Six bright “Young Game Changers," the theme for this year’s NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Dinner, were recognized for their academic achievements and their positive contributions to the communities of the Inland Empire. “Through their work, we see that our community is vibrant and full of promise,” said Cynthia Renee Frazier, NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner Chairperson. Dr. Renford Reese, a professor in the political science department at Cal State Polytechnic University, Pomona, received his Ph. D in public policy from USC. He was awarded the Fulbright Scholars Award in 2009 and has founded the following programs: The Prison Education Project, the Reintegration Academy for Parolees, the Colorful Flags Program, and the Bloom Summer Reintegration Academy. Graduating cum laude from Cal State Long Beach as a Film and Electronic Arts major, in addition to being a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, Dr. Jamail Carter is currently the Director of Institutional Research and Planning at Fullerton College and the founder of Greater Blessings Ecclesiastical Fellowship International, a church in San Bernardino. Dr. Dorothy Harris, a current medical student, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. She has been awarded the ESSENCE Ten Incredible College Women Award, has completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Neurology at UCLA, and has authored two publications in the field of dementia. She served as president of her local Student National Medical Association (SNMA) during her first year of medical school. Harris is currently in her last year of medical school and is applying for residency positions in Neurology. A recent graduate from Clarke Atlanta University, Lorin Crawford graduated valedictorian of his class with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. He was awarded the Ethel Cannon Sherard Academic Excellence Award and the Isabella T. Jenkins Honors Program Outstanding Academic Achievement Award upon graduation. He is currently studying for a Ph.D in Statistical Science with a focus on Bayesian statistical modeling and Bayesian inference at Duke University. Dorian Kinoo Crutcher, a graduate from River Springs Charter’s Flabob Airport Preparatory Academy, started his own business Cans-4-Care during his years in high school. They dedicate themselves to collecting recyclables and selling them for a profit. All proceeds are split between charity and a scholarship fund for students. Crutcher is currently attending UC Davis to achieve a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Starting her track career at the age of nine, Shanice Stewart became the first female athlete at San Bernardino Valley College to win a state title. She currently attends Texas Tech University and is working to participate in the 2016 Olympics. Patricia Small, President of the NAACP San Bernardino branch, said, “Our theme for this year’s dinner has been an exciting backdrop for flushing out youth and young adults who have truly changed the trajectory of our community." Other attendees present at the dinner were San Bernardino's immediate former mayor Patrick Morris and Assembly Member Cheryl Brown, who welcomed all guests and initiated the program. To close the program, Jewel Diamond Taylor gave a motivational speech on what it means to be a game changer. As a self-esteem doctor, she encourages everyone to “uncover [their] strengths and discover the knowledge and purpose that is already in one’s soul."