San Bernardino MLK Jr. Day Parade & Extravaganza

Continuing The Dream…
2020

San Bernardino MLK JR. Parade & Extravaganza

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A Few Words
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Left with us.
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the
darkness of destructive selfishness.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do
right.”
“There is nothing more tragic than to find an individual bogged down in the length of
life, devoid of breadth.”
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his
individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.
Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
“The past is prophetic in that it asserts loudly that wars are poor chisels for carving
out peaceful tomorrows”

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John Valdivia was elected by the San
Bernardino residents and installed on
December 19, 2018 as the City’s
29th Mayor. He was originally elected
to represent the City’s third ward with
nearly 70% of the total vote. During
his tenure, Mayor Valdivia committed
himself to neighborhood values, vol-
unteering, and promoting civic pride
for San Bernardino.
Mayor Valdivia grew up in San Ber-
nardino, attending City schools from k
-12, and has been a proud resident
since returning from college in the mid-west.
Mayor Valdivia can best be described as passionate, energetic, and con-
scientious of the issues plaguing San Bernardino residents and the local
public policy. He often reminds himself of the credo, "If not ME, then
WHO? If not NOW, then WHEN?" He abides by that conviction as he
prepares for meetings, town hall presentations, and community advocacy
on issues that will improve the quality of life for citizens in San Bernardi-
no.
As San Bernardino Mayor, he commits to dedicating the resources and
personnel necessary to tackle crime and to support the businesses of the
City. He will continue to exercise good neighbor values and continue to
consider the impact of policy on the local taxpayer and business.
Mayor Valdivia pursued undergradu-
ate studies from Evangel University
(Springfield, Missouri), and graduate
studies from Fuller Seminary
(Pasadena, CA), and Azusa Pacific
University (Azusa, CA). He is the
proud husband to his wife, Bethany,
and father to their two children.

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YouthBuild Inland Empire offers stu-
dents between the ages of 16-24 the
opportunity to receive their High
School Diploma through YouthBuild
Charter School of California (YCSC).
YouthBuild Charter School of Califor-
nia offers young adults a full-time
High School experience. YCSC uses
project-based curriculum, which of-
fers a fresh and realistic approach to
engaging our students in their educa-
tion and future careers.

YouthBuild encourages their
young adults to identify, confront, and
overcome the barriers in their lives. We do this with enormous energy, crea-
tivity and imagination; all of which are beneficial to our communities. For
whatever reason students lost focus at their previous school, we look past
that and offer them a "second chance." We are not here to judge, but only to
encourage and work with students to see their progress as they successfully
achieve their High School Diploma. In preparing our students to achieve
their High School Diploma, we will prepare them for the Real World, includ-
ing Business, Entrepreneurship and Post-Secondary Education. With a vari-
ety of other schools to choose from, we're sure you'll be happy working with
us.
OUR M ISSION Our mission is to provide the necessary tools to edu-
cate, train, and employ the under privileged, at risk youth, and young adults.
We serve the low to moderate income people of our community. Our goal is
to encourage businesses in our community to employ our students that are
trained in our program.
YBIE's vision is to be a model in our community, offering educational pro-
grams that are broad, yet challenging, and that can empower students from
diverse backgrounds. We work towards building a future where our youth
are equipped with the skills and knowledge to be respectful and responsible
citizens, who care not only for themselves, but also for their families and
their communities.

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Makeda Kumasi:

Founder of WE 3 PRODUCTIONS, as well as the found-
er and artistic director of The Umoja Ensemble of the In-
land Empire. Makeda teaches Fine Arts at all levels
through The Kumasi School of Performing Arts and The
Sesh Project, a program designed to teach youth the art
of the Jali, an African Oral Historian and artisan. She is
a playwright and author of two published books, I See
Hip Hop Africa, (a picture poetry book), and 12 Days in
Senegal; An Artist’s Journey (a travel memoir) and pro-
ducer of a documentary short, 12 Days in Senegal; An
Artist’s Journey Docu-Journal. Makeda has received nu-
merous awards and recognitions including, California
Arts Scholar, Ida Mae Holland Playwright’s Award, Top
Spoken Word Artists Black Business Expo Los Angeles, and the Phyllis E. Williams’
Artist Grant. She attend Cal Arts before receiving her B.A. in Communications from
Cal State, Fullerton, and her M.F.A in Theater from the University of Southern Califor-
nia. She also possesses a MA in Elementary Education from the University of Phoe-
nix.

