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Dear Readers, 2016 marks the 8th Year of the Dreamers, Visionaries and Leaders (DVL) Project. This is also our 8th issue of this annual publication. The national theme for this year’s Black History Month Celebration is “Hallowed Ground…Site of African American History.” Included in this issue is a feature on the “Emancipation Oak” which is located on the Historical Black College Campus of Hampton University. We are recognizing 10 extraordinary High Desert citizens as DVL honorees. Our two Lifetime Achievement Honorees; Dr. Vincent Ajanwachuku and Dr. Mildred Hampton Henry have both secured their legacies of professional achievement and community service to others. Each year we approach this project as an opportunity to share, enlighten and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our American history. February provides us a month to embrace the richness of our diverse American culture and history. Thank you Daily Press readers for your continued support of our local newspaper and DVL projects. I also want to thank all of our wonderful partners and sponsors, the entire Daily Press team, and presenting publication sponsor, Desert Valley Hospital and Medical Group. A special thanks and sincere appreciation to my editorial team, Dr. Barbara Morrow Williams, Davida James, Theresa Polley-Shellcroft, my DVL creative team, Michael Kernan, Benn Johnston, Yvonne Hernandez, Holly Peters, Jenna Moore, Karla Franko, Jennifer Bomortino & Maggie Vee, DVL interns; Clorinda Hernandez, Marques Kernan and Grayson Bell, my inspirations, Dr. Elizabeth Dowdy & Melanie Ajanwachuku, my family (Wil, Grayson & Dad) for your continued support and encouragement.

Donnie Welch Editor

Regina Weatherspoon-Bell Contributing Editor

Barbara Morrow Williams, PhD DVL Honoree Profile Photographer

Benn Johnston DVL Honoree Profile Photographer Assistant

Yvonne Hernandez African American History Facts Compiled by

George A. Armstrong III

Colonel USAF (Retired) Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Lewis Center Academy for Academic Excellence. Research Intern

Grayson Bell Page Layout & Design

Holly Peters Design Company

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The Bartholomew Fund A FUND FOR FAMILIES OF YOUNG VICTIMS OF MOOD DISORDERS We established the Bartholomew Fund, an affiliate fund of the High Desert Community Foundation, in 2015 in the name of our late son, Bartholomew Paul Williams (1974-2012) to provide specific mental health resource information to families. It would have been so easy to give in to grief and anger when we lost our only son and younger brother. In fact, it was a daily struggle for all of us, including Bart’s sisters Portia Williams Mount and Cynthia Williams Lemus, to overcome the devastating loss of his life and place in our family. Establishing this Fund gives us the opportunity to honor his memory while at the same time try to give other families strategies to cope with mood disorders in their young loved ones. This Fund is so much what he would have wanted to establish to represent him. Not only was Bart intelligent and athletic, from a young age he was compassionate and empathetic. The Fund with its Advisory Committee made up of behavioral health and education professionals will hold workshops and help identify compassionate and empathetic resources for families struggling with young family members with mood disorders. It is not unusual for families and the mentally ill themselves to feel guilt, shame or grief for the life before symptoms of mental illness appeared. We also know first hand how confusing and bewildering it is to try to understand what is going on with your child, especially in the early throes of mental illness. Before his diagnosis as Bipolar Disordered, we endured an eternity of severe mood swings and 4 | www.dvlproject.com

disappearances often for days at a time. (Each time we now read about the disappearance of someone, especially under 40 years old, we wonder if that person is mentally ill. It is not unusual to hear eventually that they are…). The handsome guy, the fraternity brother who wrote columns for local and college newspapers, who served on student council and followed politics and participated in campaigns, who lettered in swimming, earned his Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certificate and taught and coached swimming, who played tennis and was a longdistance runner—became silent and withdrawn or hyperactive and delusional, by turns. Through our experiences with Bart’s struggles, our family understands the value of counseling and working with mental health advocates. Bart first presented his symptoms as a twentyone year old junior at the University of Virginia; however, it is not unusual for symptoms to appear as early as eleven or twelve years old. The Fund’s goal is to help families to identify mental health professionals and organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (“NAMI”), school districts and county behavioral health organizations for understanding and assistance. As a people, we have a long way to go before mental illness is understood and accepted as worthy of treatment. We hope the Bartholomew Fund contributes to understanding and treatment especially for the young and their families. The Bartholomew Fund is an affiliate fund of the High Desert Community Foundation

The City of Hesperia Congratulates The 2016 Honorees! Our community is made richer by your contributions.

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR EL NINO? NEVER UNDER-ESTIMATE THE POWER OF WATER • Don’t attempt to cross swift moving water

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• Don’t cross roadways covered in water

Visit www.cityofhesperia.us/stormready for more information about storm preparedness.

Cedric L. Evans

Alexandra Irene Gessesse

2016 DVL Honoree

2016 DVL Honoree Cedric L. Evans is a native of Ontario, California who graduated from Ontario High School in 1989. He received a football scholarship to California State University Long Beach where he played for a season and transferred to the University of Dubuque Iowa. At UDI, he played football for 3 years and earned his degree in Criminal Justice.

He earned the opportunity to play for the Minnesota Vikings, a National Football League (“NFL”) team. He was injured at spring camp, however, ending his football career. Cedric used his degree in criminal justice to become a correctional officer for the California Department of Corrections where he worked for seven years. He retired in 2001, and converted that experience to serving as body guard to “A” list celebrities, a business which he continues to this day. In 2011, he founded FieldHogz Sports, a not-for-profit organization with the goal of helping today’s youth to develop character, a strong mind and a strong body to compete in the next level of sports. His highly experienced and qualified staff includes athletes currently playing in college, athletes who have graduated from college, retired NFL and EFL (Eastern Football League). Cedric and his wife Jennifer Evans have five children, and they have lived in the High Desert since 2001. They enjoy family activities including off-roading, attending both youth and professional sporting events, and spending quality time as a family. All members of his family participate in the success of FieldHogz. Cedric and his family look forward to helping youth and their communities gain a better understanding what it takes to be the best that one can be.

