2026 IE ACADEMIC BOWL WINNERS!
words from the glg ceo
What a competition!
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the Garrett, Livingston, Graham – Science, Education and Community Services Association (GLG), in partnership with the Pi Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., hosted its annual Inland Empire Academic Bowl at the Watson College of Education at California State University, San Bernardino. The event was held under the leadership of Dean of Education Dr. Chinaka DomNwachukwu, Delphine Galba-Bright, and Jalani Bakari, who has served as the orchestrator of this annual event for the last 23+ years. This year’s theme, “What Is America to Me?”, highlighted both prominent and emerging Black figures throughout history who have shaped culture, leadership, innovation, and social progress.
More than 25 African American men played a vital role in supporting the program while promoting African American history, teamwork, and healthy academic competition. Students competed for a total of seven laptop computers awarded throughout the event. Members of the Pi Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., GLG, and community volunteers collectively contributed hundreds of service hours, including facilitating Zoom-based preparation sessions, supporting and empowering parents, and strengthening outreach efforts through partnerships with local schools and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations.
The Bowl was opened with various leaders within the Inland Empire to give welcomes: CEO of Inspire School Solutions, Kenneth Mitchell, Ph.D., Watson College of Education Dean Dr. Chinaka DomNwachukwu, Project Impact Program Director, Dr. James Huff, and Basileus of Phi Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Jamemy Barnett.
The competition featured multiple formats designed to test students’ knowledge, teamwork, and critical thinking, including Kahoot trivia rounds, Jeopardy-style gameplay, and a written paper test covering the event’s subject areas. The program was led by co-leads Cam Clifton and Ranique Brown, who executed the event with structure and efficiency.
Approximately 39 high school students initially registered, with teams competing on the day of the event.
Many of the participating mentors and volunteers are affiliated with California State University, San Bernardino’s College of Education through PROJECT IMPACT, led by Dr. James Huff. PROJECT IMPACT is designed to increase the number of Black male teachers serving in Inland Empire schools. Their involvement continues to support future initiatives, including the recruitment of additional students and families. Opportunities like this remain impactful, and organizers expressed appreciation for PROJECT IMPACT’s continued partnership.
The top four teams—Cajon High School, John F. Kennedy Middle College, Victor Valley High School, and Vista Del Lago High School—represented diverse communities across the Inland Empire. Cajon High School earned first place, winning Apple M4 MacBook Air laptops, while John F. Kennedy Middle College placed second, receiving Dell touchscreen laptops.
Additionally, a new component was introduced, the Black Wall Street competition, an individual-based contest focused on entrepreneurship and economic knowledge. Lamarr Martin of Pacific High School was named the inaugural champion, earning a Lenovo YOGA touchscreen laptop. Swag bags from UC Riverside were provided to all competitors. Participants were also served breakfast and lunch, with the opportunity to dine at the university’s dining commons, “Coyote Commons.”
The Academic Bowl provided students, coaches, and families with an engaging academic environment that celebrated Black excellence, encouraged scholarly preparation, and fostered meaningful competition among participating schools and organizations. The event also featured a special visit from Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (60th District), who emphasized the importance of staying connected as alumni and shared how California State University, San Bernardino can be a place “where all your dreams can come true.”
Organizers extend their gratitude to all participating schools and look forward to expanding the Academic Bowl experience in 2027.