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IN EACH MONTHLY ISSUE

The monthly news beat and photo album of African-American Communities in Northern California’s Mid-Central Valley

INVR/HHEW, 6333 Pacific Ave, # 512, Stockton, CA 95207

The

US PostageGoes Here

DrumYour Monthly Collector’s Episode

www.thecvdrum.infoVolume 3, Episode 1 January 2007

“The monthly news album of people you know and need to know”

San Joaquin County’s “Drum Majors for Justice”Superior Court Judge Lauren Thomasson (right) said:

about Dr. King:I was in the third grade when Darryl Moon, a fi fth grader, showed me and my cousin Ronnie an Ebony magazine with photos taken after Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. I remember Darryl saying, “He [Dr. King] was like the Black president.” Darryl’s description will forever re-main in my mind as prob-ably the best attempt to describe a man who had a vision of what life could and should be and who dedicated his life to achiev-ing that vision for the benefi t of all mankind.

Superior Court Judge William Murray, Jr.

(left) said:

about Dr. King:

Dr. King once said, “Our fi ght is not for

ourselves; it is for generations to come.” A generation later, we

must continue the fi ght so that generations

to come will be able to live in the society

about which Dr. King dreamt.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.”

ALSO INSIDE THIS JANUARY 2007 EPISODE: 2006/7 PIVs

...qualitativeVital Statistics

Contact Us:

Email: cvdrumnews@gmail.com

Phone: (209) 473-INVR (4687)

CV Drum newsletterc/o INVR Standards/HHEW6333 Pacific Ave, # 512Stockton, CA 95207

www.thecvdrum.infowww.invrhhew.info

The CV Drum is $7 per issue - newsstandOnly $5 per issue - 1-year subscription

Our Corrections Policy: Please contact us immediately if you

see any published inaccuracies.

...quantitative

“...quantitative” is researched and provided through The Civic Globe polling and news (a CV Drum sister service).

PublisherINVR Standards / HHEW

CV Drum Advisory Board/Focus Group/ContributorsNecola Adams - MercedShani Adams - StocktonLisa Daniels - Elk Grove/SacramentoMelyssa Barrett - TracyPeter Barrett - TracyWendy Byrd - ModestoMarsha Carter - StocktonDevon M. Copeland - Columbia, S.C.Jacquelyn Forte - TurlockSylvia Fuller - MercedShani O. Hilton - Princeton, New JerseyHiliary Johnson - Atlanta, GeorgiaWinston Johnson - French CampDamali Robertson - Kingston, JamaicaAlecia Smith - Valley Stream, Long IslandCarolyn Walters - Stockton

Editor in ChiefKeith Orlando Hilton, Ph.D.

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Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the author of six books?

Strive Toward Freedom (1958). The story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott

The Measure of a Man (1959). A selection of sermons.

Why We Can’t Wait (1963). The story of the Birmingham Campaign.

Strength to Love (1964). A selection of Sermons.

Where Do We Go From Here? (1967). Refl ections of the problems of today’s world, the nuclear arms race, etc.

The Trumpet of Conscience, (1968). The Massey Lectures. Broadcasting Corporation. (Posthumously).

JUDGE LAUREN THOMASSON - Civil Law & Motion / Fast Track /

Trials - Stockton

J.D. - University of Pittsburgh B.A. - Carnegie Mellon University

JUDGE WILLIAM J. MURRAY, JR. - As-sistant Presiding Judge - Juror Compliance & Education / Pre trial conferences / Trials

J.D. - The George Washington University, Washington, DC

3

The Black Press of America is nearly 180 years old. The fi rst African-American

newspaper was Freedom’s Journal in New York City, March 16, 1827.

Jobs with the City of TracyFor more information about the City of Tracy and available positions, or to download an offi cial application visit our web site at: www.ci.tracy.ca.us/jobs, or call our 24-Hour Job Hotline (209) 831-4151

THE CITY OF TRACY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, marital status, age, medical condition or disability, or any other status protected by law. The City seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. The City of Tracy makes reasonable accommodations for the disabled.

