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Pasadena Tournament of Roses’ First African American President Recognized by California State Assembly

 (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SACRAMENTO, CA— Recently on the California State Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Chris Holden recognized Gerald Freeny for his confirmation as the first African American president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Board of Directors. Freeny will provide leadership for the 130th Rose Parade on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

“Gerald Freeny’s confirmation as President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a significant milestone in Black History,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Freeny is an example of the Black excellence that occurs every day and exemplifies the progress Tournament of Roses has made to further diversity and inclusiveness within their ranks.”

Gerald Freeny rose through the ranks of hundreds of “white suit volunteers” to become the 130th president of the Association. He previously worked as the chairman of parade operations, and has been a volunteer member of the Tournament of Roses Association since 1988.

Gerald Freeny announced “the Melody of Life” as this year’s theme for the Tournament of Roses to encourage creativity and music as a way to bring people together.

“Many in the Pasadena community have waited and fought for this moment, and we are all excited about the leadership Gerald Freeny will bring to the Tournament of Roses,” said Holden.

“Damned If You Do; Damned If You Don’t!”

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—I tell you if you tell people truth they will get offended. If you don’t tell people truth they will get offended. Damned if you do; damned if you don’t. You just can’t please people. 

Listen, Christians must not forbear speaking the truth, for fear of offending others.… Jesus proclaimed truth more than any other person on the planet. He offended people, divided crowds, made people uptight, and enraged the masses more than any other person on the planet. His words always produced a strong reaction, and he always caused division. The message He proclaimed always provoked people, irritated people, challenged people, and offended people.

Know that proclaiming truth will always alienate people, always upset people, and always offend people. How can this not be the response? When we preach the gospel that Jesus and the disciples preached, we should expect to get the same reaction that Jesus and the disciples got. Jesus was crucified for his efforts, and the disciples were persecuted, jailed and killed. So how can we expect to get any less of a reception if we faithfully and fully proclaim the biblical gospel fearlessly and boldly as Jesus and his early followers did?

As He said to me, “It is not your job to make the message acceptable; it’s your job to make the truth available.” I’m here to tell you the truth, without stutter, stammer, apology, or equivocation no matter how uncomfortable that may be. God message was clear, “PREACH THE WORD! “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up they voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”[Isaiah 58:1]… reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine [2 Timothy 4:2].

Yeah some would say “if you preach like that, you might offend somebody.  It’s not “might”—you will offend somebody. You will upset somebody. They’ll call you harsh, they’ll call you narrow minded, arrogant, they’ll call you mean-spirited, and they’ll call you intolerant [John 15:21].  But Scripture is clear about how we are to respond when the very foundations of the Christian faith are under attack: our duty is to contend, not compromise.

You know on one occasion, after Jesus taught about how the Pharisees had abused God’s Word, His apostles came to him and said, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” [Matthew 15:11]. It is almost as if the apostles thought like many people today. They seemed to be indicating that because Jesus had offended the Pharisees, then He should stop teaching those ideas or change His message. Jesus, however, thought nothing of the sort. He knew that His message offended the Pharisees because of the hardness of their hearts, not because of the way the message was delivered. Jesus understood that the hearts of the Pharisees needed changing, not His message or even the way He delivered it. He responded to His apostles by saying, “Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind” [Matthew 15:14]. Their offense was misplaced. They were blind to the truth. They should not have been offended at Jesus’ message. Jesus’ message was the truth that God had sent to set them free [John 8:32].

Man is a sinner and the more he is reminded of that disposition, the better are his chances of repenting and receiving Salvation. That is my goal in preaching and teaching the Word of God. I do not think about ‘Preaching Hard’ or ‘Preaching Soft’.  God gives me a message based on His Biblical truth and I deliver it to the listener the way He has blessed me to deliver it.

Unfaltering convictions: truth, the mission, and the calling given by God that is not altered by time, people, opinions, or circumstances.

“As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak” [1 King 22: 14].

“Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” [Acts 20:26-27]

 

 

Rialto Community Enjoys a Nice ‘Night Out’ With Law Enforcement

Rialto’s Night Out is a way to reduce crime in the community

By Naomi K. Bonman
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)–RIALTO, CA— To reduce crime in the community, law enforcement and city officials partner together to create a National Night Out.
National Night Out is a widespread celebration in the United States that has been ongoing for the past 35 years. Even though this national event has occurred annually since 1984, many community residents are still in the dark about both the history and the purpose of National Night Out. Our goal is to shed some light on National Night Out.
In 1981, the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) was founded to connect community watch programs across the nation and provide them the resources they needed to make a difference in their neighborhoods.
In 1984, the NATW officially introduced National Night Out as a night where community members and local police officers would band together to meet with each other, discuss community safety concerns, and celebrate the neighborhoods where they live. It is a night for residents to forge a positive bond with the law enforcement officers that are tasked with protecting their community.
Rialto held their National Night Out on Tuesday, August 7, in Downtown Rialto at the City Civic Center. People of all nationalities came out for some good ol’ wholesome, family fun, which was also a good way to kick off the new school year as well. 
There were plenty of food and informational vendors, as well as music, games and raffles that city residents partook in for clean and safe fun. The event also allowed Rialto residents to engage, connect and get to know law enforcement officers. 
Today, over 38.6 million community participants in 16, 377 unique neighborhoods participate in National Night Out. The Southeast states will be celebrating their Night Out on October 2, 2018 to avoid the brutal heat of early August. 

