What it do with Lue

“Soon and Very Soon Change is Coming!”

By Lou Yeboah

For, Thus Saith the Lord: “Behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.

“I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. [Malachi 4:1-3, 5]. Listen and take heed. “And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because your salvation is nearer now than when you first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. Put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” [Romans 13:11-12] Because I tell you, soon and very soon change is coming!

Just imagine what it will be like when the hand of God will begin to plague the ungodly, when He will pour out all the vials of His wrath upon you and crush you with His power. What will happen to you when God says, “I will remove my adversaries and severely punish my enemies.” I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue” [Psalm 50:22]. Do not trifle with it, repent while it is still daybreak. Because the longer God’s arm is uplifted, the more terrible will be the blow when He finally strikes.

I tell you, it is in great love that He restrains His wrath, for He is “slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. But, just like a torrent that is dammed up for a while, gathers force and strength, and every hour in which it is kept back it gets to be more irresistible, so it is with “the coming wrath” when it finally comes upon you. Do not take God’s forbearance for granted, because even though the wrath is delayed for a while, it will surely come.

Consider this, you who forget God.

Learning how to Cook and Grow your own food is What It Do!

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

This week I’d like to highlight Caramel Connections Foundation and The Seeds of Joy Community Garden a nonprofit based out of Ontario, California.

Friends of Distinction – Saturday, July 23rd, Founder and CEO ‘Elizabeth McSwain’, held a ‘Friends of Distinction Celebration’ to recognize and honor their community partners, volunteers, board members, and sponsors. The day was absolutely beautiful and filled with love. The celebration took place in Ontario at the Seeds of Joy Community Garden located at 1240 W. 4th Street, Ontario, CA. starting at 10:00 am ending at 2:00 pm.

The event theme was tropical. Upon arrival guests were greeted with Caribbean music provided by guitar player, ‘Ronnie B. Good’, which set the tone for the day. As the music played, they were able to tour the garden, ask questions, and take photos. ‘Pastor Brian E. Kennedy SR.’ of Mt. Zion Church opened the celebration with prayer and the Mayor of Ontario, ’Paul S. Leon’, spoke of the wonderful works taking place at the community garden and expressed how happy he was to be a part of it all. As the breeze flowed, guests were able to relax under a shady tree while participating in a mindfulness meditation exercise. Entertainment was comprised of three amazing poets, ‘Lyrically Aware’, ‘Truth’, and ‘Dion Jahmal’. A healthy lunch was provided for all to enjoy. The menu consisted of delicious meat patties, a garden salad with fresh veggies harvested out of their garden; along with fresh fruit and hibachi juice. Tote bags with resources and promotional materials was handed out towards the end.

Caramel Connections Foundation connects the community through culinary events. Their initiatives include introducing families to a healthy eating lifestyle. The Seeds of Joy Community Garden project serves systemically marginalized communities, which may include but are not limited to low-income, BIPOC, formerly incarnated students of colors, veterans, documented and undocumented youth.

Congratulations to founder and CEO, ‘Elizabeth McSwain’ for being honored as a 2022 Woman of Distinction.

List of Supporters: First 5 San Bernardino, Mount Zion, Ontario South UCCE, Master Gardeners of San Bernardino County, City of Ontario, California – Government KVCR, Lifestyles Spectrum News 1, SoCal SLJ PRO AUDIO SERVICES, LUE Productions, The Black Chamber of Commerce I.E., Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Kohl’s Cares, Rsbcihi Health Education Native American Resource Center, 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire, Niagara Cares Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield ,American Beverage, and  Connect IE

How to Connect:

caramelconnctions.org

community@caramelconnections.org

909.696.9017

“Outdoor Afro” Promotes Experiences in Nature for Black Adventurers

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

As much as Black people are defined by the contributions they’ve made to American culture, society also defines Black women and men by stereotypes that have evolved over time.

From the music we don’t listen to, the jobs we don’t take, to even the outdoor activities we don’t participate in, these stereotypes paint a picture that grossly underestimates the scope of the true Black Mosaic. Sometimes Black people buy into these depictions and the limitations associated with them and it takes people like Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro, to remind and educate Black people of their heritage, which includes a special connection to nature.