Alexandra Irene Gessesse is in her senior year at Granite Hills High School. She was born in Irvine, California, in 1998, to Alexandra Hazandrea and Menasse Gessesse, who are Ethiopian and Greek immigrants. The family moved to Apple Valley, California in 1999 when her father’s job transferred him to the area. She attended St. Timothy’s Episcopalian school, and transferred to the Academy of Academic Excellence for her eighth grade year. Ethiopian culture fosters a communal, united way of thinking and interacting. This traditional culture cultivated within Alexandra the importance of community involvement, compassion for others, and academic excellence. Her father’s active participation in the Art of Living’s service projects was Alexandra’s first exposure in taking part of community service. She observed the distribution of Christmas gifts to the homeless and women victims of domestic abuse, as well as making care packages for the homeless. While attending AAE, she excelled above and beyond the curriculum. This gave her confidence and the spare time, to join in extracurricular activities including the volleyball team and the To Make A Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization which grants the wishes of children with lifethreatening illnesses. She recognized her growing passion for helping those in need and decided that it was her calling to make her community, and ultimately her world, a better more warming and welcoming place. She increased her involvement and networking within these organizations through her volunteerism at St. Mary Medical Center in 2011. Alexandra began as a front desk clerk, among the other 25 junior “volunteens” in the program. Because she exemplified great leadership skills and a willingness to service others, the director of volunteering observed these qualities which lead to her promotion of “Team Leader” of the Front Desk in 2011. To this day, she still holds the position of “Team Leader,” and Continued on Page 23 www.dvlproject.com | 7

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Closing Gaps in Achievement FROM THE DESK OF TED ALEJANDRE, SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS SAN BERNARDINO = Closing achievement gaps among student subgroups is a national issue, and in San Bernardino County, the topic is a high priority as evidenced by a group of educational stakeholders committed to boosting African American student achievement.

among all seniors meeting the criteria remains low at 32.8 percent. African American students outpaced the county growth, increasing passage rates by 36.8 percent over the past five years; however, the subgroup’s overall passage rate is 26 percent.

The countywide Task Force Study Model looks to identify, replicate and scale effective school practices for underrepresented students by engaging in a comprehensive study of findings from earlier research and instructional best practices. The goal of the study is to close gaps in “excellence performance” for all subgroups of students.

Looking at results of the California Standards Test (which has changed in the past two years with the adoption of the new rigorous Common Core State Standards), the five preceding years of the test from 2009-13 showed improvement for all students, including African American students in both English language arts and math.

Dr. Kennon Mitchell of San Bernardino City Unified School District is leading the Task Force in a collaborative effort with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. The group has forged together a broad cross section of educators, business representatives, parents, students, and community members to complete this intensive study around four focus areas:

In English language arts, the percentage of proficient students countywide grew 30 percent over five years ending in 201213. Among African American students, proficiency levels rose 34.4 percent during the same spam. The figures were similar in math with proficiency rates for all students rising 30.6 percent and African American student proficiency rates increasing even more at 34.6 percent.

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It also was heartening to see the declines in suspension and expulsion rates announced in January by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. For the past three years in the state, the number of suspensions has dropped more than 33 percent, while the number of expulsions decreased 40 percent.

Academic and behavioral key performance measures; Classroom instruction; Perspectives of parents and students; Promising school and community practices.

Nationally, it has been documented that African American students face significant achievement gaps in performance; disproportionately higher school suspension and expulsions; lower enrollment in rigorous coursework; and often less access to opportunities that spur academic success throughout their educational experience. That being said, we have seen progress countywide during the past five years in the number of students meeting A-G requirements for entrance into University of California and California State University schools. For 2013-14 was a 34.9 percent increase in the number of county students meeting the requirements, although the overall completion rate 8 | www.dvlproject.com

In San Bernardino County, the declines have not been as pronounced. The number of suspensions dropped 30.2 percent from 2011-12 to the most recently released data for the 2014-15 academic year. For expulsions, the rate has dropped 22.8 percent over the past three reporting years. For African American students in the county, the expulsion rate has seen close to double the decrease in the county and higher than the state’s declines over the past four years, falling 42.5 percent. For suspensions, the decrease has not been as pronounced, but it’s still fallen 25.7 percent. Continued on Page 27

BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACTS February marks the beginning of Black History Month - an annual celebration that has existed since 1926. But what are the origins of Black History Month? Much of the credit can go to Harvard Scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who was determined to bring Black History into the mainstream public arena. Woodson devoted his life to making "the world see the Negro as a participant rather than as a lay figure in history." In 1926 Woodson organized the first annual Negro History Week, which took place during the second week of February. Woodson chose this date to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln - two men who had greatly impacted the black population. Over time, Negro History Week evolved into the Black History Month that we know today - a four-weeklong celebration of African American History. The 2016 National Black History Theme is Hallowed Ground …Site of African American History. ▪▪ One of the most successful entrepreneurs of early colonial times was Anthony Johnson, a tobacco farmer who in 1662 became the first free black man in North America. Johnson came of age in Accomack County in the colony of Virginia. His mother was an African, and Johnson worked on a tobacco plantation until adulthood. On the same plantation he met his wife Mary, and once Johnson was able to buy their freedom, the couple raised their two sons as free men. Actually, Johnson eventually acquired five servants for himself, which at that time then qualified him to purchase a 200-acre land grant along the Puwgoteague River in Virginia. There, he founded the first independent African community in North America, which at its peak included 12 homesteads of other free black families.

American institution to formally condemn slavery. Included among its members were Thomas Paine and Benjamin Rush. Many of the organization's other members were active Quakers. As early as 1652, Quakers in Pennsylvania had passed a resolution against lifetime indenture. In the Pennsylvania Society, they worked effectively for an abolition law in their state, along with other laws to protect free blacks from kidnapping by slave traders. In 1790, the Pennsylvania Society presented Congress with the first petition calling for emancipation and an end to slavery. Benjamin Franklin was the Society's president at the time, and presenting that petition was the last public act he performed before he died. ▪▪ In 1777, Vermont became the first state in the Union to outlaw slavery.

▪▪ In a room on Second Street in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery met on April 19, 1775, becoming the first

▪▪ 1859 - In Mobile Bay, Alabama, the Clothilde became the last slave ship from Africa to stop at an American port. www.dvlproject.com | 9

Vickie Mack

Joan Rudder-Ward

Vickie Mack is a lifelong resident of California’s Victor Valley community. She graduated from Victor Valley High School in 1982, and in 1983 she began working for the Adelanto Sheriff’s Department as an emergency dispatcher. This early career opportunity as a dispatcher and her subsequent work in the San Bernardino County Department of Mental Health Inpatient Unit would significantly influence her later life.