Yucaipa Animal Placement Society teams with Raising Cane’s to bring puppies to visit LLU Children’s Hospital cancer patients

Caylee Cardenas, 9, from San Bernardino with puppy Dozer.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—LOMA LINDA, CA—Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS) collaborated with restaurant chain Raising Cane’s in bringing the society’s puppies to visit cancer patients at the LLU Children’s Hospital hematology/oncology outpost clinic Monday, July 30.

Patients cuddled up to the puppies between treatments. The clinic — which is an outpost of unit 4800 — treats pediatric blood-related diseases and cancers and is the largest of its kind in the Inland Empire. Young cancer patients receive treatments such as blood transfusions in the clinic.

The visit was designed to bring joy to children diagnosed with cancers such as leukemia, brain tumors and blood-related diseases such as hemophilia.

“I love seeing the smiles on my child’s face when they’re surprised by something special like this,” said one patient’s parent.

This is the first visit to Loma Linda University Health for both Raising Cane’s and YAPS.

 

 

Soldiers Overseas Receive Pajamas for Their Nightly Comfort

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINIO, CA— To show their love to our servicemen and women, the Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana and P-Love Helping Hands partnered with Danny Martinez Veterans Affairs to provide our soldiers with comfortable Snuggie pajamas that will be sent overseas.

Shop at Macy’s and Donate Towards Community Action Partnership (CAPS)

 (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is excited to be selected by Macy’s San Bernardino as the nonprofit beneficiary of the 2018 The Big Give Back – Make Good Cents for Your Community campaign.

Macy’s Corporate and Macy’s Staff have been a long-time supporter of CAPSBC, giving both times to volunteer, and dollars to support their great programs. Many staff volunteer at their Food Bank, which is the largest provider of free emergency food for those in need in San Bernardino County.

When you shop at Macy’s San Bernardino between August 1 to the August 15, you will see a message at the credit card pin pads when you check out that asks would you like to round it up to Help Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County. You then have the option to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar, up to $0.99 cents.

We know you love to shop at Macy’s and you will be helping your fellow community members in need!

Macy’s San Bernardino is located at Inland Center Mall, 400 Inland Center Drive in San Bernardino.

Basketball Legends Discuss How Detroit Culture Changed The NBA

 (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— DETROIT, MI— Sports enthusiasts and writers crowded the Cartier Ballroom of the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center on Thursday, August 2, to hear from the best in the basketball business. A panel entitled “Detroit Basketball: Then and Now” included former star players Isiah Thomas, Spencer Haywood and Steve Smith. Former Detroit News writer Vincent Goodwill also joined the panel at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair to speak about how much of an influence the Motor City has had on the NBA. 

Moderated by Stephanie Ready, NBA game analyst (Charlotte Hornets) for FOX Sports Southeast, topics included the infamous “Malice at the Palace” and the Pistons’ recent move back to downtown Detroit. 

Panelists opened the discussion, powered by Turner Sports and The Bleacher Report, singing each other’s praises. Goodwill and Smith, both Detroit Pershing High School grads, beamed with pride as they talked about Haywood (also a Pershing alum) and his accomplishments. Haywood’s historic 1971 Supreme Court case ended the NBA rule that barred players from being drafted into the league until four years after their high school graduation.

Thomas spoke a lot about the need for diversity within the media and how an inclusive press environment would have changed the Bad Boys era. “We were being viewed by the gaze of the white male,” he said. Thomas said that instead of being upset by the term, the team decided to embrace their bad boy image. “If you embrace the label then you make the label work for you. … We used the label to instill fear. We didn’t have to be physical or hurt you; if that’s in your mind, then you go for the jump shot instead of the lay-up.”

The November 2004 game between the Pistons and Indiana Pacers, also known as “The Malice at the Palace,” was a hot topic for the panel. The brawl resulted in a historic number of fines for players on both teams. 

The panel had a unanimous feeling of disappointment about media coverage of the incident. “It’s going to be a negative thing for my city,” Smith said about his initial thoughts on the fight. “Even though it was a fight between two teams, it still shined negative light on the city.” 

Goodwill saw it as another reason for people to taint the city’s image. “It became another stain and label the city had to fight back,” the NBA analyst said. “On the news, it never said it was Auburn Hills [where the game actually took place]; it was always Detroit.”

