Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: African Americans

The founder of the O.C. Rescue Mission will be honored by the Santa Ana City Council

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Charities, Churches and Religion, homeless, Santa Ana Leave a comment
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Whitehead

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Whitehead

City of Santa Ana, Downtown Orange County

Community: Mayor Pulido & Councilwoman Martinez Honor Reverend Lewis Whitehead, Founder and Former Director of The Orange County Rescue Mission

Mayor Miguel Pulido and Councilwoman Michele Martinez will present, posthumously, the Exceptional Citizen Award to Reverend Lewis Whitehead, founder and former director of the Orange County Rescue Mission whom provided over 25 years of outstanding services, community leadership and many contributions to the City of Santa Ana, at tomorrow’s City Council Meeting.

Before making it his life’s goal to help homeless individuals, Reverend Lewis Whitehead served 20 years in the Marine Corps, then became a member of the First Baptist Church in Santa Ana and was ordained as a minister in 1962, ministering to the poor. From then on he pledged his life to serve the least, the last, and the lost. Often, he would go under freeway overpasses to give homeless individuals blankets, food, prayer and love. Continue reading→

Hate crimes down in Orange County but gays, Jews and African-remain targets

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Crime, LGBT, Orange County, Santa Ana 2 Comments

OC Human Relations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 19, 2015

Reported Hate Crime Down in Orange County, 3 Communities Remain Main Targets

(Orange County, CA)—The 2014 Orange County Hate Crime Report, published by the Orange County Human Relations Commission, shows reported hate crimes were down overall in 2014. Violent hate crimes, or crimes against people, were down slightly and crimes against property (vandalism) decreased as well. However, hate crimes that targeted African American, LGBTQ, and Jewish people remained the top offenses. “The injustice of a hate crime must not be counted as a single act against a single person, but must be recognized for the message of intolerance and intimidation it sends across a community of people”, said Commission Chair Ken Inouye.

The 24th annual OC Human Relations Commission Hate Crime Report is based on the Commission’s collaboration between Orange County law enforcement agencies, local schools and community organizations, including the The LGBT Center OC, Anti-Defamation League, Council on American Islamic Relations, NAACP of Orange County, Los Amigos and others. The 2014 report was underwritten by the South East Los Angeles North Orange County (SELANOCO) Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League. The focus of the report is bias related crime called “Hate Crime” which is a criminal act committed because of the victim’s real or perceived disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or association with a person or group with one or more of these characteristics. Under California law there are enhanced penalties for hate crimes. Continue reading→

Komen OC raises breast care awareness for African American women, launches COP Day

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Costa Mesa, Disease, Health and Medical, Santa Ana, Women Leave a comment

Komen Circle of Promise

Susan G. Komen® Orange County to Activate Circle of Promise Day on Aug. 1 Inaugural event will take place during MasCUREade Survivor Celebration and Awards Luncheon

COSTA MESA, Calif., July 27, 2015 – Susan G. Komen® Orange County will hold its inaugural Circle of Promise Day event on Saturday, Aug. 1, during its annual Survivor Celebration and Awards Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oasis Senior Center in Corona Del Mar. At noon, community members will be encouraged to pledge their commitment to eliminate barriers to breast health services for women of color and affirm that all women, regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status be granted access to treatment in order to live long, healthy lives. Four Orange County residents will be recognized for their impact on the breast cancer community and support for the Komen mission of saving lives. Continue reading→

The Santa Ana Black Historical Society will co-host a Juneteenth celebration on 6/27 in Huntington Beach

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Huntington Beach, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2015

Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday June 27, 2015 at Huntington Beach Central Park

Huntington Beach – The inaugural Juneteenth Celebration in Huntington Beach will be held Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Huntington Beach Central Park. The event commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States. The day will be filled with learning and fun for the whole family and will be enjoyed by people of all ethnicities.

Juneteenth started on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas by African Americans to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is now celebrated throughout the USA. This year marks the 150th Anniversary Celebration. Continue reading→

Juneteenth celebration and lecture set for June 20 at the Heritage Museum of Orange County

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Historical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

juneteenthFlyer

PRESS RELEASE

Juneteenth Celebration – Event for all ages ~ Juneteenth Celebration and Lecture

The Heritage Museum of Orange County in partnership with the Santa Ana Public Library and the NAACP presents a Juneteenth celebration at the Heritage Museum of Orange County in Santa Ana, on Saturday, June 20, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Interim Director of the Heritage Museum, Kevin Cabrera, will give a captivating lecture titled, “Rise of Little Texas, Blacks in Santa Ana” that specifically discusses the growing African-American community in Santa Ana. The Juneteenth celebration will be honoring African-Americans who have moved to Santa Ana and the surrounding areas and called the city their home. Continue reading→

Why is Benavides ignoring a racist comment by one of his Commissioners?

