Thursday, June 11 | Volume 40 No 13

• Volume 40 No. 13
• WSSNEWS
• Sharing the Quest for Excellence
• Black Music's

UNSUNG ARCHITECT: The Legacy of LOWELL FULSON

By Myshjua Allen Murray for WSS News, Arts, Entertainment & Culture

FOR DAILY NEWS AND UPDATES VISIT www.wssnews.com

Thursday

June 11, 2026

June is Black Music Month, a time to celebrate the artists whose creativity, innovation, and soul helped shape our nation. It's also a good time to revisit some of the names that helped build that sound but have Page 6 yet to be fully heard in their own right.

• New Data
• Debunks 'Absent
• Black Father'
• Myth - page 2
• Office

1987-2026.. Serving The Inland Empire For Over 39 Years

• Arroyo Valley High
• Wins First-Ever
• CIF Championship - page 3

577 N. "D" Street, #112H San Bernardino, CA 92401

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

New Data Debunks ‘Absent Black Father' Myth: Research Proves High Levels Of Engagement and Resilient Coparenting

SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- Groundbreak- ing research and local advocacy are disman- tling decades of harmful stereotypes sur- rounding Black fatherhood. For generations, cultural narratives have painted a picture of widespread absenteeism. However, statisti- cal evidence and community leaders reveal a drastically different reality: Black fathers are among the most active, involved parents in the nation.

A series of comprehensive studies challeng- es the legacy of outdated sociological frame- works. Data show that Black fathers, both co-residing and non-residential, consistently outpace other demographic groups in daily child-rearing activities.

What the Data Shows

The numbers tell a story of deep parental com- mitment:

⚫ Higher Daily Involvement: A 2008 survey of low-income mothers found that nonresident white fathers were less involved with their children than African American and Latino fa- thers.

N2FLIB

The Dameron family: Malaika, Shaila, Carl and Shiane in 2015 at California Adventure. "The myth of the absent Black father has been used to unfairly characterize our communities for far too long," said Carl M. Dameron.

Effective Coparenting: A 2018 study on nonmarital births revealed that Black mothers reported Black fathers shared responsibilities more frequently and displayed more effective coparenting than Hispanic and White fathers. ⚫ Resilience After Separation: Research pub- lished in 2009 noted that while father involve ment generally drops sharply after parents separate, these declines are significantly less dramatic for African American fathers.

A 2013 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contradicts ste- reotypes about absentee Black fathers, show- ing high levels of daily engagement and active parenting. The CDC data found that Black fa- thers living with their children were more like- ly to perform daily care tasks, such as feeding, bathing, and dressing, compared to their white or Hispanic counterparts.

"When it comes to Black fatherhood, absence is not the norm," states journalist German Lopez. "Active, involved parenthood is." Local Leaders Speak Out

The impact of these statistics is felt deeply on the ground. Carl M. Dameron, founder of Dameron Communications and a prominent community advocate in Southern California, emphasizes the critical need to align public perception with reality.

"The myth of the absent Black father has been used to unfairly characterize our communities for far too long," said Dameron. "Look at the real stories in our neighborhoods. You see men working hard, showing up for school events, coaching sports, and leading households. We need to replace a false narrative with one of unity, strength, and devotion."

Experts note that the parental relationship it- self has a less negative impact on a Black fa- ther's commitment. Even when a romantic rela- tionship ends, Black fathers routinely maintain strong, independent bonds with their children. This defies the historical assumptions popular- ized by reports dating back to the 1960s. Changing the Narrative

The push to correct this narrative is about more than just statistics. It is about dignity and sys- temic support. When communities acknowl- edge the active presence of Black fathers, policies and local programs can better support them as vital pillars of family leadership.

Advocates argue that celebrating this reality helps future generations thrive. It provides young Black boys with accurate, positive re- flections of their own potential as future par- ents. The data is clear: Black fathers are pres- ent, capable, and leading their families with distinction.

