WSSN Stories

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— If you know the difference between right and wrong, then you know what you need todo to please the Lord. No matter what others do, you know what you have to do.God makes this personal; the Bible says, “And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” [Galatians 6:9]. Doing right is not an option in theChristian life. James says, “Anyone, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. [James 4:17]. That means doing the right thing even when it doesn’t make sense. That means doing the right thing regardless of consequences. That means doing the right thing when everybody else is doing the wrong thing.Yeah, we live in a society today that wants us to conform: Conform to what they want and the way they want to live, but I want you to know today that we are called to be different. We are not called to fit in, but rather to stand out. [Romans 12:2] tells us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”.

I don’t know about you, but there’s something in my spirit that resonates with people who live by their convictions. There is something in my spirit that resonates with people who is willing to stand and say, No! I’m attracted to people who have that kind of courage and conviction. There is something magnificent about integrity, something beautiful and powerful. I am not talking about being perfect, because that is not going to happen. But character does matter, it matters a lot.

That is why I love me some Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They had a set of pre-determined convictions that they were not willing to compromise. The Word of God had become their moral compass.[Exodus 20]. They said, we’re not bending. They said we’ve made up our minds.We’re not going to be pressured, bribed, manipulated, or coerced. We’ve drawing a line in the sand and we are willing to even pay the ultimate price of losing our lives because we are so convinced of these convictions are from God. I tell you, there is something magnificent about integrity, something beautiful and powerful.  You can no longer go along with the crowd. Remember, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. [Matthew 12:36-37].

Choose today to be different.

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.[Proverbs 10:9]

Decide today that it’s over now. No more following the crowd. No more doing as the crowd do. You have been called to be set apart. Believers in Christ have been called to live this unique life and different lifestyle. Distinct, separate, not the same, out of the ordinary, unusual.  Christ was distinct, separate, out of the ordinary, and he called his followers to be like him. Any man or woman who accomplishes anything worthwhile must have the courage to live differently because they are marching to a different drummer and are not afraid to be out of step. I tell you, you can no longer go along with the crowd!

ByNaomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— In today’s day and age, when youth tend to deter off in the wrong direction, it is often times because they lack mentorship. People, and especially our youth, need that mentor to show them what they can achieve no matter what circumstances they may come from. Eugene Weems, founder of Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace (VG4VP) has been called to be that mentor. He started VG4VP in 2013 to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies to all people affected by disaster across the country and to help reduce the effects of crime, gang activity, and recidivism by positively impacting the lives of at-risk youth and troubled adults.

“We strive to provide relief to those who are in need of necessities, counseling or guidance,” Weem explains. “VG4VP also assists single parents in an effort to ensure their children a successful future”

VG4VP is accomplishing it’s mission by implementing a set of strategies and tactics designed to bring gang members out of the bondage of the gangsta’ lifestyle and mentality. 

“This is not an ego-driven call for a contest. I simply want to show the tools that VibrantGreen for Vibrant Peace has developed, and I want to offer them for your use.They work, they are effective, and they create change,” Weem stated.I was able to sit and down and chat with Weem where he discussed his inspiration behind starting VG4VP, future events that the organization is doing and a few other things that he has in the works.

Hollywood’s elite join invited guests to honor today’s heroes shaping society

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- LOSANGELES, CA— Some of Hollywood’s biggest names from film and televisionjoined more than 600 guests to celebrate today’s community champions andindustry titans from across the country at the annual EBONY Power 100Gala, presented by Nationwide, at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles onFriday, November 30.

The annual EBONY Power 100List recognizes the most influential and inspiring individuals from abroad spectrum of industry genres, across eight categories: CommunityCrusaders, Disruptors, Entertainment & Arts, Entrepreneurs, Innovators,MVPs, Power Players and the coveted Women Up category. Hundreds of guests descended on Beverly Hills for the EBONY Power 100 Gala, honoring those recognized in each category, for the star-studded spectacle attended by the who’s who in sports, entertainment, business, philanthropy, politics and social activism—hosted by internationally acclaimed actor and comedian ChrisTucker. Guests were encouraged to share their experience using #EBONYPower100.