Outdoor Afro is a non-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black participation and leadership in nature. It’s a national network with volunteer leaders reaching thousands of people. Outdoor Afro connects Black people with open spaces and parks, on-the-water experiences, and wildlife through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Examples of Outdoor Afro’s year-round activities include fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, and skiing.

“I really set out to try and shift the visual representation of who we imagine recreates outside, is empowered outside and lives a full life connected to nature,” Mapp explains to people interested in learning about the organization.

“These last few years, it’s been so important for us to have ways to find our healing and find our connection and find our community. When we get out into places of nature, we can let that stress go,” she said, speaking in a conversation with the Weather Channel for a Black History Month feature.

Outdoor Afro achieves this vision by providing a yearly outdoor leadership training weekend. Over 100 volunteer leaders receive training from Outdoor Afro staff and experienced volunteers as they share the organization’s history, values, best practices, and industry knowledge. Volunteers learn trip planning basics, health impacts of nature, conservation ethics, risk management, and effective social media storytelling.

“I really set out to try and shift the visual representation of who we imagine recreates outside, is empowered outside and lives a full life connected to nature,” Mapp explains to people interested in learning about the organization.

“These last few years, it’s been so important for us to have ways to find our healing and find our connection and find our community. When we get out into places of nature, we can let that stress go,” she said, speaking in a conversation with the Weather Channel for a Black History Month feature.

Outdoor Afro achieves this vision by providing a yearly outdoor leadership training weekend. Over 100 volunteer leaders receive training from Outdoor Afro staff and experienced volunteers as they share the organization’s history, values, best practices, and industry knowledge. Volunteers learn trip planning basics, health impacts of nature, conservation ethics, risk management, and effective social media storytelling.

After training, volunteer leaders create and guide monthly trips that foster local program collaborations and help strengthen community relationships with the outdoors nationwide. Outdoor Afro’s additional programs include ‘Making Waves’, a national initiative to teach Black children how to swim and an annual Juneteenth celebration in Oakland, California.

Mapp’s journey with Outdoor Afro began as a kitchen table blog where she would often write about her experiences in nature growing up in Oakland. In 2009, Mapp converted the blog into Outdoor Afro.

“It’s pretty incredible how we’ve grown from a few volunteer leaders. We have over 100 Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders who are in 33 states in 56 cities. 60,000 people who are getting out with us hiking, biking, camping, you name it. In the outdoors, in community learning new things, overcoming fears and anxieties that transform into a love of both nature and community.”

Mapp is chairperson of the California State Park and Recreation Commission and vice-chair of the governing council of the Wilderness Society. She is a board member of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

Next on Mapp’s agenda is publishing her first book “Nature Swagger” which will be released in November. It is a combination of photos featuring outdoor adventures and compelling stories of Black joy in nature.

“When I’m out in nature, the trees don’t know that I’m Black. The birds are going to sing no matter how much money is in my account. Flowers are going to bloom no matter who I voted for. I think we can learn a lot from nature about how to BE.”

See a list of cities where Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders are hosting adventures in nature near you.

Pink on Parade, Riverside’s Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, Returns In-Person with a Survivor Celebration and Classic Car Show

RIVERSIDE, CA—- Riverside Community Health Foundation is proud to announce the in-person return of Riverside’s 11th annual Pink on Parade breast cancer awareness walk on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Ryan Bonaminio Park located at 5000 Tequesquite Ave, Riverside, CA 92506) from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pink on Parade brings Inland Empire residents together to celebrate, honor and bring awareness to those impacted by breast cancer. Participants are welcome to walk either the 5k Mt. Rubidoux route or 1.8k Family Fun route around Ryan Bonaminio Park.

Registration for the walk is now open. The first 100 registrants will receive a free 2022 Pink on Parade t-shirt, which was inspired by Pink on Parade’s 2021 virtual art contest winner D. Alexander.

Food, drinks, and merchandise will be available for purchase at the event.

Virtual participation is also available from the comfort of your home. No matter where you are located, all are welcome to join the virtual Art on Parade contest by creating any art piece inspired by breast cancer awareness in any medium. Contest submissions will be accepted beginning on September 18. 

