The San Bernardino High School Cardinals Marching Band
From left to right: Inland Empire NCNW President Amy Malone, Black Rose Winner Chuck Singleton, John Salley’s daughter, and Grand Marshal NBA basketball legend John Salley, riding on the float designed and built by James Baker.
San Bernardino, CA— NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer John Salley was the Grand Marshal of the 46th Annual San Bernardino Black History Parade and Festival on Saturday, February 1. making a memorable appearance alongside this year’s Black Rose Award winners.
“It was an honor to participate in the San Bernardino Black History Month Parade. Whenever I can celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Black individuals, I do so with pride. This parade allows me to honor past visionaries and those actively advocating for our rights today,” said Salley.
The San Bernardino City Police Department proudly led the annual parade with its dedicated motorcycle officers, showcasing their commitment to community engagement and public service.
The San Bernardino Police Department’s first Black Police Chief, Darren Goodman, led the parade with Captain Nelson Carrington.
The Department’s esteemed Mounted Unit joined the procession, adding a unique touch to the event. Police Chief Darren Goodman participated by driving a striking convertible Corvette, symbolizing leadership and community spirit. Captain Nelson Carrington also contributed to the festive atmosphere by cruising in a convertible Corvette.
The parade celebrated our community, emphasizing safety, unity, and the invaluable service provided by our police officers.
Parade coordinator Russel Ward noted, “Five marching bands performed during the event. The Cardinal Marching Band from San Bernardino High School led the parade, followed by San Gorgonio High School, Indian Springs High School, and Arroyo Valley High School marching bands, who concluded the parade and directed everyone to Arrow Vistas High School for the festival.”
Parade coordinator Russel Ward
Last year’s Black Rose Award winner, James Baker, designed an exceptional float. The float featured Grand Marshal Salley and his daughter, alongside Black Rose Award winners: Dr. Shene Bowie, Dr. Teri Davis, Elizabeth Cochrane-Benoit, Dr. Arlington Rodgers Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Charles “Chuck” Singleton, Richard Wallace, Lawrence Hardy, and Deborah Franklin.
San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran helped make the parade a reality.
The parade featured over 85 entries, including Mayor Helen Tran, San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., San Bernardino City Councilmembers at Flores, Treasure Ortiz, the Inland Empire NCNW, and the Charlie Sampson Rodeo.
The San Bernardino City School Board members joined the parade. Danny Tillman, Felicia Alexander, and Mary Ellen A. Grande were riding in classic convertibles. School Superintendent Mauricio Arellano and cabinet members—Dr. Sandra Rodriguez, Joseph Paulino, Dr. Marcus Funchess, Ana M. Applegate, and Terry Comnick—were also in the parade.
Black Culture Foundation president Carl M. Dameron and his daughter Shaila Carly.
Black Culture Foundation President Carl M. Dameron, who was in the parade with his daughter Shaila, remarked, “A good time was had by all. Seeing so many people out was fun, and I look forward to an even bigger parade next year.”
The event featured 40 entries from the San Bernardino City Unified School District, the main parade sponsor. The district provided venues such as Gomez Elementary and Royal High School and encouraged its various schools to celebrate Black History Month.
Additional parade sponsors included the City of San Bernardino and Dameron Communications.
“This was a truly multicultural event with diverse ethnicities represented, celebrating that Black History is alive!” said Dameron.
Next year‘s parade is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, starting at 9 AM. It will follow the same route along Baseline from Mount Vernon to California Street, with the festival immediately following from 11 AM to 3 PM.
About the Black Culture Foundation
The Black Culture Foundation’s mission is to foster an interest in and greater understanding of Black culture, heighten community awareness of Black individuals’ accomplishments, and organize an annual Black History Month parade and related cultural activities to bridge cultural gaps and encourage unity within the local community.
For more information about the Black Culture Foundation, visit SBBCFoundation.org.
The 32nd Annual Black Rose Awards will honor 10 outstanding community leaders with lifetime achievement honors called Black Rose Awards.
