WSSN Stories

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Why? Why would you delay? You know one of the most tragic phrases in the English language is “too late.”  It indicates something that once held promise now is without hope.  Listen, I cannot tell you when the door will shut, only that it will shut one day.  I cannot tell you who will be allowed into the kingdom of heaven, only that Jesus is the gatekeeper.  And according to the gatekeeper’s own testimony, there will be those who will be left outside, the foolish ones, the ones who were invited but rejected the invitation or were so negligent and casual about the invitation they failed to prepare properly for it.  Oh, foolish virgin. Don’t you know that the most important thing a person can do in this life is to get prepared for the next. To get ready to meet God. It’s your responsibility to do because one day you will stand face to face with Christ either by death; [Hebrews 9:27] or by rapture; [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17] and you want to be ready because once the master of the house gets up and closes the door, you’ll stand outside knocking and pleading, Lord, Lord, open the door for us. But “He will answer,” I don’t know you or where you come from.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late!  For when the Lord comes again, the time for salvation is gone! Be ready… this is the basic message of the parable. Oh, Foolish Virgins!

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Photographs serve as historical records, framing both big moments and small ones. Those images evoke a range of emotions such as passion, sadness, joy, nostalgia and more, connecting us emotionally to the history captured in them.

L.A.-based photographer and organizer Ron Wilkins, 78, showcases powerful images he captured from the Black liberation movements of the of the 1960s and beyond in his new book “Crook’s Lens: A Photographic Journey Through the Black Liberation Struggle,” published on Jan. 30, 2024.

The book by Wilkins includes photographs of renowned revolutionaries with whom he interacted, including Huey P. Newton, Angela Davis and Stokeley Carmichael (aka Kwame Ture).

“I have a responsibility to our African ancestors who struggled for our liberation, who made sacrifices and committed a lot of time,” said Wilkins. “Some of them lost their lives in that struggle. I felt as an activist/organizer after all these years that since I’m still alive, I have a responsibility. The book is also a reflection of my evolution and ongoing work. I felt it was important I share my history, especially with young people. They can learn something from my example and carry on the struggle.”

Wilkins was born in San Francisco, but his family relocated to Los Angeles in 1959. His peers gave him the nickname “Crook,” which is reflected in the title of his book. Constantly looking for ways to make money, Wilkins often resorted to stealing and reselling things.

He recalls, “On a couple of occasions, guys would look at me and say, ‘you’re quite a crook.’ That’s how I got the name. When I became politically aware and became part of the struggle, people would often call me Brother Crook.”

Eventually, Wilkins started stealing cars.

One fateful night he was arrested and served 8 months in a juvenile detention center. The harsh reality of that experience, he says, shook him to his core, steered him away from crime, and kickstarted his journey as an artist with a revolutionary perspective.

He started to capture images of history-making moments through his lens. His subjects became some of the most influential Black organizers and activists of the time.

“When I was in detention, I noticed how segregated the place was and I spearheaded a movement on the part of Black inmates against those who were holding us, to end segregation in the pen. That was 1963. After I was released and returned to the street, the Watts rebellion jumped off. That was the cauldron that helped me develop a revolutionary consciousness and decide to become a part of a movement to fight the system and do this for the rest of my life.”

In 1967, Wilkins joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) after that group began to embrace the principles of the Black power movement, he told California Black Media.

During his time with SNCC, Wilkins met a professional photographer within the organization. He began to learn more about photography. This chance meeting planted a seed of inspiration within him to capture images of the growing movement he was observing and in which he was participating.

“There is a saying ‘seeing is believing’. I could tell you something but in the back of your mind you would think I’m just talking. But if I show you the image, the picture makes it very plain. That is the power of photography.”

Wilkins’ book chronicles his life story through a diverse collection of photographs, capturing his encounters with historic Black organizers in the liberation movement and his travels to Africa. However, his most prized photo is of 5 Black girls sitting on the porch of the Pyramid Housing Projects in Cairo, Illinois in 1972.

The housing project had been under attack by White supremacists in the area. Wilkins traveled to Illinois to serve as an armed patrolmen tasked with protecting the residents.

Additionally, Wilkins photographed Nina Simone, who was invited to lead a protest march through the heart of downtown, where White business owners were refusing to hire Black employees.

“One morning walking home from patrol, I ran across these five black girls sitting on a step after a night of enduring all of this gunfire. I saw them and said, ‘don’t move.’ I think it was the best picture I ever took. It captured so much feeling. Their facial expressions. Their spirits were still intact. They had a quiet courage that their bodies reverberated with. They could see hope in the future, even though they had endured a night of this intense gunfire.”