Joan Rudder-Ward, MBA, CPP, describes herself as contributing and serving in many areas as a social marketing consultant, photographic artist, educator, speaker, filmmaker, television producer, and advocate and mentor for girls and young women.

2016 DVL Honoree

Vickie married an airman stationed at George Air Force Base. In 1987 the family was transferred to Spangdahlem Germany where they remained until 1991. In 1992, however, Vickie separated from her husband, and began a life-altering battle with alcoholism and substance abuse for the next 18 years. She is proud that she has been clean and sober since September 19, 2004. She returned to college and completed her Associates of Arts Degree from Victor Valley Community College in 2011. She completed her B.A. in Sociology with a Social Work emphasis at Chapman University in 2012. She is currently in graduate school at California State University at San Bernardino for her Masters of Social Work degree, and she is scheduled to complete work for that degree in June 2016.

2016 DVL Honoree

She is the CEO of the Image Maker, a visual communications firm she established in 1985. Additionally, as a professional photographer she has received the official designation, “Certified” from the Professional Photographic Certification Commission. She accomplished this after meeting rigorous requirements measuring her artistic, technical, ethical, and business competence. The certified designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers worldwide. She is founder of The Positive Image Network – an organization with the mission to provide resources that support parents, caregivers, teachers, and mentors to nurture the personal development of girls and young women. The organization focuses help in building leadership skills, developing and maintaining self-confidence and healthy selfesteem, cultivating and growing a positive self-mage while discovering individual gifts and talents.

In 2012, Ms. Mack founded Sterling Solutions to address the issue of pedestrian and bicycle safety in the High Desert. Ms. Mack is a “natural” social worker for whom empathy and service are essential parts of her personality. She became directly involved in pedestrian safety issues when she accidentally struck a pedestrian with her car in March 2008, followed by a car striking her daughter in 2009.

She regularly holds photography enrichment workshops for adolescent girls and young women through a personal development program she developed in 2005 called “Let There Be Light--Photography with Purpose” where girls explore their own creativity while building self-confidence and leadership skills. She also has a mentoring component to the program for those who continue participation beyond the basics.

Sterling Solutions has been successful in the implementation of several community service projects and has established a track record as a service provider. There is perhaps little doubt that Ms. Mack’s tenure as a Sheriff’s dispatcher

Ms. Rudder-Ward’s work has appeared in magazines and newspapers. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her service to the community through her photography programs, as well as awards for her photographic expertise. Among her

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Thomas & Tamara Lee 2016 DVL Honorees

Thomas Earl Lee moved to the High Desert area in 2004, bringing with him a knowledge and understanding of the power of music and the media and how it can inspire and change people. In 2006, he found himself successfully promoting music events, and managing music artists which enabled him to provide guidance to young adults pursuing careers in the industry. This success led to the formation of the Trubian Village music studio, where he helped young adults learn to record and distribute their music. It also became an avenue for young musicians to become entrepreneurs. Through his network of community organization affiliates, he enabled the youth to perform at various High Desert events. Thomas also became a member of the High Desert Black Heritage Committee. He joined the organization in 2008, actively participating on the board, serving on the entertainment committee and helping to plan events.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS and join the Dreamers, Visionaries & Leaders Project for the 2nd annual

felix g. diaz mariachi music festival Saturday, September 3, 2016 At the High Desert Event Center, Victorville

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

Tamara Lee has been a County of San Bernardino employee since 2000 when she moved to the High Desert to raise her children in a safe, family-oriented community. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from Azusa Pacific University, and a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, San Bernardino. She has always cared deeply for the welfare of children and she had a desire to serve her community. She has worked as a social worker for Children and Family Services for eleven years, and at the same time, she was a volunteer cheer coach and team mom for Victorville Jr. All-American Football. She is a member of the High Desert Lodge #107 where she is an Eastern Star. She is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women.

In Partnership with High Desert Hispanic Chamber

Presenting Sponsors

Her current assignment at Children and Family Services is Independent Living Skills Coordinator where she works with current and former foster youth ages sixteen and up to Continued on Page 25 www.dvlproject.com | 11

BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACTS ▪▪ Many African Americans descended from people who lived in central and eastern Africa. Of particular importance was the 300-mile stretch of land in East Africa between the Congo and Gambia Rivers. ▪▪ At least one out of every ten African Americans (more than 200,000 in the North and another 200,000 in the South) were free when the American Civil War broke out in 1861 ▪▪ The Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1865, officially outlawed slavery in the United States and thus freed thousands of African Americans. It also outlawed any sort of forced labor, except as punishment for a crime. ▪▪ Blacks have fought in every war that the United States has waged-from the American Revolution to the Civil War, World War I and II, to today's conflicts. ▪▪ Since the end of World War II, a significant number of people of African ancestry have emigrated from the Caribbean to the U.S., where their ancestors were also slaves (primarily at the hands of the British, Dutch, and French). ▪▪ African Americans legally became United States citizens when the Fourteenth Amendment was ratified in 1868. It defined a United States

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citizen as anyone "born or naturalized in the United States," a definition that included most African Americans. ▪▪ In response to growing demand for government action, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This far reaching law prohibited discrimination in public facilities, employment, education, and voter registration. It also banned discrimination not only by race and color, but by gender, religion and national origin. ▪▪ Carl Burton Stokes was born in Cleveland, OH in 1927. A 1956 graduate of the Cleveland Marshall School of Law, Stokes began his political career as a Democratic member of the Ohio general assembly (1962–67). In 1965 he narrowly lost a race for mayor of Cleveland. In 1967 he ran again and became the first African American to be elected mayor of a major American city. He was reelected in 1969, but after his second term he left politics to become a news broadcaster in New York City. He returned to Cleveland in 1980 and was general counsel to the United Automobile Workers. In 1983 Stokes was elected municipal court judge, serving two terms as head of the court. He then served (1994–95) as ambassador to the Seychelles. He died in 1996. His memoirs, Promises of Power were published in 1983.