Q: Who are CV Drum Patrons and how can I become one?A: According to the TALO Leadership Theory©, from the moment Africans left Africa in mass during the Transatlantic slave trade (1520s - 1860s) and the earlier Arab slave trade (8th - 14th century), our leaders explicitly knew and consistently acted out the same leadership profi les that most of us today understand from the moment we leave our homes for work, worship, study or business. Today, patrons are individuals and organizations of all ethnicities who contribute $250 and more to the CV Drum’s leadership and journalism efforts during one fi scal year. Patrons receive a 14-month subscription and will be listed in the Drum and/or on our Web site. If you are interested in subscribing, being a patron or advertising in the Drum, please call, email, write or visit our Web site.

Featured Patrons

Name / Title ___________________________________Address ______________________________________Address ______________________________________E-Mail Address ________________________________

Please send to:

______ $56 one-year individual subscription now or ( ___ $64 bill me)______ $96 two-year individual subscription now or ( ___ $104 bill me)______ $250 CV Drum Individual Patron*______ $300 Couples/Family Patron*______ $400 Non-Profi t Group Patron*______ $500 For-Profi t Group Patron*______ Well-wisher __________ ($ amount)

* Patron status includes 14-month subscription and featured in newsletter (and/or Website)

INVR/HHEW6333 Pacifi c Ave, # 512Stockton, CA 95207

Subscriptions Begin Within 3 Weeks

Other CV Drum Patrons featured this month: Roland Hart, M.D. (Stockton, physician), Bryant Williams, M.D. (Stockton, physician), Jacquelyn M. Forte’ (Modesto/Turlock, university administrator), Peter & Melyssa Barrett (Tracy - renowned actor and business executive respectively), Ron Small, J.D. (Stockton, educator), Aubry Stone (Sacramento, California Black Chamber of Commerce), Col. (Ret.) Cleve & Doris Edwards (Stockton, educators). More patrons featured monthly.

4

BIRTHDAY INFO (OPTIONAL)

Month ___________Day of Mth _______

Need speakers at your school throughout the school year or during Black History Month?

There are plenty to choose from in each episode of

the CV Drum.

Wendy Byrd, President, CVBEA (Modesto)

Wendy Byrd, a native of Toledo, Ohio, is the president of the Central Val-ley Black Educators Association based in Modesto. The purpose of CVBEA is to support and enhance identity, community, and professional welfare and development among African-American educators in the Central Valley re-gion of California. It also works with educational institutions and districts to recruit Black educators, administrators and support staff.

She is currently Director of Student Development and Campus Life at Modesto Junior College. She is also on the advisory board of the CV Drum.

CV Celebrations in the African Tradition:Births, Birthdays, Engagements, Weddings, Graduations,

Anniversaries, Career Promotions, Retirements ... and more!Send us your announcements by the 2nd Wed. of the month - cvcelebrations@gmail.com

January 3 - James M. Fuller (Atwater), January 8 - Nilaja Rob-ertson (Kingston, Jamaica), January 9 - Royalty Fortier (Pasade-na), January 9 - Beverlee White (Stockton), January 15 - DR.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., January 16 - Andy Parks (Elk Grove), January 18 - Eva Briggs Moore, Ed.D. (Stockton), January 19 - Katrina Scott (Stockton), January 20 - Wilhelmina Henry (Stockton), January 20 - Ebony L. Humphrey (Modesto), January 21 - Shani Adams (Stockton), January 21 - Gail Griffi n (Stockton), January 21 - Robynn Mu-hammad (Stockton), January 25 - Princess Fortier (Los Angeles), January 26 - Eddie Mill-er (Tracy), January 31 - Jimi Choice (Stockton), January 31 - Doris Edwards (Stockton), February 2 - Keith Orlando Hilton (Stockton), February 2 - Ingrid Eaton Soluaga (Tracy), February 4 - Lee Williams (Tracy), February 6 - David Muhammad (Stockton), February 6 - Nayana Wilson (Stockton), February 11 - Kenneth Roberts (Merced), February 14 - Brenda Malone, M.D. (Tracy), February 14 - Ralph White (Stockton), February 16 - Pastor Amelia Adams (Stockton), February 21 - Tariq Ali Muhammad (Stockton), February 23 - Barbara Conyers-Cook (Stockton), February 24 - Mateenah Okanlawon (Stockton), Feb-ruary 25 - Charlene Leathers Sibblis (Stockton), February 27 - Janet Lilly (Stockton),

BIRTHDAYS

5

SEND US THOSE PHOTOS!

