WSSN Stories

Kel Mitchell

GARDENA, CA- On Saturday, September 14, the City of Refuge Church and Consultant Entertainment will be presenting their 16th Annual ‘Stop The Violence, Think Education, Put God First’ Back to School Conference and Concert. The conference and concert will be held at City Refuge Church, 14527 S. Pedro Street, Gardena, CA 90248. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. there will be dynamitic workshops and seminars by fashion designer Clotee McAfee, Rev. Johnetta Tarkington (“Youth Empowerment 4 Destiny” Panel), Minister Lawrence Levy and Pastor Michael JT Fisher (“Hip Hop Power Hour”.). From 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. there will be a red carpet event followed by a celebration concert honoring those who bless our youth. The concert will be hosted by actor Kel Mitchell, songstress Adrian Anderson (Trin-i-tee 5:7) and radio personality DJ Elvee Scott (KJLH 102.3). R&B group Mindless Behavior will be in attendance as special guests. Tickets are on sale for $5 with proceeds benefiting the Noel Jones Scholarship. There will also be over 2,000 Back to School supplies given out. For more information please call 310-516-1433 or email edwardsdorean@yahoo.com

Brandi Mack (center, in hat) directs a girl’s program at Hunters Point

FONTANA, CA-  A group of girls from Hunters Point Family organization based in San Francisco made a visit to KRESTMORE Farms in Fontana where they helped Sis. Nova with weeding in the farm. Hunters Point Family organization has an entity called Girls 2000, a safe haven where girls give and receive support as they overcome the complex challenged they face in becoming self-filled individuals, future leaders and role models in their community. Through project-based learning and opportunities to exercise leadership, girls gain the knowledge, skills and self-confidence required to participate fully in their own empowerment process. GIRLS 2000 develops and leads activities based on the HPF philosophy that our youth can transform their current reality if they are given opportunities to gain awareness of their capabilities, develop the courage and ability to make life-affirming decisions, and have access to necessary resources and support. For more information on the program, please visit hunterspointfamily.org.

Yolanda Holder

CORONA, CA- Imagine walking 521 miles in a 15 day period. You’re engulfed by extreme heat, sweat pours down your brow, and with every step your feet throb like a heartbeat. This will soon be the reality for Yolanda Holder, Guinness World Record holder for most marathons run in a year. Yolanda has experienced many hardships to get to the top, but nothing could prepare her for the loss of both parents to type 2 diabetes. When her mother passed September 2,2012, Holder vowed to do her part to prevent diabetes from taking another loved one. Despite being grief stricken, she took to action and ‘Extreme Walk 4 Diabetes’ was born.  On August 19th, she will embark on an amazing journey across California, starting in Corona, at Corona Nissan and finishing in Oakland, at the American Diabetes Association office, on the anniversary of her mother Annette Norton’s passing. Her mission is to promote the benefits of walking 30 minutes a day and encourage people of all ages to get out and get fit while having fun! Holder hopes to raise over $5,000 when she crosses the finish line in Oakland. She is also encouraging her fans, and supporters to join her as she passes through their cities. You can track Yolanda’s progress through her Facebook page and at www.yolandaholder.com.

Black Culture Foundation Committee

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  Now is the time to nominate unsung heroes in your community for the 24th Annual Black Culture Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year, Community Service and Black Rose Awards, which take place Friday, September 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the National Orange Show Renaissance Room, 689 South E Street.

