Black History Month graphic

The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation will recognize Cal State San Bernardino with the Jim King Founders Award when the foundation hosts its 31st annual Black Rose Awards gala on Friday, Feb. 23, at the Riverside Convention Center.

The Jim King Founders Award honors organizations that have supported the Black community.

“On behalf of CSUSB’s 20,000 students and 125,000 alumni, we are honored to receive the Founders Award from the Black Culture Foundation,” CSUSB President Dr. Tomás D. Morales said. “We are proud of our partnership with the Black Rose Foundation and the African American community in the Inland Empire in advocating for educational opportunities to the residents of the Inland Empire.

“The Black Rose Awards epitomize the spirit of recognition and unity that fosters a vibrant community,” Morales said. “We extend our gratitude to Jim King for his vision, and we remain committed to supporting initiatives like the Black Future Leaders program. This endeavor exemplifies our dedication to empowering young African Americans by providing them with meaningful experiences, impactful mentorship, and a pathway to a brighter future.”

King, the foundation’s out-going president, has been involved with the organization since he arrived in San Bernardino in 1985, when it was known as the San Bernardino Black History Parade. The Black Rose Awards are King’s brainchild.

King thanked CSUSB, which has been one of the longtime supporters of the foundation, mentioning the Black Future Leaders program among the university’s initiatives. Started in 1985, its purpose is to ensure high-achieving Black students attended college. Jean Peacock, CSUSB professor of psychology, modeled the program after Latino Future Leaders and recruited prominent members, such as Lois Carson and Marion Black, to create the project.

Also being honored on Feb. 23 are Acquanetta Warren, mayor of Fontana; James C. Baker II, park commissioner for the city of Moreno Valley; Michael Beauregard, assistant manager at Sam’s Club; Tina Darling, assistant director of the Vocational Nursing Program – Clinical at American Career College in Ontario and chair of the Nursing and Health Ministry at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; and Aristotle McDaniel, founder of GPL-Grandparents Love.

Tickets for the Black Rose Awards gala may be purchased online at the 2024 Black Rose Awards webpage.

About the Black Rose Awards
The Black Rose Awards are a complement to Black History Month. The awards are sponsored by the Black Culture Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1968 by a small group of people who were concerned that “… nationwide, our school systems have not yet incorporated Black history studies into regular school curricula. Thus, all students miss the opportunity to learn more about a vital part of this country’s history.”

The Black Culture Foundation’s purpose “… is to foster an interest and a greater understanding of Black culture, to heighten community awareness of the accomplishments of Black people, past and present, and to plan, coordinate and direct an annual Black History Month parade and related cultural activities … (and) bridge the gaps across cultural lines by bringing the local community together to celebrate this event in the spirit of unity and brotherhood.”

The Black Rose Awards are the Foundation’s showcase cultural event.