Mary Kennedy-Bracken of BOSS Business Systems (above) was recently sworn in as the fi rst African-American president of the Lathrop Chamber of Commerce. The installation dinner took place at Isadore’s restaurant in Man-teca. Judge William Murray of the San Joaquin County Superior Court admin-istered the oath to all incoming offi cers.

Pamela J. Perrault (above) of Pamela’s Sole to Soul Neuro-Re-fl ex Therapy is the fi rst neuro-refl ex therapist in Stockton. Neuro-Refl ex Therapy is a form of treatment incor-porating some aspects of the ancient art of refl exology with new advanced techniques promoting circulation and increasing nerve conduction when ap-plied to one’s hands and feet.

Nilaja Robertson of Kingston, Jamaica, turns six while visiting grandparents in Stockton.

Mary Kennedy-Bracken Chosen Lathrop Chamber President

Congratulations to Rev. Gayle Johnson of Raleigh, North Carolina for being

ordained January 14, 2007. With love -

KOH & Sandra

StocktonWhat’s Good...

We list events that will happen for next two months in your area, so send information to us ASAP. Call, email or mail.

6

“Black people were freed from slavery on January 1, 1863,” Ralph White of the SBLC

The Stockton Black Leadership Council (SBLC)

The Black Student Union of Weston Ranch High pres-ents “Gospel Legacy III,” a free community gospel musi-cal; Gospel choirs, soloists, praise dancers, Christian spoken word artists, Christian rappers. Saturday, February 24, 6 p.m., Weston Ranch High School Theater, 4606 McCuen Avenue (off French Camp west), Stockton. If interested in performing or more information please contact Bro. Dwaine McFadden @ (209) 612-7338, Jacqueline McFadden @ (209) 982-5387 ext. 2105 or McTeacher22@msn.com

(ABCW) Assoc of Black Correctional WorkersAnnual Friends & Lovers Valentine Dinner & Dance

February 10 - Stockton Inn - 4219 E. Waterloo, Stockton6-midnight - Tickets $40 per person

More Info: (209) 598-4599, 242-4929, 951-9035, 479-3449

The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library has planned a wonderful program featuring African-Ameri-can art and artists. The Library is extending an invitation to local artists and the community at large to submit artwork for display as part of this exhibit. The theme is “The 1940’s Black Experience”. The exhibit will also honor the ac-complishments of the Tuskegee Airmen. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 16.

A viewing of the exhibit for the community is planned for Sunday, March 4. For more information, please contact Linda Patrick at (209) 937-7778 or Stephen Bentley at (209) 937-7539. Email: culturalcrossroads@ci.stockton.ca.us.

The 2nd San Joaquin Delta College Jazz Concert is Fri-day, February 23 @ 7:30 pm in Atherton Auditorium, Stockton, the 3rd is Wednesday, March 14 @ 7:30 p.m. in Lewis Theatre, the 4th is Wednesday, May 16 @ 7:30pm in Lewis Theatre. Seating in Lewis Theatre is limited so Box Offi ce recommends getting your tickets early. Box Offi ce is open Tuesday-Friday, from 11am to 6 p.m.; Saturday, from 11am-3pm.

Ten 2007 PIVs to watch in Stockton area as voted by CV Drum readers:

(see page 8 for defi nition of PIV)

DORIS EDWARDS - Community activist, retired educatorDR. MOSES ELAM - Kaiser Permanente Medical GroupJOHNNY FORD - Stockton Deputy City ManagerJANET LILLY, MBA - Past President, Black ChamberLESLIE MARTIN, J.D. - Stockton City CouncilJUDGE WILLIAM MURRAY - Superior Court JudgeREBECCA NABORS - Stockton City CouncilLESTER PATRICK - Academic Review Comm, Lodi NATALIE RENCHER - SJ County Library DirectorCAROLYN WATERS - President, BEASUSD

Moses Elam, M.D., PIV

December “Shades of Survivorship” Speaker

A short list of nationally renowned African-American motivation-al speakers would include people like Les Brown, Iyanla Vanz-ant and Jewel Diamond Taylor (pictured above). Jewel was the guest speaker at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Shades of Survivorship Breast Cancer Support and Outreach Education Program held at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton. Her topic: “Breast Cancer - Why me, why now, & what’s next?”