The Black Culture Foundation invites individuals, organizations, and businesses to participate in this historic event. “Whether you are attending the events, marching in the parade, or volunteering to ensure the events are a success, your involvement will help make this year’s Black History celebrations a resounding success,” said Dameron.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.—The Black Culture Foundation announces the Annual San Bernardino Black History Celebration, featuring the 46th Black History Parade, Festival’s 32nd annual Black Rose Awards. Both events are on Saturday, February 1, and Gospel Fest on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
“This year’s theme, “Black History is Alive!” celebrates Black Americans’ rich heritage, ongoing contributions, and bright future,” said Black Culture Foundation President Carl M. Dameron
Black Rose Awards:
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Location: Cal State San Bernardino, The Santos Manuel Student Union, 5500 University Pkwy., San Bernardino, CA 92407
The 32nd Annual Black Rose Awards will honor 10 outstanding community leaders with lifetime achievement honors called Black Rose Awards. Awardees, including Dr. Hardy Brown, Sr., will be honored as Humanitarian of the Year, and the San Manuel Band Of Mission Indians will receive the Jim King Founders Award.
“The parade, a beloved tradition since 1968, will march through the heart of Westside San Bernardino, inspiring the community with its vibrant energy and cultural significance,” said Dameron.
Black History Parade Details:
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Route: Baseline and Mt. Vernon to California Street
“The parade, a beloved tradition since 1968, will march through the heart of Westside San Bernardino, inspiring the community with its vibrant energy and cultural significance,” said Dameron.
Black History Festival Details:
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Location: Arroyo High School, 1881 W. Base Line St., San Bernardino, CA 92411
According to Dameron, the festival will feature a diverse range of vendors, performers, and community organizations. Attendees can enjoy delicious food, cultural arts, and live entertainment, including comedians, dancers, and singers.
Gospel Fest Details:
Date: Saturday, February 22
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Location: TBD
Chair Bishop Kenneth Wells
A celebration of Gospel, celebrating the rich Black history of gospel music with performances from some of our area’s best gospel choirs.
The Black Culture Foundation invites individuals, organizations, and businesses to participate in this historic event. “Whether you are attending the events, marching in the parade, or volunteering to ensure the events are a success, your involvement will help make this year’s Black History celebrations a resounding success,” said Dameron.
Join the Celebration
The Black Culture Foundation invites individuals, organizations, and businesses to participate in this historic event. “Whether you are attending the events, marching in the parade, or volunteering to ensure the events are a success, your involvement will help make this year’s Black History celebrations a resounding success,” said Dameron.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Black Culture Foundation is seeking sponsors to help make this event successful. Sponsorship packages offer a variety of benefits, including logo placement, advertising mentions, booth space at the festival, and tickets to the Black Rose Awards are available online at SBBCFoundation.org.
About the Black Culture Foundation
The Black Culture Foundation’s noble purpose is to kindle an interest in and deeper appreciation of Black culture, raise community awareness about the achievements of Black individuals, past and present, and organize an annual Black History Month parade and associated cultural events. Furthermore, the foundation seeks to transcend cultural barriers by uniting the local community and celebrating this event with unity and brotherhood.
“The Black Culture Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025 Student College Scholarship Awards,” said President Carl M. Dameron.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. –The Black Culture Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025 Black Rose Festival student scholarships. The Black Culture Foundation Scholarship Program provides scholarships for financial assistance to graduating high school and current college students.
“This scholarship seeks to support civic-minded students who want to give back to the region and demonstrate motivation, perseverance, and a sincere desire to use their education to benefit the Inland Empire and underserved communities,” said Scholarship Chair Rev. Bronica Martindale.
“Winners will receive a one-time scholarship of $1,000 to $3,000 to an accredited public or private four-year, bachelor’s degree-granting institution or two-year community college associate degree-granting institution of higher learning,” said Black Culture Foundation President Carl M. Dameron.
Students who intend to work in the region will be given priority upon graduation. The scholarships are funded when students officially enroll. Awards may be used for tuition, books, fees, and living expenses. High school seniors and current undergraduate college students are encouraged to apply.
Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:
Financial need
Letter of recommendation
GPA of 3.5 or above
Community service
High school senior or current bachelor’s degree holder
Attend a college within the Inland Empire
Full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolling in the fall of 2025
Intent to work in the Inland Empire upon graduation from college/university
Eligible students must submit 1) the application form; 2) a letter of recommendation from a counselor and another person not related to the applicant who is familiar with the applicant’s academic capabilities, skills, community service, and volunteer activities; 3) a current report card/transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
Final award recipients must provide evidence of enrollment in the academic institution to which funds will be provided on behalf of the recipient.
Interested students can obtain an application online from the Black Culture Foundation.
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., the Black Culture Foundation will honor and celebrate the remarkable work of these individuals at the 33rd Annual Black Rose Awards in the Santos Manuel Student Union at Cal State San Bernardino. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and program advertising are available online at the foundation’s website.
About the Black Rose Awards
The Black Rose Awards serve as a tribute to Black History Month. The awards are sponsored by the Black Culture Foundation, a non-profit established in 1968 by a small group of individuals who felt that our school systems have failed to include Black history studies in regular curriculums nationwide. As a result, all students miss the chance to learn more about this crucial part of our country’s history.
The Black Culture Foundation’s noble purpose is to kindle an interest in and deeper appreciation of Black culture, raise community awareness about the achievements of Black individuals, past and present, and organize an annual Black History Month parade and associated cultural events. Furthermore, the foundation seeks to transcend cultural barriers by uniting the local community and celebrating this event with unity and brotherhood.
The Black Rose Awards are the Foundation’s showcase cultural event.
Photo caption: Black Rose Award winners. Left to right first row; Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, Sam’s Club Assistant Manager Michael Beauregard, California State University San Bernardino President Tomás Morales, San Bernardino City Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Marcus Funchess, American Career College Director of Education Tina Darling, City of Moreno Valley Park Commissioner James C. Baker II, Black Rose Awards Entertainment Chairperson Rev. Bronica Martindale, Black Culture Foundation Past President Ezekiel Adeleke, and Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Partner Jack B. Clarke Jr. Back Row: Black Culture Foundation President Carl Dameron, GPL-Grandparents Love Founder Aristotle McDaniel, and Black Rose Awards Founder and Black Culture Foundation Secretary Jim King.
“It’s time for young and old, novice and experienced to join us to honor our legacy of excellence and to build our leaders for the future,” said President Carl M Dameron, imploring people to become members at sbbcfoundation.org/membership.
Riverside, CA—The Black Culture Foundation, Inc. honored eight local heroes and awarded two scholarships at its annual Black Rose Awards Gala.
The recipients of the Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year Award was given to two individuals: Dr. Marcus Funchess, who serves as the assistant superintendent of human resources for the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and Jack B. Clarke Jr., a community leader and partner at the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo.
“On behalf of CSUSB’s 20,000 students and 125,000 alumni, we are honored to receive the Founders Award from the Black Culture Foundation,” stated California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) President Dr. Tomás D. Morales. “We are proud of our partnership with the Black Culture Foundation and the African American community in the Inland Empire in advocating for educational opportunities to the residents of the Inland Empire.”
Black Rose Award winners include City of Moreno Valley Park Commissioner James C. Baker II, Sam’s Club Assistant Manager Michael Beauregard, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Partner Jack B. Clarke Jr., American Career College Director of Education and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Nursing and Health Ministry Chair Tina Darling, San Bernardino City Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Marcus Funchess, GPL-Grandparents Love Founder Aristotle McDaniel, California State University San Bernardino President Tomás Morales, and Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren.
Maya Johnson and Daniel Rivera Jr. received Dr. Margaret Hill Black Rose Young Adults Inspiration Awards including scholarships of $1,250 each.
The masters of ceremonies for the evening were Cal State University San Bernardino theatre arts professor Kathryn Ervin and former Judicial Council of California legislative advocate Dia S. Poole.
The masters of ceremonies for the evening were Dia Poole and Kathryn Ervin. Fonadation Presdent Carl M. Dameron is the man in the middel. Photo by Van Howard
Entertainment for the evening came from Unspeakable Praise youth praise dance group and the Original Mary Jane Girls leader lead singer Makeda Francisco. San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) student JhuMaani Chess sang a stirring rendition of the United States National Anthem and SBVC student Cherish Jackson moved the audience with her rendition of The Black National Anthem.