Mina J. Blazy

Dr. Lakieta L. Emanuel

Mina J. Blazy is two minutes younger than her identical twin sister. The daughters of a retired nurse and former Lt. Colonel in the Army reserves were born and raised in Broadview, Illinois by their mother.

“There is no greater work, no nobler of a deed one can do than that of giving themselves to others through a true mentoring relationship.” ~Dr.Elle

2016 DVL Honoree

Mina’s desire to learn and explore made settling on a profession a challenge because “there were so many things I wanted to do.” While her sister had posters of Michael Jackson on her bedroom wall, Mina had pictures of fighter jets on her side of the room. Her first passion was learning how to fly a Cessna 142 while still in high school. Although, she didn’t complete her pilot’s license (reserved for future plans) her career took off. With the encouragement of her husband, Burton, Mina pursued her degree from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois where both her mother and an uncle had received their degrees. It also was home to one of the best education programs in the country. Mina graduated with honors receiving the National Honor Society and Golden Key Honor Society while receiving her Bachelor of Science in elementary Education and Biology. Immediately after graduation, Mina received her first offer to be a science teacher at Still Middle School at the Indian Prairie School District in Aurora, Illinois. It was important to Mina to be able to help others on their journey in science education. As a new teacher, she organized the science fair where every student in 6th, 7th and 8th grade participated. She was also guiding students in building “html” websites as early as the late 1990’s. Mina left teaching to raise a family, a stay-at-home mom detour that lasted four years. When her husband took a position in southern California, he mentioned that the area was looking for science teachers. When she came out “house hunting” she found not a house, but an opportunity to teach middle school in an Continued on Page 25

Dr. Lakieta L. Emanuel ("Dr. Elle"), a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, found her purpose in mentoring girls and women of all ages in professional endeavors and in their spiritual growth and enrichment. Her mantra in life is that “Life gives to the giver and takes from the taker”. She believes that this philosophy has fueled her will and driven her passion of a personal mission to help women all over the world come into the full realization of their power, value and purpose. Dr. Elle tours as a guest speaker to women’s groups all over the nation to teach the power of mentorship and the power of purpose. Coming from a family of modest means but strong values, her commitment and passion for service enabled her to become a leader in her community and the CEO and founder of several successful businesses. Dr. Elle earned her Doctorate of Speech-Language Pathology from Nova Southern Eastern University, in Florida, where she was the 2013 recipient of the Dissertation of the Year Award and the Student of the Year Award. She received her master’s degree from California State University-Fullerton, and her bachelor's degree from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Elle is the founder and Chief Clinical Director of High Desert Speech and Language Center, Inc., a private speech and language therapy clinic in Hesperia, California, where her passion for mentorship spills over into her professional life. She mentors speech-language pathologists who are interested in private practice, in 15 years of practice serving as a mentor to over 40 developing clinicians. In the nine years of its existence, Dr. Elle's facility has served as a clinical practice site for over 50 speech-language pathology interns. Continued on Page 27 www.dvlproject.com | 13

Vincent E Ajanwachuku, M.D., FACS, FICS, CHCQM, FAIHQ 2016 DVL Lifetime Achievement Honoree

Dr. Vincent E. Ajanwachuku came to the US, from Nigeria in 1973. He entered New York University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology.

of Trustees from 2004 through 2010, and he has been continually active and committed to instructing nurses and students in surgical principles.

He earned his medical degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1980, and as a highly accomplished student, he was accepted into the residency program in General Surgery Residency and then Surgical Oncology (HUCM). He also completed Trauma Fellowships at Washington, D.C.’s District of Columbia General Hospital.

Dr. Ajanwachuku has earned a distinguished reputation among his peers. He is a Board Certified Surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Fellow of the International College of Surgeons, Fellow American Institute of Health Quality and Fellow of the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Quality Assurance & Utilization Review. He is also published in the Journal of the National Medical Association.

As a result of his outstanding performance and abilities in each of his areas of medical study and training, he was selected as an Instructor in Surgery at Howard University College of Medicine, from 1985 to 1986. Dr. Ajanwachuku relocated to California in 1987 with his wife and son. He started his medical practice in Victorville, and he joined the staff at Victor Valley Community Hospital, now Victor Valley Global Medical Center (VVGMC). He served as Chairman, of the Department of Surgery at VVGMC for various years between 1990 and 2000. He was appointed Member At Large of the Executive Committee, Vice Chief of Staff, and then Chief Of Staff of the Hospital in the late 1990’s. He was appointed to serve as Clinical Assistant Professor in Surgery, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific from 1998 to 2000. He joined the staff at St Mary’s Hospital, now St Joseph Health, and St Mary Hospital (SJHSM) in 1990 and has been in the leadership at the Hospital including serving as Chief of Surgery at (SJHSM) since 2004. He serves also in a number of additional leadership positions, including Member of the Medical Executive Committee, Medical Director of the St Joseph Health, St Mary Hospital Wound Care/ Hyperbaric Center, Member of the Clinical Effectiveness Committee, Chair: Quality Review Committee for Surgery, and, Chairman, Quality Assurance Committee, St. Mary's Medical Group. He served on the St Joseph Health St Mary Hospital Board 14 | www.dvlproject.com

Through his service over the past 28 years Dr. Ajanwachuku has been steadfast in his mission to provide excellence and compassion in patient care through dedication to best surgical outcomes, while preserving the patients’ best quality of life and dignity. Dr. Ajanwachuku describes himself as a deeply religious man devoted to his Family and his Community. The great influences in his life include his father, Onyiba Ajanwachuku, CFR, (Commander Federal Republic), Nigeria’s Education Minister in the 1st Republic, at the inception of Nigeria’s Independence from the British in 1960. He taught him to be committed to education, and showing respect and kindness to his fellow man. His Uncle Sir Frances Akanu Ibiam, an outstanding surgeon in Nigeria was his inspiration from his youth to be a surgeon. La Salle D. Laffall, Jr., who is past President American College of Surgeons, taught him to always exercise that greatest of all surgical principles: “Equanimity under Duress”. His fatherin-law, Dr. Gerard Brown, Jr. DDS always said to him, “… your High Desert Community is your family and will take care of you; likewise stay dedicated in taking care of them, and always give all you can back.” Dr. Ajanwachuku continues his life devoted to his family and his patients in the High Desert.