Elk GroveWhat’s Good...

We list events that will happen for next two months in your area, so send information to us ASAP. Call, email or mail.

7

Ten 2007 PIVs to watch in the Elk Grove area as voted by CV Drum readers:

(see page 8 for defi nition of PIV)

DONNA CHERRY - Learning Support Services, EGUSDJIM COOPER - Elk Grove City CouncilDANA HOWARD - KXTV - News Anchor, SacramentoRENEE JENKINS - Parent, Community VolunteerCHET MADISON - School Board, Elk Grove Unifi edREV. CURTIS MITCHELL - Antioch Baptist ChurchDR. LAWANNA MONTGOMERY - CEO, Reach LearningALAN H. ROWE - United College Action Network, Inc.DR. STEVE WINLOCK - Assoc Superintendent, EGUSDFRANK WITHROW - CEO, “Poetry with a Purpose”

Frank Withrow, PIV

Elk Grove Unifi ed School District school board member Chet Madison (center) enjoys the performance of students at recent board meeting. Madison, a long-time district resident, has also served as school board president.

ELK GROVE CHURCH SPOTLIGHT:Sheep of the Good Shepherd Baptist Fellowship

9080 Laguna Main, Suite 3, Elk GrovePhone: (916) 914-2014

E-mail: sgbf@comcast.net

Order of Service:Sunday Worship Service 10 a.m.

Sunday School 9 a.m.Come and Worship with us!

Pastor Clifford W. Cheaton, Sr.

The Black Expo 2007 moves Downtown

After fi ve successful years at Cal Expo where at-tendance reached over 40,000, Black Expo 2007 is headed downtown to the Sacramento Convention Center located at 1400 J Street.

This annual exposition is a free event. Doors will open Friday, February 23 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m; from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 24; and from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 25 in exhibit halls A-E.

Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce invites you to visit China!February 22-March 2 or March 2-10

The Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce will be conducting a Business Leaders’ Trip to China from February 22nd to March 2nd and March 2nd to March 10th. The 9-day trip includes round trip international air fare, 4 and 5 star hotel stays, three meals each day, Chinese governmental offi cial banquets, deluxe bus tours, English speaking tour guides, ad-mission tickets to all tourist spots and airport taxes through-out the trip. Through a special partnership with the Elk Grove Chamber member CITSLINC International, Inc., this experience is available to all Chamber members and their friends and family for the special price of $1,399 per person (double occupancy). Chamber@ElkGroveCA.com

CentralPage...

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MVPs, VIPs and PIVsin the Valley

This January 2007 episode of the CV Drum is dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and hundreds of current Central Valley leaders and organizations (a.k.a. Peaks in the Valley). MVP stands for Most Valuable Player. In pro sports, examples of MVPs would be players such as Tim Duncan, Steve McNair and Barry Bonds. VIP stands for Very Important Person. In “Black Hollywood,” we think of Denzel, Haley, Jamie and Morgan. In politics, we have Obama, Ron Dellums and Dr. Conde Rice. PIV stands for Peaks in the Valley, and is a term coined by my organization, INVR Standards/HHEW. PIVs are Black (or Acknowledged African) individuals in leadership positions throughout the Mid-Central Valley making a difference based on the TALO Leadership Theory. Please see our Website for an overview of this theory. Based on the TALO Theory, there are eight major leadership profiles. Dr. King, for example, consistently rated a number 4 and 5 profile. Regardless of how one feels about Clarence Thomas, Ward Connerly or Janice Rogers Brown, they are also bonafide leaders based on the theory’s criteria. Personally, I am not fond of their politics, but that does not change the fact that they are leaders. The TALO Theory is one of the first systematic and scholarly attempts to match leaders with traditional and current ideologies of Black people worldwide. This helps our communities better

understand those serving and claiming to serve in our best interest. Take a look at this year’s PIVs featured throughout the Valley. Please congratulate them and also challenge them to continue making a difference in their respective cities.

