What it do with Lue

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— This coming Sunday, see who will be crowned LUE Productions 2018 BBW/Plus Size Queen!

It’s going down right here in San Bernardino at the Women’s’ Club located on “E” street.  Our Model Competition and Fashion Show will be one for the books. We have seven beautiful contestants ready to walk the runway and compete for a cash prize of $500 dollars, along with the crown and several other prizes totaling $2,500. It will be a night of Girl Power at its finest!

The evening starts at 5 p.m. sharp with our Red Carpet and the competition at 6:15 p.m. Prepare for a plethora of non-stop entertainment.

The competition is a vehicle to bring awareness to domestic violence.  We hope to reach someone in the audience that may be experiencing abuse by being abused themselves or witness to someone else being abused.

Please support and get your tickets to this epic event uplifting women. You can contact us on Facebook under ‘LUE Productions’ or by emailing us at Lue.info@yahoo.com. Event tickets are $20 and $25 at the door. We need you there!

Until next week L’s!

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— The elusive musical palace lost its Queen – the “Queen of Soul,” that is – on August 16 when Detroit native Aretha Franklin passed away in her home. EBONY magazine continues to celebrate the life and work of the singer, songwriter and all-around musical legend in a retrospective look at Franklin’s influential and acclaimed career that spanned more than 50 years and earned her 18 Grammys.

Franklin was no stranger to the EBONY/JET family: Over a 40-year period, the songstress appeared on a total of 30 covers (four for EBONY and 26 for JET). In the issues’ accompanying exclusive interviews, the icon shared intimate details about her family, her gospel roots and her road to stardom, among many other subjects, often reminding readers that nothing worth having comes easily. 

“It’s the rough side of the mountain that’s the easiest to climb; the smooth side doesn’t have anything for you to hang on to,” said then-22-year-old Franklin in a 1964 EBONY interview.

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Aretha Franklin. To the world, she was known as the Queen of Soul, but to my family and the EBONY/JET family, she was a friend. Her music transcended generations and brought together people of all races and all backgrounds. Her voice managed to accomplish what the world needs so badly today, unity and love for all,” says Chairman Emeritus of EBONY Media Operations, Linda Johnson Rice.

Click here to view original Aretha Franklin EBONY/JET covers, never-before-seen photos and exclusive content. For licensing opportunities and details, please reach out to the media contact listed below.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— As part of its process for selecting new history/social science textbooks, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) invites all stakeholders to review the books and give input.

The books are available for review now through September 14 at all Family Engagement Centers and high school libraries. The books are also available for review during business hours at the Professional Development Center (PDC) located at 4030 Georgia Blvd. in San Bernardino, and the Welcoming Resource Center located at 781A West Second Street in San Bernardino.

In addition, the publisher will make two presentations to showcase the books and answer questions. The presentation for 6th- through 12th-grade textbooks is on Tuesday, August 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the PDC. The presentation for kindergarten through 5th-grade textbooks is on Thursday, August 23, also from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the PDC.

This is the first time that SBCUSD has adopted history/social science text books since 2006. For more information about the new textbook adoption, please call the District at (909) 473-2077.

Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the Inland Ivy Foundation join forces in supporting higher education through scholarships

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, June 9, Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and its charitable affiliate, The Inland Ivy Foundation held its Scholarship and Graduate Recognition Luncheon at the Arrowhead Country Club in San Bernardino.

The organizations presented eight scholarships to students graduating from local high schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The students selected demonstrated high scholastic achievement and active involvement in giving back to their communities through volunteering their time in community service and various extracurricular activities.

The scholarship recipients are Mya Biggers of Valley View High School, Hannah Chum of Hesperia High School, Kennedy Francis of Martin Luther King High School, Jervaughn Gaines of Vista Murrieta High School, Elani Hunter of Henry J. Kaiser High School, Serena Jimerson of Vista Murrieta High School, Gabrielle Stewart of Eleanor Roosevelt High School,  and Jaden Taylor of John W. North High School. A scholarship in memory of the late Hazel Hawkins-Russell, Ph.D. a local educator from Riverside known for her contributions to the field of education, and a member of the sorority was awarded for the first time this year.  The recipient Gabrielle Stewart  will be attending  Howard University, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in Washington D.C.

