WSSN Stories

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—With the holiday season fast approaching, the San Bernardino Police Department wants to remind everyone to be responsible and not drive after drinking or take drugs that affect your ability to operate a vehicle.

To help keep our roadways safe the San Bernardino Police Department will be conducting saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints beginning Nov. 23. The enforcement efforts coincide with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign, which runs from November 23 to December 12.

“The holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, but also a time to be extra careful on the roads,” said Police Sergeant Harvey. “Sadly, the holiday season leads to an increase in drivers who shouldn’t be driving. It’s important for us to let people know that if you feel different, you drive different.”

During the 2017 Thanksgiving (Nov. 22-26) and Christmas (Dec. 22-25) holidays, 99 people were killed and nearly 4,500 people were injured on California roads. Of those deadly crashes, nearly 35 percent involved alcohol.

With holiday parties taking place, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure everyone has a sober ride home. Even if you’ve had only one drink, play it safe and designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home. If you plan on drinking, don’t plan on driving.

The San Bernardino Police Department also supports efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to inform drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

“Don’t spoil the holiday and put yourself and others at risk by driving impaired,” Police Sergeant Harvey. “People need to understand that the only time they should be driving is when they are sober.”

By Angela M. Coggs

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- On Saturday, October 6, the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held their 5th Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Doubletree by Hilton in San Bernardino from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This year’s theme was, “For Such a Time as This.” The keynote speaker was Pastor Barry E. Knight. He is the Founder and CEO of BEK Impact Company, a leadership and success coaching, training, and social change company that helps leaders achieve greater social outcomes and personal leadership success.

Rafaela King, President of the San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter, received the attendees with a warm welcome and provide a brief introduction of the history of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. The sorority began on January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University by 22 brave and motivated African-American women. In realizing its mission, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. provides an extensive array of public service initiatives through its Five-Point Program Thrust of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.

The Mistress of Ceremonies, Ashley Williams, commanded the spotlight with ease. The event began with a positive tone with a fervent Call to Worship by Yolanda “Angel” Cohill. The room was filled with members from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., friends, family, and members of other fraternities and sororities. For the Praise and Worship at the beginning of the morning was executed by Led by Christ.

An inspirational and spiritual praise dance was gracefully performed by the Delta Praise Dancers, a divine trio comprised of DST members Antoinette Bailey, Michelle Reed, and Princess Jones. Their performance was flawless, intentional and purposeful. The dance told a story and it captivated the entire room. “The praise dance was truly a faith walk and a testimony of what God will continue to do in our lives,” exclaimed Reed. “God is so real in my life and we gave him the glory.”

The audience was delighted and entertained by the Mime Presentation eloquently performed by group of youth known as Unspeakable Praise. It was a joy you witness the dedication and professionalism of the young performers. Their message was deliberate and purposeful. Their performance was unblemished.

Keynote speaker, Barry E. Knight, has committed his life to helping leaders massively impact their world. He is the Founder and CEO of his own company, a leadership and success coaching, training, and social change company that helps leaders achieve greater social outcomes and personal leadership success. With his impeccable ability to discern the needs of those he serves, he delivers life-changing strategies that were relevant and useful information that encouraged attendees to be prosper and thrive.

Knight deliberated on several topics of importance in the world today. He challenged the attendees not to give up and to stay faithful to God gifts and his presence. He dove into the realities of shifts in our daily living and to rejoice in it. He emphasized midlife transitions and how God still delivers. He recharged and renovated questions that serves as a daily reminder of how “life happens.” When is it going to happen?” Wondering if we have missed opportunities and grasping the idea that we have “no time to waste time.” Do we relentlessly demand? No. We comprehend, simply “no it is my time.” He maintained that opportunity is coming…again. Stop praying out of lack of patience. Our time is now.

“It was a true blessing to start our sorority year with this prayer breakfast,’ added Erica Short, current 1^st Vice President.

The chapter looks forward to hosting and participating in numerous upcoming events within the chapter as well as in the community. The San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter was charted on December 6, 1959, at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in San Bernardino. The chapter will celebrate its 60^th anniversary in 2019.

By Angela M. Coggs

Yonathan Habtemariam (12th grade), Jhu Maani Chess (10th grade), Arlington Rodgers III (Cajon HS Graduate/Morehouse Student)

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- On October 24, a group of San Bernardino City Unified School District students from Cajon High School embarked on a Historical Black College tour, along with 19 Los Angeles high school students. They were meticulously selected by On A Mission, Inc., a Los Angeles-area based mentoring program, to attend this trip designed for academically strong students ages 14 to 17. They returned to LAX on October 28, with a sense of life on a predominately Black college campus and a cultural experience in two Southern states.

The students had the opportunity five colleges, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Tuskegee University and Alabama State University. Each campus has deep historical roots and hometown feel. For many of the students, as well as some of the chaperones, it was their first-time visiting Georgia and/or Alabama. The students were accompanied by two teacher chaperones from CHS, Lavenna Ware and Dwight Hunter, as well as law enforcement and probations officers from Los Angeles.