Celebrate Freedom and Community at the 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair

LOS ANGELES, CA--- You are invited to join Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell for the 6th Annual Juneteenth Cele- bration & Resource Fair on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at George Washington Carver Park, located at 1400 E. 118th St. in Los Angeles.

This free, family-friendly event gives you the opportunity to celebrate freedom, connect with valuable community resources, enjoy en- gaging activities, visit food trucks, and experi- ence live entertainment.

The celebration will also kick off the park's eight-week Freedom Summer Program, which provides free, ongoing programming for youth ages 18 and younger.

You are encouraged to register today and share the event with your friends, family, and neighbors. Come celebrate, connect, and en- joy the community on Saturday, June 13.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026

Arroyo Valley High Wins First-Ever CIF Championship

(SBHS) 8-5 to earn the school's first-ever CIF trict rivals, Arroyo Valley High emerged vic- Championship. torious over San Bernardino High. The nail-

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-The Arroyo Valley High School (AVHS) varsity softball team made school history on Saturday, May 30 when it beat San Bernardino High School

In a thrilling extra-inning showdown between two San Bernardino City Unified School Dis-

See "Arroyo Valley High..." page 8

Second Annual T3 Golf Tournament Raises More Than $25,000 to Support Riverside Native Truly Adams' Formula Racing Career

T3 Golf Tournament

Saniel's

RIVERSIDE, CA - More than 100 golfers, sponsors, profession- al athletes, business leaders, and community supporters gathered at Canyon Crest Country Club on June 2 for the Second Annual T3 Golf Tournament, raising more than $25,000 to support the racing career of Riverside native Truly "The Truth" Adams as he advanc- es through the highly competitive world of Formula racing.

Hosted by Adams Motorsports Park and the Adams family, the annual fundraiser brought together supporters from across Southern California to invest in the future of one of America's most promis- ing young drivers. Funds raised from the event will help support Adams' continued training, testing, travel, and competition ex- penses as he advances through the Formula racing ranks. At just 15 years old, Adams has already established himself as a rising force in international motor- sports. A two-time World Karting Champion, Adams made history in 2025 as the first American driver to reach the finals and podium at the prestigious FEED Racing Vo- lant Formula 4 program in France. Earlier this year, he signed with Berg Racing and competed in the Ligier Junior Formula Champion- ship, where he continues to build momentum against some of the sport's top emerging talent.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

San Bernardino Community SDA Church Honors Pastor Dr. Jerald Thompson for a Decade

By Bueno Community News

The San Bernardino Community Seventh- day Adventist Church gathered on Sabbath to celebrate, honor, and bid a heartfelt fare- well to Pastor Dr. Jerald Thompson, whose 10 years of faithful leadership have left a lasting impact on both the church and the greater San Bernardino community. Church members, family, friends, commu- nity leaders, and fellow pastors came togeth- er to pay tribute to a man whose influence extends throughout the Inland Empire. The sanctuary was filled with gratitude, admira- tion, and love for a pastor whose commit- ment to ministry, education, and community service has touched countless lives.

Among those offering tributes were repre- sentatives from the San Bernardino Police Department, San Bernardino Pastors Unit- ed, Pastor Josh Beckley of Ecclesia Church, Reginald Young of Provisional Educational Services, Inc. (PESI) and Loveland Church in Fontana, along with numerous pastors and church leaders.

The celebration featured a stirring trumpet salute and several of Pastor Thompson's fa- vorite songs. As heartfelt tributes poured in, he fought back tears while receiving words of appreciation from those he has faithfully served over the past decade.

Surrounded by his wife, children, parents, and extended family, Pastor Thompson re- flected on a ministry built on faith, compas- sion, and servant leadership. Community members filled the church to honor a pastor known not only for his love of God but also for his unwavering devotion to the people of San Bernardino.

