The evening began with a procession of 74 students who made their way into the amphitheater where family members, friends and community supporters were seated. Seniors represented Beaumont Unified School District, Hemet Unified, Lake Elsinore Unified, Murrieta Valley Unified, Nuview Union School District, Perris Union High School District, San Jacinto Unified, Temecula Valley Unified, and Val Verde Unified.

After an opening prayer and the Black National Anthem was sung, Lowona Crawford, founder and CEO of SWRC-IEJC, thanked the young scholars and their families for attending this year’s Rites of Passage Ceremony honoring the graduating Class of 2026. “This moment is bigger than a ceremony, it’s legacy in motion,” she said. “Every step across that stage carries years of sacrifice, growth, and determination. Families, your love and support made the journey possible. Students, keep walking in purpose. The world is waiting on what you bring next.”

Delivering the message of the Significance of the Village Rites of Passage was Angela McClaron who explained that the Rites of Passage tradition honors the transition from adolescence into adulthood by intentionally surrounding youth with wisdom, accountability, cultural affirmation, leadership, and love. The presentation reinforced that a rite of passage is more than a ceremony — it is a declaration from the community to its youth saying: “We see you. We believe in you. We are invested in your future.”

The “village” was described as everyone who pours into the lives of young people, including parents, grandparents, educators, mentors, counselors, faith leaders, community members, and peers. Graduates were recognized as emerging leaders, scholars, creators, advocates, and changemakers whose journeys reflect perseverance, growth, identity, and purpose.

Keynote speaker Eric J. Chambers is a nine-time Emmy and Golden Mike Award winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, author, cultural visionary, and radio and television host. He hosts The Jazzspel on KCAA radio (1050 AM and 106.5 FM) in San Bernardino, where it currently airs Saturdays from 5-7 p.m. This groundbreaking show has aired more than 1,300 episodes and has become a beloved blend of jazz, interviews, and community empowerment. The Jazzspel will celebrate 32 years on the air on July 10, 2026.

Stephanie Bruce, Black Voices of the Valley Executive Director who collaborated with SWRC-IEJC for this event, said Chambers’ message focused on empowerment, perseverance, cultural identity, leadership, and the importance of investing in the next generation. “Through his remarks, he emphasized the power of purpose, resilience, and the responsibility of the village in helping young people successfully transition into adulthood,” she said.

Chambers said his first job in journalism was when he became a sportswriter for his hometown newspaper at the age of 13, reporting on Little League baseball and earning $3 per article.

“I didn’t care about the money. I was in it for the purpose,” he said. “How did I get to this point? By doing what you are going to have to do: Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. Believe in each other’s dreams. Work hard. Keeping your eyes on the prize. Staying motivated. Don’t get distracted. Limit your scrolling so that in the future you will be strolling in your divine destiny.”

He told the young men and women to think about all the hopes and dreams that weren’t fulfilled. All the books that were never written, songs that were never sung, and inventions that were never shared all because someone was too scared to take the first step or worried about what others would say.

“Don’t let that be your story,” Chambers said. “Class of 2026, we are traveling spirits in this journey. I implore you to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead. And if you run into a roadblock or a dead end, it’s okay. Do as I did, make a U-turn and blaze your own trail. If I, a little kid from the projects of New Orleans, can be the producer of multiple radio and TV shows over the past 35 years, and the recipient of three doctoral degrees, so can you. You just have to believe that your time will come.”

The Presentation of Graduates included the formal reading of each student’s name as they walked across the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre stage. Graduate presentations were organized by school district region and announced by the following: Dianne Cox represented Temecula, Murrieta, Nuview, Val Verde, and Beaumont; Chavada Adams represented Lake Elsinore and Perris; Stephanie Bruce represented Hemet; and Angela McClaron represented San Jacinto.

Guests enjoyed the Lighthouse Christian Church youth praise dancers, who ministered through dance as part of the program. A reception with light refreshments at the Ramona Bowl courtyard followed the ceremony, offering families, graduates, and community supporters an opportunity for fellowship and photos.

SWRC-IEJC was founded in March 2022 with a mission to elevate and showcase Black heritage through a variety of impactful and engaging activities, including professional entertainment, educational workshops, and ceremonial events. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to enhancing Black awareness and celebrating Black culture within Southwest Riverside County and the surrounding Inland Empire region. SWRC-IEJC has successfully hosted two previous Rites of Passage ceremonies in Temecula.

Bruce said Black Voices of the Valley was honored to assist in securing the Ramona Bowl for this meaningful event as the new venue for this celebration and looks forward to supporting many more ceremonies in the future. SWRC-IEJC also extended sincere gratitude to everyone who supported the event, as well as to the parents and students whose participation made the ceremony such a memorable and impactful experience.

They extended special appreciation to Charles Ford Champion II, member of the Ramona Bowl Board of Directors and interim CEO, and the Ramona Bowl staff for their partnership and all the support they provided in helping make the ceremony possible.

For more information, www.swrc-iejc.org, www.EricJChambers.com, and www.blackvoicesofthevalley.org.

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