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, to foster a greater understanding of Black culture and 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.
Foundation President Carl M. Dameron said, “The nomination committee chose outstanding Inland Empire leaders to receive Black Rose Awards this year. We are honored to recognize and publicly thank them for their longtime and ongoing service to the people of the Inland Empire.”
A list of all previous Black Rose Award winners from 1990 is on the Foundation website at sbbcfoundation.org
Entertainment for the evening came from the Original Mary Jane Girls leader lead singer Makeda Francisco. Photo by Van Howard
Event sponsors included The Southern California Gas Company, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Dameron Communications, Charles Bibbs, Southern California Edison, U.S. Representative Pete Aguilar (D-33), California State Assemblymember Eloise Reyes (D-50), The Social Lites, the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, and California State University, San Bernardino.
Certificates of achievement were presented to the Black Rose Awards winners from Representative Pete Aguilar, Representative Ken Calvert, California State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-23), State Senator Richard Roth (D-31), State Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-32), Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-58), Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson (D-60), Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-45), Assemblymember Eloise Reyes, Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-47), County of San Bernadino Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez, County of San Bernadino Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., and the Cities of Corona, Fontana, Highland, Rialto Riverside, and San Bernardino.
The evening closed with the swearing of Carl M. Dameron as president of the Black Culture Foundation. His theme for 2024 is “Its Time.” Dameron proclaimed that “it’s time to bring back the San Bernardino Black History Parade. It’s time to bring back the Black Senior King and Queen. It’s time for an Inland Empire-wide Black events calendar, all online, in one place, free for all to share events and access.”
Dameron concluded with “It’s time for young and old, novice and experienced to join us to honor our legacy of excellence and to build our leaders for the future.” He implored people to become members at sbbcfoundation.org/membership.
The Black Rose Awards are a complement to Black History Month. The awards are sponsored by the Black Culture Foundation, Inc. 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, allstudents 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.
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.
Dr. Marcus Funchess, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources of the San Bernardino City Unified School District is The Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year Co-Award winner.
Jack B. Clark, Jr., a partner at the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, is The Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year Co-Award winner.
The awards will be presented at the Black Rose Awards Gala on Friday, February 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Riverside Convention Center.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. Feb. 7, 2024 — The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation announces that Jack B. Clarke, Jr., partner at the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, and Dr. Marcus Funchess, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, have won the 2024 Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Foundation President-elect Carl Dameron said, “We have chosen two outstanding Inland Empire people for the Humanitarian Award this year so that they can be recognized and publicly thanked for their long-time and ongoing service to the people of the Inland Empire.”
Clarke handles litigation concerning education law, special education disputes, public agency litigation, and other substantial matters. He has successfully defended school districts and other education clients in student disciplinary matters, civil rights and Constitutional claims, and special education due process hearings.
Clarke was the first African American to chair the board of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, and he served as chair of the Mayor’s Use-of-Force Review Panel in 1999 following the high-profile police shooting death of Tyisha Miller in Riverside, California.
His community service contributions have been recognized by the Riverside County Bar Association, California Law Business magazine, the NAACP, the American Diabetes Association, and now the Black Culture Foundation.
Funchess has served the Inland Empire (IE) as an elementary school teacher from 1998 to 2007, a vice principal from 2007 to 2010 and then principal from 2010 to July 2016 at the Thompson and Henry Elementary Schools, and assistant superintendent of human resources at the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) since August 2020. Funchess also served as Human Resources Director from 2016 to 2020.
He received his Doctorate in Leadership for Educational Justice from the University of Redlands in 2014. Funchess collaboratively developed the Aspiring Administrator program to grow and develop SBCUSD leaders from within the District. He also helped develop the Golden Bell Award-winning Grow Our Own initiative to educate and hire the next generation of educators from within the community.
The initiative encourages current SBCUSD students interested in careers in education to pursue their dreams with support from the District, even after leaving high school, and return to SBCUSD to share their knowledge and experience.