KOH, Ph.D., CV Drum Editor

Monthly Media Message

Keith Orlando Hilton, Ph.D.

In Merced/Atwater there is the annual Black & White BallIn Modesto there is the annual Red, Black and Green Ball

In Stockton there is the annual ball sponsored by...

Esquire Club Members - Lemuel Williams (president), Eddie Brown, Ken-neth Bunns, Cleve Davis, Cleveland Edwards, Vonzell Graham, Edward Jack-son, Douglas Martin, Benjamin Reddish, William Sanders, Rondy Scippio, Bobby Smith, Al Taylor, Clifford Weaver, Floyd Weaver and Tony White.

And also featuring the members of the Ebony Socialites of Atwater: Dolores Maples (president), Eula Toca, Barbara Wilhoit, Andrea Moore, Patricia Mims, Dr. Mary C. Jones, Sylvia F. Fuller, Pearl Butcher, Henrietta Champion, Delores Duckett, Ruby Fagan, Essie Gordon, Wanda Howard, Virgie Mackey, Lisa Ma-ples, Inga Maples-Williams, Fannie Mitchell, Rowena Mitchell, Mary Peggins, Dorthula Pennick, Earnestine Portis, Lula Powell, Ruth Pryor, Debra Sanders, Mildred Vassell. Both organizations fully support their local communities.

...CentralValley

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Judge John Foster Cruikshank (1927-2002) was also a drum major

for justice

Just a few short years before Superior Court judges William Murray, Jr. and Lauren Thomasson were sworn in, there was the Honorable John F. Cruikshank. I hope people from Merced to Elk Grove always remember this important man from the Bay Area in Central Valley history. I wonder what Dr. King would think of the late John F. Cruikshank, San Joaquin County’s fi rst African-American judge? The fi rst time that I met John Cruikshank was also during my fi rst year in Stockton. It was during African History Month, and I was asked by then Stockton NAACP President Willie Douglas to facilitate a session on the media and the African-American community. The panel was a lively one as I recall; people such as Dr. Mamie Darlington, Min. Tommie Muhammad, Rev. Bob Hailey, Ralph White, Vic Harris, Bobby Bivens and Judge Cruikshank being a part of it. At the end of the program, he pulled me aside and offi cially welcomed me to Stockton and said that he was very happy to know that I was a journalism professor. He then told me that he also had a journalism degree and background. At that fi rst meeting with Judge Cruikshank, I saw in his face W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Martin Delany, Robert Abbott, Elijah Muhammad, A. Phillip Randolph and Booker T. Washington, all great historical fi gures. On that note, I also now hope we appreciate our current PIVs and “drum majors for justice” while they are still with us.

KOH, Ph.D. - CV Drum Editor

December in the Central Valley

Christmas caroling in Stockton (above andleft) with a smiling Retta L. Girley-Gross.

Karaoke in Merced (left and below) with the Jones family.

Kwanzaa in Modesto (below) and Stockton (below right)

Monthly Media Message

Keith Orlando Hilton, Ph.D.

Did you know that the CV Drum is

now in every public library in

San Joaquin County?

Below photo courtesy of rscippio:

TracyWhat’s Good...

We list events that will happen for next two months in your area, so send information to us ASAP. Call, email or mail.

10

Buy the CV Drum at Dick’s News Stand, TracyDick’s News Stand is located at 1037 Central Avenue.

The Tracy Area Genealogical Society (TAGS) is dedicated to researching individual family histories and also

preserving the story of the people and settlements in Tulare Township, San Joaquin County and California.

Offi ce and library are located in the Tracy Historical Museum, 1141 Adam Street, Tracy

Library Hours: Tuesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 .m. or by special appointment

Telephone: (209) 832-1106, (209) 814-0941, (209) 835-6662Email: Tracy Area Genealogical Society

The newly formed Black Educators South San Joaquin County (BESSJC) has scheduled its next meeting for Thursday, Feb. 1st at North School. For more information contact Jodi Wyrick at: jwyrick@tusd.net.

Jodi Wyrick, a teacher with Tracy Unifi ed, is one of the founding members, which also includes Sheila Holloway, also an elementary school teacher in Tracy. South San Joaquin County includes the Tracy area districts, Man-teca, Lathrop and Ripon.