A special survivor ceremony will be held during the event to celebrate and honor the journey of breast cancer survivors. A VIP area will also be dedicated to survivors filled with relaxation, community, and gratitude. The first 100 survivors who register for Pink on Parade by October 3 will receive a free t-shirt.

A new element of fun will be added to this year’s event— the Pink on Parade Classic Car Show. This is a classic car show guaranteed to take you down memory lane! People from all over the Inland Empire and surrounding areas will bring their classic cars from 1940s – 1970s. The Pink on Parade Classic Car Show will feature both import and domestic classic cars. All makes and models are welcome to join! Friendly competition will be underway, and Car Show participants can win in the following categories:

  • Best Domestic Classic
  • Best Import Classic
  • Best Overall

With only 60 spots available, car enthusiasts are encouraged to register for the show starting August 15.

Join us as we kick off the Pink on Parade season at our virtual and in-person Team Captain Kick-Off events where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the event, The Pink Ribbon Place, and tips on how to get your team started! Rallying a team means helping a mother, daughter, sister, or even neighbor receive vital support.

Virtual Team Captain Kick-Off
August 2  |  12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMod-mpqTwpG9H5_U1lI77RGs_HU4ABWUAK

In-Person Team Captain Kick-Off and Happy Hour
August 23  |  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Escape Craft Brewery: Downtown
Oasis 440 Oriental Ave, Redlands, CA 92374
Registration Linkhttps://rchf.salsalabs.org/2022PinkonParadeInPersonTCKOEscapeOasis/index.html

Each year, Pink on Parade raises awareness and funds to support the programs and services of Riverside Community Health Foundation’s cancer resource center – The Pink Ribbon Place. The Center offers hope to individuals and families impacted by cancer through a variety of resources, such as counseling, support groups, wigs, and nutrition classes.

Pink on Parade is proudly sponsored by Altura Credit Union, and supported by Riverside Community Health Foundation’s Corporate Sponsors: Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), Loma Linda University Health (LLUH), Molina Healthcare, Pacific Premier Bank, Riverside University Health System.

For more information or to register for Pink on Parade, visit pinkonparade.org.

Helpful Registration Links/Dates

 

Black Creators Converge on San Diego for Comic-Con and AfroFuturism Lounge

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | Special to California Black Media  

Comic-Con was held in San Diego from Thursday July 21 through Sunday, July 24. Due to health concerns over the spread of COVID-19, there hasn’t been an in-person Comic-Con for two years.

This year, Black creators, publications and characters had a chance to shine on stage as they were the subject of a few tantalizing announcements.

Marvel announced that the “Blade” movie, starring two-time Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali – as the half-vampire daywalker who hunts down night creatures in the Marvel universe — will at last be released in November 2023.

DC Comic’s unveiled a brand-new trailer for “Black Adam” starring Dwayne Johnson as an antihero and supervillain who was a slave 5,000 years ago but awakens in modern times with God-like power. Also featured in the trailer is Aldis Hodge as Hawkman and Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone who, as members of the Justice Society, faceoff against Johnson’s character.

Also, Marvel showed footage of Jonathan Majors as the next big Marvel villain known as Kang the Conqueror, a man who sees himself as the rightful master of the world and Anthony Mackie’s Captain America movie received an official title: “Captain America: New World Order.” It is expected to hit theatres in May 2024.

But the news that generated the most excitement was the release of the first trailer for Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” a sequel to the cultural phenomenon helmed by the Oakland-born director Ryan Coogler.

The director, during the movie’s Comic-Con panel, said that Wakanda Forever “goes to new places in Wakanda that we haven’t seen before.” The emotional trailer mourns the loss of its king, T’Challa and foreshadows that Wakanda will be forced to fight off outside world powers. The movie opens in U.S. theaters Nov. 11, 2022.

Both Panther movies are heavily influenced by the AfroFuturism movement which places Black culture at the center of fantastical stories.

During the first two days of Comic-Con, about a mile away, another type of pop culture convention hosted its fifth Black-centered event dedicated to the AfroFuturism movement.

Called “Freedom Riders for the Future: AfroFuturism Lounge,” and led by Dr. LaWana Richmond cofounder and organizer of the AfroFuturism Lounge, the gathering in partnership with Comic Con featured Black comic book and web creatives in a space to celebrate and foster Black comic book culture and Black futurist thought and industry opportunities.