Wilkins’ hope is that his book will uplift the spirit of the young revolutionaries he photographed and inspire others to recognize that the struggle is not over. He also hopes it will remind young people that they can aspire to the same heights of passion, intelligence, and bravery that define the lives of the heroes depicted in his photos. 

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Years back Gary and I hired a man with great tree expertise to trim the trees about our home. We chatted frequently and he became a friend while beautifying our trees. He told of his “past life” as an executive with an office in a high rise within a big city.

While sitting at his desk one day he looked from his 7th floor window and saw a tree-trimmer at work. He thought, “That’s the life I want to live.” So after studying how best to do this earthy art, he started this new endeavor of trimming trees–and became superbly good at it.

Then a disabling accident found him depending on a doctor’s prescription for pain medications. He functioned well although everything about life was hard for him. Then came the time when opioids gained national attention due to their overuse by millions of people whose doctors were not closely monitoring the use of them. Many doctors, as well as our friend’s doctor, started warning their patients, as much as possible, about their prescription usage.

Our friend, now living on a “minimal amount” of the opioids as compared to what his doctor had permitted previously, found it far from adequate for managing his constant, agonizing pain. He called me, “Joy, I think as a chaplain you may be able to answer a question for me. What do you think God will do in my case if I take my life?”

I felt tremendous compassion for his plight. Then, without hesitation I told him that we have a merciful God, a loving God—and added that I believe we are to see our challenges on earth as opportunities to grow in our strength and through God’s help to be able to handle them. Yet, there are instances wherein a person has formidable pain and their back is against the wall to the point they can no longer tolerate living and breathing here on earth . . . some do make that final, momentous choice to end their life. Who can know if in that veracious moment the person takes his or her cause to the throne of God in prayer. I would like to believe that our Creator comprehends all and that person who is so sick goes straight into the loving arms of God. Yet, life is such a gift. And all judgement belongs to God.

Our friend was one who talked with us frequently about His love of Christ and of his prayers to be faithful. We prayed with hearts brimming with concern for him. Two years passed when we received a call informing us that our friend had ended his life.

Upon knowing of his choice I thought back on my words to him and prayed to always be helpful, not harmful. Still, in my heart of hearts, I want to believe he is in God’s loving arms and that we will see him again in Heaven. Clearly, there are sicknesses that some of us will never encounter. Therefore some circumstances can only be judged by God.

Life on earth can bring huge challenges, but God’s help is here for us on terra firma. Proverbs 18:10 say, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” The name of Jesus holds power far greater than any other name we can speak. When we ask, the Lord of heaven does hear and He can extend strength beyond any we could have had without His help. Trust it. Try it. Believe!

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain and author of four books. Her website at www.healing-with-Joy.com carries her blog and books along with an animated video of her children’s book.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Ain’t nobody preparing for Christ Return. That’s a darn shame!  Jesus Christ is coming back and according to [1 Corinthians 7:29] the appointed time has grown very short. That stands as both a warning and a promise. Why are you not preparing for Christ return? Christ’s return is imminent, and his timeline makes it urgent. And given the urgency of the time, how then shall we live? I tell you, everybody prepared for the Solar Eclipse, but ain’t nobody preparing for Christ Return. That’s a darn shame!

Jesus calls us to watch for his return. Why? “For we know neither the day nor the hour” [Matthew 25:13]. I admonish you to beware of the warning “As A Thief in the Night” [1 Thessalonians 5:2] because unlike man who gives us a date when they have things planned… the Lord’s return will be surprising to us [2 Peter 3:7-12] so prepare now! Make your election sure because if you are caught unprepared when Christ returns, you are going to live with regret for the rest of your life and you will have no one but yourself to blame, because God’s Word has already given you such ample warning that His coming will take place unexpectedly. Please do not let that warning go unheeded. Act upon it now!

For the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. [Matthews 24:35; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 20:11].

Please be ready for His return! For the great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, [Zephaniah 1:14].

By Antonio Ray Harvey, Maxim Elramsisy, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr.| California Black Media

A member of a White supremacist group wrote a racist letter addressed to members of the California Legislature and Attorney General Rob Bonta claiming deaths of Black mothers and children during childbirth are God’s will.

Earlier this month, the Assembly Committee on Health voted 12 to 2 to advance Assembly Bill (AB) 2319, the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act, legislation crafted to address the high infant mortality among Black women.