Before the start ofthe gala, the world’s media lined a jam-packed red carpet, eagerly awaiting thearrival of some of today’s biggest names. A hand-picked selection of EBONYPower 100 industry honorees rubbed shoulders with acclaimed Hollywood celebritiesduring the red carpet arrivals ceremony, while dozens of guests registered fortheir table seating. Notable celebrities and high-profile personalities whoattended the gala, some of whom adorned the red carpet in effervescent gownsand bold tuxedos, included DavidOyelowo(Selma), Kat Graham (Vampire Diaries), Ne-Yo (singer), Chris Tucker (actor/comedian),Susan Kelechi Watson (This Is Us), Melanie Liburd (This Is Us), Bianca Lawson and KofiSiriboe (Queen Sugar)Dyllón Burnside,Hailie Sahar,Indya Moore and Steven Canals (Pose),Debra Lee (former CEO of BET), Ethiopia Habtemariam (Motown president), J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Sugar Ray Leonard (legendary boxer), Cedric Yarborough (actor), Ernie Hudson (actor), Cari Champion (ESPN), Mayor Andrew Gillum (Tallahassee, Florida), Mayor London Breed (San Francisco) and Mayor Stephen Benjamin (Columbia, South Carolina), Saweetie (singer), Hayley Law (actress), Marque Richardson (Dear White People), Israel Houghton (singer) and Adrienne Houghton (TV personality) Mehgan James (actress), Don Benjamin(model/musician), Amin Joseph (actor), Eva Marcille (actress/model), Deborah Ayorinde (actress), Courtney Kemp (co-creator, Power), and Symone Sanders (CNN), among others. Celebrity couplesin attendance included YolandaAdams (gospel singer), whoattended on the arm of honoree TitusO’Neil(WWE star), and CynthiaBailey (actress/model) joinedbeau Mike Hill (Fox Sports).

“This year’s EBONYPower 100 Gala was the most memorable to-date,” says EBONY Media OperationsCEO Michael Gibson. “This year wehonored the most eclectic group of outstanding individuals and prolific leaderswho represent excellence in their respective fields. The excitement on the redcarpet, leading up to the electrifying atmosphere in the ballroom reflected thetremendous attendance we had by Hollywood, professional athletes, politiciansand business leaders, not to mention the heroic community activists, all ofwhom have made a significant impact on our lives. I would like to thank each ofour 2018 Power 100 honorees, as well as our sponsors and readers for makingthis year’s event such a success.”

Following the introduction of actor ChrisTucker as the evening’s host, opening remarks were given by EBONY Media Operations Chairman Emeritus Linda Johnson Rice. Angela Bretz from Nationwide proceeded to introduce a heartfelt video about the legacy of EBONY Power 100. EBONY Media OperationsChairman and CEO MichaelGibson presented the inaugural EBONY Chairman’sAward to former BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee for her contribution to the broadcast industry. Susan Kelechi Watson and Melanie Liburd, actors from the hit TV show “This Is Us,” presented the honorees in the Women Up category, the first for the night, after which Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam proudly introduced the first label performance by JAMES DAVIS that struck a musical chord with the capacity crowd, who enjoyed their first dinner course while listening to the soul-rock fusion tracks performed by the three siblings.

The evening progressed with highly anticipated presentations of the remaining honorees in each of the eight categories that form the EBONY Power 100 List. GatheringSpot’s Ryan Wilson and TKPetersen presented the honorees video for the Disruptors category; Senior Vice President,Retirement Plans Distribution at Nationwide EricStevenson presented the honorees video for the CommunityCrusaders category; actor and comedian J.B. Smoove presented the honorees video for the Entrepreneurs category; Managing Director of LaborRelations & Legal Strategy for United Airlines Jessica Kimbrough presented the honorees video for theInnovators category; Vice Chairman of Ebony MediaOperations Willard Jackson presented the honorees video for the MVPs category; Lexus Advertising Manager Bruce Hines presented the honorees video for the Entertainment and Arts category, and EBONY Media OperationsChairman and CEO Michael Gibson returned to the stage to present the honorees video for the Power Players category. Linda Johnson Rice made a second appearance on stage to give a warm welcome speech for Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam, who was presented with the prestigious EBONYIcon Award to commemorate the label’s diverse and historic artistry.

Motown RecordsGeneral Manager Marc Byers appeared on stage to give an introduction to recording artist Ne-Yo, who graced the stage in a purple suit, complete with a foot brace that didn’t seem to hinder his exhilarating and unexpected four-track performance of his most popular tracks, including the hit single “Time of Our Lives.” The acclaimed artist was seen to weave among the seated gala guests, who stood and danced alongside his unrehearsed personal encounter. Following Chris Tucker’s closing remarks, guests made their way to the Nationwide Lounge to enjoy after-hours cocktails and classic beats by DJClark Kent. Chris Tucker was seen to be in a celebratory mood in theTerrace Room, while singing aloud to classic Motown tracks, as guests and celebrities alike danced with each other into the early hours. 