AfroFuturism Lounge began in 2018, the same year the first “Black Panther” movie was released.

Richmond expressed excitement for the sequel, celebrating its inclusion of a fictional Aztec society led by sometimes hero and antihero Namor played by Mexican actor Tenoch Huerta.

“Understanding AfroFuturism is inclusive futurism, I am inspired by the decision to add our Latinx brothers and sisters to the fun,” said Richmond who also presented at a panel at Comic-Con called the “Independent Creators Summit” hosted by Los Angeles based illustrator, comic artist & publisher Robert Roach that showcased Black comic book creatives and Black comic book culture

As a partnership with San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art, AfroFuturism Lounge brought in about 300 people.

“Attendees, many of whom are connecting for the first time since the pandemic, represent the emergence of a spectrum of Black-centered art, design, technology, thought leadership, science, writing, filmmaking, storytelling, music, health, and uncharted disciplines,” said Richmond.

Richmond reassured interested Black comic book enthusiasts that more events like this are on the way.

“As the leader of the San Diego Chapter of the Black Speculative Arts Movement, I assure you we will have much more up our sleeve before the year is over,” said Richmond.

One such event is coming up on Sept. 3 of this year by way of the second annual Afro Con, another two-day Black comic book convention.

Interested fans can find more information at AfroCon.net and BSAMSD.org.

59 San Bernardino County Deputies Honored at Sheriff’s Exceptional Service Awards

Congratulations to the 59 deputies, first responders and community members who were honored during last week’s Sheriff’s Exceptional Service Awards Ceremony!

Throughout the past year, these individuals displayed extraordinary acts of bravery. Stories included saving families from burning buildings, public outreach to help those in need, and the incredible efforts to save local Sheriff’s Deputies Dustin Whitson and Carlos Velasco.

Thanks to all the awardees for your willingness to help others in a time of need. You are all heroes!

Crafton Hills’ Grad Driven by Her Children to Pursue Higher Education

YUCAIPA, CA — When Maria Cristina Valencia tried to convince her son Alder to stay in school, she never anticipated the question he would then ask her:

How could she insist he continued his studies when she did not have a high school diploma herself?

That moment in 2014 sparked the beginning of Valencia’s return to school. The now 50-year-old realized her son was right.

“So, I enrolled at (Yucaipa) Adult School and got my high school diploma,” explained the Yucaipa resident.

But she was not done yet. With encouragement from her family and the Yucaipa Adult School (YAS), Maria enrolled in her first class at Crafton Hills College (CHC) in the summer of 2019 to continue her studies.

In May 2022, Valencia graduated from CHC with an Associate in Arts in Spanish. Alder graduated alongside his mother in May with his Associate in Arts in Business Administration. Together, they will attend California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB). Valencia said she plans on pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood development. She said her primary motivation continues to be her children.

“It was a family goal,” she continued. “(Alder) was the one who inspired me. He was the one who kicked my butt.”

Valencia migrated to the United States after leaving El Salvador during its civil war. She worked while raising her two sons, who are now in their 20s, and added school to her already busy schedule to prove that she could do it.

“Maria was one of my hardest working students,” said Marcia Stewart, a YAS teacher. “She completed her schoolwork every week, even as she was working two to three jobs, and has always inspired me and other students with her great work ethic.”

“Maria is the embodiment of perseverance and determination,” Stewart continued. “She is an incredible woman, and I am so honored I got to witness part of her journey.”

Her children also took notice.

Valencia said she knows she still has plenty of work ahead, but she is ready to face her challenges head-on.

“Before starting (my public speaking class), I was in a bit of a panic that I couldn’t speak in front of someone because of my English,” she explained. “But everybody, every single person encouraged me not to be afraid and to not be afraid of my accent.”

Valencia’s most significant piece of advice for students following in her footsteps: persist.

“Never give up, because right now, there’s a lot of help out there. But if you don’t ask, you will never get that help,” she said. “I never thought I could graduate from Crafton, but otherwise, I would just be sitting down doing nothing.”

