The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation 2012 Black History Month Celebration

Several of the Senior King & Queen couples were available for the ‘Annual Photo’.(left-right): Marion & Charlotte Black(2009); Randolph & Mary Riley(2011); Felton & Betty Dean Anderson(2002); Carlton & Lessie Deon(2008); Faye Jackson(2003); & David & Daisy Clark (2012)

Febreuary 10, 2012

By John Coleman

SAN BERNARDINO,CA-In the Clark(2012). early 60s, several civic leaders began to promote public events in celebration of Black History & Culture, which earlier had been available primarily in Black churches, on behalf of an expanding African American community of ‘Greater San Bernardino’. Over the years, energy, interest & moneys to nourish this enterprise have varied, & the ‘torch’ for the continuance & promotion of this responsibility came to be assigned to the San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation. Opening the 2012 Celebration of Black History Month, in San Bernardino, & under the theme:

“Give thanks for the past; Appreciate the Present; & Leave a Legacy for the Future”, the SBBCF released a covey of white doves & homing pigeons; gave honor & recognition to past community leaders & officials; to SBBCF past officers & members; to former SBBCF Senior Kings & Queens; to recipients of Black Rose Awards; to winners of SBBCF Scholarships; to Miss Black San Bernardino honorees; to the individuals & organizations who marched & participated in years of Black History Parades; & to the community which supported these efforts for more than half a century ! The event was held Friday, February 3, 2012 at the Adult Education Center in San Bernardino.Dr Margaret Hill & SBBCF President, Joann Roberts,at the SB lead opening ceremonies. Nia Jenise Bush, daughter of Dr Edward & Jenise Bush, was installed as Miss Black San Bernardino. Nia carries a 4.0 gpa, and is on the‘principal’s honor roll’ She is also a recipient of the ‘President’s Academic Achievement Award’.

There were also four SBBCF Scholarship recipients. awarded for their academic achievements They were Pierrre Diontrez Morris (SBHS- 3.7gpa); Ariel Damali Hollie (SBHS- 4.66gpa); Danise Webb (Arroyo Valley HS-4.58gpa); & Jessica Reliford (Arroyo Valley HS- 4.38gpa). The new King and Queen for 2012 were also crowned. Randolph & Mary Riley said that they enjoyed their term as 2011 SBBCF Senior King & Queen, & were reluctant to give it up, but proceeded to help install & crown the 2012 SBBCF Senior King & Queen, David & Daisy Clark, deacon & deaconess & family ministry members at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. In an effort to widen access to leadership & other volunteer roles in the SBBCF workforce, SBBCF asked Carolyn Tillman, Assistant to the Superintendant of S B County Schools; Terrance Stone, Founder, the non-profit Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy (YVYLA-ie); & Joseph Williams, CEO, Youth Action Project, (YAP) to serve as Division Marshalls for the 2012 Black History Parade. Terrance Stone received his award from Dr Margaret Hill. Several of the Senior King & Queen couples were available for the ‘Annual Marion & Charlotte Black(2009); Randolph & Mary Riley(2011); Felton & Betty Dean Anderson(2002); Carlton & Lessie Deon(2008); Faye Jackson(2003); & David & Daisy Clark(2012).