PESI Chief Executive Officer Dwaine Rad- den Sr., shown in top photo, presented Pas- tor Thompson with a plaque on behalf of the PESI Board of Directors. Thompson, who serves on the board, has provided valuable support and oversight for PAL Charter Acad- emy and the PAL Center.

"A man's work speaks to his worth," Radden said. "Thank you for your friendship, sup- port, and tireless service to this community. I won't say goodbye-I will simply say, 'I'll see you after a while.""

In his closing message, Pastor Thompson left the congregation with a powerful charge: "I may be gone, but keep the fire lit."

Though his chapter at San Bernardino Com- munity SDA Church is ending, his legacy of faith, service, and leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.

• of Faithful Service
• ATE
• ELEVATI

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026

Sailor With Family Ties to Winchester Serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader of U.S. Navy Supply

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Mas- ter Chief Petty Officer Vincent Miller serves as the senior enlist- ed leader of Naval Supply Sys- tems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Jack- sonville, Site Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Miller's family lives in Winchester, California.

"Growing up, the lesson was simple but absolute: in every thing you do, work hard and be respectful," Miller said. "Be fore joining the Navy, I was the branch manager of a financial in- stitution, a position I left during the 2008 financial crisis. When I entered the military, I never ex- pected to serve more than four years. They are two vastly dif- ferent professions on the surface, but I quickly discovered my common denominator: a genuine love for people. The early suc-

In San Bernardino County, Black babies are almost three times more likely to die before their first birthday than white babies. From 2018 to 2023, the number of babies born too early went up by more than 10%. Black mothers also have a higher chance of feeling sad or depressed during pregnancy, which can affect both mom and baby.

Command in Cuba

By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach cess I achieved in the financial industry came down to the way I listened to every single custom- er. I made it my mission to solve their problems and ensure each individual received that same level of service.

"While the uniform and the job have changed, the core prin- ciple remains the same. Every person-no matter who they arematters. You must listen to them, be slow to speak, and re- spond with purpose and intent. It is that love for people, the drive to solve complex problems and the privilege of leading others to succeed in ways they didn't even believe they could that has kept me in this uniform for all these years!"

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

Rallying Around Sisters

Perinatal Equity in San Bernardino County

But there is hope-and people are taking action. That's where FIMR, the Fetal Infant Mortality Review, comes in.

FIMR is a local group of doctors, nurses, community leaders, and neighbors. They work together to learn why some babies die and how to stop it from happening. They look at real cases (mom's and baby's information is kept private) and share ideas to help make care better for families.

USIN

Together, we can build healthy beginnings for Black families.

For more information, visit dph.sbcounty.gov/mcah or email [email protected].

• SAN BERNARDINO
• COUNTY
• Public Health

Front page story

Black Music's Unsung Architect: The Legacy of Lowell Fulson

For forty years, Lowell Fulson ⚫ has been Rock & Roll Hall of Fame adjacent.

When the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted its inaugural class in 1986, Fulson already had direct connections to two of its mem- bers; Ray Charles and Elvis Pre- sley.

To date, eleven Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are less than six degrees of separation from Fulson:

Ray Charles (Class of 1986) In 1950, Lowell took the blind teenaged touring pianist into his band and under his wing.

Elvis Presley (Class 1986) - His 1960 version of "Re- consider Baby" is one of his most critically acclaimed performanc- es. Lowell credits Presley with helping widen his own audience, telling writer/historian Howard DeWitt "He made our music more available to everyone. I played better clubs after Elvis sang my song."

B.B. King (Class of 1987)- A young B. B. King used to play Lowell's records during his radio show in Memphis, TN. Fulson's 'uptown blues' style inspired King. His first hit was a cover of "Three O'clock Blues", and an- other Fulson classic, "Every Day I Get The Blues" became his theme song.

Otis Redding (Class of 1989)- Scored a hit with his own rendition of "Tramp" featuring Carla Thomas.

