Makeda Francisco Headline Entertainment At The 34th Black Rose Awards
August 2, 2026 by Carl Dameron
The award-winning Makeda Francisco, the lead vocalist for the Original Mary Jane Girls, Maxi and Cheri, is bringing a dynamic performance to the Black Rose Awards, September 12 at CSU San Bernardino.
Makeda Francisco and her dynamic live band are the entertainment highlight of the 34th Annual Black Rose Awards. Francisco is the lead vocalist for the Original Mary Jane Girls and Rose Royce.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino Black Cultural Foundation President Christen Irving announces that acclaimed lead vocalist and performer Makeda Francisco and her ’70s funk band will perform live at the 34th Annual Black Rose Awards ceremony on Saturday, September 12, at the Santos Manuel Student Union at California State University, San Bernardino.
Makeda continues to captivate audiences as the lead vocalist for the Original Mary Jane Girls, Maxi and Cheri (a staple in the P-FUNK Family). Together, they deliver tribute performances celebrating the legacy of the legendary R&B group Parliament Funkadelic while bringing contemporary flair to classic hits.
Makeda, one of the industry’s most sought-after lead and background vocalists, has performed alongside renowned artists such as Teena Marie, Ziggy Marley, Mavis Staples, Eric Benét, Kirk Whalum, Angelic Kejo, Phillip Bailey, Jeffrey Osborne, Lenny Kravitz, TQ, Gospel Gangstas, Howard Hewett, Shelia E., Ron Brown, Mavis Staples, Blue Magic, and many others.
“Makeda brings extraordinary talent and passion to every performance,” said Irving. “Her dynamic artistry and commitment to excellence make her the perfect headliner for this year’s celebration of community leaders and cultural achievement.”
The 34th Black Rose Awards ceremony recognizes outstanding individuals who have contributed to the advancement and enrichment of San Bernardino’s Black community.
This year’s honorees include Alisha James, a Spanish teacher at San Bernardino High School; Alton Garrett Jr.,Managing Partner of Garrett Management Group LLC; Anthony Morris, Supervisor of Mobile Maintenance Teams at San Bernardino Unified School District; Chache Wright, San Bernardino NAACP President; Dr. Keith Moses, a mentor, teacher and advocate for young people; Jonathan Beauregard, CEO of the Beauregard Family Therapy Group; Marcelino “Mars” Serna, Fontana Unified School District Board Vice President; and Tawon Green, CEO and Founder of Dreams Training Facility.
Carl M. Dameron, president of Dameron Communications and former president of the Black Culture Foundation, has been named the Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year.
The J.W. Vines Medical Society and Foundation will receive the Jim King Founders Award, recognizing its commitment to increasing the number of African American health professionals in the Inland Empire and addressing healthcare disparities.
Ticket prices are $125 per person, with a table of eight for $840. Student tickets are $75, and a student table for eight is $600. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit sbbcfoundation.org.
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 and the Black History Parade and Festival are the Foundation’s showcase cultural event. For more information about the Black Culture Foundation, go to: SBBCFoundation.org.
