Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Looking for Black Heroes and Sheroes in the IE

Photo Caption: 2023 Black Rose Award Winners - (From left) Accepted for Linda D. Wright; Arlington Rodgers Jr., President of the Black Culture Foundation; Rose Mayes, Humanitarian of the Year honoree; Gloria Macias Harrison, Black Rose awardee; Jim King, Black Rose Chair; Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson, Black Rose awardee; Accepting for San Bernardino Community Hospital Dr. Ruby Skinner, Medical Director, and Roz Nolan, Chief Nurse Executive Officer, and Foundation Treasurer Genevieve Echols.

“The Black Culture Foundation Celebrates the 31st Annual Black Rose Awards with our call for entries for the 2024 Black Rose Awards,” said President Ezekiel Adeleke

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Some people have made a career helping others. And some have done even more than that.

“If you know someone whose passion is to help and make the community better for others, the Black Culture Foundation wants to know about them. We seek nominations for The Black Rose, Humanitarian of the Year, and Community Service awards,” said Black Culture Foundation President Ezekiel Adeleke.

“We are looking for someone whose volunteer efforts go over and above their job-related activities,” said Carl M. Dameron Co-chair of the 2024 Thirty-first Black Rose Awards. “These are unsung heroes, people who volunteer with multiple organizations or give all of their spare time to one. They never seek their glory but want to make their community a better place to live.”

To nominate someone for a Black Rose Award, email Dameron at blackrose@sbbcfoundation.org, or call or text him at (909) 534-9500. Nominations are due by November 30, 2023.

The awards program focuses on the Black community in the Inland Empire, Dameron says, but an award winner need not be a resident of the IE. Many community leaders in law enforcement, education, and other public venues have been recognized and received an award in honor of the work they’ve done that benefits the Inland Empire.

To become a volunteer or board member, call or text Dameron at (909) 534-9500 or email him at blackrose@sbbcfoundation.org, Nominations are due by November 30, 2023.

The 31st Black Rose Awards ceremony takes place on Saturday, February 3, at a location to be announced.

About the Black Rose Awards

The Black Rose Awards are a complement to Black History Month. The awards are sponsored by the Black Culture Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1968 by a small group of people who were concerned that, “...nationwide, our school systems have not yet incorporated Black history studies into regular school curriculums. Thus, all students miss the opportunity to learn more about a vital part of this country's history.”

The Black Culture Foundation's purpose “...is to foster an interest and a greater understanding of Black culture, to heighten community awareness of the accomplishments of Black people, past and present, and to plan, coordinate and direct an annual Black History Month parade and related cultural activities...[and] bridge the gaps across cultural lines by bringing the local community together to celebrate this event in the spirit of unity and brotherhood.”

The Black Rose Awards are the Foundation’s showcase cultural event.



October Is Liver Cancer Awareness Month


Photo Caption: “Early recognition of symptoms, proper physical examination, and swift intervention are the keys to survival. If you or a family member have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room,” said Dr. Andrew Benin, M.D.


“Here At LaSalle, we always stress the importance of annual physical exams and proper follow-ups to screen for cancers and other conditions that increase the risk of liver cancer,” says Dr. Andrew Benin of LaSalle Medical Associates.

REDLANDS, CALIF. –October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month, and The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) aims to raise awareness about the warning signs of both types of liver cancer. The AACR notes that liver cancer is more prevalent in men than women, and it is more common among Asian/Pacific Islanders and American Indian/Alaska Natives.

Dr. Andrew Benin of LaSalle Medical Associates says, “According to the NIH the incidence of liver cancer will increase by more than 50 percent and the number of deaths is projected to increase by more than 55 percent between 2020 and 2040. This is exactly why here at LaSalle, we always stress the importance of annual physical exams and proper follow-ups to screen for cancers and other conditions that increase the risk of liver cancer such as hepatitis.”

“We encourage everyone to work on lifestyle modifications such as decreasing alcohol use, avoiding IV drug use, and limiting fatty foods. Ultimately, the best thing anybody can do for screening and prevention is to make an appointment and have a conversation with their healthcare provider. Early recognition of symptoms, proper physical examination, and swift intervention are the keys to survival.”

The two types of primary adult liver cancer are liver cells (hepatocellular carcinoma) and liver bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). People who have cirrhosis or hepatitis B or C are especially at risk, according to the AACR.

The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program projects 41,210 new cases of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer in 2023, resulting in approximately 29,380 deaths. The five-year relative survival rate is only 21.6 percent.

Symptoms for both liver cell cancer and bile duct cancer include losing weight without trying, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), and or white, chalky stools. 

Symptoms unique to liver cell cancer are loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, general weakness and fatigue, and abdominal swelling, Symptoms unique to bile duct cancer are intensely itchy skin, abdominal pain on the right side, below the ribs, fever, night sweats and dark urine.

