Local

L/R Grade School: Mr. Kevin Hall (President), Devorlyn Celestine (Vice President), Robert Hawkins, , Jerimiah Ingram, Lanah Boyd, Lorelei Hartman, Lawson Bush (3rd Place), Morgan Hawkins, Jayla Ingram (1st Place ), Aisa Ingram, Asia Ingram (2nd Place), Twillea Evans-Carthen (Co-Chair), and Kevin Eastman (Co-Chair)

FONTANA, CA- On a beautiful sunny Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2015, high school scholars eloquently moved the crowd at Jurupa Hills High School, Fontana, CA with their thought on “major issues students face related to educational achievements in light of the staggering dropout rates among today’s students” at the 26th Annual Oratorical Contest sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Eta Nu Omega Chapter.  Mr. Kevin Eastman, Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Ms. Twillea Evans-Carthen, co-chaired this event and created a festive atmosphere by including Mr. Aaron Lash Jr. a Senior at California State University San Bernardino to inspire all through Spoken Word poetry and a pizza party as the participants awaited for the announcement of the awards.  Young scholars took part in this competition too ranging from 1^st through 8^th graders who were passionate with their response to “Why is education important to your future?”

1st Place: Khari Bush, Sr. Carter High School

This annual speech contest provides the opportunity for students grades first through twelfth to have a platform to enhance their public speaking skills, promote self-confidence, educational enrichment, and to further facilitate character building in a safe environment. This contest was developed under “The Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, and uses the International Toastmasters Guidelines.”

Winners for the following categories were: Group 1 (1^st through 5^th) 1^st Place – Jayla Ingram; 2^nd Place – Asia Ingram and 3^rd Place – Lawson Bush. Group 2 (6^th through 8^th) 1^st Place – Emma Jean Gilliam, 2^nd Place – Kiana Martinez, 3^rd Place – Isaiah Keaton.  Group 3 (9^th through 12^th) 1^st Place – Khari Bush, 2^nd Place – Brandon Watts, 3^rd Place – Kevin Jackson.

L/R Middle School and High School: Mr. Kevin Hall (President), Devorlyn Celestine (Vice President), Kiana Martinez (2nd Place MS), Khari Bush (1st Place HS), Brandon Watts (2nd Place HS), Justine Lee, Emma Jean Gilliam (1st Place MS), Kevin Jackson (3rd Place HS), Taya Ingram, Kelechi Okoro, Kamilah McMillon, Isaiah Keaton (3rd Place MS), Twillea Evans-Carthen (Co-Chair), and Kevin Eastman (Co-Chair)

By Nia Turner Moreno 

Where are you currently living at?

San Bernardino County, CA

Growing up did you ever think that you would play for the NBA?

Yes, that was my main goal in life. As a kid I used to dream of playing for the Chicago Bulls. I used to dream I was Michael Jordan when I was younger. And my dream came true because I actually was able to play with him when I joined the Chicago Bulls.

How old where you when you started playing basketball?

When I first picked up a ball and started playing I was 4 years old. I was going to Oregon State for 2 years, and I got drafted at 20 years old.

What did you like most about playing for the NBA and what did you like least?

There was really nothing that I liked least about playing for the NBA. Dreams come true so for me being in the NBA was an accomplishment

Do you still play basketball in your free time?

No, I don’t play, but I’m a basketball trainer for the Inland Empire. I train kids at Etiwanda High School and Fontana High School and middle schools in San Bernardino County. I’m also a mentor for nine Elementary Schools.

What have you been doing since you retired?

I’m a role model in our community and I have personal relationships with young boys and girls. There’s a lot of kids out there that need a good mentor. I’m a mentor for a lot in the San Bernardino community, especially the youth that are going off to college. I do my best to be there for them. Growing up in the environment I lived in, I didn’t have any good role models or guides to help me, so I pretty much just had to find my own way. I want these kids to have some kind of help; someone to set a good example for them.

Do you have any other hobbies beside basketball?

I fish when I have free time and I love spending time with my family and being a father to my five kids, 4 girls 1 boy. I’m busy most of the time, so it’s nice to spend time with them. Family is a very important part in my life.

Is “Basketball Legende” still an ongoing program for the youth?

That’s the name of my program for the kids in the community. Legende is Legends in French. I played overseas in France and I like to incorporate my professional basketball background into the things I do now. A part of the things I do in the program is basketball training and I talk to the kids about keeping up good grades, as well because that’s a big part of playing basketball.