June Collison

President, Community Hospital of San Bernardino
June Collison brought her considerable health care experience and exper-
tise to Community Hospital of San Bernardino in February 2012. As
president of this 343-bed acute care hospital, she is focused on keep-
ing the organization at the forefront of industry change to meet the
demands of health care reform and the challenges of a depressed lo-
cal economy. In addition to her responsibilities as president of Com-
munity Hospital, Collison also serves as a key member of the Dignity
Health Inland Empire Service Area leadership team, which provides
strategic direction for collaborative efforts with sister Dignity Health
hospital, St. Bernardine Medical Center. St. Bernardine is a 463-bed
not-for-profit, faith-based, tertiary care hospital, also located in San Bernardino. Working together as a
Service Area, the hospitals are sharing the best from each organization to strengthenboth, identifying
efficiencies in order to expand community access to needed services.

Collison is no stranger to the Inland Empire and understands the issues impacting its communities. She
served in top leadership roles at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton from 2000 to 2007, first
as chief operating officer and then as chief executive officer. Since that time, she has served as chief
operating officer at Olympia Medical Center, a physician-owned, 204-bed acute care medical/surgical
facility in Los Angeles. Throughout that period, she maintained her personal residence in the Inland
Empire.

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Lizet Angulo
As an Entrepreneur, Lizet is President of a E-Media Publi-
cation (reaches out to 53M) Management Business Ser-
vices including Political Strategies, Campaign Advisor,
Entrepreneur Consulting; Business Marketing and, CEO
of a non-profit organization (Ladies Taking Key Opportuni-
ties aka Ladies TKO).
She has received her Associates: Business Management
and Medical Insurance Billing Certificate; a Bachelor De-
gree in Higher Education Administration; and, her Mas-
ter’s Degree in Business Administration.
Ladies TKO started with workshop Sessions with Life Skills and Work Force Strate-
gies. After being the caregiver for both parents with Alzheimer Disease. Lizet dedicat-
ed Ladies TKO in the memory of her parents: Alejandro Angulo, Korean War Veteran
and her mother, Lupe Angulo, Military Wife. Additional programs are now done
through non-profit organization giving back to communities across California and Ne-
vada (Las Vegas Branch).

Barbara James

Barbara James, Editor for the High Desert/Inland Valley News me-
dia began her journalism career in 2001, launching the first Christian
print news media for the High Desert region, known as the High De-
sert Gospel News. Her aspiration was to establish a profound Chris-
tian Community base media that would facilitate supporting the High
Desert Community.
As the High Desert area rapidly developed, minority families began
transitioning to the High Desert at a consistent rate. Barbara James
quickly realized and met the opportunity to provide news infor-
mation and promote businesses to empower minority communities,
also bridging the Inland Empire and High Desert regions. The High
Desert/Inland Valley Newspaper began as a 8-1/2x11 sheet of pa-
per circulated to three major churches in the community. The news media was blessed to quickly
gain momentum, expanding to approximately a 58 page printed newspaper , distributed to over
20,000 throughout the High Desert cities of Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia & Barstow, Cali-
fornia. Barbara stated,” It was all of God’s doing…and it was well in His sight.”
As the economy experienced a financial decline in 2008, printed media partially diminished and the
internet received profound attention as the insatiable appetites for expeditious news and infor-
mation was in demand. Just as Barbara began folding up her news stands, God then blessed her
with the vision to convert the print media to digital E-blasts promotions, thus continuing to expand
the Word of God
and to disseminate current events to communities within the High Desert and the Inland Empire.

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Order Your Copy of
7 Keys to Success

My mission is to impact, em-
power and develop success in
people, businesses, organiza-
tions and communities.
I live by this philosophy :
"Alone we can do so little; to-
gether we can do so
much." ~Helen Keller
Becoming is what our walk is all
about. We should always be
striving to grow, change, devel-
op, evolve and help the next
person do the same. The real
journey in life is to face the
adversities that are sure to
come and continue to move for-
ward anyway. It’s a fact that
life’s issues, stresses, disappointments, ups, downs and every
other situation in between will come. In those times, we will be
faced with the decision to stay where we are or push through . The
choice we make will define who we are and how we deal with life.
Don’t just let yourself Be...Choose to Become...