Dr. Mildred Dalton Hampton-Henry 2016 DVL Lifetime Achievement Honoree

One Woman’s Efforts to Better Tomorrow Dr. Henry is very sure of her past and works to develop a better future. She embodies her personal motto, “Dare To Do The Impossible.” At age 38, a recently divorced mother of five and now the single mother of four dependent children, she returned to complete her education including a BS Degree from AM&N College, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; a masters degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE); and a Ph.D. from SIU, Carbondale. She is the first African American person to attain tenure and the status of Full Professor in the School of Education at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB), and she was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus by CSUSB President Dr. Al Karnig when she retired. Dr. Henry arrived in San Bernardino to CSUSB in August 1983, and in 1984, founded the community-based nonprofit, 501©(3) organization Provisional Educational Services Incorporated, or as it became known, the Provisional Accelerated Learning (PAL) Center. The PAL Center has provided continuous education, employment training and placement, social services, and related activities since 1985. As many as eleven education, employment training and placement, and social service programs operate simultaneously. A native of Tamo, Arkansas, chopping and picking cotton, milking cows, “slopping hogs”, while attending inferior and unequal segregated schools made Dr. Henry strongly sensitive

to cultural variables, and how they impact behaviors. In 2000 Provisional Educational Services, Inc., won approval to operate the first charter school to be approved by the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education. The District voted to name a new school the Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School in recognition of the retired professor’s contributions to education and the community. The school opened in August 2013. Dr. Henry has received numerous prestigious international, national, state and local awards and recognitions for her advocacy for youth, dropout prevention activities, strong unyielding stand on alternative educational services, and dedicating her tireless energy and resources to bring people of all walks of life together to create pathways for those less fortunate and those underrepresented in society. A few of the many awards received by Dr. Henry include recognition by the U.S. House of Representatives, the California State Senate and the California Legislature Assembly, the County of San Bernardino Association of African American Employees, San Bernardino County SUN Newspaper, and the National Assn. of Women Business Owners. Dr. Henry has adopted the Roman rule: “The one who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the one who is doing it.

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Giving A Personal Face To A Public Corporation BY DAVIDA SIWISA JAMES With a huge corporation like Southern California Edison (SCE), it is very easy to think of it simply as the place we mail our monthly utility bill. But for over thirty years Nancy Jackson, the recently retired public affairs region manager for SCE, was the face and persona that many High Desert residents, nonprofits, politicians and community leaders came to know as the dedicated representative for the High Desert.

“The office would notify me that we had a successful organization that received a grant, and that they would like me to present the check,” Jackson said. “So I would go out to the organization and introduce myself as the liaison to thank them for requesting dollars from Edison International.” For Jackson, this became another opportunity to provide the local organizations with information about SCE and facilitate other introductions where partnerships could be formed.

“In essence, a region manager facilitates solutions, represents Edison for legislative support, and we are the local media representative for the company,” Jackson said. But in addition to dealing with franchise agreements and rights for SCE, Jackson’s role was to be the person who added that human quality for many people and organizations in her region. “My area reached from Wrightwood all the way to the Nevada border and everything in between, including much of San Bernardino County,” Jackson said. Her career at SCE started with almost twenty years in customer service, and the last fifteen in her public affairs position. Jackson’s office in Victorville and another in Barstow allowed her the proximity to interact with the community for the most impact. “I thought of my position as somewhat of a gatekeeper,” Jackson said. “It was an opportunity for me to enlighten the community on what SCE and Edison International had to offer.” Edison International is the corporate giving division of Southern California Edison. Jackson said that it was important to make sure the corporate office understood the needs of her specific area. With the online grant process, many local organizations received funding for worthwhile causes in one of the four areas in which the company provides grants– education, environment, public safety and emergency preparedness, and civic engagement.

said.

“With regard to nonprofits and other organizations like colleges and everything that amasses to make a community, we reached out to see how we could help and to educate them and their constituents on SCE,” Jackson

“When we celebrated our 125th anniversary, we went out into the community and could talk very specifically about not only what Edison has done in the industry but our connection to Southern California history,” Jackson said. One of the community partnerships of which Jackson is proud is the long-established relationship with Vicky Nagel and Debbie Cannon of the Academy for Grassroots Organizations. The organization serves as an umbrella resource for scores of small and large member nonprofits with monthly meetings, fundraising workshops and invaluable networking. “It was just such a great segue for Edison because of their connection with so many nonprofits,” Jackson said. “We can get so much data to the academy, and they can feed it to the organizations.” After fifteen years in a liaison position that has forged many positive relationships in all facets of the community, Jackson said she doesn’t feel like she is finished. “I am not done,” Jackson said. “I may be retired from SCE but not from the need to give back and to be in a position where Continued on Page 27 www.dvlproject.com | 17

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Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what your time, support & encouragement looks like! 2015 LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

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Josseline Herrera

Dr. Gerard Brown Scholarship

University Preparatory HS College: University of Southern CA.

Thank You! To learn more about DVL or to donate visit us at www.dvlproject.com

Caylin Yorba -Ruiz

Leona Griner Scholarship

University Preparatory High School College: UC Riverside

Neena Mohan

Bishop Nathaniel Ruffin Scholarship Apple Valley High School College: UC Berkley

Chandler Brown

DVL Honorees Scholarship Silverado High School College: Harvard College

Katie Diemling

Anna Sugi Scholarship

College: California Baptist University (Sophomore)

Julie Vu

DVL Honorees Scholarship Silverado High School College: UC Los Angeles

Krystsina Shabanava Anna Sugi Scholarship

University Preparatory High School College: UC Los Angeles

*Recipient unable to attend DVL photo session

2016 Scholarship Recipients with DVL Legacy Namesake Family Members and Honorees' Representatives 18 | www.dvlproject.com

The Dreamers, Visionaries, and Leaders Project 2016 “Legacy & DVL Honorees Scholarships” application season is now open. Applications and new guidelines are available online: www.dvlprojects.com DVL has four Legacy and one DVL Honorees Scholarship categories.