What would you say to the youth or anyone that is striving to reach their goals?

I tell all the kids that “dreams do come true it all starts with yourself”. Work hard, the harder you believe in your goal, whatever your goal is it can come true. What I tell my kids is if you want to be a doctor, find the best doctor there is and apply that to yourself. If you want to be a basketball player find the best basketball player there is and apply that to yourself.  Whatever it is that person did to make it where they’re at, apply it to the qualities that you already have. You have to put your goals first. Life is like a merry go round you’re up, you’re down; you’re not always going to be happy but you just have to believe in your goals if that’s what you want. There are other programs out there to help young kids, but if I can also help them that’s what I’m going to do. Kids are our future so I do my best to help out.

Is there anything else that I might have left out that you would like for people to know about you?

I’m a mentor. I’m a trainer. I’m a life coach. I speak for D.A.R.E programs, high schools, middle schools and elementary schools. I consider myself a disciple; I’m one of God’ called people.

Article and Photos By John Coleman

RIVERSIDE, CA- In 1965/66, Riverside was the first largest school district in the US to voluntarily integrate their schools and to go forward despite, weeks later, the arson burning of its Lowell Elementary School. The 2015 Riverside Black History Parade and Expo will, in part, celebrate the 50th anniversary of that decision and the part it continues to play in Riverside’s becoming a ‘world class city’.

Dignitaries who participated in the 2015 Black History and Culture Parade included:   Rusty Bailey, Mayor;    Sergio Diaz, Police Chief;    Michael Moore, Fire Chief;   David Hansen, Supt, RUSD;     Stan Sniff, Sheriff;     Richard Roth, State Senator;     Jose Medina, Member, State Legislative Assembly.

Other Parade participants included:  community leaders, educators, business owners, ministers and members of their churches,   college and youth groups,   community service and activity programs,   NAACP,   Tuskegee Airmen,   Prince Hall Masons and Shriners,   car clubs and their prize auto collections, and many other people who march with their organizations to have fun.

There has to be recognition for those crowd pleasers that have their own ‘groupies’ who follow them whenever they parade, these include   The Ex-Plosive Drill and Drum Squad;

The Black Diamond Step Team; Black Diamond Cheer and Dance Team; and of course the San Bernardino Westside Steppers Drill and Drum Team.

Craig Goodwin, Wanda Scruggs, & Jeanie Gaines were announcers at the viewing stand, across from the historical County Court House.

By Wallace J. Allen

The soul is without matter and cannot be touched physically. Where soul exists, it extends beyond life and lingers through multi generations.  For some unspoken but widely accepted reason, Black folks are identified as the tangible truth that soul exists. Soul brother, soul sister, soul music and soul food are examples of that application! Soul is a code word for “the Black Experience”.

WSSNews identifies and identifies with the “Black Experience” as it occurs in the inland Empire. The Black Experience will always include the memory of its era of Kings and Queens, as well as the tragedy of “The Middle Passage”. The glory of fighting for and building this great nation while enslaved by hate and handcuffed by ignorance. Electing a President only to see his effectiveness ridiculed by racism. All are elements of the Black Experience.

The ‘Quest for Excellence” is also an element of the “Black Experience”.  One of our angel poetesses, Mya Angelo, captures the essence of that quest with her piece titled, “Still, We Rise”. Regardless of the pain delivered by those against us, history evidences not only survival ‘still we rise’, but demonstrates that we also thrive. Regardless of circumstance the “Black Experience” still provides excellence.

Westside Story Newspaper acknowledges the community’s struggle, but it seeks to encourage and celebrate its excellence. Your support in the form of a financial gift or kind words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated and wisely used to “Share The Quest For Excellence”!  You can mail to 577 North “D” Street, San Bernardino Ca. 92401. You can go to wssnews.com and click on the “DONATION” Button. You can email your encouraging words to walleniv@yahoo.com. Your critique is also encouraged and welcomed. I realize that excellence is our goal not our status!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is pleased to announce the 2015 Miss Black San Bernardino Pageant; an annual event held to celebrate young black women ages 16 to 20 years who are enrolled in school, engaged in community service and working to achieve academic excellence.