Opposing that decision last week, a person claiming to be a member of two racist, White Supremacist organizations sent a letter to the office of Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City).

Wilson, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), is the author of AB 2319.

“I submit this letter in strong and vehement opposition of AB 2319,” the letter obtained by California Black Media stated. “We believe that every non-White birth in this state is a drain on the taxpayers and that any miscarriage or complication that results in death or defect of the mother, or the child, is God’s way of ensuring population control among Blacks and other minorities.”

Wilson said she and her staff were shocked by the raw hatred expressed in the letter.

“The recent racist opposition to our efforts to secure equitable health care for every Californian is not only offensive but deeply concerning,” stated Wilson.

“As the Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I unequivocally condemn these views, which are steeped in hate and ignorance. The language used in this letter is not only disgraceful but dangerous and has no place in our society or legislative discourse. I want to make it unequivocally clear: there is no place for hate in California.”

Wilson said she and other colleagues opposed to bigotry — including Republican members, who have also condemned the letter — “are committed to moving forward together, ensuring that our legislative efforts embody our unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the safeguarding of human rights for everyone.”

By Bo Tefu, Antonio Ray Harvey, Lila Brown, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, former pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles, died of natural causes April 6 at his Windsor Hills Home. He was 94.

“Today, we lost a giant. Reverend Dr. Cecil Murray dedicated his life to service, community, and putting God first in all things. I had the absolute honor of working with him, worshiping with him, and seeking his counsel,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of the dynamic religious leader whose ministry inspired and attracted millionaires as well as former gang bangers and people dealing with substance use disorder (SUD).

Murray oversaw the growth of FAME’s congregation from 250 members to 18,000.

“My heart is with the First AME congregation and community today as we reflect on a legacy that changed this city forever,” Bass continued.

Murray served as Senior Minister at FAME, the oldest Black congregation in the city, for 27 years. During that time, various dignitaries visited, and he built strong relationships with political and civic leaders in the city and across the state, as well as a number of Hollywood figures. Several national political leaders also visited with Murray and his congregation at FAME, including Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Murray, a Florida native and U.S. Air Force vet, attended Florida A&M University, where he majored in history, worked on the school newspaper, and pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He later attended Claremont School of Theology in Los Angeles County, where he earned his doctorate in Divinity.

Murray is survived by his son Drew. His wife Bernadine, who was a committed member of the A.M.E. church and the daughter of his childhood pastor, died in 2013.

ATLANTA, GA–Paris Fletcher, the founder and CEO of Full Bloom, continues to redefine success with her inspirational journey and steadfast commitment to empowering individuals worldwide. Full Bloom, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has rapidly emerged as a leading platform dedicated to helping people realize their true potential.

Fletcher’s entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In its inaugural year, Full Bloom grossed an impressive $40,000 to $50,000. Fast forward to last year, and the company achieved upwards of $145,000 in revenue, primarily from the sale of thousands of journals. Reflecting on the company’s growth trajectory, Fletcher remarks, “We are definitely growing fast and developing a large fan base.”

What sets Full Bloom apart is its unwavering dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its audience. The company is consistently stocking more inventory to keep pace with the growing demand for its empowering products. This commitment to excellence has earned Full Bloom a loyal following and positioned it as a beacon of inspiration in the personal development space.

Female entrepreneurs like Paris Fletcher are driving economic growth and fostering innovation across industries. Despite facing significant hurdles, women-owned businesses are thriving, with statistics showing growth rates five times faster than the national average. Fletcher’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of women in business.

To learn more about Paris Fletcher and Full Bloom, visit www.fullbloominspo.com or on TikTok @Paris. Discover a wide range of empowering products designed to uplift and inspire individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Because I have stretched out my hand and no one heeded, I will laugh at your calamity; I will mock you when panic strikes you like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind.  [Proverbs 1:20-25].

Understand the significance of the passage; after a certain point of perverse refusal has been past, God will NO LONGER plead and strive with you. [Genesis 6:3]. He will NO LONGER intervene between a man and the consequences of his folly. When God has had enough, it’s a moment of divine reckoning. This is a solemn warning – a call to turn from our own ways and respond to God’s gracious invitation. Don’t wait until it’s too late.  If you love your life, you should listen because God’s judgment on this Earth is a fact, and we must take the means of escape He provides. His words speak of consequences unseen, urging us to take them seriously. We must not dismiss His cautions for His power to fulfill warnings remains unchanged. [Colossians 3:6].