Dr. Gerard Brown

Bishop Nathaniel Ruffin

Leona Griner

Anna Sugi

DVL Honorees Scholarship

“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.” –Albert Camus A very special Thank You is extended to ALL of our DVL Legacy Builders

The DVL Project wants to thank Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Glasper for leading the charge to this year’s DVL Honoree Scholarship Pledge Campaign. www.dvlproject.com | 19

The Promise of the “Emancipation Oak” at Hampton University, HBCU at Hampton Virginia BY THERESA POLLEY-SHELLCROFT, 2016 Emancipation – to be free from restraint, to be free from bondage Freedom - the quality or state of being free Education - the action of process of being educated (train by formal instruction) On the campus of Hampton University in Virginia, stands the mighty oak known as “Emancipation Oak”. According to the Hampton University website (www.hampton.edu), this tree is a symbol of “education for all, even in the face of adversity.” A few days before the fourth of July of 2015, as I was reflecting upon this mighty oak tree and its meaning today, I created a watercolor sketch, to express my thoughts, picturing President Obama and the Abolitionist/ Orator, Frederick Douglass, standing beneath this tree delivering words of wisdom to us today. President Obama reminds us that “Greatness is not given, but must be earned.” While Frederick Douglass from his famous speech “What to the slave is the fourth of July” states “Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave.” These two leaders remind us that we must earn our place in history and that knowledge is the foundation of freedom. As the mighty oak stands to guard the opportunity for knowledge and freedom, so does a Union solider of color. This guard recalls the sacrifice of our ancestors to earn freedom, the opportunity for education and greatness, in face of adversity. During the American Civil War, in 1861, Fort Monroe at Hampton, Virginia, became the site where enslaved persons 20 | www.dvlproject.com

sought freedom. Major Benjamin Butler had decreed that any escaping enslaved person who made it to the Union lines would be considered as “contraband of war” and not returned to bondage. The “Grand Contraband Camp” was established outside the walls of the fort for these newly freed persons. It was determined that education was essential for them. In 1861, Mary Peake, a free woman of color, held class under this oak for the newly freed persons of color. Thus, establishing this tree as a symbol of education and knowledge. This site, under the oak, became the place of the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation to the newly freed persons from bondage. Thus, the tree became a mighty symbol of Freedom and Emancipation. The oak tree has long been a symbol of endurance, strength, humble wisdom as the “elders who have seen and known many things.” The Emancipation Oak stands today to recall our American History and the importance of protecting our freedom and opportunity for education. What is the promise of Emancipation Oak to us today? As in my sketch, I say, it is a call us to stand, to endure, to be Continued on Page 27

Dreamers, Visionaries & Leaders Black History Month Celebration Let’s celebrate Black History Month together!

Listed below are the programs you can share with your friends and family.

DVL MEDIA

NEW! Dreamers, Visionaries & Leaders Radio Show With Host Regina Weatherspoon-Bell Starting January 2016: Thirty minutes of entertaining, informative interviews with interesting guests.

Tune-in Sundays: Jan 17, 24, 31 & Feb 7 &14 on the El Dorado Broadcasters stationsY102 at 6am | Talk 960AM at 6am & 6:30am | Kat Country at 6:30am | Fox 106.5 Between 6am / 7am You can also Listen online! Visit dvlproject.com for guest lineup. Victor Valley Transit Authority Black History Month “Know Your History” Campaign Featuring 2016 DVL Honorees; Dr. Vincent Ajanwachuku, Mina Blazy & Dr. Lakieta Emanuel) on 200 VVTA Buses.

Displays: 2/1 - 2/29

8th Annual DVL Publication 2016 Black History Month “Hallowed Ground – Site of African American History” Featuring 2016 DVL Honorees, articles, and black history month facts. Publishing date: February 5, 2016 (INSERTED IN THE DAILY PRESS NEWSPAPER) DVL “Know Your History” Black History Month DVD Display (Featuring the 2016 DVL Honorees) Display can be viewed at Victorville City Hall - 1st Floor. Monday thru Thursday, 9am-4pm

Displays: 2/1- 2/29

DVL “Know Your History” Radio Campaign Feature interesting Black History Facts narrated by our 2016 DVL Honorees. On all El Dorado Broadcasters affiliate stations: Y102 | KAT Country | FOX1065 | TALK 960AM

Airs Daily 2/1/ - 2/29

Visit your local San Bernardino County Libraries for special DVL Black History Month events: Hesperia Library

Apple Valley Library

Storytime

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016 | 11:30am-12:30pm

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016 | 10:30am-11:30am

Special Event

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 | 3:00pm-6:00pm

Tuesday, Feb.16, 2016 | 4:00pm-6:00pm

For more information about DVL programs, events and scholarships Contact (760) 242-2487 or visit us online: www.dvlproject.com The DVL Project is an affiliate fund of the High Desert Community Foundation 22 | www.dvlproject.com

Alexandra Irene Gessesse Continued oversees 45+ junior “volunteens,” as the program continues to grow. It was when she entered Granite Hills High School in 2012 that Alexandra soared in her community and academic involvement. As a freshman, she took all honors and Advanced Placement (“AP”) courses. She was involved in her Key Club, Junior Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Track and Field, Varsity Water Polo, and Junior Statesmen of America. As a sophomore, she continued with her rigorous AP/Honors schedule, as well as extracurricular activities and service projects. Alexandra was one of the only two to have been accepted into her National Honor Society. Shortly after, she was nominated as Granite Hill’s Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) ambassador in 2014. HOBY is a non-proﬁt organization dedicated to "training and nurturing the young leaders of tomorrow, today” Its mission is to provide lifelong leadership development opportunities that empower youth to achieve their highest potential. She considers this one of her greatest accomplishments. After attending HOBY as an ambassador, and as a Junior Counselor her junior year, she has since been able to use the tools she was given to create a more involved, more passionate group of high school students who have since shaped Apple Valley’s teen involvement in the local community. Currently in her senior year, she holds the position of treasurer of her National Honor Society, and president of Key Club. To this day, Alexandra has continued to maintain a rigorous AP/ Honors schedule, placing her in the top 5% of her school. She has recorded

700+ hours of community service, and has presented pressing issues of the youth to her Town Council. She plans on majoring in Public Policy and Law at a four year university.

development, cultural competence training and foreign language learning to lived experience mental health consumers volunteering or working in the public mental health system. The program is being implemented in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Vickie Mack Continued

Upon graduation, Mrs. Mack plans to continue working at Sterling Solutions to provide social, safety and wellness services to low-income and at-risk residents in the High Desert.

and her later work with the Mental Health Unit provided her with the critical perspectives to develop this community service project.