Each year, Crafton and YAS partner to help students pursue higher education. Last semester, Roadrunner officials worked closely with 22 YAS adult learners by providing them with the necessary resources to make their educational goals a reality. Eight YAS learners are currently enrolled in either Crafton’s summer or fall semester credit courses, while two YAS students are participating in the site’s Adult Summer Bridge Program.

To learn more about the program or Crafton Hills College, go to craftonhills.edu.

To access a PDF of the press release, and to download Maria Cristina Valencia’s photo, click here.

Remembering NBA Champion and Civil Rights Activist Bill Russell

By Cynthia Ellis

Basketball and civil rights legend Bill Russell has passed at 88 years old. He redefined how basketball is played and changed how sports are viewed in a racially divided country.

William Shelton Russell was born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, where his father, Charles, worked in a paper bag factory.

His childhood and seared by racism. His mother, Katie, was nearly arrested and threatened by a police officer because her stylish white outfit “looked like something a white woman would wear.”
As a young boy, he witnessed his father growing weary of the Jim Crow-era laws that allowed White people to be served first at a gas station. When his father tried to leave to find another gas station, the owner put a shotgun to his face and told him to wait his turn.

When Bill was nine years old, the family moved to Oakland, CA, and his mother died when he was twelve. His father opened a trucking business and then worked in a foundry to raise Bill and his brother, Charles Jr.

Later in life, the man, the athlete, stood tall. He was dangerous. He was “woke,” daring anyone to challenge his consciousness, his boots-on-the-ground stripes, or his authenticity.

Russell will always be remembered as one of the most impactful athletes in American history. His accolades include:

  • 2X NCAA Champ
  • 11X NBA Champ (2 as coach) of the Boston Celtics
  • Olympic gold medalist
  • The 1st Black head coach of any North American pro sports team
  • *Received Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011

From All American to the NBA…

At McClymonds High School in Oakland, Russell became a senior starter on the basketball team, already emphasizing defense and rebounding.

A former University of San Francisco basketball player, Hal DeJulio, who scouted for his alma mater, recognized his potential and recommended him to coach Phil Woolpert. Russell was given a scholarship and became an All-American, leading San Francisco to NCAA championships in his last two seasons. He was the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1955 and the U.P.I. Player of the Year in 1956.

“No one had ever played basketball the way I played it, or as well,” Russell told Sport magazine in 1963, recalling his college career. “They had never seen anyone block shots before. So now I’ll be conceited: I like to think I originated a whole new style of play.”

During the 1956 N.B.A. draft, the Harlem Globetrotters were reportedly willing to offer Russell a lucrative deal. However, he refused to sign with them and found the prospect of yearlong worldwide traveling unappealing.

“Their specialty is clowning, and I had no intention of being billed as the funny guy in a basketball uniform,” Russell was quoted to say.

Russell led the United States Olympic Team to a gold medal in the 1956 Melbourne Games and joined the Boston Celtics. Playing in 48 games as a rookie, he averaged 19.6 points and helped the team win its first N.B.A. title, defeating the St. Louis Hawks in the finals.

Player and Protester…

Bill Russell playing with the Boston Celtics and at the Cleveland Summit in 1967 with Muhammad Ali and Jim Brown

Russell joined the Boston Celtics in 1956, just two years after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision declared the unconstitutional notion of “separate but equal” schooling. As one of the few Black players on the Celtics, Russell experienced a unique kind of trauma.

He endured the “city-hall-crony-racist, brick throwing racist, and send them back to Africa racist.But as he became one of the country’s most visible athletes in the civil rights realm, he charged the predominately White NBA in the late 1950s with purposely excluding Black players. In 1961, after two black Boston Celtics players were denied service at a Lexington, Kentucky, coffee shop before a preseason exposition game, Russell led a boycott in which he and other Black players refused to play in the state. In 1964, he led a faction of players at the All-Star Game who threatened not to play unless NBA owners formally recognized the players union and granted them a pension plan.

On court, Russell was subjected to racist taunts and slurs. During games, people yelled hateful, indecent things: “Go back to Africa,” “Baboon,” “Coon,” and “Nigger.” In the town of Reading outside Boston, where he resided, Russell and his family endured threats, break-ins, and vandalism.

But Russell was present time and time again at key moments of the Civil Rights Movement. He was at the March on Washington in 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. He visited Mississippi following the assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. He also supported Muhammad Ali when he refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War.

