WSSN Stories

“We know that we are all focused on the health of ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities, and with 16 weeks until the scheduled 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, we wanted to provide an update to our community and partners regarding our plans in light of coronavirus/COVID-19.

Our first priority will always be the safety and well-being of our Festival-goers and everyone who contributes to making the ESSENCE Festival of Culture such an enriching, entertaining and incredible experience, and we will continue to evaluate the situation and use all available resources and intelligence to that end. We are closely monitoring the unfolding developments and updated information from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health agencies and our partners in the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana.

Based on the latest information, including increasing public health interventions and measures being implemented domestically and internationally, and the considerable amount of time to assess and respond to developments between now and July, we are planning to proceed with the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture as currently scheduled, July 1-5 in New Orleans. Still, as a precautionary and proactive measure and with health as the foremost consideration, we are also identifying and securing alternate dates to ensure that we can adjust as quickly and seamlessly as possible in the event that circumstances require. Should that happen, we will honor all tickets sold for prior scheduled dates.

In the meantime, we are excited to share more about our daytime empowerment programming and our nighttime concert line-up — including headliners Bruno Mars and Janet Jackson — as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ESSENCE and look forward to seeing everyone in July.

‘ESSENCE is a multi-cultural, multi-generational treasure in the City of New Orleans and this year, with the return to Ghana, we’ve come full circle,’ said Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Mayor of New Orleans. ‘However, with the commemoration of our past, we must lean on wisdom and sound judgement to shape our future. Public health and public safety will always remain top priorities. As we continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19, know that we are taking every precaution to operate in the best interest of the attendees who make ESSENCE what it is.’

ESSENCE will continue to provide updates to our valued community of Festival-goers and partners regarding any new developments.”

We hope you are staying safe and healthy during this time. As you read on, we wanted to share some resources and information about coronavirus — from symptoms to ways to mitigate the spread of the disease, this is all good to know while we are all working on getting through this.

As you know, Governor Gavin Newsom has called for all Californians to remain indoors except for absolutely necessary reasons like a trip to the pharmacy, a visit to a doctor, or a run to the grocery store to stock up on food.

Folks are safer at home, and by practicing social distancing, we can mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Projections show that more than 50 percent of Californians could contract COVID-19 without taking safety measures as drastic as this — so please be careful and follow the governor’s orders.

There are a lot of great resources out there, including:

LA County’s Department of Public Health’s website

Ventura County Emergency Information website

California’s Coronavirus Response website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

If you think you might have coronavirus, contact your health care provider. Local health departments and health care providers determine who needs testing and hospitalization on a case-by-case basis.

Seek treatment by calling your doctor for a phone evaluation if:

• You have difficulty breathing (shortness of breath);
• You feel like symptoms (such as fever and cough) are getting worse rapidly;
• You are unable to care for symptoms at home.

LA County’s Department of Public Health put together this guide on how to cope during this emotionally stressful time:

Manage Your Stress

• Maintain a routine.
• Make time to relax and rest.

Be informed and inform you family

• Become familiar with local medical and mental health resources in your community.
• Give honest, age-appropriate information to children and remember to stay calm; children often feel what you feel.

Connect with your community online or through the phone

• Keep contact with family and friends through social messaging or through phone calls.
• Reach out to neighbors and friends with special needs who may need your help.

Reach Out and Help while maintaining necessary social distancing guidelines

• If you know someone affected by the outbreak, call them to see how they are doing, and remember to keep their confidentiality.
• Consider an act of kindness for those who have been asked to practice social distancing, such as having a meal delivered.

Be sensitive.

• Avoid blaming anyone or assuming someone has the disease because of the way they look or where they or their families come from.
• An infectious disease is not connected to any racial or ethnic group; speak up in kindness when you hear false rumors or negative stereotypes that foster racism and xenophobia.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- Melissa Wyatt is an innovative and forward-thinking serial entrepreneur, real estate developer, coach and mentor who has spent decades honing her skills through multiple startups.  As the powerhouse behind MW Enterprises, LLC, a privately managed and diversified real estate company with holdings in excess of $7mm, and headquartered in Los Angeles, Ms. Wyatt’s  focus includes acquisition, development and management of residential, multifamily, small office, and commercial properties as well as undeveloped land. Her newest land project will pay homage to her grandparents and bringing food resources and solutions to impoverished, resource-scarce communities. 