Ike & Tina Turner (Class of 1991)- Ike played with Fulson in his early years. In 1956, Ike and Tina Turner recoded their own version of "Reconsider Baby"

.• Gregg Allman (Class of 1995)- Released his own version of "Reconsider Baby" on his solo project.

⚫ Eric Clapton (Class of 2000)- Included Reconsider Baby and Sinner's Prayer on his 1995 album From The Cradle.

Prince (Class of 2004)- Used a sample from "Tramp" as the drum loop on his song "7" from the Love Symbol Album

Salt-N-Pepa (Class of 2025)- Their first single "Tramp" heavily sampled both Fulson's original record and the Otis Red- ding/Carla Thomas classic. Speak- ing of "Tramp", this groundbreak- ing 1967 release has been sampled more than 50 times by artists in- cluding Ice Cube, Redman, Wu Tang, House of Pain, Cypress Hill, Grand Puba, and the afore- mentioned Rock Hall of Famers).

As Black Music Month inspires us to honor the artists who helped build American music, perhaps the question isn't whether Low- ell Fulson belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Perhaps the better question is why we've waited this long to have the conversation.

• To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.
• WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
• The CARE Project, Inc.

Adds End-of-Life

Doula Services for Breast Cancer Patients support services to include End- of-Life Doula care. Founded by Stage III breast cancer survivor Carrie Madrid, the organization now offers specialized, non-med- ical companionship and advocacy for those nearing the end of life or facing a terminal diagnosis.

Carrie Madrid, who serves as the nonprofit's President, discov- ered a profound calling to walk alongside patients during their most personal and trying times after spending eight years work- ing closely with the breast can- cer community. Her experience revealed that many patients and their families yearned for emo- tional support and companionship beyond traditional settings.

"I discovered part of my true pur- pose in walking alongside those with a limited time left. I value the trust that patients and their loved one's place in me during such a personal and trying time," said Madrid.

The services she offers are for in- dividuals who are nearing the end of life or have received a terminal diagnosis with a short life expec- tancy.

Carrie Madrid earned her Cer- tified CareDoulaⓇ designation from the School for Accompa- nying the Dying. As an End-of- Life Doula, she provides holis- tic, non-medical support that complements traditional hospice care.

RIVERSIDE, CA--- The CARE Project, Inc., a Riverside-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, is formally announcing the expansion of its emotional

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026

SB Symphony Presents America, The Beautiful Annual concert under the start - with fireworks - a partnership with San Bernardino Valley College

SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- The San Ber- nardino Symphony Orchestra, under the ba- ton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, will present their annual concert under the stars with fire- works on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. on the football field at San Bernardino Valley College.

Explained Maestro Parnther, "Our annual summer concert has now become a commu- nity staple and welcomes our largest crowd of the year. It's great to see so many people from throughout the Inland Empire joined together as we celebrate America and put on this spec- tacular show!"

The Symphony will perform a variety of favorite music from the Broadway and the American Songbook, as well as traditional Pa- triotic fare and a few special surprises. This year, members of the San Bernardino Sym- phony Youth Orchestra and Overture Orches- tra will also perform at the start of the event which will culminate in Tchaikovsky's bom- bastic 1812 Overture performed to a fantastic fireworks display!

And remember the world record breaking pic- colo performance in 2024? 192 piccolo players from all over the state performed John Phillip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" at that concert. The piccoloists will return this year in an attempt to break our own record!

Shared San Bernardino Community College District Dr. Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez. "This event is a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together in celebration and unity. This evening will be an unforgettable blend of live music, connection, and commu- nity pride."

The concert begins at 8:00 pm, but the pub- lic is invited to arrive by 5:30 p.m. to enjoy the College's annual SUMMERFEST which will take place on campus nearby the football stadium and will include food trucks, vendors, informational booths, kids' activities, campus tours, and, more!

Tickets and Location Details

Tickets for "America, the Beautiful" may be purchased online at www.sanbernardino- symphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388

Monday through Friday.