These high school seniors are all college bound and were selected from a pool of outstanding candidates.

In addition to awarding scholarships, Eta Nu Omega Chapter members from the  University of California Riverside, Kappa Theta Chapter,  California State University San Bernardino, Rho Delta Chapter and the children of members graduating from high school or college were recognized  and  presented  with certificates for their achievements.

Eta Nu Omega raises funds throughout the year through its charitable arm, The Inland Ivy Foundation to support community programs and to provide scholarships for college-bound students in the Inland Empire. Its annual fundraiser, “Pearls, Pumps and Fashions” will be held on November 18, 2018 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® was founded in 1908, and  is the oldest Greek- letter organization established by African American, college-educated women, and has a current membership internationally of 300,000.

Washington, DC – The national anti-hunger campaign No Kid Hungry has announced five winners of its 2018 Summer Meals Hero contest. This year’s inspiring line-up of local champions is proof that it really does take a village to feed kids in the summertime. The winners include individuals from school districts and community organizations across the country who were nominated by members of their local community. Whether they spend their workday in a church, a hospital, or a food truck, these No Kid Hungry summer heroes go above and beyond to change the lives of kids in need.

One of the five recipients of the national award is Betty Crocker, Food Nutrition Director at Redlands Unified School District. Before Betty came to the district two years ago, Redlands did not have a summer meals program. She quickly developed partnerships with the city and local community centers, launching the program in 2017. Thanks to Betty’s creative marketing and commitment to overcome challenges, the program saw significant growth this summer.

“She only cares about one thing, and that’s serving the kiddos!” says Daisy Munguia, a Senior Program Director for No Kid Hungry California. 1 in every 5 kids in San Bernardino County face hunger.

Summer can be the hungriest time of year for many children from low-income families. When schools close, students no longer get school meals, and families struggle to put food on the table. Summer hunger can have a long-term impact on a child’s health, ability to learn and general well-being. No Kid Hungry and its partners focus on connecting kids to the national Summer Meals Program as a critical way to end childhood hunger.

“Reaching kids during the summer months can be a tough nut to crack, but I’m so inspired by the work that’s happening in communities all across the country,” said Lisa Davis, Senior Director of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. “Thanks to everyday heroes like the amazing folks we’re recognizing today, many more kids will return to school this fall well-nourished and ready to learn.”

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Two Gates – Two Roads– Two Destinations – Two Groups of People – How You Living? 

You see, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke about two paths of life and the final destination of each one [Matt. 7:13-27]. To emphasize His point, He contrasted small and wide gates, narrow and broad ways, good fruit versus bad fruit, saying versus doing, and the wise man versus the foolish man. In each case, one way led to destruction and the other to life. Considering the Alternatives, How You Living?

The Broad Way….. The way that says it’s my prerogative, I’ll do what I want to do! I’ll live like I want to live; I’ll make my own decisions and not answer to anyone. Go where I want to go, do what I want to do and be what I want to be. It is my life and ain’t nobody going tell me what to do and how to do it! Well, Well, Well. If that is your life, I want you to know that the Bible strongly admonitions you not to travel this path [Proverbs 4:14-15]. “Avoid it, do not travel on it.” “Turn away from it and pass on.”  It enslaves – [John 8:34] it dulls the senses [Ephesians 4:19] it becomes a life of wickedness and violence – [Proverbs 4:17]. Final destination- Hell!

The Narrow Way… Not my will but Your will Lord! [Matthew 7:21-23].  Faith and obedience. Those who hear and do Christ’s commands!  He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me.  Those who walk this road are discipline, practice self-restraint and avoid sinful practices. It’s the way of the few. The narrow way is the path of wisdom. Those who walk it listen and accept instruction from the Lord [Prov. 4:10-14]. It’s the path of following Jesus. Those who enter the small gate believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for their sins. They trust Him as their personal Savior and surrender their lives to Him [2 Corinthians. 5:17]. The consequences of choosing this path”…the years of your life will be many.” – [Proverbs 4:10] “When you walk, your steps will not be hindered” – [Proverbs 4:12]”And when you run, you will not stumble.” – [Proverbs 4:12b] “Keep her, for she is your life.” [Proverbs 4:13] — The path of wisdom is what God would have you take!