In celebration of those whose work and heroism continue to inspire and influence society, the publication announced its 2018 EBONY Power 100 List in October. For more than30 years, the EBONY Power 100 List has been curated by the editors of EBONY magazine and its staff, and is determined by the work, accomplishments and influential reach of each of the honorees. The complete 2018 EBONY Power 100List can be viewed by visiting www.ebony.com/power100-2018.

The EBONY Power 100Gala was hosted by EBONYFoundation and benefited theSickle Cell Disease Association of America. Learn more about sickle cell disease and donate by texting “EBONY” to 91011 and using #SCDHOPEWINS. Follow#EBONYPower100 on Instagram and Facebook. 

By Lou Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Fireis WHAT IT DO!
Rapper Mack Pepperboy is an artist with Cali Swagg Mixed with that Down SouthNew Orleans flavor who’s HOT.

It’s finally here! New music from this talented artist drops next week. His project, ‘It’s The Pepperboy’ showcases dope songs such as, “Fire” featuring Rock Singer/Rapper, Chase Enriquez and “Phone” featuring R&B Singer Zodi Wallace member of R&B Group Section III and “Change” featuring pop singer Bernice Celeste.

“A lot of heart and soul went into making this music,” Mack Pepperboy explained. “I wanted to move different with this project. I was able to link with other talented artists in order to create a new sound. I think my fans will dig where my head is and where I’m going with it.”

Currently under management with LUE Productions, this artist is one to watch for. Check him out yourself next week as he interviews and promotes his EP. All information and links below. Full project drops in the NEW YEAR! Appreciate the support! Until next week L’z!

On Sunday, December 9 at 3 p.m. Promo Video Drop for promo song, “Right There” featuring R&B Singer Yung Muusik, produced by Chef Music Studio’s. Video shot by Nycce Dreams. Special thanks to all the models and entities that helped to make it happen. Link https://www.facebook.com/Itsthepepperboy/notifications.

Also om Sunday, December 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. interview with L’s of ‘SouthSundayzRadio’. New Song Alert off new project, “It’s the Pepperboy”. “Fire” featuring Rock Singer/Rapper, Chase Enriquez and “Phone” featuring R&B Singer, Zodi Wallace member of R&B ‘Group Section lll’. The link www.SouthSundayzRadio.com

On Wednesday, December 12 at 7 p.m. live on Cali Best Radio with Lady Impress pushing tune in at NBC/CNBC KCAA 102.3FM &106.5FM.

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— You got to be kidding right? Tell me, it is not so…? Because don’t you know that you cannot dance with the devil without paying the devils’ price? Don’t you know that you can’t sleep in the sewer without getting dirty…? Don’t you know that you can’t compromise with evil and come away clean. Don’t you know…? You can’t hold hands with God and walk with the devil. Listen, Satan is the enemy of our soul, yet he comes to you as a romancing lover. He entices your emotions, serenades your senses, lures your lovesick heart and woos you in your weakness… he is after you. Make no mistake about it, he knows your desires and your passions and he will play on them to get what he wants… he promises everything and leaves you with nothing. He may love you and please you for a season; he ultimately will destroy you for eternity. Satan doesn’t give a cramp about you. He is not your friend and if you dance with the devil you will pay the piper. You better know that you know!

The truth about the devil is that he does not play fair. Satan is a liar! He will trick you into believing him! You gotta be on guard at all times. Satan is very sophisticated and specialized. He is the greatest under-cover agent of all times. Biblical descriptions of him include everything from an angel of light to a ravenous beast. Anyone is a welcome challenge to him, from Adam to Jesus himself. Nobody is too good or powerful for his advances. He can provoke, tempt, enter into, transform himself, and vex. He is a cunning trap-setter, and his prey is man. The bounty he collects is eternal damnation. You better know that you know!

Satan has been seducing for years and the results have always been the same. He seduced Adam and Eve and the result was the fall of mankind [Genesis 3: 1-6]. He seduced King David and the result was the death of his son and the division of his kingdom [2 Samuel 11-12]. He seduced Judas Iscariot and the result was the betrayal of Jesus and Judas committing suicide [John 13:21-30; Matthew 27:3-5]. He seduced Ananias and Sapphira and the result was that they dropped dead [Acts 5:1-11]. He tried to seduce Jesus and the result was the destruction of the Devil himself. Jesus forever proved that Satan could be defeated and that man did not have to bow down to his seduction. You can be victorious against the seduction of Satan…. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Stop cuddling with the devil. Because, sooner or later, sin’s consequences will catch up with you. You better know that you know!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- NATIONAL— National Director of the NAACP Youth and College Division, Tiffany Dena Loftin was awarded the Rising Star Award on Friday, November 16, at the 2nd Annual Black Girls Vote Ball.