The goal of the pageant is to recognize and promote young women in the community that will be tomorrow’s leaders. The objective is to educate, train and encourage young women to represent the African-American community in a manner consistent with responsibility, ethics, motivation and integrity.

Miss Black San Bernardino Scholarship Pageant 2015 being held on February 21, 2015 at the San Bernardino Elks Lodge located at 2055 Elks Drive in San Bernardino  from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information or to buy tickets, please visit www.sbbcfoundation.com/events/miss-black-san-bernardino-2015.

Award-winning filmmaker, Malcolm D. Lee (Best Man; Best Man Holiday), partners with McDonald’s and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) for McDonald’s “Lovin'” Video Competition (PRNewsFoto/McDonald’s USA, LLC)

OAK BROOK, IL-  McDonald’s USA and the American Black Film Festival are joining forces to launch the McDonald’s Lovin’ Video Competition. To complement the new “Lovin” campaign, up-and-coming filmmakers are challenged to create one 90-second film that brings to life McDonald’s philosophy that, “A little more lovin’ can change a lot.”

Aspiring filmmakers nationwide are encouraged to enter their best, original submissions by 11:59 p.m. Eastern March 24, 2015, for their chance to win the grand prize and earn accolades from film industry leaders. Three finalists will be selected to attend the 19^th annual American Black Film Festival in New York City, June 11 -14 and have an exclusive opportunity to be mentored by critically-acclaimed film director Malcolm D. Lee (Best Man; Best Man Holiday), who will provide the finalists with invaluable film industry tips and advice.

The top three short films will premiere at the highly-anticipated festival and will be judged by a panel of industry experts. Each submission will be critiqued on creativity, implementation of concept and quality. In the end, only one finalist will take home the grand prize — a film equipment package valued at $2,500 and an opportunity to have their film featured on prominent websites, including McDonald’s 365Black.com and other media entities. More information about the competition can be found atwww.abff.com.

“We are excited to partner with McDonald’s USA on this most unique digital video contest,” said Jeff Friday, American Black Film Festival founder and chief executive officer. “The ABFF is committed to supporting emerging artists and providing trailblazing opportunities for them to gain exposure and visibility in the film and television industry.”

“I’m honored to mentor our next generation of aspiring filmmakers through ‘Lovin’ Video Competition’,” said Malcolm D. Lee.  “Many have mentored and guided me along my journey to make an impact in film, and it’s important for all of us to do our part to bring the next generation up.”

McDonald’s newest campaign reignites the spirit of “i’m lovin’ it” and will inspire everything the brand does moving forward. By focusing on the lovin’ people show each other every day, the campaign provides an opportunity to celebrate and bring more lovin’ to customers.

“McDonald’s is excited to embark on this initiative with ABFF and the filmmakers of the future from the communities we serve,” said Kristen Wells, External Communications Manager, McDonald’s USA. “We hope that the idea of sharing love throughout our communities will motivate and inspire the filmmakers as they work tirelessly to make their dreams a reality.”

The Lovin’ Video Competition and ABFF’s vision to promote diversity in the film and television industry align with McDonald’s 365Black platform — an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round.

McDonald’s encourages those who live out lovin’ in their lives each day to follow @365Black on Twitter and join the conversation using #365LovinFilm. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com.

To learn more about the American Black Film Festival and the Lovin’ Video Competition, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram.

Agape and Grace – Marriage God’s Way

He looked across the garden. His breath short, palms sweating, mind racing; is this the one? As the sun shines upon her face reflecting the perfecting of beauty she approaches him. They gaze into each other’s eyes, as doves look upon their love, never again to turn their gaze. Then he speaks, “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called women because she was taken out of a man.” God’s plan for marriage was in scripted in the hearts of Adam and Eve as they displayed the pureness of God’s perfect plan; two hearts becoming one. The holiness of these unions with the approval of God and under an open Heaven, took place on Saturday, February 7 at Shandin Hills Golf Club where they all committed to live their lives God’s way by putting a ring on it, officiated by Minister Trey Sims.

Each couple desired a wedding of their own in order to unite themselves and children together, but couldn’t do on their own, whether it was financial issues, family or fear, the day never came until God spoke to the Visionary of Tribe of Judah World Outreach {Angela Slaughter}, and instructed the ministry to give all the couples a wedding. When the news reached the couples they were speechless, surprised and overwhelmed with less than three months to plan. So the preparation, counseling and planning begun. As the big day quickly approached, some of the original couples decided to wait while others joined in. Even two days before the wedding, one last couple was added. There was music, laughter, tears and lots of love! This was more than a one day celebration it was the beginning of the couple’s marriage and family ministry in the story of “Agape and Grace – Marriage God’s Way!