The Black Rose Awards are on Friday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at: sbbcfoundation.org
“Additional Black Rose Award winners include Acquanetta Warren, Mayor of Fontana; James C. Baker II, Park Commissioner for the City of Moreno Valley; Michael Beauregard, Assistant Manager at Sam’s Club; Tina Darling, Director of Education at American Career College, Ontario, and chair of the Nursing and Health Ministry at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; and Aristotle McDaniel, founder of GPL-Grandparents Love,” said Foundation President, Ezekiel Adeleke.
The 31st Annual San Bernardino Culture Foundation Black Rose Awards ceremony takes place on Friday, Feb. 23, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Riverside Convention Center.
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 major cultural event.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. —The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation has announced its award winners for 2024, they are honoring two people for The Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year Award. “We have chosen Dr. Marcus Funchess, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and Jack B. Clarke, Jr., partner at the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo,” said Foundation President Ezekiel Adeleke.
Foundation President-elect Carl M. Dameron added, “We are also honoring California State University, San Bernardino, with the Jim King Founders Award.
Black Rose Award winners include Acquanetta Warren, Mayor of Fontana, James C. Baker II, Park Commissioner for the City of Moreno Valley; Michael Beauregard, Assistant Manager at Sam’s Club; Tina Darling, Assistant Director of the Vocational Nursing Program – Clinical at American Career College, Ontario, and Chair of the Nursing and Health Ministry at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; and Aristotle McDaniel, founder of GPL-Grandparents Love.”
The Black Rose Awards are Friday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are going FAST, get your tickets TODAY: https://sbbcfoundation.org/events/2024-black-rose-awards/
The Black Rose Awards are Friday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are going FAST, get your tickets TODAY: https://sbbcfoundation.org/events/2024-black-rose-awards/
The Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year Award winner Jack B. Clarke, Jr., partner at the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo.
University Presdient Dr. Tomás D. Morales, will accept the Jim King Founders Black Rose Award for California State University, San Bernardino.
Black Rose Award winner Acquanetta Warren, Mayor of Fontana
Black Rose Award winner Aristotle McDaniel, founder of GPL-Grandparents Love.
Black Rose Award winner Michael Beauregard, Assistant Manager at Sam’s Club.
Black Rose Award winner James C. Baker II, Park Commissioner for the City of Moreno Valley.
Dr. Marcus Funchess, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources of the San Bernardino City Unified School District is The Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year Co-Award winner.
Black Rose Award Winner Tina Darling, Director of Education at American Career College, Ontario, and Chair of the Nursing and Health Ministry at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
The 31st Annual San Bernardino Culture Foundation’s Black Rose Awards takes place on Friday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m. at the Riverside Convention Center.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. —The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation has announced its award winners for 2024, they are honoring two people for The Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year Award. “We have chosen Dr. Marcus Funchess, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and Jack B. Clarke, Jr., partner at the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo,” said Foundation President Ezekiel Adeleke.
Foundation President-elect Carl M. Dameron added, “We are also honoring California State University, San Bernardino, with the Jim King Founders Award.
Black Rose Award winners include Acquanetta Warren, Mayor of Fontana, James C. Baker II, Park Commissioner for the City of Moreno Valley; Michael Beauregard, Assistant Manager at Sam’s Club; Tina Darling, Assistant Director of the Vocational Nursing Program – Clinical at American Career College, Ontario, and Chair of the Nursing and Health Ministry at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; and Aristotle McDaniel, founder of GPL-Grandparents Love.”
“On behalf of CSUSB’s 20,000 students and 125,000 alumni, we are honored to receive the Founders Award from the Black Culture Foundation,” stated University President Dr. Tomás D. Morales. “We are proud of our partnership with the Black Rose Foundation and the African American community in the Inland Empire in advocating for educational opportunities to the residents of the Inland Empire.”
The 31st Annual San Bernardino Culture Foundation Black Rose Awards ceremony takes place on Friday, Feb. 23, starting at 5:30 p.m. at The Riverside Convention Center.
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 curricula. 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.
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 Rhe Riverside Convention Center.
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.
