If a man’s true wealth is measured by the community he builds, then Darwin Young is a king. After four decades perfecting the look and boosting the confidence of countless clients, Young recently received the ultimate tribute: a profound act of love organized by the very people whose lives he touched.
When I first walked the streets of Bakersfield as a California Local News Fellow with the Bakersfield News Observer, I wasn’t sure what to expect beyond what I had read online. The drive from the San Francisco Bay Area to Bakersfield left me in awe of the beauty of the place I will now call home, stunning landscapes of the Central Valley, vast farmlands, and a desert-like climate where the air grew warmer with every mile. Still, I wondered if my time here would be easy or filled with challenges. Only the weeks ahead would tell. What I did know, though, was that to truly settle in, I had to “dance” with the community by introducing myself – “Hi, I’m Cecil Egbele, your new Bakersfield reporter” — and asking one essential question: What stories matter to you?
The road from Inglewood to Las Vegas is a familiar one for fight fans — a 270-mile stretch of open highway, desert heat, and anticipation. But this past weekend, the journey felt different. With history on the line at Allegiant Stadium, we loaded up the 2026 GMC Denali and headed into the heart of one of boxing’s most important moments in recent memory. Before fists flew and scorecards were read, there was a road trip — and it set the tone for everything that followed.
Summer can be a great time to establish and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. As a dentist, I also emphasize the importance of limiting sugary drinks, which can significantly impact our children’s overall health and well-being.
John Bonner’s journey from high school athlete in Bakersfield to head coach of a nationally ranked college team is a story of resilience, mentorship, and vision.
We all face moments when life feels overwhelming, especially after losing someone close. When I lost my mother, Nita, I sought peace and balance. Surprisingly, I found solace in the soil. Digging my hands into the earth and spending hours in my garden wasn’t just a distraction—it became a path to healing.
If I asked you who the most senior player is on the Los Angeles Clippers, how long would it take you to answer? If you said Ivica Zubac, you are likely the biggest Clippers fan your family knows, or you’re an above-average fan of the National Basketball Association.
This past weekend, Crenshaw Boulevard, affectionately known as “The Shaw,” drew several hundred thousand people to celebrate the Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, October 19, 2024. There was a buzz of excitement as the most anticipated event of Fall finally arrived.
Time is running out for high school students with big dreams to take the next step toward their future, as the Oct. 31 application deadline for the Disney Dreamers Academy is fast approaching. Disney Dreamers Academy, in its 18th year, is an educational mentorship program that is fostering the career dreams of high school students from culturally diverse communities nationwide.
The Clippers introduce the innovation Intuit Dome to the NBA when they tip off their new season. They will also have a roster different than many of their fans anticipated. If you’ve been a Los Angeles Clippers fan for over a decade, you’ve seen them develop from a lottery team to championship contenders to a perennial playoff team and back. With the departure of the talented yet hard-to-trust Paul George, the Clippers will rely on their young talent to complement their veteran players.
On the morning of August 24, 2024, the Bakersfield Chapter of Links Incorporated launched its inaugural class in the STEAM Academy for the new school year. The cafeteria of Emerson Middle School on 801 4th Street roared with excitement as eager students gathered, ready to engage in a day of learning and excellence. It brought together academy students from 4th through 8th grade to take the journey up the steps of learning and discovery regarding the structure of the human body and its functions.
In light of the inaugural class of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), 18 young boys and girls were recognized for their dedication and achievements in the program. Upholding their motto, “By Culture and By Merit,” the women of AKA introduced the newest class of their Youth Leadership Institute, aiming to mentor young boys and girls into becoming productive citizens and future leaders. On the morning of June 2nd, amidst a gathering of family, supportive community members, and elected officials, the Seven Oaks Country Club at 2000 Grand Lakes Avenue was illuminated by the achievements of the Youth Leadership Institute’s inaugural class.
A joyous and jubilant group gathered at Lavender Blue Restaurant Lounge, 3310 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, California on a cool, overcast day, Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Kappa Omega Omega Chapter with the support of the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation, will host its 45th African American Graduation Awards Program on Tuesday April 16, 2024 at 6pm at The Bakersfield High School Harvey Auditorium 1241 G Street, Bakersfield, CA. The theme for this year’s Graduation Awards Program is “Soaring Towards Excellence”.
Renowned author turned book publishing coach Kellie Brooks has embarked on a mission to empower 1,500 new and aspiring authors to bring their stories to life within the next 36 months.
Twin brothers Davon and Tavon Woods from Pennsylvania, who were adopted at the age of two, are embarking on a 600-mile walk from Sumter to Philadelphia for 31 days to raise awareness about foster care. With their movement called #FosterKidsMatter, they are stepping up for a cause close to their hearts.
At 5 years of age, Elijah began to development an extreme interest in all things prehistoric, especially Dinosaurs. He watched national geographic documentaries instead of cartoons, collected books, pictures and toys in this genera.
In a bold and visionary step towards educational equity, the Kern County community is set to welcome a groundbreaking institution that aims to transform the educational landscape and bridge critical gaps in opportunities. The Willie J Frink College Prep Charter School, slated to open its doors in 2024, carries a distinct mission that sets it apart. With a focus on closing educational disparities and nurturing civic and entrepreneurial leadership, this charter school is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of students in Bakersfield.
The candy brand launches ‘Pause Now, Hustle Later’ awarding a total of $50,000 in grants to five emerging Black-owned self-care brands
Actress Tiffany Haddish has shared her emotional fertility journey, shedding light on her challenges and the continued challenges Black women have with childbirth.