Where’s your road taking you? Have you thought it over? Where will you end up when you leave this world? Will it be Heaven or will it be Hell? Will it be the narrow way of walking with God or the broad way of anything goes? Where will you end up? Paul gives us a very important word in [2 Corinthians 13:5], he says, “Examine yourselves!

Hear the Son of God again… “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” [Matthew 7:13-14]

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you that I have set before you life and death, choose life… [Deuteronomy 30: 19a]

Study finds 22% of young adults in college cannot afford food, despite working and receiving financial aid

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Food insecurity among college students has become more common in recent years. A recent study entitled “Hunger on Campus: The Challenge of Food Insecurity for College Students,” surveyed 3,765 college students across 34 campuses in 12 states and found that 22 percent of the respondents were below the level of food insecurity and were considered to be hungry instead of insecure. The study also found that contrary to common stereotypes, most food insecure students are working and receiving financial aid*. Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Kaiser Foundation to help address this critical issue faced by students who are working diligently to become educated, contributing members of our communities.

CAPSBC CEO Patricia L. Nickols-Butler stated, “Low-income college students need our support while they endeavor to better themselves. We are grateful to Kaiser Foundation for recognizing the importance of nutrition in education and making this investment in our young adults who represent the future of our communities.”

The nonprofit CAPSBC has been operating its Food Bank program since 1984. It is the largest provider of emergency food in San Bernardino County. The growing need of students prompted higher educational institutions to seek help from the Food Bank. As a result, the Campus Cupboard program was launched in January 2018. Current partner sites include San Bernardino Valley College and Chaffey College campuses in Fontana, Chino, and Rancho Cucamonga. Kaiser Permanente’s investment in the Campus Cupboard program will enable us to expand services in areas of high need in San Bernardino County.

The Campus Cupboard Program promotes healthy choices in the foods given as part of the Food Bank’s overall healthy Food Banking initiatives. Health nutrition education information for students will also be made available at the sites.

*Source: “Hunger on Campus: the Challenge of Food Insecurity for College Students” – October 2016 published by the College and University Food Bank Alliance, the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, the Student Government Resource Center and the Student Public Interest Research Groups.

The newly renamed arts institution will bring enhanced programming and scholarship to downtown Riverside

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA —- UCR ARTS has a new name and a new vision.

Formerly known as ARTSblock, UCR ARTS is comprised of two entities — the California Museum of Photography and the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts — and strives to encourage community engagement and an appreciation of art and photography by providing visitors a diverse range of exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

“This name change is reflective of a renewed vision that embraces UCR ARTS’ relationship to the University of California, Riverside and a commitment to creating an inclusive and inviting place for the Riverside region and beyond,” said Sheila Bergman, executive director of UCR ARTS.

Housed in a pair of renovated department store buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, UCR ARTS’ history extends to the founding of the Jack and Marilyn Sweeney Art Gallery in 1963 and the California Museum of Photography in 1973. In 2010, the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts opened, offering a new home for the Sweeney Art Gallery and new community space for the Inland Empire.

Now, UCR ARTS has shifted focus from growing in size to growing in reach by enhancing its programming and cultivating a thriving arts community.

Following four months of renovation, the California Museum of Photography, or CMP, has reopened its doors, providing access to its collection of 750,000 objects. With the largest public collection of photographic technology in the western United States and the world’s largest archive of stereoscopic photographs and negatives, the CMP is an important destination for researchers worldwide.

Offering a multidisciplinary creative space, the Culver Center serves as an incubator for bold and artistic expressions. A host of art installations and exhibits, a weekly film program, and music, dance, and theatrical performances, and community events are presented year-round in the Culver’s atrium.

“We are building on our history of exemplary exhibitions and performances by widening our scope,” Bergman said. “UCR ARTS is a place for the Inland Southern California community to convene and engage in robust arts and cultural programming.”

UCR ARTS is located at 3824 and 3834 Main St., Riverside. Learn more at ucrarts.ucr.edu.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- RIVERSIDE, CA— JoJo’s Grill-A-Dog – no MSG, no gluten, no fillers – build-your-own hot dog fast casual dining concept, is now offering franchise opportunities in Riverside. Co-founders Ryan Molnar and Jason Tang kicked off JoJo’s Grill-A-Dog’s humble beginnings with the opening of its Yucaipa location in 2010. Since then, the brand and the business processes have been refined into a successful and proven business operation in Redlands. 