Ten 2007 PIVs to watch in the Tracy area as voted by CV Drum readers:

(see page 8 for defi nition of PIV)

MELYSSA BARRETT - Executive, VISA CorporationPETER BARRETT - CEO, Jali EnterprisesMARGIE FOREHAND - Education Chair, TAAAMARY KENNEDY-BRACKEN - Pres, Lathrop ChamberGAIL LAGASCA - Senior-level TAAA offi cerNATE TERRY - President, Tracy African-American AssocEVELYN TOLBERT - Tracy City Council memberDR. SHARON WASHINGTON, M.D. - PhysicianJODIE WYRICK - Co-founder, So. SJ County Black EdsTOLBERT YOUNG, JR. - A founding member, TAAA

Evelyn Tolbert, J.D., PIV

A free subscription to the CV Drum:Who is this local artist who has performed with the Edwin Hawkins Singers? Be the fi rst person to give us the right answer by Friday, January 26 and receive a free 6-month subscription for yourself or a friend.

Tracy Chamber of Commerce Announcement

Tracy Entrepreneurs is a committee of the Tracy Cham-ber. This committee meets twice a month on the second and fourth Thursdays. The fi rst meeting features a speaker that discusses several topics such as marketing, business development, etc. The second meeting features members of the group giving presentations about their own businesses. You must be a member of the Chamber in order to become a member of this group. More info: info@tracychamber.

ModestoWhat’s Good...

We list events that will happen for next two months in your area, so send information to us ASAP. Call, email or mail.

11

The Historically Black Colleges and Hispanic Serving Institutions Recruitment Fair will be held February 7th at Davis High School, Modesto.

This event is sponsored by Modesto City Schools, Stanislaus County Offi ce of Education and Modesto Junior College.

For more information contact John Ervin at: (209) 576-4178.

Ten 2007 PIVs to watch in the Modesto area as voted by CV Drum readers:

(see page 8 for defi nition of PIV)

WENDY BYRD - Pres, Central Valley Black EducatorsGLEN CARRINGTON - Author, Auditor, ModestoJOHN ERVIN III - Board Pres, King-Kennedy CenterDR. MELDA GASKINS - Principal, Modesto HighEMERSON JOHNSON - Owner, McDonald’s franchisesWILLIE MCDANIEL - President, Stanislaus NAACPDR. RICHARD ROSE - Pres, Modesto Junior CollegeDON VAUGHN - Board, American Cancer SocietyDORIS WILLARD - Community & Students AdvocateJESSE WILLARD - Community & Students Advocate

Melda Gaskins, Ed.D., PIV

A young, positive, fresh voice in Modesto

“Dojah” (left) is one of the reasons the CV Drum chooses to focus on positive faces in African com-munities rather than the typical way our youth are portrayed in the generic press. She is a rising voice on the local po-etry and spoken word scene.

“Assisting Liberians to survive then thrive through education”

Relief, Inc. has its 3rd Annual “Incredible Crab Fest” coming up on March 10th (5:30 p.m.) in Modesto at the Howard Training Center. Right now we are in need of sponsors and people who want maximum visibility with minimal expense. Our levels of sponsorship reach all pocketbooks. We are also accepting raffl e prizes and silent auction items. Our most popular contribution is with those wanting to treat their family or friends to un-believable crab by sponsoring an entire table of 8 ($320). This way they can totally enjoy an evening of African artifacts, entertainment, and dancing. Who could ask for more? Hard to say who benefi ts most. Contact Relief at (209) 545-1700. www.reliefi nc.org

Modesto Chamber of Commerce Event:B.E.S.T. Business Education Seminar and Training

Date: Friday, February 2Time: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Location: Modesto Chamber, 1114 J StreetContact: Rebekah Gregory

Phone: (209) 577-5757Email: rgregory@modchamber.org

Turlock/MercedWhat’s Good...

12

Merced Branch NAACP meets the 4th Monday of each month at 604 W. 8th Street, Merced, 6:30 p.m. For more information phone (209) 726-3236.

We list events that will happen for next two months in your area, so send information to us ASAP. Call, email or mail.