7 Keys to Success
1. Start Now
2. Use What You Have
3. Control What You Know
4. Complete What You start
5. Execute Your Plan
6. Share Your Success
7. Stand For Something

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Incumbent Councilman Rikki Van
Johnson is retiring and I am seeking
your support to represent the 6th Ward
as our new Representative on the City
Council.
For too long, city leaders have ignored
the West Side. We need a fresh voice
on the City Council to ensure that our
neighborhoods receive the attention
and resources our communities de-
serve. As a lifelong West Side resident, I am dedicated to serv-
ing the needs of our local community because I was born there,
raised there and built my career there.
My campaign is about rebuilding our city’s future and restoring
the community’s voice in Ward 6.
As your Councilmember, I will provide leadership that’s focused
on bringing businesses, jobs and community services to the
West Side. My background at America’s Jobs Center will also
help bring more resources and more partnerships to benefit the
people of San Bernardino.
Your concerns are very important to me. If you have questions or
concerns, please contact me at 909-206-4555 or via email
at [email protected].
I would be honored to earn your vote and be your voice on the
City Council.
Sincerely,

Bessine Littlefield Richard
For 6th Ward City Council

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Roscoe Lee Owens
The JazzZone Network Roscoe Lee Owens founder of the JazzZone Net-
work formed in 2000 to provide communitites, clients, musicians and art-
ists with a collective forum for working and showcasing our businesses,
talents, and gifts. Roscoe Lee Owens has performed and coordinated
many successful events and musical productions throughout the South-
ern California area. Our purpose is to successfully maximize exposure
with effective results, productions and performances while showcasing
our network of clients, musicians, and artists. The JazzZone pro-
vides LIVE Music & Entertainment for Luncheons, Brunches, Private Parties, Weddings, Concerts
and Night clubs.
Consider the JazzZone Ensemble performing at your next event for successful enjoyable events
and performances. Make yourwww.jazzzone.net Art by RLO Creating Art and Events, designed the
Art series “Something JazzZee” recapturing Jim Crow attitudes traveling Route 66. “Something
JazzZee” https://artbyrlo.com/ exhibited at the Pomona Valley Art Association Gallery 2017 and
continuing to
produce Art & Music in Southern California
Roscoe Lee Owens can be reached at
[email protected]
626-798-6848.
www.jazzzone.net

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Basil Kimbrew aka Chef Basil

He is known for Broken Soldiers non-profit organization and a partner of Manage-
ment Business Services that has 8 E-media publications (reaches out to 53 M) and
services include Business Marketing, Political Strategies, Campaign Advisor, Entre-
preneur Consulting.

He has received Bachelor Degree in Police Science Administration and, graduate
from Le Cordon Bleu French Culinary School, Pasadena.
Basil is involved and member of the following: He is the Veterans Chair, African
American Caucus, Calif. Dem. Party; American Culinary Federation, High Desert NAACP, Black Chamber of
Commerce, and Victor Valley Chamber of Commerce,

Chef Basil has volunteered in many events cooking for Veterans, communities, and the homeless. He is also
the Executive Chef for Events for Ladies Taking Key Opportunities (TKO) a non-profit organization (volunteer
as well)

The Family Support Program had a Kaboom project with the collaboration of Victor Valley Rescue Mis-
sion and the Lord’s Table – he volunteered to cook for all the volunteers and homeless that helped
(2019)

Water Challenge with Ladies TKO - distribute water during the summer to the homeless
(2 016 to present)

Covenant meaning
The definition of a covenant is an agreement be-
tween members to do a specific
thing.
“N COVENANT” HAS MADE A COVENANT TO PRO-
CLAIM THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHIRST IN SONG

N COVENANT is a gospel singing group, with a
sound and style of contemporary and urban fla-
vor. The
group was formed by Juan K. Tyus in 2003, who is a well know musician and music producer.
Juan is also
the owner and operator of T-Sounds Studios located in Pasadena and Fontana California.
N COVENANT is composed of singers, Jennifer Hamilton, Michelle Clyburn, Shun Griffin,
Dolores and
Juan Tyus, who all grew up singing in gospel choirs. Over the years N Covenant has had the
opportunity to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Southern California, while
offering up highly artistic arrangements that has captured the hearts of every listener.