Posted on by Posted in Affordable Housing, African Americans, Civic Affairs, David Benavides, Development, Phil Bacerra, Planning, Santa Ana 31 Comments
David Benavides and Phil Bacerra

David Benavides and Phil Bacerra

 

Agenda Item 13C is on tomorrow night’s Santa Ana City Council agenda, regarding the recommended reappointment of Phil Bacerra to the Ward 4 seat on the Santa Ana Planning Commission.  Bacerra’s reappointment, which is being brought forward by Councilman David Benavides, was voted down by a 4-3 vote of the city council last December.  Questions regarding Bacerra’s failing to properly disclose ex-parte communications were at the center of that debate.

However it is comments made by Bacerra on the dais during the May 12, 2014 public hearing on an affordable housing development called the “Depot at Santiago,“ that is being built by award-winning developer C&C Development, that raises questions as to why the council would agree to support Bacerra’s reappointment now.  In the audio from the May 12th meeting Bacerra can be heard comparing the proposed development to the notorious Cabrini-Green housing project in Chicago. Continue reading→

Mayor Pulido to honor Santa Ana’s African American leaders on 2/3

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Civic Affairs, David Benavides, Entertainment, Miguel Pulido, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Southwest Community Center

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: MAYOR TO HONOR AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY LEADERS FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE CITY AT TUESDAY’S COUNCIL MEETING

SANTA ANA, CA (February 2, 2015) – The public is invited to attend the Tuesday, February 3, 2015 City Council Meeting as Mayor Pulido will recognize African American community leaders with the Exceptional Service Award for their historical contributions and exceptional service to the City of Santa Ana.

Among those to be recognized include: Jesse Allen, T. Leon Berry, Bob Black, Howard Booker, Kathy Davis Bowman, Alberta Christy, Pastor Charles Cole, DeVera Heard, Leon Jacobs, Connie Jones, Bobby McDonald, Minister Paul McReynolds, Pastor Donnell Miles, Bob Morris, Dottie Mulkey, Al Murray, Pastor Gale Oliver, James D. Owens, Ned Owens, Pastor Ivan Pitts, Tyronne Shipp and James Stapleton. Continue reading→

Presentation about Santa Ana’s African American past set for 2/12

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Kevin Cabrera

The Growth of the African American Community in Santa Ana

The Orange County Historical Society invites you to join us, February 12, 2015 at 7:00 pm at the Trinity Episcopal Church 2400 N. Canal St. Orange, CA 92865.

Historian Kevin Cabrera will discuss “The Growth of the African American Community in Santa Ana” at the next meeting of the Orange County Historical Society, to be held on Lincoln’s Birthday, Feb. 12th, 2015, 7:00 p.m. (program begins at 7:30 p.m.) at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2400 N. Canal St., in Orange. This program is open to the public at no charge. Continue reading→

2015 O.C. Black History Parade & Cultural Faire set for 2/7

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Anaheim, Arts and Culture Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: January 22, 2015

35th Annual Orange County Black History Parade & Cultural Faire set for Saturday February 7, 2015 in Downtown Anaheim

Anaheim – The 35th Annual Orange County Black History Parade and Cultural Faire will be held Saturday, February 7, 2015 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Downtown Anaheim. The event celebrates African American heritage and Black History Month. The day will be filled with learning and fun for the whole family and is enjoyed by people of all ethnicities in the Southland.

Parade viewers are encouraged to arrive early and bring a portable chair to get a prime viewing spot. The parade steps off at 10: 00 AM on Anaheim Boulevard at Lincoln Avenue, continues south past Anaheim City Hall and ends at Santa Ana Street. Continue reading→

Councilwoman Martinez speaks out about the KKK attack on MLK Day

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Civic Affairs, Michele Martinez, Racism, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Michele Martinez speaking

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: STATEMENT BY CITY COUNCILWOMAN MICHELE MARTINEZ

SANTA ANA (January 20, 2015) – “The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday has long been a symbol of peace for the civil rights movement and equality. As a Council Member of one of Orange County’s largest and most diverse cities, I was deeply disturbed to learn that early yesterday morning, on the day this holiday is observed, small bags filled with racist paraphernalia were distributed to around 40 homes in the City of Santa Ana.” Continue reading→

Santa Ana police investigate KKK propaganda left in neighborhood

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Civil Rights, Crime, Racism, Santa Ana 3 Comments

Santa Ana KKK

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Police investigate KKK propaganda left in neighborhood

Santa Ana police officers respond to a resident who reported he found a small zip-loc baggy containing a rock, a candy, a flyer, and a KKK business card on his driveway this morning in the 2600 block of N Linwood St in Santa Ana.