Melissa offers these tips for landlords and real estate developers. “Now is not the time to panic. Now is the time to show leadership, add stabilization to the market, and ensure that our tenants feel safe and secure in their homes. For tenants, here are a few ways MWE is assisting in this current crisis:

1. Assisting with rent
2. Assisting with medical bills
3. Allowing tenants to pay when they can (being flexible on due dates)
4. Sending positive vibes that everything will be okay soon
5. Letting tenants know if they need something to reach out to us at MW Enterprises LLC so we can try to help”

Check out Melissa’s recent interview in Equity Movement Magazine for more information on how she became a real estate mogul. 

By Lou Yeboah

Listen… If you think the “Corona-virus” is something—I tell you, but, Nay, except you REPENT… ALL of you will likewise perish… That’s right… I’M FED UP… I’m sick of your sin and disobedience. I’m sick of your rejection, your injustice, and your complaining. Think you can flaunt your sin in My face and nothing happens. Think you can continually take My Grace for granted and nothing happens… I tell you what….Yield yourselves to Me, and serve Me, ONLY THEN, will I let you live and not bring on you any of the diseases which I put on the Egyptians.  Because from the day you came out of the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have rebelled against Me, so much so, that I am ready to destroy you.  I tell you, IF YOU DO NOT REPENT, All of you will likewise perish! I have for along time held my peace; I have been still, and restrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once… No more will I relent if you do not repent! You have been warned, says the Lord.”

I want you to know that both the Old and New Testaments display a God who doesn’t tolerate sin, he punished it.  A few stories from the Old Testament: The Garden: God didn’t tolerate Adam and Eve’s sin. He didn’t accept their lifestyle choice to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He banished them from Eden and left an angel with flaming swords to guard the entrance so they couldn’t return. Noah and the Flood: His anger was provoked against the sin of Noah’s day and He brought on the flood that changed the face of the world. Uzzah: One of the most uncomfortable accounts of divine intolerance found in [2 Samuel 6]. This story recounts Uzzah’s attempt to steady the ark of the Lord after an oxen stumbled on the journey back to Israel. When he reached out and touched the ark, Uzzah’s instinctive response was met with God’s intense anger, and Uzzah was immediately struck down. I could go on and on throughout the Old Testament, considering Achan, Korah, Aaron’s sons, the Canaanites, and the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, just to name a few. All perished by the very hand of God. He did not tolerate their sin; he punished it.

I tell you, God is very patient and loving with us. He gives us many chances to repent and turn from our wickedness. One day, however, His toleration of sin will cease. That is the lesson of the Old Testament, that God waits, longing for people to repent. However, He will not delay punishment forever and when it does arrive, it will be without recourse. The lesson to humanity today is to repent while there is time. 

“The people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them… The king made proclamation… “Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence which is in his hands.” [Jonah 3:5, 7-9]

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. So choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, 20and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him…” [Deuteronomy 30:19].

Scripture Reference:

Luke 13:2-5

Isaiah 65:2

2 Chronicles 30:7-8

Exodus 15:26

Numbers 11: 1-34

Romans 1:18

Isaiah 42: 23-25

By Chida Rebecca | Editor-in-Chief, Black Lifestyle Magazine

The idea of working from home has always been a glamorized one.  Rolling out of bed whenever you’d like, sitting poolside with your favorite drink at noon.  Man! That sounds like a day anyone would enjoy.  Especially if you find yourself working for a company that you may not particularly like physically going to.   In the last few weeks, we’ve seen corporations big and small come to a major halt due to COVID-19.  Businesses have essentially locked their doors and are requiring employees to work from home.  While some may have been excited, others are realizing that working from home is not for everyone.

I grew up in a family business and was accustomed to working for long hours at my desk. I had an innate discipline that helped me stay glued to my seat and maybe a little too much.  But as times changed and opportunities arose for me to work from home, I realized that I had to implement some different habits at home than that of my former office space.  For those of you that are new to “working from home,” here are a few tips I’ll share with you to help you in your transition.

1.    Pick a Designated Work Area

When I started working from home, I thought I could sit on my bed, spread out documents and my laptop and have at it. Well, I soon found that I would start off sitting up, legs crossed and attentive, then progressively move into a slouched position, followed by a full-on fetal position with complete attention on the television while my computer and papers were strewn off to the edge of the bed.  Talk about a reality check.  After being in denial about the obvious distractions, I opted to get an actual desk with a chair and sit there. I went from papers all over the house to everything being in one central location. The desk and chair in a designated part of the house started me off with the structure I need to work efficiently.