“Early recognition of symptoms, proper physical examination, and swift intervention are the keys to survival. If you or a family member have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room,” said Dr. Benin.

LaSalle Medical Associates serves more than 350,000 patients in their clinics and statewide Independent Physicians Association Group (IPA). Patients are covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare, Covered California, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Brand New Day, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).

For an appointment or more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.


Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Twelve individuals and groups being honored at regional education summit.

The "Toward a Shared Vision Awards" ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 26th, at the Riverside Convention Center. Hosted by Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), a local nonprofit, the awards recognize contributions to educational attainment and economic success in the Inland Empire.

 

RIVERSIDE, CA -- Seven individuals and five groups will be recognized for their work in driving Inland Empire educational and economic success.

The Toward a Shared Vision Awards ceremony is set for Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Riverside Convention Center.

“The Toward a Shared Vision Awards recognizes individuals and groups making significant contributions to educational attainment and economic success in the Inland Empire region while embodying core values of equity, transformation, collaboration, innovation, and centering students,” said Ann Marie Sakrekoff, Interim CEO of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), the local nonprofit hosting the awards celebration.

“We received twenty-five nominations for individuals and groups throughout the region, all of which are well-deserving candidates,” said Sakrekoff. “GIA brought together a diverse panel of representatives from local education and community-based organizations who deliberated and selected 12 individuals and groups to be recognized across six categories.”


The awardees are:

For Student-Centered Excellence:

       Group: Children Deserve Success Program, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

       Individual: Dr. Tomás D. Morales, President, California State University, San Bernardino

 

For Excellence in Regional Transformation:

       Group: Ontario-Montclair Promise Scholars

       Individual: Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes, California’s 58th Assembly District


For Equity-Focused Excellence:

       Group: College Futures Foundation

       Individual: Dr. Henry D. Shannon, Superintendent/President, Chaffey College

 

For Excellence in Regional Collaboration:

       Group: Making Hope Happen Foundation

       Individual: Kim McNulty, Vice President of Regional Strategy, OneFuture Coachella Valley

 

For Excellence in Innovation:

       Group: Office of Pre-College Programs, California State University, San Bernardino

       Individual: Dr. Ivan Peña, Dean of Student Services and Counseling, Crafton Hills College

 

For Excellence in Regional Leadership:

       Individual: Julie Pehkonen, Chair, Inland Empire/Desert Regional Consortium

       Individual: Dr. Judy D. White, President/Founder, MOSAIC, Retired 12th Superintendent of Schools for Riverside County















 The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 26 at 2 p.m. as a culminating program of the two-day Toward a Shared Vision regional summit. Tickets for the full two-day summit can be purchased for $129. A day-two-only ticket, which also includes the recognition ceremony, can be purchased for $65. Ticket sales will contribute to GIA's student scholarship fund. Learn more about the awards and register to attend on GIA’s website: https://inlandempiregia.org/tasv-2023-awards/.

Since 2015, Growing Inland Achievement has been actively supporting educational attainment and economic success in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. To learn more about their mission and initiatives, please visit InlandEmpireGIA.org.

Information: Jake Poore, jake@inlandempiregia.org.

Friday, October 13, 2023

Driving the Inland Empire Economy


 


“Educational and economic transformation in the Inland Empire is fundamentally impossible without cross-sector, region-wide collaboration, cooperation and alignment. When we all work together, everyone wins,” said Ann Marie Sakrekoff, GIA’s Interim CEO.


INLAND EMPIRE, CA – Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) will host its 7th annual Toward a Shared Vision summit on October 25–26 at the Riverside Convention Center. GIA is a nonprofit that networks education, government, nonprofit and business partners in the Inland Empire.


The summit theme, “United in the Journey,” embodies the need for a collective impact approach that harnesses the combined efforts of the business community, the Inland Empire’s 56 K-12 school districts, 12 community colleges, two public universities, five private universities, many nonprofit organizations, economic development agencies, and government entities to address complex regional educational challenges and opportunities. 


A video invitation from Ann Marie Sakrekoff, Growing Inland Achievement’s Interim CEO 
 
https://youtu.be/-KMrcxXGOg4?si=7kF8WC4J1NRfkbgS


GIA expects 300 local leaders from the IE’s leading organizations to tackle longstanding regional educational and economic challenges. 



“Educational and economic transformation in the Inland Empire is fundamentally impossible without cross-sector, region-wide collaboration, cooperation and alignment. When we all work together, everyone wins,” said Ann Marie Sakrekoff, Growing Inland Achievement’s Interim CEO.


GIA believes fostering an efficient, high-quality education system that creates access for all residents is critical to regional growth and prosperity. This commitment extends to building equitable structures to eradicate systemic racism, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has an opportunity to succeed.


Sakrekoff underscores the significance of uniting together, stating, “We understand that it takes all stakeholders' collective efforts and collaboration to drive transformative change.”