N COVENANT gives all the Praise to the LORD2J0ESUS CHRIST for every opportunity to minister
the gospel.

Get It While Its Hot was started in 2009 by Executive Chef Brian Hines.
The company first opened in Fort Lauderdale, FL, moving to Murrieta, CA,
in 2009. Specializing in American, Caribbean (English and Hispanic), and
Fusion cuisines, Chef Brian often says, “There is no such thing as bad food,
just bad cooks”.
Being born in Jamaica and growing up in South Florida has had a strong
influence on Chef Brian’s style of cooking. His special blend of spices
found only in the Caribbean and South America adds a unique flavor to his
creations. Spending
several years in the Marine Corps provided him with access to a large and var-
ied array of
people helped him to refine his art. Chef Brian cooked many dishes for his fellow Marines, who
did not hesitate to critique him.
For several years the primary focus of the company has been fairs and festivals with an
emphasis on Barbequing. The compliments from the customer have been over whelming, with
several top ten finishes in local BBQ competitions and third “Best Burger” in San Diego two
years in a row, Chef Hines is preparing for the next stage. Get It While Its Hot the restaurant.

Lisa Hamilton

Lisa is a Stakeholder Liaison in the Communication
& Liaison Division Business/Self Employed Division.
Her duties include working as a relationship man-
ager for small business owners and the practition-
er community. She has held various positions as an
Appeals Officer for the Appeals Division, a Tax
Compliance Officer for the Examination Division, and a Revenue Officer for
the Collection Division. Lisa attended Cal State Los Angeles where she studied
Accounting and Economics. She has utilized her skills as a presenter to various
organizations and extensive volunteer efforts at VITA sites in the San Gabriel
Valley.

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About the Black Chamber Mission

The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce (SCBCC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) business
organization dedicated to improving the economic environment for the minority business
community, and fostering business development and prosperity. The SCBCC focuses its efforts on
four major areas:
 Economic Development
 Community Development
 Public Policy and
 Membership Services
The SCBCC invests financial and other resources to implement relevant programs for members and
which affect the orderly growth and development of the community. It is the catalytic agency that
brings together all of the forces, public and private, through which common goals can be
resolved. The fundamental mission of the SCBCC is to create and promote a climate where
minority businesses can operate in a productive and profitable manner. The SCBCC has served
member businesses since 1993, and their enabling them to prosper through mutual cooperation
and support.

Financial Strength and Stability

As in any business a sound financial base is essential for a chamber of commerce to perform its
mission. A portion of the SCBCC’s finances are received on a voluntary basis from chamber mem-
bership, through an annual dues investment. The amount a member pays to the chamber may be
based on a fee formula, business classification, special negotiation or averaging. Increasingly over
the last 10 years, dues make up a smaller percentage of chamber budgets, with the average being
about 50 percent. The
remaining portion of the budget is dependent upon income received through the sales of
publications, charges for services, special projects and foundations. A well developed product and
services program is the current trend for successful chambers of today.

Structure

The SCBCC is governed by Officers and a Board of Directors. The President of the Board
appoints
Committee Chairs to meet the needs of the Chamber. The staff is headed by the Executive
Director.

Programs

The SCBCC’s primary programs are created to provide the maximum benefit to business owners and
professionals in Southern California. These programs include:
 Contacts to Contracts – The SCBCC actively engages in facilitating government and corporate
contracts for minority businesses.
 Business Development and Training – Minority business owners, operators and their staff are
provided a range of workshops, one-on-one training, peer mentoring, resources and referrals.
 (Networking and Professional Development – The SCBCC provides local and regional
networking for all who wish to participate. Monthly mixers, local business conferences, seminars
and workshops are provided for the purpose of unifying and connecting minority businesses with
the resources, contacts and training needed to grow their businesses.

