joe Baca Middle; Etiwanda: Day Creek Intermediate, Lightfoot Elementary; Summit Intermediate; Hesperia Unified: Sultana High; Ontario-Montclair; Redlands Unified: Beattie Middle; Clement Middle; Cope Middle; Moore Middle; Redlands High; Redlands East Valley High; Rialto Unified: Kolb Middle; SBCSS; Upland Unified: Foothill Knolls Elementary; Upland High; Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified: Dunlap Elementary, Inland Leaders Charter; Park View Middle.
L/R: Mr. Gilbert D. Brown, Western Province Polemarch; Ms. Joyce Smith, President, Social Lites, Inc.; Dr. Samuel Gibbs, Chairman
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Congratulations to Social Lites, Inc. for being awarded the “Johnnie L. Cochran Award” and a $500 donation from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at the fraternity’s Public Meeting on Friday, April 13 at the Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center.
Social Lites, Inc. have been in the Inland Empire for sixty-one years and has given to many worthwhile community need and presented over a million dollars scholarships and awards to deserving young men who have participated in the annual Beautillion Scholarship Program.
The 52nd Beautillion Program will start in Fall 2018. For more information visit www.sociallitesinc.net.
With tax season wrapping up on Sunday, April 15 (Tax Day), businesses and individuals are scurrying to get that last-minute tax refund in. But how many of you are investing that refund wisely?
When it comes to healing our communities, economics plays a vital role in building up and expanding our communities. All it takes is to have leaders that are savvy in economic growth to teach and show others how to assist in helping our communities grow. One of our community leaders that is a prime example of that is Reginald Young.
Reginald Young is the founder of MDISNET and an administrative pastor for Pastors United. He is also one of the core founders that are in the process of launching a credit union in San Bernardino, which would cater to the minority community.
I recently sat down and chatted with Rev. Young where he explained in detail the community and business endeavors that he has planned for this year and the coming years. To watch the interview, please hit play below:
This week we relive the agony generated by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! Many proclamations and declarations will be made about how far we have come or about the progress that has or has not been made. Much of the comparison will speak to the anticipated conduct of white people, especially the white people and institutions that have historically and traditionally impeded our progress.
This is to encourage that we, Black people and non-Blacks of conscious, involve ourselves in supporting two institutions that Dr. King suggested are paramount and critical to our development. He said that we should all get a life insurance policy from a Black Owned Insurance Company and that our churches should be depositing Sunday tithes and offerings into Black owned and operated banks and or credit unions!
I submit that when we decide to put our money in institutions that are focused on developing our communities, it will matter less about the anticipated/expected/desired conduct of people and institutions that we know are preying upon us as well as praying against us!
For information about supporting Black owned and operated Insurance and banking institutions, feel free to call and leave me a message at (909) 384-8131. I will return your call with specific information!
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, April 7, 15 young men will walk across the stage at Sturges Center for the Fine Arts in downtown San Bernardino as part of the Mr. Cardinal City Pageant.
At first glance, the pageant may appear to be a high school popularity contest, but the contestants know it’s an experience that teaches them professionalism and good etiquette, requires high academic achievement, and shapes their perspective on community service.
This year, the students are using the event as a way to shed light on the #NeverAgain movement. Pageant coordinator and founder, Jamie Rios, confirmed the 15th Annual Mr. Cardinal City Pageant will be dedicated to the victims and survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that took place in Parkland, Florida on February 14.
“This could happen to anyone,” Rios said. “We have to be there to support others in need.”
Rios added that Mr. Cardinal empowers participants to develop interpersonal skills and a strong sense of community.
The 2017-2018 Mr. Cardinal contestants are: Aldo Ramirez, Alfonso Sanchez, Alonzo Sanchez, Anthony Valencia, Benito Fregoso, Bryan Rosales, Daniel Cardenas, Daniel Villegas, Hervin Labandaria, Jedn Corona, Jeremy Barrios, Omar Santana, Roman Camarena, Samuel Herrera, and Yair Alcantara.
To purchase tickets, contact any Mr. Cardinal contestant or pageant coordinator Jamie Rios at jamie.rios@sbcusd.com or call (909) 881-8217. Red carpet event starts at 5 p.m. and the pageant begins at 6 p.m. at Sturges Center for the Fine Arts located at 780 North E Street in San Bernardino.
Local associates read books to students on Dr. MLK Jr,’s Legacy at Fontana Unified School District Elementary Schools as part of national service effort
FONTANA, CA- Wednesday, April 4 marked 50 years since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his message and values of dignity, equality, justice and service still inspire and motivate millions of people. To honor Dr. King’s legacy and commitment to service, local Walmart leadership and or associates in Fontana hosted and participated in a book reading on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy starting at Dorothy Grant Elementary School.