Westside Story Newspaper would like to congratulate all of the couples.  As we all know true love begins well before the wedding day, and the efforts of marriage and of love continue well beyond the ceremony’s end. A brief moment in time, a beautiful memory and the stroke of the pen are all that is required to create the legal bond of marriage, but it takes a lifetime of love, commitment, and compromise to make marriage durable and every lasting. Today you declared your commitment to each other before family and friends; your yesterdays were the path to this moment. Now may you continue your journey toward a future of togetherness, building each day in strength and unity. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you always need one another, not to fill emptiness, but to help each other know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another… Live well – Love fully!

-Lou Coleman

Photo credit Freddie Washington

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, February 7, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce held yet another successful Black History Expo in downtown San Bernardino. People of the community gathered together for a positive and enlightening outing that was filled with plenty of food, entertainment, and networking. Some of the entertainment for the day included artists from the roster of LUE Productions, city drill teams, drumlines, a performance from the Chamber’s very own Tammy Martin-Ryles and her group of ladies, and a host of other performers and speakers.

Jessica Ajoku

Jessica Ajoku of San Bernardino was selected to participate in the 2015 Miss Teen San Bernardino pageant competition that will take place on Sunday March 1, 2015. She   learned of her acceptance into this year’s competition when the pageant announced their selections following interviewing in the local San Bernardino area.

Miss Ajoku will be competing for her share of thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts that will be distributed to contestants in the  Miss Teen division, one of four divisions that will have young ladies ages 7 and 19 competing in modeling routines. These routines include casual wear and formal wear.  In addition, the ladies will also display their personality and interviewing skills while interviewing with this year’s San Bernardino judging panel. Personality is the number one aspect that each contestant is judged on during all phases of competition.

If Jessica were to win the title of Miss Teen San Bernardino she would represent the City of San Bernardino and the surrounding communities at the National Competition that will take place in Orlando, Florida. Over $30,000.00 in prizes and awards will be presented at the National Competition while each winner enjoys this expense paid trip of five nights and six days in Orlando, Florida.

“Miss Teen requires that I have sponsors to participate in this year’s 2015 Miss Teen San Bernardino. I love my hometown and am honored to have the chance to represent San Bernardino nationally. It would mean the world if my community could help be a part of this!” Jessica stated.

Jessica Ajoku is a native to San Bernardino. She has lived here her whole life and this past May she graduated with the top of her class at Cajon High School. She is now a freshman at the University of California, Berkeley. Jessica is a black belt and loves filmmaking. She is also the President of the AATP at the University. Jessica is participating in this pageant to proudly represent her hometown of San Bernardino. If you are interested in supporting her, please call (877) 403-6678.

Info:

Tremaine Mitchell (second from left), director of Operations for the Youth Action Project, receives the Community Partnership Award from Southern California Edison (SCE) during SCE’s recent Black History Month celebration. SCE President Pedro Pizarro (second from right), Tammy Tumbling, director of Philanthropy and Community Involvement (right) and Qiana Charles (left), local public affairs manager, presented the award to the organization for successfully helping youth and young adults in the development of skills and habits needed to experience economic and social success. Since 2007, it has hired and trained more than 200 local college students, provided more than 90,000 work experience and community service hours and provided tutoring and mentoring to more than 1,000 high school students within the San Bernardino Unified School District.

Photos by:  Southern California Edison

Edison Scholar Kyanne Parchment, 18, spoke at Southern California Edison’s 13th annual Black History Month celebration. A graduate of Henry J. Kaiser High School in Fontana, Kyanne engaged the audience by discussing how the $40,000 Edison Scholarship she received last year to pursue her studies in the STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) fields has provided her with much more than the funds needed to attend and graduate from college. Before entering college, the college freshmen dreamed about developing programs and apps. But now, she strives to create a virtual classroom to make STEM classes more readily available to diverse students. “I think we need more ‘Edisons’ to help give a greater number of minorities a chance to succeed and explore the STEM fields,” she said. “There are many other students with tremendous abilities who just need a helping hand.”
More of her story can be found at Edison’s newsroom.