Joan Rudder-Ward Continued

In 2012 and 2013 the organization partnered with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the city of Victorville to conduct pedestrian safety campaigns in the high desert. The It’s Up to All of Us (IUAU) brought attention to the issue of pedestrian safety. Press conferences and installations of safety messaging signs at bus shelters and other locations in the city— still in place today— remind drivers and pedestrians to use caution and courtesy on the roadways.

awards are Digital Artist of the Year for 2013 - Inland Empire Professional Photographers and Videographers; The President's Call to Service Award (George W. Bush); Woman of Distinction in Arts and Culture 2007Girl Scouts San Gorgonio Council, and Outstanding Community Service -1996 Riverside County Board of Supervisors.

From June 2013 to December 2014, Sterling Solutions contracted with San Bernardino County Department of Public Health to implement the Safe Routes to School Program for 4,000 students in the desert and mountain communities.

She also serves on the board of several organizations that work for the benefit of women and children, and she is a sought after speaker for conferences that promote the welfare and wellbeing of children and girls/young women in our society.

To expand the organization’s reach and to enable others service workers to reach a wider audience, Sterling Solutions developed the SCALE (Social, Cultural and Language Engagement) program. In April 2015, SCALE was awarded a contract from the State of California Office of Statewide Health, Planning and Development (OSHPD) to implement this program. The new program provides professional skills

In 2015, she started producing a television program, Silver Sage, which features people 50 and over who are living out loud– charting new waters, taking new risks, fulfilling life-long dreams— proving that life in the second half can rival, and in some ways, be even be better than the first half!

www.dvlproject.com | 23

DVL SPONSOR RECOGNITION THE DREAMERS, VISIONARIES & LEADERS PROJECT THANK THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH 2016 DVL PRESENTING SPONSORS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS PARTNER

Victorville Motors Desert Fiat

San Bernardino County Libraries Apple Valley Newton Bass Library & Hesperia Library Victor Valley Museum (San Bernardino County)

LEGACY TITLE SPONSOR

Desert Valley Hospital & Medical Group DVL TRIBUTE HONOREE SPONSORS

Choice Medical Group & Physicians Network Victor Valley College Victor Valley Global Medical Center City of Hesperia WalMart St. Joseph Health/St. Mary Mitsubishi Cement Corporation KNOW YOUR HISTORY VVTA BUS CAMPAIGN PARTNER

Town of Apple Valley KNOW YOUR HISTORY DVD DISPLAY

City of Victorville

TRADE & MEDIA PARTNERS

El Dorado Broadcasters Daily Press Siverts Publishing Bear Valley Party Rentals Holiday Inn Victorville Edible Arrangements Groovelabs High Desert Digital HD laser Graphics TO OUR DVL RADIO SHOW SPONSORS, A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE AND SUPPORT:

Shear Realty Desert Valley Hospital & Medical Group Groovelabs HD Digital

A special THANK YOU to LAMAR Advertising

Our sincere appreciation to Charles & Elaine Bibbs for their generosity! WWW.CBIBBS.COM 24 | www.dvlproject.com

Thomas and Tamara Lee Continued help they acquire the skills needed to transition into adult life. In 2011 Thomas and Tamara met and began collaborating on various projects. They formed a partnership that proved to be personally and professionally rewarding for both people. Together, Thomas and Tamara worked to expand the reach and scope of Trubian Village, creating a street team to capture social events going on in the Black communities of Southern California and to promote them on the internet via TrubianVillage.com. Thomas expanded the website to include a classified section to promote businesses. The website holds one of the largest collections of free African American documentaries, videos and movies. Tamara began working to provide low cost, extracurricular activities for young people. Trubian Village activities have included the formation of a step team, mother/ daughter tea parties, camping trips for young boys, a dance team and a youth video program. In 2012, Thomas inherited the leadership and responsibilities of the High Desert Black Heritage Committee from his beloved mentor, Mrs. Mattie Davis. With Tamara, Thomas accepted the challenge to continue the rich legacy and traditions of the organization. Since then, along with continuing to promote the annual High Desert Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration, and the Juneteenth Celebration, the High Desert Black Heritage Committee has hosted a High Desert Black Family Picnic, a Black History Month Festival and two award shows to recognize individuals and organizations who have impacted

positively the Black community. Thomas believes he is called to pave the way for future generations. His motto is, “if things are not the way you want them, change them to make them so.” Tamara appreciates the opportunity to assist and mentor youth, working diligently to make a positive impact in their lives. Her motto is “Never fear your greatness” and can be heard telling young people they can do anything they set their minds to do in the world. Thomas and Tamara were brought together through their shared passion for family and community. They are raising a blended family while working together as servants in their community. They are an affirming and productive team focused on the greater good of the community.

Mina Blazy Continued economically depressed area, Desert Hot Springs Middle School. As Mina said it, “the area may not have the money that the other communities had around greater Palm Springs, but they had students that wanted to learn, and I wanted to teach and inspire”. Mina’s career began to heat up. As Chair of the Science Department, she led a private fund raising initiative to take kids to Washington D.C. Many of her students had never been to any other state outside of California, and even fewer had ever flown on a plane! From Washington D.C. with the Capitol the Smithsonian and other vital government offices, from the White House to the Pentagon, she wanted her students to open their minds—“be it in science or otherwise”. Twenty eight students were in her

first trip, an eagerly anticipated event which continued until she left Desert Springs Middle School. While teaching at the middle school, Mina appeared on the cover of the California Educator Magazine for the California Teachers’ Association. The article was written about hands-on high interactive science lessons; she was a role model. Mina always new that she wanted to help others in their pursuit of academic achievement within a student centered environment and it was the impetus for completing her Masters in Science in Educational Leadership. Soon after she was the Assistant Principal at Silverado High School followed by serving alongside Dr. Melda Gaskins to help transition Cobalt Middle School and open the new Cobalt Institute of Math and Science. Because of the knowledge she gained at Cobalt in the Victor Valley High School Unified School District, she successfully opened the Gus Franklin, Jr. STEM Academy. With a strong collaborative team of educators, she was able to move forward with the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics initiative and the vision of Adelanto Elementary School District. The Gus Franklin, Jr. STEM Academy students have won roller coaster competitions, viewed data from the Goldstone Apply Valley Radio Telescope and have STEM hands – on learning daily by teachers who are enthused about the success of all students. With the encouragement of her personal family, her family of educators, Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Nguyen-Hernandez, Superintendent, Dr. Gomez and the community, Mina will continue to work towards helping children become successful in whatever they pursue. www.dvlproject.com | 25

Celebrating Black History Black history is an important part of our nation’s story. From notable historical figures like Harriet Tubman, Carter G. Woodson, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks to our current President of the United States, Barack Obama, black Americans have been instrumental in effecting progress and changing the course of history, often in the face of adversity.