To nominate someone for this award, go to www.sbbcfoundation.org to download a nomination form, or email the incoming chair Troy Ingram at firstvice@sbbcfoundation.org.  Nominations are due by July 31. The Foundation is now selling tickets to the award ceremony at the price of $60 per person, until August 17.  Tickets purchased after that date will be $75. To order tickets or reserve a table, contact Troy Ingram at firstvice@sbbcfoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- For  those that are trying to eat healthier or love fresh produce, then the KRSTMoor/Crestmore Produce Stand is the place to go. Every Saturday at the Dorothy Ingram Library from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. there will be a booth for KRSTMoor/Crestmore Produce. The market offers whole, fresh and self sustainably grown produce that support healing and healthy nutrition. In addition to fresh produce, KRSTMoor has several new features to better cater to customers, which include an EBT machine and a food box program. The food box program offers a delivery program in the Inland Empire that consists of fresh farm produce. Vendors are also needed for the Farmers Market. If you have products that you produce or distribute, please contact KRSTMoor Produce.  The Dorothy Ingram Library is located at 1505 W. Highland Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92311. For more information on KRSTMoor farms contact Sis Nova Kafele at 562-786-9898 or visit krstmoorproduce.spruz.com.

San Bernardino Trayvon Martin Verdict Protest Starts Outside of The SB Court.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- With Trayvon Martin protests going on through out the state of California, Visual Voices decided to gather a group together and protest for justice and equality. The group meet in downtown San Bernardino in front of the court house where they chanted “We want justice!” as cars honked in agreement as they drove by. The group then walked through downtown San Bernardino from the court house. They plan on having more protests and meetings to bring awareness to more issues regarding human rights in America.

Bronco Riding

CITY OF INDUSTRY – The exciting Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, the only nationally touring Black Rodeo, brings two days of enjoyment for the whole family for days on Saturday and Sunday July 20 and 21 at the Industry Hills Expo Center, and featuring Urban Cowboys and Cowgirls performing feats of bravery and expertise.  It is by far “The Greatest Show on Dirt!”  These competitors will also be joined by horse riding celebrity cowboys like actors Glyn Turman, Bill Pickins, Jr., and Delroy Lindo. In fact you never know who is going to show up to celebrate the historical cultural legacy of Black Americans shaping America’s Western heritage at the Bill Pickett Rodeo!

Events will include Bare Back Ridin’, Tie Down Ropin’, Ladies Steer Undecoratin’, Barrel Racin’, Bull Ridin’, Muttin Bustin’ (for kids), and of course Bull Doggin’ the rodeo stunt invented by none other than the  Legendary Black Cowboy from Texas Bill Pickett!

“Bull Dogging” is when horse-mounted rider chases a steer, drops from the horse to the steer, then wrestles the steer to the ground by grabbing and twisting its horns. Pickett also used his teeth, as a dog would do.  His exploits also made Mr. Pickettl one of America’ s first stunt men.  He provided the vision for all those cowboy movies where the hero jumps from his horse to stop wild horses or a runaway stage coach.

Born in 1870, Pickett was also a ranch cowboy and he and his brothers also operated Pickett Bros. Bronco Busters and Rough Riders Association in Texas.  Pickett became very famous for his work on the rodeo circuit where he was often billed as the “Dusky Demon.” In 1905 the Miller Brothers who operated the famous 101 Ranch Wild West Show, hired Pickett for their show and moved him and his entire family to Oklahoma. Pickett performed across the U.S. as well as in Madison Square Garden in New York and across the seas in England, and appeared in at least one cowboy movie.

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma inducted Pickett into its Hall of Fame in 1971, and the museum (www.nationalcowboymuseum.org)  hosts a regular Bill Pickett Program every Saturday where children learn all about the feats and exploits of this pioneering Black rodeo cowboy.  In 1987, a large bronze statue depicting Pickett bulldogging was unveiled at the Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum and a . The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum in Fort Worth, Texas (www.cowboysofcolor.org ) features displays and programs on prominent figures in American history, including African American, Native American and European trailblazers from the Old West and the Buffalo Soldiers and inducted Pickett into its Hall of Fame in 2003.  The Texas Historical Commission and the Woodson-dickey History Club erected a monument plaque to Pickett in 1991.  Mr. Pickett is also depicted on a U.S. Postage stamp (so is his brother Ben due to a photo mix-up.) Pickett died in 1932 and is buried on White Eagle Monument Hill in Oklahoma.