“Hot dogs are an icon of American cuisine that never goes out of style,” said Molnar and Tang. “We are looking for franchisees who have a willingness and commitment to serving people high quality food in a pleasant environment. We’ve already identified a prime location at a reasonable rent, and also provide strong operational, marketing, accounting, audit, and legal support. Our franchisee’s success is our success, and we’re looking forward to growing the business and bringing the unique JoJo’s experience to the folks here in Riverside.”

“Entrepreneurs who have a strong management background, love good food, enjoy serving people, and believe in a ‘customer first’ culture should choose to become a JoJo’s franchisee,” said Molnar and Tang. “Start up cost for a JoJo’s franchise is below average, while the return on investment is above average in a short period of time. Our familiar, yet creative product offering uses quality ingredients, backed by an extremely simplified and streamlined process, national food and paper supply pricing, and relevant décor, design and branding. We want you to succeed!”

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- Progressives and some Black activists have long complained about America’s bail system, which treats people with means differently from low-income people. Under the current cash bail system, people charged with a crime can sit in jail for months, and sometimes years, without seeing a judge simply because they can’t afford bail. 

A good example of this situation is seen in the story of Kalief Browder, a New York teen, who was arrested on charges of petty theft. Because his family couldn’t afford his $3,000 bail, he languished in Rikers Island for three years, before a judge dropped the charges. Two years after his release, Browder committed suicide. His family said his experience in jail, where he had to fight to survive and was placed in solitary confinement, killed him. 

The other side of the American justice system is seen in the case of Cameron Terrell, a white teenager from Palos Verdes Estates, who was behind the wheel in a drive-by shooting. His parents put up $500,000 in cash to secure a $5 million bond. Terrell was acquitted in July. Two black males, who were passengers in the car, are still facing life sentences.

However, a proposed bill suggests taking the setting of bail amounts out of human hands and making the criminal justice system fairer. According to a section of Senate Bill 10 “The California Money Bail Reform Act of 2017,” the new legislation would require the use of a “pretrial risk assessment tool.”

Critics of the bill interpret this to mean using a computer algorithm, that takes into consideration the suspects’ age, location, and criminal record, to set bail. This conjures up images of the automated system used in the Tom Cruise movie “Minority Report.”

More than 100 civil rights and civil liberties organizations have complained about the potential use of an algorithm-based system to evaluate bail.

“Last week, the national ACLU signed onto a statement along with other civil rights, digital justice and community-based organizations, which included a call for important policy reforms to accompany any use of pretrial risk assessment tools. 

 “It’s far overdue for government jurisdictions to end the money bail systems that have kept poor people and people of color locked up while awaiting their day in court. Many jurisdictions, however, are turning to pretrial risk assessments, placing a technological barrier between people and their freedom. Algorithms cannot undo the racial bias that exists in the criminal legal system. These and other high-tech tools will always disadvantage communities of color and threaten to replace mass incarceration with digital prisons. We join the chorus of civil and human rights organizations in calling on jurisdictions to reconsider their use of pretrial risk assessments and adopt solutions that actually set people free,”  Myaisha Hayes, criminal justice & tech organizer for Center for Media Justice, said.

 One of the fears about SB 10 is its reliance on technology. Technology is far from perfect, as shown in Russia’s use of hacked emails to tamper with the 2016 elections. And according to the ACLU of Northern California, Amazon’s face recognition technology, which is currently used by some police departments, has shown signs of bias. White faces were found to generate less false matches than Black faces.

According to Jaivon Grant, writing in the Sacramento Observer, this may encourage opposition to SB 10.

“The local and national civil rights groups have long sought to end the money bail system, and SB 10 is the closest they have come to doing so to date. However, Sen. Hertzberg and Assemblymember Bonta may have a very difficult time persuading enough of their fellow Democrat colleagues to support an algorithm-based bail program in the face of such compelling opposition by a powerful coalition of civil rights organizations opposing it,” he said.

Leaders of the assembly and senate were both reported saying this was a priority before the Aug 31 end of this year’s legislative session.