Fontana, CA – On November 18, 2023, the Neighbors United Political Action Committee (NUPAC) hosted its third annual holiday luncheon at The Hilltop Collection Banquet Center in Fontana, CA. The event aimed to recognize individuals in education, business, public safety, the arts, healthcare, faith-based, and nonprofit leadership who have made a significant impact on the Inland Empire community.
Provided By: Neighbors United Political Action Committee
The NUPAC Holiday Luncheon, organized by the nonprofit organization Neighbors United Political Action Committee, was held to honor and recognize exceptional achievements in various fields. The event featured performances by Bear Williams, former base guitarist of Maze, and local band The Katz, who played rhythm and blues and jazz music. With over 150 guests in attendance, the celebratory luncheon included a buffet and private bar with picturesque views.
Provided By: Neighbors United Political Action Committee
The keynote speaker for the luncheon was none other than Dr. Rashad Richey, a top-tier media personality, accomplished author, and esteemed university professor. Renowned nationwide, Dr. Richey has garnered accolades for his groundbreaking work, including becoming the first political analyst at CBS News Atlanta to earn an Emmy nomination. With his unwavering commitment to unfiltered honesty and compelling presence, Dr. Richey has ascended to the ranks of America’s most sought-after voices. His expertise and insightful commentary have graced esteemed platforms such as MSNBC, Fox News, CNBC, and others, earning him a place among the elite in the realm of media. As an influential figure shaping the national discourse, Dr. Richey continues to captivate audiences and inspire change with his unmatched brilliance and unwavering passion.
Provided By: Neighbors United Political Action Committee
Dr. Richey delivered a powerful speech that garnered a standing ovation from the audience. He eloquently spoke about his childhood and shared personal anecdotes that resonated deeply with the audience. Attendee Leonard Wilson described it as the most moving and soul-stirring speech he had ever heard, while Phelisha Licero shared her inspiration on social media.
Dr. Richey began his speech by expressing his personal philosophy on education and problem-solving. He emphasized his unique approach, stating, “I always go to more than one college at a time…I’m a reverse engineer from the problems that impact me.” He explained that he explores various disciplines, such as physics, law, and social justice, to find solutions. He believes in taking a multidisciplinary approach, highlighting the importance of addressing issues from different perspectives.
Social justice was another central theme in Dr. Richey’s speech. He stated, “Social justice seeks to do two things–to change hearts and to change policy…We are in the business of making sure we have better socioeconomic contracts, agreements, understandings.” He called for a transformation in society by addressing both personal attitudes and systemic policies to ensure fairness and equality. As someone who recently completed his law degree and took on the position of Director of Global Legal Operations for a multinational law firm, Dr. Richey is deeply committed to social justice.
Throughout his speech, Dr. Richey demonstrated his deep understanding and appreciation for various fields of knowledge, including science. He proposed a scientific experiment to validate Einstein’s theories, showcasing his reliance on scientific evidence and dedication to seeking truth through rigorous experimentation. He also bridged the gap between science and spirituality, acknowledging that there are phenomena that science cannot fully explain, and stating, “We do not know the explanation in science, but we know that the explanation in spirit is very simple. God is one.”
The event also honored several individuals with excellence awards in different fields. Dr. Rashad Richey received the Social Justice Excellence Award, LaJuana Haselrig received the Public Safety Excellence Award, Stevenie Farmer received the Business Excellence Award, Pastor Terrence Sims received the Spiritual Leadership Excellence Award, Bear Williams received the Arts and Entertainment Excellence Award, Katie McClendon received the Nonprofit Excellence Award, Stefanie Lockhart-Pettaway received the Healthcare Excellence Award, and Monique Stennis received the Education Excellence Award. Dr. Richey’s transportation for the event was provided by Sir Freddy’s Luxury Car Rentals.
Provided By: Neighbors United Political Action Committee
Provided By: Neighbors United Political Action Committee
The Neighbors United Political Action Committee (NUPAC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 by Jason O’Brien, Shannon O’Brien, and Dr. Denise Sterling-King. NUPAC raises funds to support Black Democrats running for local offices in the Inland Empire and focuses on improving economic, educational, and environmental conditions in the area. For more information about NUPAC, please visit www.NUPAC.org.
The 2023 NUPAC Holiday Luncheon will be remembered as a pivotal moment that sparked change and fueled the fire within the hearts of those committed to creating a fairer and more just society. Perfect way to end the year 2023, with a justice bang!
Written By: Richard Hicks