Tickets for Assigned Table seats are available at $20 $100 per person. General admission lawn seats are $10 per person with children un- der 12 always free. General admission ticketh- olders are encouraged to bring low lawn chairs or blankets. All attendees may bring their own picnic baskets or visit some of the many food trucks that will be on campus as part of SUM-

MERFEST.

San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available in assigned lots throughout the campus on concert day.

Shedrack Anderson III Blends R&B and Jazz

Soul on New Album 'Let It Fall'

Actor best known for roles in Hook, Just Deal, and Fat Albert continues building a multifaceted career in entertainment.

Multi-talented Actor and Recording Artist Shedrack Anderson III released his new album, Let It Fall, on May 20, 2026, now streaming worldwide across major platforms. Blending smooth R&B with jazz-inspired tones, uplift- ing melodies, and soulful rhythms, the project delivers a reflective listening experience cen- tered on growth, healing, and emotional re- newal.

The 10-song collection highlights Ander- son's versatility as both a recording artist and storyteller. Designed as a soundtrack for ev- eryday moments, Let It Fall moves effortlessly through late-night drives, creative focus, re- laxation, workouts, and introspection. Rich instrumentation and cinematic warmth under- score his ability to merge timeless musicianship with contemporary soul.

Rooted in R&B and jazz soul, the project pairs smooth vocals with cinematic emotion across standout 10 tracks, including "Let It Fall," Night Drive," "Midnight Moan," and "Somebody Loves Me."

In support of the album, Anderson is cur- rently developing a music video for the title track, "Let It Fall," scheduled for release in late summer 2026. He also remains active in film, recently completing work on a feature film project while preparing for another up- coming production.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

SBCUSD Honors Local Car Clubs as April

Outstanding Community Partners

The Outstanding Achievement Awards Recognize District Students, Parents and Staff

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - On Tuesday, April 21, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Educa- tion presented its April Outstanding Commu- nity Partner Award to several community car clubs for helping the district shine at commu- nity events, like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and the Black History Parade.

Among the car clubs honored in April were Them Foolz, Bomb Life, Old School Bombs and Bikes, Nite Owls, Road Machines, Jimmy Dorame from SideAffect, Oldie Style, Bennie and Dollie Garcia and Tina and Carlos Gomez.

Continued from page 3

Arroyo Valley High Wins biting contest, held at the Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine, show- cased the talent, determination and resilience of both teams, with neither side willing to back down. After battling through sev- en innings tied, the Hawks broke through in extra innings to secure the championship victory. While Arroyo Valley celebrated the title, both schools demonstrated out- standing sportsmanship and rep- resented SBCUSD with pride on one of high school softball's big- gest stages.

"It's a first in so many ways. It's the first AVHS girls' team to earn a CIF title, the first time the soft- ball team has won a CIF title and the first CIF Championship of any kind for Arroyo Valley," AVHS

Athletic Director Angel Castro said. "This is truly a day that will go down in history for the Hawks. I could not be prouder to be part of this historic moment."

The first and only other time AVHS made it to a CIF Southern Section championship game was the school's 2021 baseball team.

AVHS went into the CIF playoffs with a 10-14 record. The Hawks beat Banning in the quarterfinals and Capistrano Valley Christian in the semifinals before facing off against the SBHS Cardinals at Deanna Manning Stadium in Ir- vine for the championship game.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

"On behalf of Them Foolz car club and the many car clubs standing with us tonight, I am truly honored to accept this Outstanding Com- munity Partner award," Nancy Carrillo said as she accepted the award on behalf of the car clubs. "This recognition means a lot, not just to us, but to every member of our car club community who shows up, gives back and be- lieves in the young people of San Bernardino." The SBCUSD Board also presented the Out- standing Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Dominguez Elementary School, Hunt Elementary School, Del Vallejo

Leadership & STEAM Academy and Arroyo Valley High School.

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in aca- demics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volun- teer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the district's dedi- cation to student achievement and well-being.

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