WELL WORTH ASKING AGAIN:Where is African-American Studies at the University of California - Merced?This fall 2007, UC-Merced students will have at least 18 majors to choose from - double the number the campus opened with in 2005. In addition 12 minors will be avail-able...but no where is African-American Studies mentioned or even in the pipeline. But this is the right time to push for this important major. If you think this is a good idea, please contact the CV Drum at (209) 473-4687 or email us at: cvdrumnews@gmail.com.

Ten 2007 PIVs to watch in Turlock/Merced Areas:

(see page 8 for defi nition of PIV)

NECOLA ADAMS - President, League of Women VotersMICHELLE ALLISON - President, Merced NAACPPEARL BUTCHER - Owner, Le Pearls in Atwater SYLVIA FULLER - Parliamentarian, Ebony SocialitesIDA JOHNSON - Merced Union HS School BoardDR. LARRY JOHNSON - VP, Merced CollegeDR. MARY JONES - Assist Superintendent, Ceres Unifi edDR. DEBORAH MOTTON - UC Merced administratorDOLORES MAPLES - Educator and community activistPASTOR RODGER TYLER - Mt. Olive Baptist, Atwater

Blast From the Past with a “Little Taste of Gumbo”

Sponsored by Atwater-Merced Alumnae Chapter

of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Saturday, February 10 --- 7 - 11 p.m.Atwater Community Center

Music by Ed James

Historical Black Celebrities portrayed by Community Actors

Donation $30

Call (209) 769-2728 for ticket information

Pearl Butcher, PIV

A free subscription to the CV Drum:Where are these two street signs located in Merced and what is the name of the building (slightly shown) beneath the signs? Be the fi rst per-son to give us the right answers by Friday, January 26 and receive a free 6-month subscription for yourself or a friend.

On Feb. 17, Buoyancy Charitable Community, Inc. will host a banquet to honor our elders of Merced and thank them for paving the way for us. Buoyancy’s mission is to provide social services to the disadvantaged segment of our com-munity. Our organization is an expansion of Buoyancy in Modesto. We are looking for co-sponsors for this event. Our mission is to offer this event to those 62 and over at no cost. Those under 62 will be asked for a $25 donation for the meal and program. For more information contact Tena Williams, MSW, CEO, tenamwilliams@yahoo.com.

Bay Area | Sacramento | Northern California

Southern California | The Nation | The World

13

Students, save the date! February 16th

Tanya CrabbFresno State UniversityUniversity Outreach Services(559) 278-2048

California State University, Fresno is having an exciting cultural event “Africana Cultural Night”, which will be held February 16th at CSUF in the SSU, from 6-9 p.m. Ac-cording to Tanya Crabb (right), “The purpose of this production is to highlight the diversity among African peoples at Fresno State, and in its surrounding com-munity ‘from slavery to freedom’.” All are en-couraged to get involved with this and two other February events.

The Eddie Robinson Foundation, named for the famed head coach of Grambling University, is sponsoring the Motherland Classic, celebrat-ing the 30th anniversary of the Grambling-Morgan State football game played in Japan. The Motherland Classic, to be played February 10, is an all-star game for football players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The game features 80 seniors from the CIAA, SWAC, SIAC, and MEAC conferences.

The game is being played in Abuja, Nigeria. The Nigerian govern-ment aided in underwriting the $5 million cost for the game. Members of the Motherland Classic’s international advisory board include Gil Brandt, former Dallas Cowboys personnel director, and Vince Dooley, NCAA Hall of Famer and University of Georgia head coach. John Junk-er, chairman and CEO of the Tostito’s Fiesta Bowl is working as an advisor for the game.

In Fresno

“The Motherland Bowl”

In Sacramento

One more friend in politics. Wilmer Amina Carter (left) with Stockton NAACP president Bobby Bivens, has been a California State Assemblywoman since December 2006. She represents the 62nd district, which consists of the cities and communities of San Bernardino, Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Bloomington and Muscoy in Southern California.