2.    Structure Your Time

This is a must. Try to keep the same hours you had when you were physically going to work. Working from home can be one of the biggest distractions there is.  From the television to the kitchen to the laundry and even YOUR BED! These are all things that will beg for your attention during the times you should be working.  When I first started working from home, my house seemed magical. It just had a different feeling on Wednesday at 11 am than a Saturday or Sunday at 11 am did.   If you don’t structure your time you won’t get anything done. The great thing about going to work is that your office was, for the most part, a space designated purely for work. It pretty much shaped how you worked and to what degree.  Your home is usually considered a place for rest and relaxation – a place you escape to. So, understand your brain is going to need some slight rewiring and some patience.

3.    Take Your Breaks

‘In the workforce, breaks are mandated. According to Psychology Today, “A ‘break’ is a brief cessation of work, physical exertion, or activity. You decide to give it a rest with the intention of getting back to your task within a reasonable amount of time.”  Did you know that sitting for long periods of time is said to put you at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity? Simply stepping away from your desk and taking a walk, stretching or some form of activity can reduce the negative effects of too much sitting. If you have other individuals in the house, taking breaks affords you the opportunity to connect with them and shift your mind from any stressful thinking you may be engaged in.

4.    Create an End Time

Knowing when to start working is just as important as knowing when to stop.  When I initially started working from home, I found that when I got into a good flow, it was hard to stop. So, I wouldn’t. I would sit from 7 am until 11 pm at times with minimal breaks. I was determined to ride out the wave of productivity, sometimes working beyond midnight. My dad would always encourage me not to work past the midnight hour because I was cheating myself out of the next day.  He was right. Pushing yourself beyond an established cut off point can lead to burnout quickly.  Ultimately, it’s about setting boundaries with yourself. Give it your all within the time allotted and then stop. Put all your focus and energy into the hours you set, the same way you did when you physically clocked in at work. When you’re done – then you’re done.  Save work for the next day.  There will ALWAYS be something to do. Time is the one thing we cannot replace. Remember to unplug and regroup.

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Chida Rebecca is the Editor-in-Chief is San Diego’s only digital Black lifestyle magazine called “Black & Magazine”. www.blackandmagazine.com

LOS ANGELES, CA— The Diaspora Dialogues is an unmatched platform and space founded and Executive Produced by Koshie Mills, to bridge the gap and connect Africans in the continent with its global descendants in the diaspora. The power of excellence was displayed in the entertainment quality and program. Illustrious women of power and inspiration came from Africa, West Indies, UK and other parts of the globe to attend the event. The diversity of black women in the room created a magical environment of inclusion, hosted by veteran Author, Comedian, Co-Host of “The Real”, Loni Love.

The star-studded event commenced with an Ancestral Welcome and Affirmation led by the illustrious Host Loni Love. The declarations and sounds of “I AM A DAUGHTER OF THE SOIL….I AM A SON OF THE SOIL permeated the air and set the tone for the palpable love, camaraderie and positive energy in the ballroom. The standing room only crowd was a testament to the need and the reason why Founder Koshie Mills created a space where black women can connect and see each other as a global force.

The elegant, afternoon affair featured its Signature Throne Room, Cultural dancers from the Congo, Spoken word Artist, Actress, Author, Jamaican Born Jozanne Marie, Musical performance from Fox “American Idol” finalist and First generation Nigerian, Adanna Duru and the Afrobeats sounds curated by the DJ  further punctuated the culturally fragrant atmosphere. Spontaneous dancing from attendees erupted at intermission which further underscored our similarities and love of African music.

Four women who are Innovators and Change Agents from various industries were honored; Afro Latina Musical Artist, Actress and Cultural Activist, Amara La Negra was the Goddess Beauty Honoree. Shine on Sierra Leone

Founder, Tiffany Persons, was The Diaspora Dialogues Honoree, Media Maven Kimberly Paige was awarded with the Lionheart Business Honoree and finally Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, received the Entertainment ROAR Honoree.

Actress Ryan Michelle Bathe presented the Entertainment ROAR Award to Actress Yvette Nicole Brown. Google Executive Annie Jean Baptiste presented The Lionheart Business Award, sponsored by BET Networks to Media Maven Kimberly Paige CMO of BET Networks. Cree Summer presented to “Shine On Sierra Leone” Founder Tiffany Persons with The Diaspora Dialogues Sankofa Award and Actress/Director Nana Ghana presented to Afro-Latino Musical Artist Amara La Negra with the Goddess Beauty DUAFE Award.