The people, both young and old, were ensnared by sin, their hearts hardened. They ignored the warning. So, God warns them that He would bring on them a major judgment—His wrath, their Day of the Lord, a day of “darkness, and not light” [Amos 5:12-20].

By Assemblymember Tina McKinnor | Special to California Black Media Partners

Organized retail theft is a significant issue that impacts both consumers and businesses. While it is crucial to address theft and protect businesses from losses, we should also be mindful of safeguarding individuals’ constitutional rights, particularly the right to due process.

AB 1990 by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, also known as the STOP Act, raises concerns about the balance between addressing theft effectively and ensuring civil liberties are upheld. This bill allows law enforcement officers to make warrantless arrests for shoplifting offenses not witnessed by the officer, if there is reasonable cause to believe the individual committed the crime. This bill has a dangerous potential for overreach and infringes on civil liberties, particularly the right to due process.

While the stated intention behind the STOP Act is to combat organized retail theft and protect businesses, there are valid concerns that this bill is an overreach and that existing law works, if properly enforced by our partners in law enforcement. A petty theft involving property stolen valued at $950 or less may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor (called a wobbler) if the offender has the following prior convictions:  1) at least on prior petty or theft-related conviction for which a term of imprisonment was served, and 2) a prior conviction for a serious or violent offense, for any registerable sex offense, or for embezzlement from a dependent adult or anyone over the age of 65.  A misdemeanor can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail, whereas a felon can mean incarceration for 16 months, two years or three years.  Let’s look at shoplifting in California.  It occurs when a suspect enters a store, while that establishment is open, intending to steal property worth less than $950.  The crime is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in the county jail.

Granting officers the authority to arrest individuals based on reasonable cause, without witnessing the crime firsthand, can lead to negative consequences and possible violations of individual rights. Probable cause is the legal standard by which police authorities have reason to obtain a warrant for the arrest of a suspected criminal and for the courts to issue a search warrant. A grand jury uses the probable cause standard to determine whether to issue a criminal indictment.  The principle behind the probable cause standard is to limit the power of authorities to conduct unlawful search and seizure of a person or its property, and to promote formal, forensic procedures for gathering lawful evidence for the prosecution of the arrested criminal.  Reasonable cause does not require any of this due process and only requires that an officer reasonably believes that a crime has been committed. It is essential to find a middle ground that effectively addresses organized retail theft without compromising the fundamental rights of individuals.

California’s current laws, including the use of witness statements and surveillance evidence are sufficient for addressing suspected shoplifting and organized retail theft. California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently prosecuted Michelle Mack, a suspected organized smash and grab ringleader who paid twelve women to travel around California and commit over $8 million in retail theft at 21 different stores. AG Bonta used California’s current laws to have the suspect arrested and brought to justice.

The State of California is also making significant investments to address retail theft. Just this past year California invested an additional $267 million to combat organized retail theft. It has been less than a year and our law enforcement partners should have the opportunity to address this recent spike in retail theft crime.

Los Angeles County recently applied for and received a grant for the State of California for $15.6 million dollars to address retail theft enforcement.  LA District Attorney George Gascon also recently formed an organized retail task force that partners with LA County Sheriff’s Department, Glendale, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Torrance and Santa Monica Police Departments to integrate their response to retail theft across the region. These collaborative efforts, such as those seen in initiatives like the organized retail task force in LA County, demonstrate the importance of a united approach to tackling theft while maintaining a balance between enforcement and civil liberties.

As we move forward, it is essential for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, businesses and communities to work together in finding solutions that effectively address organized retail theft without encroaching on individual rights. Ongoing evaluation and a commitment to thoughtful consideration will be crucial in navigating this challenge and fostering a safe and prosperous environment for all. Balancing the scales of justice to protect businesses while upholding civil liberties demands a comprehensive and conscientious approach from all stakeholders involved.

I am confident we can find that balance.

About the Author

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) represents the 61^st District in Los Angeles County, which includes parts of the South Bay, Inglewood, Hawthorne and Lawndale.

Dedication, self-discovery, and a passion for learning are the hallmarks of Jamira Hunter’s remarkable journey. Her introduction to the world of STEM began in seventh grade when she first encountered STEM NOLA. This New Orleans program shaped her career path and influenced her approach to making a meaningful contribution to society.