The NBA’s First African American Head Coach…

Russell broke ground in 1966 when he became the NBA’s first Black head coach, all while still jumping center for Boston. He helped the Celtics become one of the most successful franchises in the league.

The team’s successes eventually helped win over the Boston fans, but the relationship was beyond repair. Russell said he “played for the Celtics” but “not the city of Boston,” according to his daughter Karen, who movingly wrote about the family’s encounters with racism in an essay for the New York Times.

Medal of Freedom…

In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Russell the Medal of Freedom Award alongside Congressman John Lewis, billionaire investor Warren Buffett, then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and baseball great Stan Musial.

At the ceremony, Obama said: “Bill Russell, the man, is someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men. He marched with King and stood by Ali. he endured insults and vandalism but kept focusing on making the teammates he loved better players and made possible the success of so many who would follow.”

Celebrating Bill Russell’s Legacy…

Bill Russell was my hero and role model, not because of the 11 out of 13 years as an NBA champion. It was because of what he stood for in fighting for justice, equality, and civil rights. Bill Russell paved the way for me and others in making a difference in my life. I followed his journey; he was born in Louisiana, attended McClymonds High School in West Oakland, CA, and attended the University of San Francisco. Boston Celtics, you will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in Heaven — Sonny Parker (former NBA player, Golden State Warriors)


William Felton Russell, nicknamed Bill, was the first basketball player I watched play this great game in 1965. I was around 9 or 10 years old, and his speed and determination made me want to stop playing baseball outdoors every day and made us want to trade my baseball mitt in for a basketball. Bill, with his goatee, reminded me of the older intelligent brothers from my southside neighborhood.

Bill Russell was a winner in high school, college, and the pros. He was a team player, and it showed on and off the court. He marched in the civil rights movement and Dr. King.

I met Bill Russell at St. Sabina’s Church during the 1988 NBA All-Star weekend in Chicago. When I shook his hand, I told him how he had impacted me to play high school and college basketball and the goal of achieving my college degree. Bill laughed, he hugged me and gave me an autograph. I felt as though I had met “Mr. Black History” himself. – Alan Hunt (former player, SIU Edwardsville)


Bill Russell was a legendary player and coach, an even better person. He approached everything he did with determination, principle, and wisdom. I will always be grateful for the chance to call him my friend. – President Bill Clinton


Bill Russell, the icon, the idol, the champion. As a young black child growing up in Chicago in the 60s and playing sports, Bill Russell was always one of my idols because he constantly displayed a winning attitude. Although he spent his basketball career in Boston (one of the most prejudiced and racist cities in America at the time), his attitude and professionalism for being a constant champion never wavered as he led the franchise to 11 NBA championships in 13 years. I was amazed by his accomplishments, and it showed young black kids like me that success in basketball was possible and any limitations you faced were only the ones you put on yourself. Bill’s persona showed us that no matter what he faced, just be who you are and be the best at what you do, and you can make a difference in society using your sports platform.

Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins, and other individuals like them were my idols. They were men that I wanted to be like. They stood up for what they believed in. They were helping change the world and not just basketball, regardless of the consequences they faced.

I have memories of Bill Russell sitting next to Muhammad Ali at the Cleveland Summit which also included Jim Brown, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor), and many other iconic sports figures from the black community who were standing with Ali against the war in Vietnam.

It wasn’t until 2003 that I met this man I revered as one of my idols while coaching at Marquette University. Our head coach, Tom Crean, had Bill Russell come on campus to address our players and coaching staff. He spent the day with us talking about his life experiences on and off the court. He shared with us how to use our sports platform to make a difference in life. I listened diligently as he spoke, and after he was done, it was clear to me the importance of helping our next generation of young people by sharing my life stories with them. This was a very memorable time in my life. It was clear that he had made an impact on me, and I knew it.