Thomas reiterated just how heavily the Bad Boys influenced the current state of the NBA. “We were the first small-market team to win big, have own plane, stay in first class hotels, wear suits and ties to games,” the NBA Hall of Famer said. “That dress code that David Stern had to put in, look at how the Pistons used to dress; that was us.”

As they looked to the future, the group hoped the team’s move back to the city would mean recreating its strong ties to the community. “When we got to the Palace we lost a little of our everyday people,” Thomas said. Smith said the move to the Palace felt like the team had been taken away from the city. Now that the team is back, Smith hopes the team will reconnect with Detroit residents. 

“To have the Pistons back here is a blessing and we have to finish that blessing off with a statue or a trophy,” Haywood said. 

Thomas summed up the panel with a simple quote: “We change all rules. That’s what we do in Detroit.” 

Media Mogul Tyler Perry Delivers Message of Unity and Hope During #NABJ18 Master Class

Perry speaks to packed room of NABJ attendees including Grammy winner Chance the Rapper

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— DETROIT, MI —- Arguably one of the most popular sessions of the 2018 National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair, Tyler Perry’s master class on entrepreneurship and branding had many walking away with newfound confidence. 

Digital Journalist and former TV One commentator, Roland Martin opened the course with a story of how he helped book Perry for the conference. “I don’t want you to talk about Madea,” Martin told Perry. “I want you to teach.” Martin said the purpose of the course was to help more Black people follow the path to entrepreneurship. “Too many of us operate as workers,” he said. “African Americans are the tastemakers and trendsetters.”

After an introduction from Actress, Ptosha Storey, Perry started his session with a video thanking his fans for 25 years of success and loyalty. He then informed the audience that he had just returned from a spiritual vacation, so his delivery would sound much like a sermon. 

Perry delivered a compelling speech about work ethic and what it takes to succeed as a business owner. “If you’re going do something incredible, you’re going to need an emotional tolerance and high risk endurance,” the father of one said. Perry talked about how his father would build houses for a living and not make nearly as much as the person selling the house. That experience would fuel the entrepreneur flame in Perry’s heart. 

The overall message of the course was unity within the Black community. Perry often reiterated the notion that once one Black person becomes a success, it is volatile for them to keep the door open for others to make it as well. “Once you get to where you going, don’t run from where you came from,” he stated. “Every other culture in this world understands the power of us. We have to stop looking outside ourselves for heroes and become them ourselves.” 

Following his speech, Perry had a sit down conversation with CBS News correspondent DeMarco Morgan. The pair discussed how the media mogul handles criticism and #OscarsSoWhite. Perry said he was urged to speak out against the lack of diversity of the 2016 Oscars nominations. He declined. “While you fighting for a seat at someone else’s table, I’m over here building my own.” 

The session ended with Martin rejoining the pair on stage with a story of how Perry took the time to call him and give encouraging words after his TV One show was cancelled. Perry gave his final thoughts, hoping that his words had planted a seed in the spirits of audience members.

Roger Obviously Has Faith in Berdoo!

By Wallace J. Allen

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Roger’s Burgers has opened a 24-hour burger restaurant in downtown San Bernardino! The corner at Sixth and D Street is not particularly freeway close but is apparently close enough to the many burger lovers who keep coming back! 

Roger promises 100% Angus Beef patties that are hand pressed daily; never frozen!  They brag about a “4×4 Wild & Wreckless Burger” that features four 1/3 lb. beef patties, tomato, red onion, mustard sauce, pickle, chili, bacon, cheese and topped with pastrami. I have not tried that, but have enjoyed the plain ole, “Wild and Wreckless” that has only one 1/3 lb. patty and everything else.

Roger’s also has chicken, turkey, veggie and vegan sandwiches and salads. Charbroil is their mode of cooking. 

They have done several things right; they moved next door to WssNews (we eat a lot) and he has made a commitment to the San Bernardino rebound with his 24-hour service.  His menu is exciting, and his food is very good. 

Roger’s website is www.rogersburgersusa.com and you can phone in your order at (909) 381-8001. Roger’s other location is in Burbank.

What It Do with the LUE: New Plus Size Club in Moreno Valley

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— New Plus Size Club in Moreno valley is What It Do!

Roll Call! I am looking for all my plus size cuties, my big beautiful beauties and them thick and sexy ladies. It’s going all the way up this Saturday for the grand opening of ‘Club Thick and Beautiful’ presented by ‘Money Moves Entertainment’ and ‘Caligirl Entertainment’.

Finally, a place in the Inland Empire that caters to the plus size world. I’m sure the party goers will be on the dance floor as DJ Sassy B and DJ Westy Mac take to the turn tables.

Money Moves Entertainment’ and ‘Caligirl Entertainment put several entities together in order to help spread the word. The event will be hosted by MC Big D, so ya know it’s gonna be LITT! Come network while having fun and supporting the BBW Movement! For event details please refer to flyer.

L’s!