The flyer contains anti-MLK propaganda. Approximately 40 similar bags were distributed sometime during the evening to various residences within a four block radius. No specific threat was noted on the business card and no crime can be established at this point. Continue reading→

Why did Santa Ana protest organizers choose to glorify cop killers?

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Civic Affairs, Crime, mexico, Public Safety, Santa Ana 8 Comments

Santa Ana Police Officer Nelson Sasscer

A protest taking place tonight has ruffled quite a few feathers in Santa Ana because the event organizers referred to the site of the protest as “Black Panther Park” instead of Sasscer Park.  The reference to the Black Panthers is rooted in history – but most Santa Ana residents probably don’t know why the park is called Sasscer, or what the Black Panthers had to do with Sasscer in the firct place.

Santa Ana police officer Nelson Sasscer was shot while on duty on June 4, in 1969, and eventually died as a result. Sasscer was ambushed by a member of the Santa Ana Chapter of the Black Panthers, a radical group that expressed hatred for police officers and has been accused of being racist against white people.  Members and former members of the group were responsible for the murders of at least 15 law enforcement officers and the wounding of dozens more across the nation in the 1960’s and 70’s. Continue reading→

2014 OC NAACP Juneteenth Celebration set for June 21 in Garden Grove

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Entertainment, Garden Grove, Orange County 1 Comment

Juneteenth

The 2014 Orange County NAACP Juneteenth Celebration will be hosted on Saturday, June 21, 2014, from 11 am to 6 pm, at the Elks Lodge located at 11551 Trask Ave, in Garden Grove.

This is the African American Independence Day.  The event will feature “Lakeside” Captain Mark Wood Jr.

  • Free Fun for the Whole Family
  • Vendors, Games, Good People
  • Food and Beverages

The event includes: Continue reading→

Do the Right Thing 25th anniversary screening set for 4/8 at Frida Cinema

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Movies, Santa Ana Leave a comment

DO THE RIGHT THING 25th Anniversary Screening + A Conversation with actor ROGER GUENVEUR SMITH

The Frida Cinema presents Spike Lee’s groundbreaking 1989 film “Do the Right Thing” on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at 8 pm, followed by a Q&A with actor Roger Guenveur Smith (“Smiley”), at 305 E. Fourth St., in Downtown Santa Ana.

Radio Raheem. Buggin’ Out. Da Mayor. Smiley. Sal’s Pizzeria. ”Fight the Power.” In the 25 years since its release, there is so much about “Do the Right Thing” that has become iconic, and the stuff of cinema lexicon. A collage of young faces that would go on to stardom – Martin Lawrence, Samuel L. Jackson, John Turturro, Rosie Perez, and of course Lee himself, starring in his third feature film, and establishing himself a leader in the new wave of independent auteur filmmakers. That incredible soundtrack and score, blending Bill Lee’s soulful, sultry jazz with contemporary rap and R&B including tracks by Public Enemy and Keith John. And of course, that remarkable dialogue, both written by Lee and, in the case of the hilarious trio sitting on the corner, improvised. Continue reading→

Santa Ana College’s Book of the Year events inspired by “The Help”

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Civil Rights, Education, Entertainment, Literature, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Rancho Santiago Community College District, Press Release
For Immediate Release: April 17, 2013
Contact: Judy Iannaccone, Director, Communications, (714) 480-7503, iannaccone_judy@rsccd.edu

Santa Ana College Book of the Year Events Feature Performance of Acclaimed NAACP Award-Winning One-Woman Show “Oh, Yes She Did!” on April 24

(Santa Ana)—During this academic year, students, staff, and faculty members at Santa Ana College (SAC) have read and discussed the 2012-2013 Book of the Year, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Written in 2009, The Help is the story of African-American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi, during the early 1960s.

SAC faculty have included the novel, its themes and civil rights-related topics in their coursework and class discussions. The year-long emphasis will culminate with the following four events slated for this spring: Continue reading→