Bill Russell was truly an icon, he was a champion, he was my idol, who stood for more than just basketball. He was truly an amazing individual. – Bo Ellis (former Marquette Warriors Championship, former NBA Denver Nuggets)


Trailblazer. Icon. Greatest Champ in basketball. Made the world on and off the court a better place. Thank you, and rest easy! – Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors


The image, the voice, the dignity, the leadership, the values, the integrity, the intestinal fortitude, the credibility, and the winner. These are just a few characteristics that describe Bill Russell to me. As I absorbed this Black man on TV, he gave me a sense of pride. It created an insatiable desire to know more about him and where he came from. This was about the same time I was learning and falling in love with the game of basketball. My seventh-grade basketball coach loved the Boston Celtics and Bill Russell in particular. He told us the Boston Celtics won because their best player didn’t care who scored the most points, only that they played as a team.

I became even more curious about him when I learned that his life was marred by racism and bigotry and was the impetus for him taking a stance and not becoming an idle victim. His mom and dad were forced to move to the projects after facing this nefarious behavior. In college, he and his teammates were denied hotel rooms because of the color of their skin in North Carolina and Kentucky. His disdain for White people was expressed on several occasions when he said, “I dislike most White people because they are people, I like most Black people because I’m Black. This was after his house in Massachusetts was burglarized, with epithets written on the walls and feces placed in his bed.

Bill Russell was an unbelievable winner, with two high school championships, a collegiate Championship, an Olympic Gold Medal winner, and 11 NBA Championships in 13 years, two as the Head Coach. In my opinion, he’s the greatest winner of all time, period. With all that winning, he was a better man and an advocate for his Black people, i.e., Cleveland Summit, Black Power Movement, and Black Causes. Bill, you will be missed on every level. – Dr. Lloyd Walton (former NBA player Milwaukee Bucks)

Protesters And Counter-Protesters Clash Over Library Drag Queen Hour For Kids


By Simona Kitanovska

Protestors and supporters clashed outside a scheduled book reading by a transvestite man at a library on Thursday, July 28.

Sab Samuel, 27, who runs Story Hour U.K. as drag character Aida H. Dee, was due to read to kids at 11 a.m. at Henleaze Library in Bristol, England, in the United Kingdom.

Protestors and supporters clashed with one saying they planned on putting Dee – who grew up in Bristol – under citizen’s arrest.

The event was scheduled to begin around 11 a.m. but was delayed.

It was one of six shows across the city in the next two days – it is unclear if the others will go ahead.

The group of around 15 protesting against the storytelling say Dee is “illegally grooming children.”

The protest group were shouting chants and carrying signs that read: “Stop grooming kids,” “Wake up: this is child abuse” and “Leave the kids alone.”

A spokesperson from the group at the scene explained: “Aida works in the sex industry as an adult entertainer.

”This is grooming and it’s illegal. So we are performing a citizen’s arrest, if we can’t do it today, we will.”

The protestor, shouting from behind Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ blaring from speakers, said: “If you have to normalize something that is not normal – it is not normal!

“No one under the age of 11 needs to know explicit facts about sex and drag queens.

“They are sex workers and we don’t want them talking to our children about what they think is normal.”

Protestors try to perform a citizen’s arrest on a Drag performer from Drag Queen Story Hour UK at Henleaze Library, Bristol, July 28 2022. (Adam Hughes, SWNS/Zenger)

The individual claimed they have protest groups located “all over the country,” mobilized to “put an end to this sexual exploitation of children.”

They added: “We are concerned parents and grandparents, and believe what this Drag Queen is doing is a crime and he must be stopped.

“A library with toddlers is is not the time or the place – if you want to see a Drag Queen go to a nightclub!’

“These poor children are going to be confused and their young minds are being corrupted.”

One mother, 32, was one of the parents hoping to attend the storytelling event with her ten-month-old toddler.

The mother-of-one from Bristol has attended one of the events just six weeks ago in the city, which she said was “pleasant” and “lovely”.

Ashton said: “Ada is an author and I can assure you none of the content in the stories are sexualized. They are light-hearted and entertaining.

“I am annoyed and all the parents here today are annoyed.

“I just want to have a calm conversation but I have a child strapped to me and this is turning violent, and quite frankly scary.

“Men in make-up is not a new concept – it’s thousands of years old, this is nothing new.”

One individual from the counter-group, said they showed up today to protect “parents, children and drag queens” from the “fascist” group of protestors.