The Saturday show starts at 7 p.m. and the Sunday show starts at 3 p.m.  Tickets: Children $17 Adv/$20 at gate; Adults $20 Adv/$24 at gate; Arena $30 Adv/$35 at gate.  Tickets for the Bill Pickett Rodeo are available at Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, Black Voice News in Riverside-San Bernardino; in Carson, CA at  Venni Mac’s M&M Soul and at the Postal Annex on E. University Dr.; in Inglewood at  Inglewood Tickets on S. Market Street,  at Ms. B’s M&M Soul Food on W. Manchester Blvd at Zahra’s Books N. Things on N. La Brea Ave., and also at A Cultural Affair Boutique also on N. La Brea Ave.; in Long Beach at Shades of Afrika on E. 4th St.; in Los Angeles at Zambezi Bazzar on Degnan Blvd. in Leimert Park and at Simply Wholesome on W. Slauson Ave..

Proceeds also benefit the Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships to Black high school and college students involved or interested in pursuing careers in Rodeo or animal Science. The Industry Hills Expo Center is located at 16200 Temple Ave. in the City of Industry, CA 91744. For Information and Group Sales call 310-674-6700, or the Hotline at 310-599-5555, and visit online at www.billpickettrodeo.com, 866-LVRODEO. (L.E. Pezant, WSSN 7-11-13)

Sora Park Tanjasiri, Kevin D. Williams and the Late Antronette K. Yancey Receive Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award

Pictured here (left to right) are honoree Sora Park Tanjasiri; honoree Kevin D. Williams and honoree Antronette Yancey’s long term partner Darlene Edgley

Los Angeles (June 25, 2013)- The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) honored three inspiring leaders in health education at its 11th annual Champions of Health Professions Diversity Awards ceremony for their successful efforts to improve the health and wellness of California’s most underserved communities. Sora Park Tanjasiri, an educator and researcher at the department of health science at California State University, Fullerton, has guided minority students into health professions, while addressing health disparities through community-based research programs. Kevin D. Williams of Berkeley Youth Alternatives organizes 27 programs for at-risk youth and young adults, and provides direction to graduate-level students entering the public health field. The late Dr. Antronette K. Yancey was a professor in the department of health services and cofounder of the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Equity at UCLA.; she was tireless in her commitment to ensure that research findings would be translated to community programs and policy to transform lives.

In recognition of their efforts to mentor and inspire students and better serve the health and well-being of California’s underserved and disadvantaged communities, each honoree received a cash award of $25,000. As one of the only California Foundations making grants in this area, TCWF has awarded more than $49 million to increase the diversity of the health workforce though a variety of approaches, including research, scholarship, loan repayment programs and leadership recognition.

“It is a tremendous privilege to recognize these stellar individuals for their outstanding commitment to communities of color and their groundbreaking work to increase the ethnic diversity of the health care workforce,” said Crystal D. Crawford, TCWF program director.

The California Wellness Foundation is a private independent foundation created in 1992 with a mission to improve the health of the people of California by making grants for health promotion, wellness education and disease prevention. The Foundation prioritizes eight issues for funding: diversity in the health professions, environmental health, healthy aging, mental health, teenage pregnancy prevention, violence prevention, women’s health and work and health. It also responds to timely issues and special projects outside the funding priorities.

Since its founding in 1992, TCWF has awarded 6,919 grants totaling more than $852 million. Please visit TCWF’s website at CalWellness.org for more information, including a newsroom section devoted to the award and the three honorees. High-resolution photos are available. Video interview clips are posted at TCWF’s YouTube channel.

Renea Wickman

Denise Fleming

MORENO VALLEY, CA— The California Democratic Party African American Caucus (CDPAAC) will host a “Family Reunion Project” to bring the Black and African American community together for educational purposes surrounding Get Out The Vote (GOTV), Voter Registration, Community Outreach, Community Resources, establish a Political Database, and Increase Membership of each organization represented by the Coalition.  Organizers are anticipating 100-200 guests for a fun and informative experience.  The event is scheduled for August 31, 2013 at Celebration Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  There will be a stage area available in the park for entertainment and focus purposes.

