By Dianne Anderson Across Orange County this Juneteenth, thousands will meet up for incredible edibles, music, hugs from longtime friends and faraway family, face painting and jumpers for the kids with nonstop fun for everyone. For his grand annual festivity, Dwayne Shipp is energized to be back on familiar ground in Santa Ana after hosting ...

UC Irvine scholars are among 198 recipients of prestigious award this year University of California, Irvine professors Coleman Collins and Simon Huttegger have been awarded 2025 Guggenheim Fellowships. As part of the 100th class of fellows, they are among 198 American and Canadian scientists, scholars and artists receiving this year’s prestigious grants. Guggenheim Fellowships have been ...

By Dianne Anderson Too much silence at a time of deep federal cuts to critical programs has some health advocates more than a little nervous, while others are coming out strong to continue the fight for health access and women’s rights. Across the board, cuts will hit Black and Brown women especially hard, with Black ...

By Dianne Anderson Unplug, unwind, take a deeper breath with some time off from the political frenzy of the unrelenting loop, but first, indulge in a full immersion into the rhythm of Black excellence. On Wednesday, February 12, Irvine Valley College campus will liven up with a live drum circle, connect with the community and ...

by Dianne Anderson Long Beach, while known for its wide spectrum of diversity, still has a lot to learn when it comes to the history of the Black experience, a gap design that has played out in many ways through the decades. That obvious blindspot inspired Oba Totton to create the upcoming local Legacy and ...

By Dianne Anderson Soul food foodies, entertainment aficionados, and even health nerds will come from miles and miles around to experience this year’s headliners, VIPS and celebrity attractions at the Orange County Black History Parade. To keep the throngs full and festive, Dwayne Shipp said the best strategy was obvious. Food Fest ’25, from one ...

By Dianne Anderson Already picking up speed in several states, the early vote of those critical little bubbles on the ballot is set to determine the course of democracy in less than three weeks. Community activists say it’s just the start of what’s to come. Ernesta Wright of the nonpartisan G.R.E.E.N Foundation said at their ...

by Barbara Smith The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit was honored recently for their work in combating hate and extremism. In the face of record-breaking levels of hate and antisemitism across Southern California, ADL, a leading anti-hate organization that counters antisemitism, extremism and bias, honored law enforcement professionals in May at the Skirball Cultural Center in ...

By Elizabeth Wells, UC Health For Omar Morales-Haro, pursuing a public health degree while training to be a doctor just made sense. “When we’re in the business of helping people improve their health, we should be taking a step back and evaluating the systems in which we practice,” he said. Omar just graduated from UC Irvine ...

by Dianne Anderson If the community didn’t have enough to talk about at last year’s Juneteenth – this year should provide more than enough conversation to cover the latest threats to freedom and democracy. Across the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Long Beach, celebrations are honoring Black history by preserving the culture, and defending the ...