LANCASTER, Calif.—The Lancaster Neighborhood Vitalization Commission recognized a group of young entrepreneurs who have started their own baking business called Grandma’s Sweets. Jacob Claypool (8), Glenn Claypool (15), Shaunice Thomas, Ava Claypool (17), Brent Claypool (11), and Abdeena Barrie (11), who are all a part of Future Business Initiative (FBI), came up with the idea and created a business plan, which was presented on Jan. 4 at the LNVC’s monthly meeting.

LANCASTER, Calif.—For 13 years, Regina Brooks has serviced her community and families through child-care services. Now, after teaching preschool-age children through 10-year-olds a second language and helping families to get back on their feet, thankful parents have taken the time to recognize her relentless passion for children.

Chemina Hanley, who has watched her own children grow up in Brooks’ Family Daycare, says this woman is like no other she has ever met.

SUN VILLAGE, Calif.—On Friday night the founding members of the originally all-Black town and Jackie Robinson Park came together for an elegant evening to honor a tradition set by pioneers at the Fountain of Hope Awards Banquet.

Honorees included Bernyse Hunter, 97, who earned her Ph.D. at the young age of 91 and who was a member of the original Sun Village Women’s Club, and Olene Cleveland who has been serving hungry Sun Village residents for more than 20 years at her home and faith-based foundation, Love’s Open Doors.

Have you ever met someone and they thought out loud, “We must have met in a former life.” Perhaps you did, if they adhere to some African and Asian traditions. Reincarnation is a topic that remains mysterious and unclear, but the lingering thought of it teases us from time to time when we meet familiar faces or come in contact with an “old soul.”

Spirits revisiting the material world is not a New Age concept accepted only by spiritual gurus and hippies. In fact, many African brothers and sisters have deep roots in the subject.