Marcelino “Mars” Serna to Receive a Black Rose Award
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.— The 34th Annual Black Rose Award nominees showcase the outstanding leadership within the Inland Empire, according to Black Culture Foundation President Christen Irving. “Nominations started in September, with individuals from every corner of the Inland Empire nominating those who have made a profound impact on our communities.”
2026 Black Rose awardee Marcelino “Mars” Serna is in his 40th year as a public servant in Education, Recreation, and Human Services. For the past 17 years, Mars has served the San Bernardino City Unified School District (2006 to 2014), the Fontana Unified School District (2015-2016), and currently the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools as the Family/Community Engagement Program Specialist.
“I am deeply honored and truly humbled to be selected as a recipient of the Black Rose Award. To be recognized alongside so many deserving individuals is something I do not take lightly.
“I stand on the shoulders of remarkable leaders who have paved the way and set a powerful example of service and commitment to community. Individuals like Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers, my good friend, Retired Chief of SBCUSD School Police Joe Paulino, Reverend Sam Casey, Dr. Al Karnig, Norm Nunez, Willie Ulibarri, Sherman Garnett, my dear friend the late Charlie Seymour, and the late Dr. Margaret Hill have each left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire me.
“This recognition is not just about me. It reflects the collective work of so many mentors, colleagues, and community members who have walked alongside me throughout this journey. I remain committed to continuing that work, uplifting others, and doing my part to create opportunities for future generations.
“I accept this honor with gratitude, humility, and a renewed sense of purpose,” said Serna.
Serna supports the 33 districts throughout the county with their respective family and community engagement initiatives. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at San Bernardino Valley College in the Human Services Department, where he taught Cultural Proficiency and Cross-Cultural Communication.
Mars also serves on a variety of community boards. He currently serves as vice president of the Governing Board of Education at the Fontana Unified School District and on the Executive Board of the San Bernardino County Gangs & Drugs Task Force. He also serves on the Inland Empire Fatherhood Involvement Coalition, the San Bernardino County Mentoring Advisory Committee, and the Loma Linda University Health’s Community Benefit Advisory Council (CBAC).
In addition to serving on these boards, Serna was the co-founder of the Inland Empire Family Resource Center Coalition, where he served as Chairperson from 2008 to 2014. Mars received an associate degree from Riverside Community College, a bachelor’s degree in public administration from California State University, San Bernardino and his master’s degree from the University of Redlands in Management.
Serna is happily married to his wife Marissa and has four children and five grandchildren. He’s also rearing his 16-year-old niece. His specialties include Community Organizing, Sports Officiating, former Disc Jockey and a Notary Public.
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 https://sbbcfoundation.org/black-rose-tickets/.
About the Black Culture Foundation
The Black Rose Awards are sponsored by the Black Culture Foundation, founded in 1968 by a group concerned that nationwide school systems haven’t incorporated Black history into curricula, preventing students from learning about an important part of U.S. history. The Foundation aims to promote interest and understanding of Black culture, raise awareness of Black accomplishments, organize an annual Black History Month parade and cultural activities, and foster unity across cultures.
For more information about the Black Culture Foundation, go to: SBBCFoundation.org.