The Black Girls Vote Ball celebrates the accomplishments of Black women in politics and activism who are making a difference not only in their community but around the world. The Rising Star Award is bestowed upon a person for their clear demonstration and dedication to changing the world we live in for the better.

Black Girls Vote, Inc. was launched on what would have been Shirley Chilsolm’s 91^st birthday, November 30, 2015 in Baltimore, MD. Through nontraditional engagement efforts that focus on meeting people where they are, Black Girls Vote has registered more than 16,000 voters. Black Girls Vote is also supporting the next generation of leaders and engaged voters through their High School and Collegiate Ambassador Program where BGV Ambassadors activate their student body while bringing BGV’s mission, vision and values on their campus.

This midterm election cycle, under the leadership of Tiffany Dena Loftin the NAACP Youth and College Division completed ahighly successful Vote 2018 campaign in just a few short weeks. They were able to mobilize 5,800 students, recruit and maintain 2,607 new activists, host 232 “vote specific” events, organize at 174 schools across this nation and engage 33 of the 50 states, proving that young people are rising to the occasion and answering the call.

“I dedicate this award to everyone 35 and under who constantly prove this country wrong. I dedicate this award to those who can’t vote. I dedicate this award to every black woman who says I told you so;” stated Loftin while accepting her award “Every year we have an opportunity to not only change government to not only advance legislation but to redefine democracy. I know we’re winning because it’s getting harder, but I am encouraged and inspired, and I’m committed to our communities.”

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— RUNWAY MODEL CALL is WHAT IT DO!
KD The Stylist is looking for you! Women only and no experience is necessary. All that are interested must wear a size 4 to 16, must bring a pair of high heels, must wear comfortable fitted clothes and must come rip the runway.

The start time is at 2 p.m. at 555 W. 6th Street in San Bernardino. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Catch me next week with more from the streets. L’s!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- LOS ANGELES, CA— LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS has announced that Keisha N. Brown (KB) has been appointed to the position of president, a role held by the founder since its inception in 1990. In this new role, Keisha will utilize her more than two decades of experience to focus on client services and new business development. She will continue as the chair of the Health and Wellness Practice. Mr. Kim L. Hunter, former president and CEO, will remain the Chairman & CEO of the agency.

“LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS is my first enterprise and I feel now is the right time to pass the torch to a long-standing and dedicated employee that I trust will continue to move the agency forward”, stated Hunter. “KB brings a tremendous understanding of client service and new business development experience to this position and I look forward to working with her as we both focus on our new roles at the agency.”

KB will be responsible for identifying and securing new business and providing integrated and innovative client service to all of the agency’s clients.  In this role, she will lead teams in developing and executing creative oriented solutions communication programs for the firm’s advertising, marketing and public relations accounts; manage a team of client-focused and results oriented individuals; create a thriving environment of collaboration and creative problem-solving that is responsive to and inspired by new ideas; and oversee the firm’s creative and media planning and buying teams.

As the chair of the Health and Wellness Practice, KB will rely on her keen understanding of health disparities and cultural nuances amongst African American and Hispanic communities to concentrate on new business development targeting entities such as hospitals, healthcare plans, not-for-profit, government, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.  Her healthcare experience includes working with clients such as the Ad Council, American Cancer Society, California Department of Public Health, Covered California, L.A. Care, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, Novartis, the Office of National Control Drug Policy, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, among others.

“I am excited to start this new chapter of my career as president of an agency that has fulfilled me in so many ways and allowed me to make contributions to clients that target consumers (African American, Hispanic, and LGBTQ) that are important to me”, stated KB.  “I look forward to partnering and  collaborating with Kim in this new role to build upon the agency’s accomplishments and to continue developing and executing creative solutions for clients that position us for success in the future.”

In addition to client service and new business development, KB will partner with the CEO to raise the firm’s profile and position the agency as a premier multicultural agency.

A 23-year veteran of the agency, KB is an integrated marketing communications (IMC) specialist with hands-on knowledge managing advertising, marketing and public relations accounts on a local and national basis for clients striving to effectively communicate to both African American and Hispanic consumers. She has worked with corporate, not-for-profit and government clients throughout her time at the agency including Carnival Corporation, California Department of Insurance, City of Los Angeles, Community Health Councils, MetLife, Southern California Edison, U.S. Army, and Verizon.

“I have worked with Kim and the agency for more than 10 years, and they have always provided me with excellent client service dating back to when I was at American Airlines and now at Carnival,” said Roger Frizzell, senior vice president and chief communications officer of Carnival Corporation.  “KB currently leads the team that works on our Carnival business, and the leadership and strategic counsel she provides our team has been an essential component in generating results.”