Guided by her mother’s wisdom, Jamira and her brother, Jamal, embarked on a journey of exploration, immersing themselves in the hands-on STEM activities at STEM NOLA that would play a pivotal role in defining Jamiri’s desire to achieve academically and her ultimate decision to pursue nursing.  They grew up and attended school in Baton Rouge, but their parents drove them nearly 100 miles to participate in STEM Saturdays in New Orleans.

“As a parent and educator, I am grateful my husband and I took advantage of the opportunity that allowed my children to participate in STEM NOLA from a young age,” says Mironda Hunter.

Further, she credits STEM NOLA for increasing their awareness of STEM skills. “It peaked their wonderment of research and “what ifs.” They discovered new interests and strengths and expanded their outlook on STEM careers and opportunities. They were placed in direct contact with STEM professionals who looked like them and made the missions and outcomes realities together. Jamira and Jamal are STEM majors at this time.”

A particularly memorable project for Jamira involved building and powering a model car. This hands-on experience ignited Jamira’s passion for learning by doing, laying the foundation for her love of applied sciences. “I learned how to build things with my hands, and it made me realize I like being hands-on with things; I should learn when touching,” she reflects.

This newfound appreciation for hands-on learning significantly influenced Jamira’s educational and career trajectory, steering her towards nursing—a field where science meets compassionate care. For Jamira, nursing is not just about diagnosis and treatment; it’s about holistic patient care and making a tangible impact on people’s lives.

As Jamira, now 21, progressed through high school, STEM NOLA helped solidify her interest in nursing, ultimately leading her to enroll at Southern University and A&M College. Reflecting on her journey, she notes, “STEM NOLA helped me realize I like learning about life and science from a life perspective. It helped me determine that I like learning about the human body and caring for people.”

Jamira’s story symbolizes the broader impact of STEM NOLA in helping young minds identify their passions. Central to her success is the mentorship provided by Dr. Calvin Mackie, the founder of STEM Global Action and its affiliate, STEM NOLA.

“I love him. He’s funny, and he is real. He’s a real role model,” says Jamira. “You know how some people put on a front; he’s real hands-on and nurturing. He’s caring, ensuring everybody’s okay and you have what you need. He’s real sweet.”

Dr. Mackie expresses his commitment to empowering young minds through STEM. “STEM education is not just about teaching,” he says, “it’s also about fostering a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and a passion for making a positive impact on the world and our communities.”

In pursuing a nursing career, Jamira finds fulfillment in the clinical experiences provided by her academic journey. These experiences serve a purpose similar to internships, equipping her with practical skills while ensuring a smooth transition into the professional realm. Jamira emphasized the significance of these clinical experiences, saying, “Because really with nursing, after every clinical [experience], you’re certified with more skills.”

Beyond academics, Jamira values the cultural environment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like Southern University and A&M College. The sense of community and shared aspirations create an environment where she feels comfortable learning, asking questions, and striving for success.

“As a Black woman, being surrounded by professors and peers who look like me is empowering. It makes me more comfortable to learn and ask questions,” she says, adding that her appreciation for HBCUs includes homecoming, football games, and community.

Jamira remains focused on her goal of becoming a nurse. Her aspirations extend beyond personal success; she aims to leverage her knowledge to educate her family and community about preventive healthcare, especially within the African American community.

“We have a lot of people in our family with high blood pressure and mental disorders. Nursing educated me to help educate my family and others on how to prevent getting these sicknesses,” she says.

Jamira’s advice to aspiring STEM enthusiasts is poignant: “If you’re interested in anything science-wise, you should go to STEM NOLA because there aren’t a lot of activities that allow you to get your hands actively engaged and get a feel for what you want to do in life. Sometimes, people wait too late until they already started college, still figuring it out. But if you start going to places like these, you can start narrowing down to target your career path instead of wasting time or waiting.”

Jamira Hunter, who recently started her third semester of clinical studies at Southern University School of Nursing, is blazing a new path and showing her community what’s possible with STEM education. Her story underscores the potential within every young mind eager to explore the wonders of STEM.

ABOUT STEM GLOBAL ACTION

In 2013, Dr. Calvin Mackie founded STEM NOLA, a New Orleans non-profit committed to expanding STEM education, particularly in communities of color. His goal is to make STEM education available in ALL communities. In July 2021, Dr. Mackie launched STEM Global Action, a campaign and network of affiliates that pursue STEM education for children, parents, and communities. His initiatives have impacted more than 125,000 students, 20,000 families, and 5,150 schools across the U.S. and in five countries. Dr. Mackie holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Morehouse College, as well as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. An archive of the Let’s Talk STEM with Dr. Calvin Mackie podcast is HERE.