The Spirit of Truth

Thaddaeus Elliott

There are times where my soul starts churning. A discomfort, a tumultuous sensation that rises from my gut desiring to be released as a cry of righteous indignation. It happens in moments when I am confronted with profound injustice, this need to speak truth and say, “enough is enough!” But it also happens when I am confronted with injustice in the mundane of

Like the other day when I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and came across a post from one of my trans friends from back home in Florida. It was an announcement that they would be leaving their home, their friends, family, the community they gave so much to not because they got a better opportunity elsewhere or just wanted a change of pace, but to preserve their very life. The hateful and twisted rhetoric of “eradicating transgenderism” and of “demons and imps” painted a target on them and made the threat of violence against them real and palpable. This was not the first post of this vein from a trans friend in Florida and probably will not be the last to come across my feed. Still, it struck me in such a way that I feel compelled to lift it up and affirm the truth it breaks forth.

While not trans, I as a black queer person made the same assessment a year ago that I wouldn’t be able to truly live unless I left. So, I made my move. But unlike my friend who was courageous in naming their vulnerability publicly, I hid my disheartening discernment under the happy guise of moving for a great new opportunity to serve God and the church I love in a new way. The joy was true, and it was important to name and claim. However, it is also important to name and claim the uncomfortable and painful truth that the place I called home for

23 of the 32 years of my life is no longer hospitable to me and many others.

In John 14:16-17, Jesus tells the disciples he will ask the Creator to give us an Advocate— the Spirit of Truth—to be with us forever. An Advocate that abides with us, is in us and acts in the world through us. This onslaught of policy attacks on not just trans bodies, but women and birthing bodies, poor bodies, disabled bodies, black and Indigenous bodies, the body of the earth— is meant not only to blind us to our common humanity, but to smother the flame of the Spirit in us as well. I believe it vital that we keep that flame alive because it is the source from which we draw to do the work of justice in our world. Every time we receive another’s truth, it adds fuel to our flame. And in turn, when we speak out what we know to be true, we can spark the Spirit in those who hear it. What I know to be true is that my trans siblings like all people are wonderfully made in the image of God and are beloved by them. I pray all of us harmed by the pens and tongues of legislators blind to that truth find refuge, care, and love however and wherever they can. And I also pray that those of us who know the Truth and abide by it keep our flames fueled however and wherever we can so that the Advocate within may work through us.

The African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) encourages all African American congregations and spiritual institutions to come together on Sunday, May 21, for No Menthol Sunday. No Menthol Sunday is the African American expression of the World Health Organization’s, international World No Tobacco Day, an annual opportunity to address the devastating impact of tobacco use on Black communities. This year's campaign theme, "Focus on Victory, Go Against the Grain," emphasizes the need to stand against the predatory tobacco industry and create healthier, more just communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use can cause a range of illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other diseases, as well as a decrease in overall quality of life. The California Health Interview Survey found that a staggering 47.7% of African American/Black adults who smoke use menthol cigarettes, compared to only 16.5% of white adults. Through No Menthol Sunday, this health disparity is addressed as religious/spiritual congregants and community members across California are informed about the harms of smoking, vaping, and the role of menthol and other flavors. It also provides an opportunity for the community to support individuals who smoke to embark on a new journey toward quitting.

"The pandemic has exposed and amplified health disparities among African Americans, especially when it comes to smoking-related deaths. This highlights the importance of individuals prioritizing their health and taking action, such as quitting smoking," said Carol McGruder, Co-Chair of the AATCLC. "Join us on No Menthol Sunday and everyday as we come together to fight against this preventable health crisis. We must go against the grain and continue to stand up for our well-being to create a healthier future for ourselves and our communities.”

The AATCLC and the African American Statewide Coordinating Center, AMPLIFY, hosted a virtual kick-off event earlier this month to equip faith leaders across the state with the knowledge and tools needed to educate their congregants on the harmful effects of tobacco use for No Menthol Sunday. Esteemed panelists discussed policy, law enforcement, and cessation strategies surrounding commercial tobacco’s impact on Black communities. Despite the progress made since the Food & Drug Administration initiated the rule-making process to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol, the tobacco industry has continued to introduce new non-menthol products that still pose significant health risks. No Menthol Sunday serves as a reminder to prioritize Black health and well-being. By raising awareness of the dangers of all tobacco products, including the new non-menthol flavors, African Americans can make informed decisions about health and advocate for comprehensive regulations and policies that prioritize public health and prevent the tobacco industry from targeting marginalized groups even further. Find out how to get involved at savingblacklives.org/ nomentholsunday.

For more information and resources that help Californians kick smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco with the help of proven, science-based strategies, visit KickItCA.org or download the app.

"Concert Under the Stars" brings music, art and community to SBVC

enrichment programs that help young people in our community thrive, and we believe that music and art are essential components of a comprehensive education and lifestyle."

RIVERSIDE, CA – Norman Orr, D.O., has been named medical director for Optima Health.

“I’m very pleased to join the skilled Optima team, which has earned a reputation of being compassionate and focused on a patient-first approach,” said Dr. Orr. “I look forward to working alongside our caring professionals in helping fulfill each individual patients’ wishes for a more enjoyable and satisfying lifestyle.”

Dr. Orr is a member of the core faculty in the internal medical program at the UHS Southern California Medical Education Consortium Residency; is on the faculty at California University of Science and Medicine School of Medicine (San Bernardino); and is associate professor at Western University of Health Sciences (Pomona).

He attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences and completed his residency at UCSF Fresno.

The mission of Optima Health is to improve the health of patients served with a commitment to excellence and to offer the highest patient-centered care in a caring, convenient and accessible manner. Practices are located in Riverside and Crestline.

For more information, call 951-788-0008 or go to optimahealthgroup.com.

[May 16, 2023 (San Bernardino, Calif.)] - Music

Changing Lives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing music, art, and tutoring programs in America's public schools and community centers, is excited to announce its upcoming concert on series and night market, "Concert Under the Stars" on May 20 from 6-10 p.m. This free event is held monthly at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC).

"Concert Under the Stars" is a family-friendly event that features live art, performances, poetry readings and DJs. The event is open to all ages and will showcase the diverse and vibrant arts and culture scene of the Inland Empire.

"We are thrilled to be hosting 'Concert Under the Stars' and to bring music and art to our community," said Music Changing Lives CEO and Founder Josiah Bruny. "Our mission is to provide access to

In addition to live performances, "Concert Under the Stars" will feature a night market with vendor opportunities for informational, merchant and food booths. Those interested in participating in the night market must register in advance, and food vendors must have a health permit or food handler's card.

"Concert Under the Stars" is an opportunity to support local businesses and nurture the vibrancy of the community. With its focus on bringing enrichment programs to minority and lowincome youth, Music Changing Lives is committed to positively impacting the lives of young people and their families.

"Good Vibes Only" is the motto for "Concert Under the Stars." The organizers hope attendees will join them in building a better, more inclusive future for the San Bernardino community.

For more information about "Concert Under the Stars" or Music Changing Lives, visit their website at musicchanginglives. org.