“Dr. King’s lessons have stood the test of time and continue to unite our communities, bridge differences and bring us together as a people,” said Walmart Market Manager Jondolon Bush. “We encourage everyone to volunteer in an act of service – no matter how big or small – to honor the legacy of Dr. King this week and beyond.”
As part of this event, Walmart donated 1,000 copies of Brad Meltzer’s book, “I Am Martin Luther King Jr.” to students across 10 Fontana USD elementary schools. Students were challenged to think critically about Dr. King’s message of equality, service, and leadership, and given an activity to illustrate what they want their positive impact in the community to be. Walmart presented the Fontana USD with a $1,500 donation.
“The Fontana Unified School District is proud to partner with Walmart on this day of American history to share with the students of Fontana the values Dr. King preached,” said Fontana USD Superintendent Randal S. Bassett. “We hope that Dr. King’s messages of service, justice, and equality resonate with students today.”
Today’s act of service is part of Walmart’s national effort to honor Dr. King and his legacy. Among several activities planned, fifty Walmart leaders across the country and at least 50 stores nationally are participating in, and encouraging others to engage in, acts of service in their local communities.
Along with the acts of service, the Walmart Foundation has awarded nearly $4 million to 12 nonprofit organizations working to help promote access, equity and inclusion among diverse populations.
Sacramento resident Stephon Clark became the latest unarmed Black male to die in a police-related shooting. The story has spread across the national media to become the newest flashpoint amongst African-American activists and community leaders and the families who demand action on police violence.
According to reports, Clark, a father of two, was in his grandmother’s backyard as Sacramento police were following up on a call that a man was breaking car windows. The Sacramento Sheriff’s helicopter was providing air coverage while directing Sacramento officers on the ground.
Upon encountering Clark, officers are heard on police body cam footage saying “gun, gun” and within seconds, immediately shot 20 rounds killing the father of two.
“Prior to the shooting, the involved officers saw the suspect facing them, advance forward with his arms extended, and holding an object in his hands. At the time of the shooting, the officers believed the suspect was pointing a firearm at them. After an exhaustive search, scene investigators did not locate any firearms. The only item found near the suspect was a cell phone,” according to a Sacramento Police Department news release.
Civil Rights Leaders
In response to the shooting, Black Lives Matter and other Sacramento area activists staged a public protest shutting down a section of the I-5 later to form a human blockade preventing over 10,000 people from entering Golden One arena. The Kings and the Boston Celtics both wore shirts featuring Clark’s name before their Sunday game.
Press Conference for Clark Family
A Coalition of community activists in support of the Clark family convened a press conference on March 26 at Sacramento City Hall calling for “justice, reform and healing.”
Clark’s grandmother Sequita Thompson recounted the night when she heard gunshots in her backyard. She recalled sitting on her computer and crawling on the floor to her 7-year-old granddaughter who was asleep on the couch when the shots started.
“They didn’t have to kill him like that,” said Thompson. “They didn’t have to shoot him that many times. Why didn’t you shoot him in the arm? Shoot him in the leg? Send the dogs, a taser … why? Over a cell phone? I just want justice for my grandson.”
President of the Sacramento chapter of the NAACP Betty Williams met with Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn and put calls in to Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert for regular updates.
“The unanswered question remains does the justice system have the capability of dispensing justice for all its citizens?” Said Williams.
The family retained Attorney Benjamin Crump who handled high-profile cases including Travon Martin and Michael Brown.
“Since 2015 over 73 families have had to endure similar experiences. Over 70 Black Men have been shot and unarmed. This is oh to often a pattern in America,” said Crump.
Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network President, will attend Clark’s funeral on Thursday and deliver the eulogy. Sharpton has sent his West Coast representative Rev. Shane R. Harris, president of the San Diego chapter of NAN to provide counsel to the family.
“NAN will stand hand in hand with the groups on the ground to ensure legislation is changed,” said Harris.
“We will not let his name die, his name will live.”
Harris expressed frustration last year with what he says is California’s lack of action on police shootings. He said that California is the bluest and most progressive state in the union, but other states are more advanced on prosecuting police violence. Harris challenged State Attorney General Xavier to take action on this issue.
Sharpton and other members of NAN have lobbied for Assembly Bill 284, the Deadly Force Act, which would have required all police shootings to be investigated by an independent team from the State Attorney General’s office. The bill has stalled in the legislature.
Harris argued AB 284 is needed because local district attorneys cannot be trusted to conduct objective investigations of police shootings.
“It’s like students grading their own papers,” said Harris.
Whitney Ashley, graduate of J.W. North High School and former Olympian, will be the keynote speaker at the “I Am Enough” women’s conference.
RIVERSIDE, CA-“I Am Enough” is the theme for the 17th Annual Empowering Young Women Conference, a collaborative effort of the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation, Riverside Community College District, the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, Riverside Police Foundation, Blumenthal Law Offices, and Dr. Kathy Wright. The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 in the Landis Auditorium located on the Riverside City College campus at 4800 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside.