VIP guests in attendance include; Actress Monique Coleman (High School Musical), Actor Kwame Boateng (The Plug), Actor Kwesi Boakye (Claws) Actress Stacy Dash (Clueless),  Erica Peeples (All American), (BET Plus, Ruthless Young), Nzinga Blake (Influencer and Red Carpet Host), Actress/Artist V. Bozeman (Empire).

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SOME QUOTES FROM PRESENT AND PAST HONOREES

“I feel the bridge coming together and this event that Koshie Mills has created is the EPICENTER. Please never let the Dialogues Dialogues die, It Is a necessary platform”. – Tiffany Persons, Founder Shine On Sierra Leone

“Koshie and I had a real conversation and that is the UNLOCK for us, it leads to easier collaboration”. – Kimberly Paige, CMO BET Networks

“Women are the Backbone and the Future, That is why we need THIS!” – Actress Ryan Michelle Bathe

“I’m so excited and honored to host this event. We need to take the time to break bread, that’s

why it’s a great event and congrats Koshie You are doing a wonderful job!”. – Comedian, Author and Co-Host of The Real, Loni Love

“I’ve always felt like an African living in America. I believe we are sisters by bloodline and that makes us family”.

– Actress Yvette Nicole Brown.

“The Cross Pollination is long overdue.” Actress Nomzamo Mbatha

“I left the event feeling Euphoric and Empowered.” – Guest, Natalie Beasneal

Lobbyists and industry stakeholders are racing around DC asking Congress for virus pandemic funding. Meanwhile, consumer advocates may be the only organizations not begging for money these days in Washington. They are asking for solutions for consumers and ways that will use taxpayer dollars intelligently. 

What consumer groups want is improved customer service from airlines. We want this crisis to change the lack of planning ahead and having insurance for major problems that has resulted in the virus pandemic funding issues.

Immediate funding is needed to save jobs. Long-term funding is an opportunity to reset the aviation industry.

While most funding bills take months to develop, this virus pandemic funding has taken on a life of its own. True, Congress needs to fund an immediate response to deal with the pandemic. However, Congress has time to consider “Phase Two” of funding for the longer-term survival of the airline industry.

Before, the second phase of loans are sent to airlines, taxpayers (airline passengers) should be able to get several changes to the current airline/customer relationship. Changes like the following are suggested. After all, according to the airlines, passengers are the lifeblood of their industry. (Today they are also the insurance providers).

• No stock buybacks until the loans are paid in full.
• No aviation executive bonuses (or increased salaries) until loans are paid in full.
• Agreement that passenger safety and health will be prioritized over airline profits.
• During the time of the national emergency, passengers should be able to change flights without fees. Rebooking should be done for no extra charges. Call centers should be staffed to handle increased call volume.

After this pandemic crisis, reset the airline/passenger relationship

During the second phase loans, airline should agree to common sense customer service rules that should be included in both airline and ticket agent contracts of carriage.

• Restore the use of state and local courts for customer service disputes.
• Stop further constraints on passenger seating dimensions.
• Allow families to sit together for no extra charges.
• Change airline rules that force sick passengers to fly or face exorbitant costs.
• Ensure access to all airfare and ancillary fees so that passengers can comparison shop.
• Standardize customer service rule across airlines and ticket agents.

None of these are new ideas. They have been debated for decades. However, airline passengers and their representatives in Congress will never again have the financial power to demand that airlines treat passengers humanely. This is the time for a reset to the balance between the aviation industry and its passengers. 

It is about time that airlines begin treating passengers like human beings rather than self-loading cargo. This is not too much to ask for $50 billion.

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing $250 million in grants from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to help communities provide meals for older adults. California received a grant for $25,086,381. 

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, signed into law by President Trump on March 18, 2020, provided the additional funding for the nutrition services programs authorized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965. These programs provide meals to more than 2.4 million older adults each year, both through home delivery and in places like community centers. The need for these services, particularly home-delivered and packaged meals, has increased as community measures to slow transmission of COVID-19 have closed meal sites and have left many family caregivers unable to assist their older loved ones.

“The Trump Administration recognizes that the measures needed to protect older Americans from the serious threat of COVID-19 have been disruptive for many of our most vulnerable,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Getting more funds to community organizations that deliver meals to older adults, such as Meals on Wheels, is another example of the Trump Administration’s whole-of-government, whole-of-America approach to combating the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In addition to meals, Older Americans Act programs provide a wide range of services, such as help with bathing and dressing, rides to doctors’ offices, education on managing chronic illnesses, support for family caregivers, and much more. Provided by a network of community-based organizations, such as Area Agencies on Aging, local community and senior centers, faith-based organizations, and other non-profit service providers, these programs work together to help millions of older adults each year stay healthy and continue living independently.