ROSEMEAD, CA- Southern California Edison (SCE) will honor the Compton Unified School District, the Inglewood Unified School District, the Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce and the Youth Action Project at its 13^th annual Black History Month celebration today at SCE’s Energy Education Center in Irwindale.

A crowd of 300 is expected at the event, which honors the achievements of local African-American businesses and leaders, their contributions to economic growth, service to the community and participation in energy-efficiency programs.

“This celebration recognizes the importance of African-American contributions to our communities, our state and our nation,” said SCE President Pedro Pizarro.  “SCE serves one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the country and serving our customers means embracing and incorporating diversity into everything we do.

Bonnie Boswell, a reporter, producer, commentator and talk-show host, served as keynote speaker during Southern California Edison’s recent Black History Month event focused on “Celebrating Business and Community Partnerships” with the theme of “Giving Back.” She is executive producer of “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights,” a film about her uncle that first lady Michelle Obama presented at the White House during the 50th anniversary celebration of the March on Washington.

“Our partnerships with our business and community leaders are the foundation of the service we provide to our customers,” added Lisa Cagnolatti, vice president of SCE’s Business Customer Division.  “Southern California Edison’s annual Black History Month event is an opportunity to show our appreciation to them and to the communities we serve.”

Bonnie Boswell, a reporter, producer, commentator and talk-show host, will serve as keynote speaker. She is executive producer of “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights,” a film about her uncle that first lady Michelle Obama presented at the White House during the 50^th anniversary celebration of the March on Washington.

The Compton and Inglewood school districts will be honored with SCE’s Energy Efficiency Participation Award for energy conservation at their respective school sites. Their participation in the School Energy Efficiency Program has saved both school districts money on electricity consumption and helped create more comfortable learning environments for students.

Alvin Jenkins, director of Facilities for the Compton district, and Joe Dominguez, chief deputy superintendent for the Inglewood district, will accept the award for their school districts.

The Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce is the recipient of SCE’s Diverse Business Enterprise Award for its commitment to the economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests of the area. Linda Wright, president/CEO/founder of the chamber, will accept the award.

The Youth Action Project will receive SCE’s Community Partnership Award. It has successfully helped youth and young adults in the development of skills and habits needed to experience economic and social success. Since 2007, it has hired and trained more than 200 local college students, provided more than 90,000 work experience and community service hours and provided tutoring and mentoring to more than 1,000 high school students within the San Bernardino Unified School District.

Tremaine Mitchell, director of operations for the project, will accept the award.

Kyanne Parchment, a 2014 Edison Scholar who attends the University of California, Davis, will give a testimonial highlighting the difference her $40,000 scholarship has made in her life. The West Covina resident, who graduated from Henry J. Kaiser High School last year, is majoring in engineering and computer science.

This year’s event theme is “Giving Back” and the focus is “Celebrating Business and Community Partnerships.”

Chris Schauble, a co-anchor for the KTLA 5 Morning News, will serve as emcee.

About Southern California Edison

An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

Linda Wright (middle), president/CEO/founder of the Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, shares a moment with Southern California Edison (SCE) President Pedro Pizarro (left) and Lisa Cagnolatti (right), vice president, Business Customer Division during SCE’s annual Black History Month celebration. The chamber was the recipient of the Diverse Business Enterprise Award for its commitment to the economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests of the area.

Compton Unified School District Director of Facilities Alvin Jenkins (fourth from left) and Superintendent Darin Brawley (third from right) accepts the Energy Efficiency Participation Award for energy conservation at schools in their district during Southern California Edison’s recent Black History Month celebration. SCE President Pedro Pizarro (second from right) and Lisa Cagnolatti (right), vice president, Business Customer Division joined other company representatives in honoring the district for its commitment to save money on electricity consumption and create a more comfortable learning environment for students.

Inglewood Unified School District Chief Deputy Superintendent Joe Dominguez (fourth from left) accepts the Energy Efficiency Participation Award for energy conservation at schools in his district during Southern California Edison’s recent Black History Month Celebration. SCE President Pedro Pizarro (third from right) and Lisa Cagnolatti (second from right), vice president, Business Customer Division joined other company representatives in honoring the district for its commitment to save money on electricity consumption and create a more comfortable learning environment for students.

Some of the Media representatives (Photo courtesy of Charles Jackson, City Pride Magazine)