This free conference, geared to young women ages 12 to 21 and their mothers/guardians, will feature informational workshops about health, nutrition, domestic violence, human trafficking, cyperbullying, social media issues, self-image and dress, college and careers as well as a fashion show, a poetry contest and a talent competition.
The morning keynote speaker, Whitney Ashley, is a J.W. North High School graduate and a former Olympian, whose specialty is the discus throw. She represented the United States at three consecutive Global Championships in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Dr. Leita Harris, professor at UC Riverside’s School of Medicine, and Obstetrician-Gynecologist, will be one of our afternoon keynote speakers.
The afternoon career panel includes Virginia Blumenthal, Member of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees and one of the top 100 lawyers in the nation; Dr. FeRita Carter, Vice President, Student Services, Riverside City College; Carmen Cuevas, Senior Field Representative for California State Assembly Member, Jose Medina; May Lynn Davis, Founder of the Asian Lunar Fest; Commissioner Belinda Handy; Ninfa Delgado, Vice President and COO Riverside Community Health Foundation; and other notable female leaders and entrepreneurs. These dynamic and accomplished women will share their experiences and the steps they took to achieve their personal and career goals with the conference participants.
“We are very excited about this year’s conference as we have a cadre of excellent keynote and workshop speakers willing to share their knowledge and personal experiences with the young women,” said Conference Chair Wanda Scruggs. “Participants will receive breakfast, lunch, a goodie bag and information on everything from how to defend themselves to identifying human traffic perpetrators — all at no cost, thanks to the generosity of our wonderful sponsors.”
Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz praised the conference for its excellence. “The Empowering Young Women Conference is a wonderful opportunity to expose young women to inspiring role models. The participants also receive practical advice for academic and professional success,” said Chief Diaz. “I am proud that the Riverside Police Department is able to contribute to the conference”. All conference participants will receive a free continental breakfast, lunch, a goodie-filled tote bag and opportunities for great door prizes. Participants are requested to pre-register no later than Wednesday, April 11 at www.empoweringyoungwomenconference.com.
About The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation (formerly Riverside Black History Parade Committee) is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization established in honor of founders Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts. The foundation focuses on the development of events and activities such as: the Riverside Black History Parade, Expo and Car Show; Empowering Young Women’s Conference, and the Back-to-School Back Pack Giveaway event, which promotes positive family and cultural interaction in a cross section of communities.
Dr. Juli Grigsby, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Haverford College, Pennsylvania (photo: Haverford College).
SAN BERNARDINO, California—On Tuesday, March 27, San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) will host renowned anthropologist and university professor Dr. Juli Grisby for a lecture addressing a variety of pressing socio-cultural topics that may hit closer to home for some students than their traditional textbook studies. The event, which is free and open to the public, starts at 6:00 p.m. in SBVC’s Business Building, Room 100.
Originally from the Inland Empire, Dr. Grigsby is a socio-cultural anthropologist who has lectured at universities across the country on issues regarding critical race theory, feminist and queer theory, women’s health and violence, and U.S. social movements. She is also a noted photographer, and author of her current book project, “Grim Sleeper: Gender, Violence, and Reproductive Justice in Los Angeles.” She currently serves as the assistant professor of Anthropology at Haverford College in Pennsylvania.
SBVC sociology professor Anthony Blacksher said Dr. Grigsby can provide valuable insight for young scholars into the practical applications of anthropology today. “The work she is doing right now highlights the unique oppression of Black women and how that can be rendered invisible when things are seen as merely women’s issues, Black issues, or issues in our society at large,” he said. “To this point, Dr. Grigsby’s latest work connects the structural and economic conditions faced by Black women with the very real violence that is enacted upon them, politically and physically.” He hopes Dr. Grisby’s lecture will inspire more students to consider fields in the social sciences, especially anthropology.
SBVC’s Arts, Lectures & Diversity Committee is happy to announce this special event.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Thirteen distinguished young men will be presented to society on Saturday, March 24 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino during the Social Lites, Inc. 51st Beautillion Ball. The theme this year is, “Reflections of Our Past and Visions of Our Future.” Formal attire is required. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $50 per person. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
The Beautillion Program was started in the Inland Empire out of concern for the future and survival of young, Black men in the community in which they live and serve. High school seniors who participate in the program are known as Knights. This program is designed to help young men who are seniors in high school prepare for college through the solicitation of ads, leadership development, accountability, responsibility, etiquette, attire for all occasions, spiritual growth, public speaking and community service. The all-around Knight will be identified at the conclusion of the program as Sir Knight. Other awards are given for academics and other achievements.
For more information, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Donna Little-James at (909) 528-9793 or co- chairperson, Mrs. Bridgette Shaw at (909) 648-6165 or publicity chairperson, Mrs. Twillea Evans-Carthen at tevanscarthen@yahoo.com.
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