During Black History Month, we recognize the myriad contributions and achievements of African Americans past and present whose hard work, vision and talent have made our country and the world a better place.

w w w. v v d a i l y p r e s s . c o m

This message has been sponsored in celebration of Black History Month by: NAME SPONSOR

NAME SPONSOR

1234 Washington Street Somersville Heights 000-000-0000 www.namewebsite.com

760-245-6565 15494 Palmdale Rd. Victorville, CA 92392 www.HiVictorville.com

1234 Washington Street Somersville Heights 000-000-0000 www.namewebsite.com

SERVICES AND FACILITITES High Desert’s Premier Event Center • Flexible Meeting Space • 24 hour Business Center • Outdoor Olympic Size Pool with Cabanas • 24 hour Fitness Center • Nail Salon • Room Service Available • Guest Laundry Facility • 24 hour Pantry • Free Wi-Fi

Dr. Lakieta L. Emanuel Continued She describes herself as a woman of faith, a proud mother of two children, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is committed to her purpose to teach and inspire leadership through the vehicle of mentorship for those who are too often invisible in our society. Living her mantra of "...life gives to the giver" with the same intensity and tenacity of her earlier endeavors, Dr. Elle recently begun her next project which is the establishment of an early childhood educational center. The center's mission will be to support the development of preschool aged children with special needs by teaching them pre-educational skills in an adapted pre-school environment. She anticipates another opportunity to serve and to mentor in her community with the same passionate commitment of her other works.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Closing Gaps in Achievement Continued There have been other positive trends that impact the culture of our schools. Parent and student voice is serving as a powerful tool for input and change as local school districts engage parents and students in their Local Control Accountability Plans. For a second year, County Schools has partnered with the 33 school districts in our county to convene regional Student Advisory Panels. Students share perspectives on their high school experience to create

shared understanding and explore topics that are critical to student wellbeing, educational success and their future. They also are dialoguing about issues that face the county as a whole –economy, safety and access to health and wellness, in addition to education. This follows in line with our Collective Impact approach taken through the Countywide Vision, which adopted the Cradle to Career Roadmap. The roadmap charts a child’s academic, and personal and social readiness indicators at each age and grade span. By identifying these indicators, and strategies that help students succeed along the roadmap, we can work together as an entire county to see that all students have the support to succeed, from cradle to career. Coalescing an entire school community around such complex social and educational issues to create the conditions necessary for systemic change where all students excel is hard work and a worthy goal. It will take a multi-faceted approach to not only sustain, but also accelerate progress in critical issues like closing the achievement gap among our students. As county superintendent, I am committed to working with our districts, schools, staff, parents and communities to support all our students as we transform lives through education.

Giving A Personal Face To A Public Corporation Continued I can support some area. I believe that the steps that I have been taking so far in my life have not reached a crescendo yet.”

Jackson said she is still learning and feels she still has much to give. “I have learned so much from various places in the High Desert in both the Victor Valley and the Mojave Valley, and there are jewels in the desert. There are so many great people and organizations.” Jackson said that the love people feel for this area runs deep. “I feel like for as much as I gave, I got,” Jackson said. “And for that, I am so humbled.”

The Promise of the “Emancipation Oak” Continued dedicated to education and freedom for all as we honor our ancestors who stood against many odds to get us Emancipated from bondage and the lack of education. Then we shall be strong and endure as a nation.

It always seems Impossible until it’is Done.”

-Nelson Mandela www.dvlproject.com | 27

Black History Month Facts ▪▪ 1864 - Rebecca Lee Crumpler -- Trailblazer! First AfricanAmerican Woman to Get a Medical Degree. Crumpler became a physician at a time when most doctors were white men. She graduated from the New England Medical College in Boston, Massachusetts. She also wrote a book on health care for women and children. ▪▪ 1865 - The U.S. government passes the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. ▪▪ On 28 August 1963, more than 200,000 demonstrators took part in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in the nation’s capital in the largest civil rights demonstration ever. The march was successful in pressuring the administration of John F. Kennedy to initiate a strong federal civil rights bill in Congress. During this event, Martin Luther King delivered his memorable ‘‘I Have a Dream’’ speech.

28 | www.dvlproject.com

“Let nothing dim the light that shines from within" -Maya Angelou Dedicated to

Congratulations to the 2016 DVL Honorees "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools" -Dr. Martin Luther King

www.dvlproject.com | 29

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In celebration of American Heart Month

In celebration of American Heart Month Life is Why Desert Valley Goes Red Life is Why Desert Valley Goes Red TM TM

This Workshop can save the life of a loved one!

Where: Mall of Victor Valley 14400 Bear Valley Rd. Victorville, CA 92392 When: Saturday February 20, 2016 • Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

This workshop can save the life of a loved one!

Where: Mall of Victor Valley 14400 Bear Valley RoadVictorville, CA 92392 When: Saturday, February 28, 2015 • Take the Sodium Pledge • Walking Route Time: 9:00 am – 12:00• pm Learn Hands-Only CPR • Learn about Heart Health • Ask a Cardiologist • How to Prevent a Heart Attack & Stroke • Prizes and More! • How to Identify the Warning Signs • Walking Route • Take the Sodium Pledge • Go Red Fashion Show

• • • •

Learn about Heart Health How to prevent a Heart Attack & Stroke How to identify the warning signs Go Red Fashion Show

DESERT VALLEY HOSPITAL

• Learn Hands-Only CPR • Ask a Cardiologist • Prizes and more!