“The network of community-based organizations that provide Older Americans Act services has an exceptional capacity to coordinate services, bring together service providers, and adapt to overcome challenges, and they are employing innovative solutions to continue meal services,” said ACL Administrator Lance Robertson. “This additional funding will help communities across the country provide older adults, especially those at greatest risk, with the healthy meals they need.”

Funding has been provided to states, territories, and tribes for subsequent allocation to local meal providers. Grant amounts are determined based on the population-based formulas defined in the Older Americans Act.

Older adults who need assistance can contact the Eldercare Locator to find services available in their community. The Eldercare Locator can be reached at 1-800-677-1116 or https://eldercare.acl.gov/.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. For more information about the Older Americans Act nutrition programs, please visit ACL.gov.

The NAACP is focused on ensuring a full and accurate count amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic through their Black Census Week efforts. The week will consist of various activities to ensure communities of color, specifically Black populations, are informed about the Census and fill it out in its entirety. 

The primarily based social media campaign will encapsulate everything from Celebrity influencer census promotional videos  (Ruth E. Carter, Marcel Spears, Yvette Nicole Brown, Ethan Herisse and Loni Love) to a webinar on Thursday, March 26, 2020, which will feature Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas, a representative from the Links Incorporated and a speaker from Spellman College. Interested individuals can join the conversation by registering in advance. The Webinar will also focus on the frontline workers who are severely impacted by COVID-19 and what the Census means for them. 

Each day of the week will focus on a specific initiative within the Black community. The various topics include: 

• Monday – NAACP Feature of the day – Education Advocacy Tuesday – NAACP Feature of the day – Environmental and Climate Justice Advocacy
• Wednesday – NAACP Feature of the day – Health Advocacy
• Thursday – NAACP Feature of the day – Economic Advocacy
• Friday – NAACP Feature of the day – Voting Rights/Civic Engagement
• Saturday – NAACP Feature of the day – Criminal Justice Advocacy
• Sunday – NAACP Feature of the day – Faith Organizing

In addition to the full week of activities, the NAACP is welcoming two Senior Democracy Fellows to the Civic Engagement team who will co-lead on the 2020 Census Campaign. Brittany Smith and Myisha Patterson Gatson will work with NAACP units, members, and partner groups to develop and implement innovative programs that provide targeted advocacy, training and mobilization to reach our Democracy inclusion goals.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has called into question how we as a nation ensure that the 2020 Census counts all persons living in the States so that we can continue as a Democracy, said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO, NAACP. “This moment in history requires all of us to face this health crisis and ensure that all communities, especially those systematically left behind, are included. The NAACP is focused on pushing forward to provide a complete Census count now more than ever.” 

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

To comply with health officials’ recommendations regarding COVID-19, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is allowing customers a 60-day extension for license or registration renewals.

Stay away from our offices, stay home and be safe, the DMV is telling Californians.

The DMV says it has informed law enforcement departments that some drivers may be driving around the state with expired licenses or registrations due to COVID-19.

“This 60-day period for driver license and vehicle registrations is intended to protect the health and safety of DMV customers who would otherwise have to come to a DMV office to take care of business, but are concerned during this coronavirus pandemic,” the DMV press release read.

The extension period goes into effect March16 and will cover all appointments that require physical office visits.

“Transactions that fall within this category include driver license renewals for those 70 years of age and older who are required to take a knowledge test; individuals who are required to renew in the office (their last DMV visit was 15 years prior); individuals subject to vision testing; and individuals with a complex driving history,” the press release continued.

The extension also applies to those who aren’t able to seek alternatives to office visits under certain conditions.

The grace period also applies to vehicle registration renewals for customers “who are not eligible to use an alternative service channel because of the following reasons: Outdated insurance information, registration expired for 90 days or more, smog issues, and recent transfers,” stated the press release.

The DMV also described what kind of appointments would require an in-person visit.

“Those transactions that require a DMV office visit include new driver licenses, duplicate driver licenses, some driver license renewals, new license plates, complex vehicle registrations or title transfers and off-highway permits,” stated the press release.

The DMV will remain open to handle transactions such as getting a REAL ID, which requires an office visit. According to the press release, the DMV will improve their systems to help increase efficiency.

The DMV says it is taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously, especially since Gov. Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency.

“The DMV is taking this action so that at-risk populations, including seniors and those with underlying health conditions, can avoid required visits to DMV field offices for driver license or vehicle registration renewals,” according to the statement.