 

Participants will engage in collaborative discussions, workshops and team breakouts, focusing on strategies and solutions to expedite equitable educational opportunities and pathways to student success. 


 Photo caption:  Left to Right: Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, Chancellor of Riverside Community College District; Chancellor Kim Wilcox, University of California Riverside; Brian Haynes, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of California Riverside. https://flic.kr/p/2nVexGv


Two distinguished keynote speakers will highlight the event: Dr. Anton Treuer and Dr. Victor Rios.

 

Dr. Treuer is a renowned author and Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, recognized for his work in race relations and indigenous languages. 

 

Dr. Rios, the MacArthur Foundation Chair and Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, specializes in equity, anti-racism, cultural responsiveness, resilience, closing the opportunity gap, teacher well-being and restorative justice.

 

To secure a seat, attendees are encouraged to register early, as availability is limited. Early bird registration is $109 until September 30, 2023, and $129 after. Conference registration includes access to all keynote and breakout sessions and event parking, as well as breakfast and lunch on both days. All proceeds from the event will support GIA’s student scholarship fund.

 

Learn More about GIA in this 90-second video: https://youtu.be/9kwl6QycvSQ

 

For more information and to register, please visit the GIA website at InlandEmpireGIA.org.


—30—


About Growing Inland Achievement

Growing Inland Achievement, which serves both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, is a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success. 


GIA staff support this work by researching issues and opportunities, developing financial resources for the region, and connecting diverse stakeholders across the two-county region of the Inland Empire. 


GIA’s shared vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities, and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all. 



Keynotes: 

 

Dr. Anton Treuer

Dr. Anton Treuer (pronounced troy-er) is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. He has a B.A. from Princeton University and a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He is Editor of the Oshkaabewis (pronounced o-shkaah-baywis) Native Journal, the only academic journal of the Ojibwe language. Dr. Treuer has presented all over the U.S. and Canada and in several foreign countries on Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask, Cultural Competency, Racial Equity, Strategies for Addressing the “Achievement” Gap, and Tribal Sovereignty, History, Language, and Culture. He has sat on many organizational boards and has received more than 40 prestigious awards and fellowships, including ones from the American Philosophical Society, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Science Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the Bush Foundation, and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. His published works include Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask, The Language Warrior’s Manifesto: How to Keep Our Languages Alive No Matter the Odds, The Cultural Toolbox: Traditional Ojibwe Living in the Modern World, Warrior Nation: A History of the Red Lake Ojibwe (Winner of Caroline Bancroft History Prize and the American Association of State and Local History Award of Merit), Ojibwe in Minnesota (“Minnesota’s Best Read for 2010” by The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress), The Assassination of Hole in the Day (Award of Merit Winner from the American Association for State and Local History), Atlas of Indian Nations, The Indian Wars: Battles, Bloodshed, and the Fight for Freedom on the American Frontier, and Awesiinyensag (“Minnesota’s Best Read for 2011” by The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress). Treuer is a member of the United Nations Technical Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals through Inclusive, Just Energy Solutions and the governing board for the Minnesota State Historical Society. In 2018, he was named Guardian of Culture and Lifeways and recipient of the Pathfinder Award by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums.  

 

BIOGRAPHY Anton Treuer (pronounced troy-er) is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. He has a B.A. from Princeton University and a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He has sat on many organizational boards including the United Nations Technical Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals through Inclusive, Just Energy Solutions and the governing board for the Minnesota State Historical Society and has received more than 40 prestigious awards and fellowships, including ones from the American Philosophical Society, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Science Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the Bush Foundation, and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. In 2018, he was named Guardian of Culture and Lifeways and recipient of the Pathfinder Award by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums. His equity, education, and cultural work has put him on a path of service around the nation and the world.

 


Dr. Victor Rios


Dr. Victor Rios is MacArthur Foundation Chair and Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He received his Ph.D. at the University of California Berkeley in 2005. Professor Rios has worked with local school districts to develop programs for students who have been left behind in their education. Using his personal experience of living on the streets, dropping out of school, and being incarcerated as a juvenile—along with his research findings—he has developed interventions for marginalized students aimed at promoting personal transformation and civic engagement. These programs have been implemented in many schools across the United States; juvenile detention facilities; and alternative high schools. He is also the author of six books including, My Teacher Believes in Me: The Educator’s Guide to At-Promise Students (2019); Street Life: Poverty, Gangs, and a Ph.D. (2011); Buscando Vida, Encontrando Éxito: La Fuerza de La Cultura Latina en la Educación (2016); and Human Targets: Schools, Police, and the Criminalization of Latino Youth (2017).


Dr. Rios has been featured in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Ted Talks, the Oprah Winfrey Network, Primer Impacto, and National Public Radio. He has had the honor of meeting President Obama and advising his administration on gun violence and policing. His Ted Talk “Help for kids the education system ignores” has garnered over 1.6 Million views. He is the subject of the documentary film The Pushouts (thepushouts.com).