Moreno Valley
The African American Coalition hosted the 2nd Annual African American Family Reunion at Celebration Park in Moreno Valley, CA on Saturday, August 23, 2014. “More than 400 people and over 30 vendors came together to educate, empower and impact our communities” said Dr. Denise Fleming. “The event is a total success. There is plenty of food, music and entertainment for the day. We are powerful when we come together in one voice. The purpose of the coalition is to educate and encourage all cultures in our communities to get out and vote (GOTV). We want to know who and what we are voting for and be cognizant of the legislation that is introduced in Washington and Sacramento that affects us all. We also want to encourage parents to be involved in their children’s education, be active members in their local schools and prepare their children not only for the K-12 common core curriculum but for college. In addition, there are many resources that are available locally but residents don’t utilize them because of lack of knowledge. The coalition exist to ensure that the African American culture and others are educated, empowered and impacting their communities by making a difference to be successful in their future and the future of their children” stated Dr. Fleming, Vice President of Moreno Valley Unified School Board and Director of the Coalition.
The coalition consists of many different organizations, entrepreneurs, community leaders and residents working together in one voice. We meet monthly on the first Sunday at 3pm to plan, analyze and strategize events for the whole year. We have been successful in giving out Scholarships, Mental Health Workshops, Drug and Alcohol Classes for Parents, Community Town hall meetings, Computer Classes for Parents, as Student Mentors and many other events. All services are offered free just as today’s event.
At one point, the event became emotional as the President of the NAACP, Woodie Rucker-Hughes, spoke of the present actions in Ferguson Missouri. She led a unity tribute “to our brothers and sisters in Ferguson, MO. On the count of three we will all lift our hands and shout “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” as a tribute to those struggling with the recent tragedy in Ferguson and to the parents that are burying their son today’ said Ms. Hughes.
Senator Richard Roth, District SD 31, opened the festivities and encouraged everyone to get involved in the day’s activities. Congressman Takano, U.S. Representative 41st District, and Dr. Judy White, Superintendent Moreno Valley Unified School District spoke and enjoyed the activities of the day. Cleveland Johnson and Jesus Holguin, Moreno Valley School Board Trustees, and Moreno Valley City Councilmember George Price were also on hand.
Pastor Weber, of Living Way Christian Fellowship gave a spoken word and Pastor Sykes of Crossword Church also greeted and encouraged all.