WSSNews | Volume 39 No. 42

FONTANA, CA-As part of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative weekend, the In- land Empire community is invited to experience an evening of wor- ship, music, and cultural reflec- tion at the Celebration of Gospel, taking place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

The event will be held at Stage Red Fontana, located at 8463 Si- erra Avenue in Fontana, Califor- nia.

Presented by Ephesians New Testament Church in partnership with San Bernardino County and the City of Fontana, the Celebra- tion of Gospel serves as a pow- erful musical tribute to the life, faith, and legacy of Dr. Martin Lu- ther King Jr.. The event highlights gospel music as a cornerstone of the civil rights movement and a continuing source of spiritual strength, hope, and unity. The evening will feature a special performance by acclaimed gospel artist Brent Jones, whose dynamic sound and inspirational message have resonated with audiences nationwide. Joining him as spe- cial guests are the Men of Praise, known for their rich harmonies

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

A Night of Praise and Unity:

Celebration of Gospel to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

and heartfelt ministry, as well as the Gospel Music Workshop of America Los Angeles Chapter, whose participation underscores the event's commitment to excel- lence in gospel artistry.

The Celebration of Gospel is de- signed to be more than a concert. It is an immersive experience that blends music, faith, and history, inviting attendees to reflect on Dr. King's message of nonviolence, justice, and love while celebrat- ing the spiritual traditions that sustained the movement. Through song and fellowship, the event aims to inspire renewed purpose and collective healing within the community.

Tickets for the Celebration of Gospel range from $30 to $130 and are available in advance. Community members are encour- aged to secure tickets early, as this signature event is expected to draw attendees from across San Bernardino County and beyond. As part of the broader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026, the evening stands as a testament to the enduring power of gospel music to uplift, unite, and move a community forward together.

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D- Oakland) serves California's 18th Assembly District (East Bay). She was first elected in a special elec- tion on August 31, 2021.

Bonta, who says she is guided by a long-standing commitment to educational equity, community safety, and expanding opportu- nities for working families, has built a legislative record focused on addressing systemic inequities through prevention-focused, com- munity-driven solutions.

Raised in a Puerto Rican family that valued public service, she has spent her career advocating for resources that strengthen schools, expand access to childcare and healthcare, and remove bureau- cratic barriers that disproportion- ately harm Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and low-income com- munities.

Her work, she says, reflects a THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

2025 in Review:

Seven Questions for Assemblymember Mia Bonta, an Outspoken Advocate for Maternal Health and Working Families

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media deep belief in uplifting histori- cally underserved neighborhoods, ensuring families can afford to live and thrive in the East Bay, and protecting the social safety nets that help vulnerable residents meet basic needs.

Throughout 2025, Bonta's ef- forts emphasized dignity, access, and fairness across issues rang- ing from maternal health and im- migration to youth justice reform. While celebrating hard-won poli- cy victories shaped by community advocates and impacted families, she has also been candid about the persistence of deeply rooted chal- lenges --particularly for young people navigating systems that too often prioritize punishment over support.

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