Thursday, October 2 | Volume 40 No. 29

4th Inland Empire Black Parent Summit Unites Families, Educators, Community for Success

Westsidestory Newspaper

As Supporters Amplify Message, Dem Heavyweights Show Up to Fight Voter ID Proposition

Dr. April Clay, LMFT

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, October 17, the 4th Annual Inland Empire Black Parent Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Santos Manuel Student Union at Cal State San Bernardino, 5500 University Pkwy. Registration is required. “Schools are stronger when educators, families and the community come together to support students. More than ever before, we need to stand together and make sure our families have the information, relationships and resources our children need to thrive,” said Dr. April Clay, founder of the Clay Counseling Foundation. The Summit is a community gathering bringing together a host of nonprofit and community-based organizations, education networks, mental health professionals and education leaders. This year’s focus includes mental health and resilience among Black scholars, helping parents navigate educational systems, increasing awareness of artificial intelligence and its future and connecting families with resources and professionals throughout the region. The full-day event will feature a regional superintendent panel facilitated by Dr. Judy D. White, Retired Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, along with breakout sessions led by university professors and researchers, K-12 and higher education administrators, mental health professionals and community thought leaders.

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With Election Day approaching on Nov. 3, California Republicans are intensifying efforts to build support for Proposition (Prop) 39, portraying the voter identification measure as a way to strengthen election security and public confidence. Democratic leaders and voting rights advocates are mounting a countercampaign, arguing that the proposal would create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters. Earlier this month, Democratic leaders and voting rights advocates gathered Sept. 9 at the Japanese American National Museum (JAMN) in Los Angeles to rally against the measure. Speakers included former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra; U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.); Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón; Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister)and California Teachers Association President David Goldberg; and other Democratic leaders and activists.

Separately, state Controller Malia Cohen and state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), spoke against Proposition 39 during a Sept. 22 virtual roundtable hosted by California Democratic Party Organizing Director Helen Amelega. Becerra, the Democratic candidate for governor, called the measure’s language broad and confusing. He warned that it could result in eligible voters being removed from voter rolls, including newly married people who recently changed their names. “We're going to fight for every Californian who has registered appropriately to vote to make sure they get to vote on Election Day, regardless of what your last name is,” Becerra said. “If you are registered, you should be able to vote.”

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The City of Moreno Valley of Vincent van Gogh. Using floor-to-ceiling projection and spatial storytelling techniques, this installation allows visitors to move through animated environments inspired by the work of legendary artists and creators. “Immersive van Gogh changes how people experience art,” says Corey Ross, CEO of Lighthouse Immersive. “After welcoming millions of visitors worldwide, we’re thrilled to bring this transformative experience to Moreno Valley.” Curated by Marco Generoso Realino, CEO of Visioni S.r.l., The New Immersive van Gogh: The Next Chapter continues the evolution of van Gogh’s legacy through advanced visual storytelling. “This exhibition reveals the human essence behind van Gogh’s art—his resilience, his emotional depth, and his pursuit of beauty even in struggle,” Realino explains. “Each projection becomes a window into his world, inviting the audience to see beyond the canvas.” Serving as both a museum and entertainment hub, the venue features immersive experiences, hands-on exhibits, additional galleries, curated retail, a cozy café, and ample free parking. The destination brings art, storytelling, and civic engagement together while celebrating Moreno Valley’s heritage and creative energy.

“We are extremely proud and excited to bring this cutting-edge approach to culture to the Inland Empire,” says Mayor Ulises Cabrera. “This project is a defining moment for the City of Moreno Valley.” The museum opens on September 25, 2026. Tickets are on sale now and start at $29.99. For tickets, go to MorenoValleyMuseum.com.

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