W elcome to the 15th AnnualNational Black Grads Celebration. This moment is more than an event. It is a milestone, a testimony, and living proof of what can happen when a village refuses to give up on its children.
The Significance of the Black National AnthemMore than a hymn, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is a call to unity and survival-a sacred thread in the story of Black America. Written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson, the song debuted in Jacksonville, Florida, sung by 500 Black schoolchildren. Its verses, steeped in hope and hardship, quickly became an anthem for generations. Adopted by the NAACP and echoed through the Civil Rights Movement, it gave voice to those denied liberty and uplifted spirits when freedom felt far away. Today, its words still call us to rise to remember our pain, but never forget our power.
Page 12Dr. Keith Hosea is a transformational leader, educator, and community pioneer whose life's work has expanded access, opportunity, and belief for students and families who have historically been underserved. For more than two de- cades, he has dedicated his career to empowering foster youth, transition-age youth, and first-generation students to recognize their full potential and step confidently into their future. As the Founder and President/CEO of Telios Training Solutions, Dr. Hosea has built one of California's most respected
Page 13A proud native of San Bernardino, California, Heather Morris is a transfor- mational educator, mentor, and college access advocate whose work continues to shift the trajectory of students and families across the Inland Empire. A product of San Bernardino City and Rialto Unified schools, she attended Rio Vista Elementary, Martin Luther King Middle School, and Eisenhower High School before earning her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Clark Atlanta University. She is currently pursuing her Master's in School Counsel- 66
Thank You Scholarship Donors-100 Black Men of the Inland Empire - Edward Jamar Hammond Scholarship - Epsilon Tau Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity - Akoma Community Center & Our Children Sing - Good Change Scholarship Fund (Presented by L.B. Smith Group LLC) - I AM Gifted Foundation *
+ Dr. April Clay +CEO & Founder, Clay Counseling Solutions & Clay Counseling Foundation Prominent mental health professional, educator, and advocate in San Bernardino, providing culturally responsive support for schools, families, and communities. Brings 20+ years of experience as a teacher, school counselor, and clinical therapist.
Page 39+ Joshua Green + Serial Entrepreneur & Tech Founder Co-founder of Veri MedTech Holdings, Joshua leads a healthcare company serving over 400,000 patients. He also manages a $15M real estate portfolio. + D'Lainia Cain + Owner, Nuck Nailed It
+ Stacy Cumberbatch +Founder, Blended Impact Stacy brings venture capital and real estate finance experience and has helped secure over $4.5M in investments. + Lisa Buffong + Regional Administrative Leader at Health Care Management: Champions operational excellence and enhances care delivery for millions of members at Kaiser Permanente.
Robyn MancellCEO, Green Energy Solutions Holdings LLC Renewable energy entrepreneur, educator, and sustainability advocate advancing solar, EV chargers, and clean energy solutions through education and customized strategies. Jacqueline Pruitt
Page 42EMPOWERING EVERY LEARNER, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY EMPOWERING EVERY LEADLANDS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY EMPOWERING EVERY LEA EMPOWERING EVERY LEA
RIALTOUNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BRIDGING FUTURES THROUGH INNOVATION RIALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Page 44San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Transforming lives through education We believe that the human mind is incredibly powerful and through life-long learning has unlimited potential.
DANIELLE TOWNSEND"I do this work to create spaces where Black girls are seen, valued, and can see themselves fully. It's about building on the power they already carry, affirming identity, and nurturing confidence so they can thrive unapologetically in every part of their lives." DEVON HEARD
KEILA LUNDYI believe Black women are the heartbeat of the village. When we intentionally embrace, affirm, and uplift one another, we set the temperature for our families and communities. Our unity creates warmth, resilience, and healing-proving that when Black women stand together, the entire village is ACTIVE!! SHANTEL TRACY
JARRON GILBERTHead Football Coach, teacher at Riverside Polytechnic High School After retirement from the NFL, I decided to pursue a career in education and coaching in hopes to be a positive influence on future generations. I am rewarded each day by seeing the growth and development taking place in the lives of my students.
Page 72Congratulations to our Captians: Kya Antony, Erin Douglas & Naleiah Miller Sr. Steppa's: Laila Bolden, Irelynn "Lua" Downey, Julisa Jaramillo & all 2026 Grads CULTURE SUR PRIDE POWER
Page 8766 There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish. At Diana Alexander Consulting, LLC, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, uplift communities, and create a future full of promise and purpose.
Charlie &Maple Lee Jordan HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIP he Charlie & Maple Lee Jordan Heritage Scholarship was established to honor two people who believed that a good education was one of the keys to a successful future.
EPSILON TAU BOULÉSIGMA PI PHI FRATERNITY SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA CONGRATULATIONS
Page 92GARRETT MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLC. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE INLAND EMPIRE BLACK GRADUATES
Page 113Aldine Weems was a Political and Civil Rights Activist, fighting for welfare rights for the underprivileged and equality for women in Las Vegas, Nevada alongside her family Ruby Duncan. HONORING A LEGACY. INSPIRING CHANGE. BUILDING FUTURES.