American Football in Africa

February 10th - Abuja, Nigeria

Race & Racism Joining the AncestorsIn the spirit of our Acknowledged African ancestors, each month we honor community and family members who have recently passed in the Mid-Central Valley (and if space allows, relatives outside of the Valley). Space is limited. Send us your full announcements with photos by the second Wednesday of the month for publication consideration. This month’s page is dedicated to the memory of Rubye L. Forte’ of Ft. Worth, Texas (October 22, 1941 - October 24, 2006), the mother of Jacquelyn Forte’ of Turlock.

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The CV Drum is the only African-American owned (and the only publication period) that covers our communities from Merced south to Elk Grove north.

Col. Allensworth State Historic Park, in the Central Valley, is the site of a town founded by African-Americans in 1908 in an effort to create a discrimina-tion-free community. At its peak, 300 families lived in Allensworth. The park is located in Tulare County, 15 miles from Delano, the nearest city. Today it has approximately 70,000 annual visitors. The park is now in the spotlight since local residents and state-wide activists learned of plans to build two mega-dairies on neighboring land. The Tulare County Board of Supervisors tenta-tively approved the proposal for the farms -- on 320 acres with more than 9,000 cows -- and will take a fi nal vote March 20. For more about the park and the current situa-tion go to: http://friendsofallensworthsandiego.com/.

Ed Bradley, James “God-father of Soul” Brown, Ruth Brown, Octavia But-ler, Bebe Moore Campbell, Desmond Dekker, Mike Ev-ans, Coretta Scott King, Gerald Levert, Fayard Nicholas, Gordon Parks, Floyd Patterson, Wilson Pickett, June Pointer, Billy Preston, Kirby Puckett, Lou Rawls, Ali Farka Toure and Charlie Williams.

Have you supported Allensworth lately?

“The Color of the Cross” is shown in Stockton

Please see the De-cember CV Drum (page 14) for informa-tion about this movie that depicts Christ as Black. Pic-tured left are

Fayette Reynolds, Min. Tommie Muhammad (who brought the movie to Stockton) and Rev. Bob Hailey). They were among the many who maintained an open mind on this topic. But where were the other ministers?

...and in the memory of our many famous icons including...

Some Past Months’ Topics & Themes To “Advertise” or

become a “Patron”

Call: (209) 473-4687

Email: cvdrumnews@gmail.com (subject line: “Advertise” or “Patron”)

INVR Standards/HHEW6333 Pacific Avenue, # 512

Stockton, CA 95207

www.thecvdrum.info

CV Community Conversation

October - War & Politics: A Valley Perspective

November - Stockton & Asaba, Nigeria: Sister Cities

December - Happy Holidays!

Got a photo, story idea, letter or even a poem that you would like published? See page one or email us for general ideas and topics. Then send it to us for consid-eration. Remember, we run photos and cover topics important to you. All items must be submitted by second Wednesdays to be considered for the upcoming issue. Please include names/information with photos. Materials will remain prop-erty of the CV Drum. Submit via mail — 6333 Pacific Avenue, #512, Stockton, CA 95207 — or email — cvdrumnews@gmail.com (subject line: “CV Submission”).

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Having a blessed 2007!

If you are interested in being a guest essayist for CV

Community Conversation, please submit your 300-

400 word essay on any relevant community or Val-

ley topic, along with your photo and brief bio.

THIS MONTH’S GUEST ESSAYIST

MABLE “JIMI” CHOICE (POET/EDUCATOR “REFOCUSED” - STOCKTON)

Having a blessed 2007

We are all a part of our Heavenly Father’s never ending eternal cycle. Our Journey here on earth has its peaks and valleys. Its challenges and victories. No one has any control over when, why

or where our individual journey began. We only know that we are Here/Now... We are born into an experience of listening, learning, growing, determining, realizing, declaring, actualizing, and shar-ing…. The choices we make determine our reality. There will be

times when there seems to be no one to turn to. Call on Him for pro-tection, guidance and deliverance. May the evil forces be silenced and good prevail…. May 2007 be a blessed time of healing, growth

and progress for each and every one.

The CV Photo GalleryLast year’s cover

Celebrating a different king (Lion King)“I just can’t wait to be King!” Elk Grove Unifi ed School District elementary students enthusiastically perform at the School District’s December board meeting. The CV Drum hopes that many other youth throughout the Valley also want to be like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well.