KB began her career at the agency and has held various positions that have led her to this position of being president of an IMC agency, such as an account manager, Vice President/Media & Promotions Director, and Senior Vice President/Chief Creative & Innovative Officer.  All of these positions have allowed her to have a keen understanding of client service, account management, creative, media planning and media buying.

The Los Angeles native has been recognized for her work and expertise in multicultural communications through awards and invitations to speak on panels.  Most recently, KB led the project launch of the L.A. Care Covered Campaign, which received the Healthcare Public Relations & Marketing Association (HPRMA) Golden Advocate Award. Additionally, the agency was awarded with the Sabre Award for Multicultural Marketing for Verizon Wireless, a team in which Keisha also led.  Johnson Publications, the publishers of Ebony and Jet magazine, named Keisha “One of the Most Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communications” and PRWeek Magazine featured her in a roundtable discussion regarding diverse viewpoints on multicultural communications.

KB holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business administration from Howard University in Washington, DC.

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— … You best put them on.  Because the devil, as a roaring lion is going about this world seeking whom he may devour. His mission is to kill, steal, and to destroy.  He doesn’t care who you are or where you come from. He doesn’t care where you’ve been or where you hope to be going. His motive is to disrupt and to dismantle any and all associations that you may have with God. Just like He did Job, the Devil is confronting God about you. His intent is to make you a lie.

If you are a Christian, you are in a fierce war. In fact, you’re in a life and death battle for your faith. Satan is determined to shipwreck and destroy the faith of all of God’s elect. And the stronger your faith, the greater will be his attack against it. Why? Because, unshakable faith in the Lord causes Hell to rage. Nothing poses a greater threat to Satan’s kingdom than a Christian who is unmovable in faith. By faith, righteousness is born and demonic fires are quenched. By faith, God’s promises are obtained and the mouths of lions are shut.

Your adversary has studied you and has coordinated a plan of attack. And his scheme is so widespread that if he cannot destroy you, he’ll aim his attacks towards the people closes to you and the interests that are near and dear to your heart.  Therefore, you have to fight not just for yourself, but spiritual warfare involves praying the devil off of your kids, praying him away from your spouse, taking authority over the devil on your job, defeating the enemy that’s trying to take your mind. I tell you, “This Means War!” If you ain’t got your war clothes on you best put them on!

I don’t know about you, but I ain’t going out like this.  I ain’t going out without a fight! I’m going to keep the devil where he belongs – under my feet.  We are no longer under Satan’s power, but are empowered by God Almighty to defeat the devil when he comes against us!  It is high time we learn that we have power and authority, through Jesus Christ, to walk in victory over the enemy. Jesus gave us that power, and as long as we humble ourselves before God, and submit ourselves to Him, the enemy cannot defeat us. We can keep the devil in his place, right where God put him: under our feet. It’s up to us to put the devil on the run by using our authority, standing firm in our faith, and thanking God for what He has wrought for us.

I tell you, the next time the devil tries to get in your way or block your path, lift your feet high, stomp loud, and let everyone know you are coming through town. The sound of the stomping and pounding of your feet is the signal to let everyone know they need to get out of your way.  If the enemy is stupid enough to challenge you and tries to hinder your plans, just keep walking! If the devil tries to stop you, just raise your feet high, pound down as hard as you can, and stomp all over him as you march forward. Crush and bruise him beyond recognition!”

However, it is important to point out that this smashing and crushing of Satan must be done in cooperation with God. Alone you are no match for this archenemy. That’s the reason Paul says, “…The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet….” In other words, this is a joint partnership between you and God. By yourself, you could never keep Satan subdued. But with God as your Partner, the devil has no chance of ever slipping out from under your heel! [Romans 16:20]

Never forget – the only place that rightfully belongs to the devil is the small space of ground right under your feet! Jesus accomplished a total, complete, and perfect work through the Cross of Calvary and His resurrection from the dead. The victory is already yours… FIGHT! Don’t allow the enemy to ruin you or anyone else that you know. Your family is worth fighting for. Your health is worth fighting for. Your peace of mind is worth fighting for. If you have to roll up your sleeves and go hand to hand, fight for it. Because if one can put a thousand to flight and two can put ten thousand to flight, then sooner or later, everything around you will be covered by the power of God!

Declaring War on the Devil!  Are there any believers left who are indignant at the assault of the enemy? Where are the redeemed who are still proud of their God and still mad at the devil?  We are called and equipped to be soldiers of Christ. God has given us everything we need to win; he has assured us of victory, and those who overcome shall reign with Jesus forever. Therefore arise, fight, and never give up!