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Kimberly Calvin Biography

Kimberly Calvin, running for Ward 6 City Council and is a
third generation native of San Bernardino. Dedicated to
working with community members to build a sustainable
and productive city. Kimberly believes that the City of San
Bernardino needs a unique, innovative approaches to im-
prove our quality of life, reduce crime, increase small busi-
nesses, and build opportunities for our youth.

Kimberly’s involvement in the community has given her in-
valuable experience to find these unique approaches and implement them effectively. Throughout
Kimberly’s life, she has been of service to her community at large and particularly in the 6th Ward.

As a Homeless Community Liaison, Property Manager, Small Business owner, Co-Creator/Director of a

Jonathan Buffong is the second son of Reverend David Buffong and living
memory of Flavia Buffong. Jonathan Buffong’s is a Mental Health Educational
Consultant for San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health. Jona-
than is passionate about partnerships with various culturally specific groups
and getting them to engage in mental health awareness, prevention and inter-
vention. Jonathan is known for distinctive trainings on various topics for gov-
ernmental staff, community service providers and faith base organizations on
topics that include mental health first aid, suicide prevention, and nonviolent
crisis intervention.

Jonathan partners with his wife Keynasia Buffong and together they have cre-
ated National Black Grads, IE Community Goal-Setting, and Buffong Consulting
Solutions to provide mentoring opportunities, self-development training for local youth and offer scholar-
ships for graduating high school students. Jonathan’s also created the Project Action Slam Team, a pet pro-
ject that works with young people in the community to help find their voice and use it as a tool for positive
messaging. Along with growing their Financial Services business, collaborating with The Fellas (a group of
Inland Empire Business and Political leaders, and being an active community member, Jonathan works to
combat social, economic and health issues that negative effect the communities that he lives in. Jonathan is
the father to 2 sons: Xavier X El-Zion Mshindi Buffong (age 4) and Langston Eli-Aeon Onyx Khalfani Buffong
(age 5) and has been married to Counselor/ Educator Keynasia Buffong for 10 years

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Derrick and Angelica Jones are one of the area’s leading
Real Estate and Lending team in the Temecula Valley area.
They have over 30 years combined experience. Their mis-
sion is to help those who have doubted themselves, to be-
come HOME OWNERS. They strongly believe that Home
Ownership should be a right, and not only a luxury. They
take every opportunity to meet with people and educate
them on the roadmap of home ownership. They have a
family of 5 kids varying in ages from 15 to 26. They love
traveling, with their last excursion being Italy, Greece, France and Egypt. They are
very active in the community such as being members of the Black Chamber of
Commerce as wells as serving in their church. Their Mission statement is “WHEN
SHOULD YOU BUY? WHEN YOU QUALIFY”

Bianca Vobecky the Founder & President of Vobecky Enterprises, a
business dedicated to providing construction and construction related
service such as tenant improvement, construction management, pro-
ject staffing, supplier of construction materials and Nationwide truck-
ing. Since founding Vobecky Enterprises in 2006, the focus of Ms. Vo-
becky’s efforts has been the building of meaningful professional rela-
tionships with a focus on customer service. Ms. Vobecky and her firm
has won several awards including the 2019 Supplier of the Year Award
from Sempra Energy, 2016 Minority Champion award from Small Busi-
ness Administration (SBA), the Contractor of the Year award form Mi-
nority Business Development Agency & The City of Los Angeles in
2010 & 2015. The Outstanding Entrepreneur of the year 2017 from
the Black Business Association (BBA) and From the Orange County Asian Business Association.
The Los Angeles Business Journal in 2017 name Vobecky Enterprises as one of the Top 100
Fastest growing private company in Los Angeles. One of Ms. Vobecky’s most cherish honors
was being chosen as the Game Changer of the year from Wells Fargo Bank where she rode on
the stagecoach alongside their CEO in the 2018 Rose Parade. Ms. Vobecky is a great support-
er of many local organizations who supports women owned, minority owned and small business-
es. As a corporate global citizen, Ms. Vobecky realizes how important it is to give back to the
community that has helped her so much in growing her business. To that end, she serves as a
dedicated member on the Board of several organization that promotes small & diverse business
and the Little Sunshine Foundation, a 501©(3) non-organization that support underserve children
and that empower youth to become leaders in their community.

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