Dr. Herbert Guice Christian Academy Launches Save Our School Campaign

 

The Dr. Herbert Guice Christian Academy, like many other organizations and educational institutions, was confronted in 2008 with the economic crisis that resulted in a decline in student enrollment. 

To meet this challenge, the kindergarten through sixth-grade academy, located at 6925 International Blvd., has implemented a “Save Our School (SOS) Campaign” with goals of increasing student enrollment and raising $1 million. The school is seeking financial assistance from community organizations, churches, sororities, fraternities and concerned citizens to be a part of the solution and help keep the school open.

In response to this dire situation, the Grandparents Club of the Dr. Herbert Guice Christian Academy instituted an “Adopt a Child” Program, in which members pay half the tuition for students, which helps to defray the cost to families.  Since the program’s inception, four students and their families have received financial assistance for the 2008-09 school year.

 “We are committed to the idea, that if we start early in the lives of our children, provide a healthy environment, a Christian education with lots of love and support, we will be able to bring up a generation who will be productive and respectful citizens, ” said Martha Brown, founder and organizer of the Grandparents Club.

The Dr. Herbert Guice Christian Academy is the dream fulfilled of our late Pastor, Dr. Herbert Guice, who served his community tirelessly for over 57 years

 The academy is a state-of-the-art elementary school that features spacious carpeted classrooms, a safely enclosed schoolyard and a fully equipped computer lab.  Students are offered a top academic program, small class sizes and supplemental programs that include Spanish, music and computer classes for all grades. 

As a result of the school’s top curriculum, it has earned six years of accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). 

For further information about the Dr. Herbert Guice Christian Academy, the Grandparents Club or to donate to the Academy’s SOS Program, please contact Dr. Clifford Thompson, Director, at (510) 729-0330 or email: cthompson@guiceacademy.org. Visit the Academy’s website at www.guiceacademy.org.

Bobbie Jean Jones, 74

Bobbie Jean Jones died in Oakland on Feb. 14, after suffering a sudden but mild heart attack the prior day. She passed away peacefully in the hospital before a scheduled surgery could be done. She was 74 years old.

She was born on Sep. 24, 1934, in McGehee, Arkansas, the daughter of James and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Cottonham. Bobbie was the fourth of eight children, six of whom have preceded her in death.

Accepting Christ at a very early age, she was baptized at the McGhee Chapel Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend R. G. Grimes. She was a very active and dedicated member. Although her true love was singing, she worked in most every department in the church.

Jones received her early education at Desha High School, where she graduated with high honors. Basketball was her favorite sport, and she was a member of the team when it won the state championship. With her zest and poise, her classmates also elected her to be high school homecoming queen. [Read more]

J. Max Bond Jr., Architect, 73

By David W. Dunlap

New York Times

J. Max Bond Jr., long the most influential African-American architect in New York and one of a few black architects of national prominence, died Feb. 18 in Manhattan. He was 73 and lived in Manhattan.

The cause was cancer, said Steven M. Davis, a partner of Mr. Bond’s in the firm, Davis Brody Bond Aedas. At his death, Bond was the partner in charge of the museum portion of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center. Davis Brody Bond is also the associate architect for the memorial.

But Bond’s reputation did not rest solely - or even principally - on design. He was known as an educator at City College and Columbia University; an exemplar to younger minority architects; and a prickly voice of conscience within his profession on issues of racial and economic justice. [Read more]

Carl C. Mack, Sr.,93

Carl Clisthenese Mack, Sr., community leader for education, juvenile and political participation, died Jan. 20, at the Alta Bates Summit Hospital in Oakland.

He was born in Houston Texas, Jan. 16, 1916, and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in 1932.

He graduated from Texas Southern University with a BA in 1937; and from San Francisco State with an MA in 1968. He was married to Valerie Delores Mack for 70 years. [Read more]

Ave Montague, Founder of Black Film Festival, 64

Ave Montague, the well respected publicist, arts advocate and founder of the San Francisco Black Film Festival passed away at her home in San Francisco on Saturday.  She was 64.

Over the course of her more than 20 year public relations career, Montague worked with several of the most prominent African American institutions in the area, while serving as a mentor for many young artists and entrepreneurs.

With a client list that included the Museum of the African Diaspora, Marcus Books and the United Negro College Fund, Montague was one of the most visible public relations workers in the area and was constantly working on her next big project.  Montague’s last event was the co-production of the Inauguration West ceremony, January 20 at the San Francisco Metreon. [Read more]

First Union Baptist Demands Apology from Channel 5

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Rev. DeWayne Byrdsong of First Union Baptist Church is demanding an apology for a story that appeared on KPIX Channel 5, which has members of the church deeply concerned.

At issue was a funeral, which was held on Thursday, Jan. 8 at the church, located at 1001 Webster St. in S.F. First Union Baptist Church of San Francisco.

The following morning - an opening headline for the KPIX Channel 5 Online News stated that, “Two people were arrested after someone opened fire with a Tec-9 semi-automatic handgun during a San Francisco funeral service Thursday afternoon, police said.” [Read more]

Surrendering Towards Success

North Gate Transitional Seeks Quality Not Quantity

With nearly 50 years of combined active addictions, Executive Director Gregory Green and wife, Vernita, of North Gate Transitional Homes are hoping to pave a new course when it comes to how people operate and finance Transitional Homes in the Bay Area. “My desire is to create a Transitional Program that is different from anyone else’s program. While most transitional programs seek to only ‘house’ people with addictions - our desire at North Gate Transitional is much greater,” stated Green.

Green started North Gate Transitional (533 Sycamore Street, Oakland, CA) almost 4 years ago after receiving a settlement from the Oakland Housing Authority.

Green reflects, “When I received my settlement I was in treatment for substance abuse.” He had been injured on the job 2 years prior, leading to his relapse at that time. “I used the finances from the settlement to help myself and others.” [Read more]

Rev. Dewayne Byrdsong leads in the direction of succes

First Union BC Rally’s Towards a Brighter Day

“Oh He’s done wonderful! My Lord has done marvelous - Great Things!” These are fitting words for First Union BC, located at 1001 Webster Street in San Francisco, CA as they move forward with their new Senior Pastor - Rev. Dewayne Byrdsong.

Rev. Byrdsong, originally from Rancho Dominguez, CA has traveled the long road towards his current destination in the City of San Francisco. “I came to Pastor at First Union after first having spent time in Harbor City, Gardena, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Iowa, and Oregon,” stated Rev. Byrdsong - who at one point in ministry considered no longer preaching. He stated, “I cried out to the LORD because I was angry with HIM. I told HIM that my situation was not what HE promised me. I told the LORD I was not going to preach anymore.” [Read more]

Western Christian Books & Café Blowout

If you ever thought of jump starting your own bookstore or establishing a bookstore in your church – now is the time.  David Jackson, owner of the New Western Christian Book & Café, is hosting a complete inventory blowout on all items.  Items include books, bibles, children materials, greeting cards, art, cups, trinkets, communion materials, and BOOKSHELVES with fixtures.

[Read more]

Oakland First Among Top 10 Cities for Tobacco Control Laws

Oakland has received the highest grade among the state’s 10 most populous cities for its public health leadership in tobacco control, according to the American Lung Association of California’s annual State of Tobacco Control report card.

At a news conference held at City Hall Tuesday, lung association officials highlighted Oakland’s efforts to protect public health, as well as release grades, rated A through F, for all cities and counties in the nine Bay Area region. The annual report card awards grades in three categories: Smoke-free Outdoor Air, Smoke-free Housing and Reducing Sales of Tobacco Products. [Read more]

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