The entertainment will be informational speakers, including local Politicians, Pastors, Dignitaries, representatives of Social Service agencies and organizations, members of the African American Caucus, Business Owners, the National Congress Negro Women, the National Council Black Women, the local chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Cops and Clergy Representatives, Area Fraternity and Sorority chapters, Young Black Contractors Association, as well as local DJs who can be instrumental in getting out the youth vote.

Free food and drinks will be offered.  However, families are encouraged to bring their own food and park recreational items. No vendors are allowed.  Celebration Park is located at 4965 Morgan Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92555.  For more information or to co-sponsor the event, contact Black Caucus Regional Director 13, Denise Fleming at 951-259-2581 or Director over RDs, Renea Wickman at 909-567-0222.

Dinah Washington

LOS ANGELES, CA— LA’s ‘Queen of Jazz & Blues’ Barbara Morrison relives the stories of the legendary Dinah Washington through her music in an excellently staged performance piece written by Michael Cornier and Ms. Morrison herself, and directed by Keenan Zeno. Backed by the excellent John Stephens and his 18 piece orchestra, Barbara Morrison commands the stage embodying the mood and sensibilities of the great Dinah Washington, who died suddenly at the age of 39 in 1963, while married to her seventh husband, NFL Hall of Famer Dick “Night Train” Lane..

“I Wanna Be Loved: The Stories of Dinah Washington” shows why Barbara Morrison is called a living legend “one of the living links to the era of Ella, Billie, and Ms. Dinah W.”  Dinah (born Ruth Lee Jones in Tuscaloosa, Alabama) was known as “The Queen of Blues” but her range of hits included R&B and Jazz, and in addition to vocals, Dinah could playthe piano and the vibraphone. She led an exciting life, married seven times, with sons by her second and third husbands, became a star with the Lionel Hampton Band, and had some of the greatest hits of her era “Teach Me Tonight,”  “I Wanna Be Loved,” and two very popular duets with Brooks Benton:  “Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)” and “A Rockin’ Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall in Love),” and recorded with Cannonball Adderly.

World renowned across Europe, Asia and Australia, Barbara Morrison’s reputation is immense in the world of jazz singers. With over 20 recordings to her credit, she has performed with the A-List in jazz and blues, such as Gerald Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Etta James, Esther Phillips, David T. Walker, Jimmy Smith, Johnny Otis, Kenny Burrell, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Nancy Wilson, Mel Tormé, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, and Keb’ Mo; and has guest-starred with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra and Doc Severinsen’s Big Band.

She continues to wow audiences at jazz festivals worldwide, and she performed in San Bernardino when she and bluesman Taj Majal headlined the Juneteenth Jam presented by the Westside Story Newspaper and the Improve Association at Perris Hill Park in 1998. This Michigan native, who has made Los Angeles her home, is s a fighter and a survivor, coming back strong from illness and complications due to diabetes, she is staying busy and is already booked for cruise line performances in 2014.

Miss Barbara Morris continues to impress audiences and critics alike with this uniquely crafted show paying tribute to Dinah Washington, and proving “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes.”  The show will be performed on stage at the Barbara Morrison Performance Art Center on Sunday June 23, 2013. Cover $40, includes champagne and snacks.  Reservations only at 310-462-1439. Tickets sale fast for each performance so hurry to get tickets to the upcoming performance on June 23.  Performances will continue on June 30, as well as July – 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21.

Don’t Miss a chance to see this great lady, a master of jazz performance. The Barbara Morrison Performance Art Center is located at 4305 Degnan Blvd #101, Los Angeles, CA. 90008. Information: 310-462-1439, www.barbaramorrison.com. (L.E. Pezant, ENN)