Protestors try to perform a citizen’s arrest on a Drag performer from Drag Queen Story Hour UK at Henleaze Library, Bristol, July 28 2022. (Adam Hughes, SWNS/Zenger)

The Bristol-based protestor standing up for “the rights of drag queens” said: “It is homophobic and transphobic to stop kids being able to learn from a drag queen.

“We are trying to not escalate things too much so the kids don’t get traumatized, we want to protect the families from the fascists over there.

“I think a lot of this is based on unfair economic situations – trans people are often scapegoated by newspapers.

“Lots of the fascists over there have strong ties to conspiracy theories.

”The lies that they believe is showing in outward-facing anger right now, which is something we cannot accept.”

‘Story Hour’ events have been running across the country for three to 11-year-old children at libraries.

The group says the sessions “teach inclusivity” and encourage children to “get fabulous.”

Produced in association with SWNS.

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A Beaver Walked Into A Bar And Stunned Customers


By Simona Kitanovska

Pub customers were left stunned after a beaver walked into a bar in the West Midlands in England before hiding beneath a smoking shelter in the beer garden.

Drinkers at the Yew Tree Pub in Norton Canes, a village in the Staffordshire region, in the United Kingdom, were left scratching their heads when the large rodent wandered in at around 8:45 p.m. on Monday, July 25.

The unusual visitor scampered past shocked customers in the main bar and scooted to the smoking shelter outside where it then took cover behind some chairs.

Volunteers from a local wildlife sanctuary were called to the scene where they found the creature casually “lying on its back washing itself” in the beer garden.

It was eventually enticed into a cage before being checked over by a vet where it was found to be healthy.

Lindsay Newell, from Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue, then worked with Natural England and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to transfer it to a specialist center.

She said she didn’t believe the call at first and thought people had mistaken the beaver for an otter as they are rarely, if ever, found in the densely-populated Midlands areas.

The beaver at the Yew Tree pub prior to rescue, in undated photograph. Customers in a Staffordshire pub were given a surprise after an unusual visitor walked in. (Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary, SWNS/Zenger)

Newell added: “We simply don’t get beavers around here so when we got the call we thought, ‘oh it must just be an otter’.

“We sometimes get people say they have a bird of prey and it turns out to be a wren or something – we just aren’t used to wildlife like this in the West Midlands.

“But when one of our volunteers got there, lo and behold there was a massive beaver just casually sitting in the beer garden underneath chairs in the smoking shelter.

“We were a bit surprised to hear it was a beaver as we’ve never seen one up close and were struggling to believe a beaver would actually walk into a pub.

“But it didn’t seem to mind being there at all. He was relaxing on his back and giving himself a wash.

“It is certainly the first time we have been called out to rescue a beaver. They have been reintroduced in other parts of Britain but no the West Midlands to my knowledge.

“Locals were joking that maybe he had been looking for a pint of Beavertown Neck Oil.

“Our volunteer Gareth found him outside under the chairs and managed to get him into the cage by tapping it with his shoe and he just ran into it.

“When he brought it into us, we were surprised about how big it was but it really was a beautiful creature to see up close.

“The size of it was surprising as you think beavers are small creatures, but it was very large, with big teeth and a defined tail.

“It was a such a nice and docile creature and just sat there eating leaves as we worked out the next step with it.

Google street view of the Yew Tree pub in Norton Canes. Customers in a Staffordshire pub were given a surprise after an unusual visitor walked in. (SWNS/Zenger)

“We contacted Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency as we weren’t quite sure what to do with it as it had never happened before.

“Eventually, we found it was chipped and registered with Natural England and had escaped. But the owner doesn’t want any publicity so we can’t reveal where it came from.

“I don’t know what drink it wanted in the pub – but I’m just glad that it got out safely.”

It was announced last year that beavers were to be reintroduced at various sites across England and Wales after 400 years of extinction.

And the government revealed this week that as of the month of October beavers are to be legally protected in England from being captured, killed, injured or disturbed without a license.

The first wild beavers were released in Scotland in 2009 before wildlife trusts in England followed suit and there are now thought to be as many as 800 in the wild.

Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer, of the Beaver Trust, said: “The return of the beaver has captured public attention and imagination.

“It is vital that a national strategy provides a platform for the continued restoration of this native species to ensure healthy and connected populations, so that our wider society and landscapes benefit.”

Produced in association with SWNS.

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