Edwin Henderson, President and CEO of On A Mission, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides an after-school program serving students living in Los Angeles area, and beyond. The organization aims to teach life skills to the students, help them become productive adults in today’s changing world. They conduct youth educational trips to places Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia. This year he decided to take the organization first HBCU tour.

“I have taken students to visit Howard but specifically this was my first HBCU tour. I would love to partner with other schools in San Bernardino,” exclaimed Henderson. “The experience for the organization was amazing. On A Mission, Inc. is gaining so much more recognition now that I’ve pursued this full time and have partnered with various schools.”

Zanaiya Dancy (11th grade) and Alondra Smith (12th grade)

Two of the Cajon High School students, Zanaiya Dancy (11^th grade) and Alondraa Smith (12^th grade), who attended the trip expressed gratitude and appreciation that they were selected to participate in this college experience.

“On the HBCU Tour trip it was a life changing experience I was able to meet many different people and was able to learn many things such as what it takes to get to college, the responsibilities you’ll have to take on, and the challenges you will face when you are in colleges.

I learned that you are in control of your own life if you want to go to college you make it happen the only thing that is stopping you is you, you don’t have to be “the most wealthiest person” or “the smartest” to go to college just as long as you put in the effort and be willing to go the extra mile,” expressed Dancy.

“Also, I’ve come to realize that it’s not what you know but it’s who you know, get to know many different people, and be very open minded. In the end, out of the five HBCU’s we visited my top picks were Alabama State University and Clark Atlanta University.”

“During this trip I was able to see the history my African-American race. I was able to gain a new understanding what had to happen for me to be able to get into college and have a successful career. This trip made me to see for myself, all the things my ancestors went through,” said Smith.

“This helped me gain a new respect for everyone that has come before me, and all the people that have kept their tradition going. It was a great experience and I hope to join OAM on their next HBCU tour.”

In addition to visiting the college and universities, the students were afforded the opportunity to visit CNN’s Atlanta Headquarters, The Center for Civic and Human Rights and attend the Morehouse Homecoming Football Game. Former Cajon High School Cowboy, Arlington Rodgers III, welcomed the students to Morehouse and the football game, where is currently in his senior year.

Two things that the students took notice of, solidified that they were not in California. The student bookstores carried black hair care products. Not only were they available for purchase but they NOT locked up. Also, they were in awe of the menu selections at the Dwarf Door Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to the regular menu items, it also served collard greens, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, and fried okra. It was a pleasant surprise for the group.

On A Mission, Inc., looks forward to including more students from the SBCUSD on next year’s international trip. For more information contact On A Mission, Inc. at (323) 298-4779 or email info@joinoam.org.

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— You best believe that! There will be an end! Going around talking ‘bout it’s your prerogative, do what you want to do.” Ain’t taking heed to nothing!  I tell you, IF it was God’s character [which it is most DEFINITELY NOT] but IF it was, he would say to you what Alonzo Harris [Denzel Washington – Training Days] said to the residents of The Jungle: “Aww, you mofo. Okay. Alright! I’m putting cases on all you itches. Huh. You think you can do this crap…. You think you can do this to me? You mofo will be playing basketball in Pelican Bay when I get finished with you. SHU program, nigga! 23 hours lockdown! I’m the man up in this piece. You’ll never see the light of day…. who da heck do you think you’re dealing with? I’m the police, I run -it around here. You just live here. Yeah, that’s right, you better walk away. Go on and walk away… cause I’m gonna burn this mofo down. King Kong ain’t got nothing on me. That’s right, that’s right… I’m winning anyway. I’m winning… I’m winning any mofo way. I can’t lose. You disloyal, fool-as itches made punk.”

Now, I know some of you are floored right now. It’s as if I have tasered you with a taser gun and you have become motionless. I can just imagine some of you saying, “Oh, no she didn’t!” “What!”  And then some saying, “I knew it! I knew she was not all that religious.” Always talking about repentance, well she need to repent! Whichever the case may be, all I want to know is, can you hear me now?

You know in [Daniel 5:5-23] Belshazzar threw a party one day with his princes, wives, concubines and they were drinking from the sacred cups from Jerusalem temple while they praised the gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone. In the same hour while the party was going on, a man’s hand appeared and begin to write on the wall of the king’s palace. This got the King Belshazzar’s attention because he was able to see the handwriting on the wall, but did not understand what it meant. The king was so afraid that his whole countenance changed, his mind was trouble, he became afraid, and his knees began to knock together. I tell you, God has to first get your attention before he can deliver His Word to you. You see the method is not as important as the message. But getting your attention is the key to getting your life in order. I tell you, God is trying to get your attention before the enemy comes in and takes over your life. God loves us so much that He is willing to get your attention by any means necessary. He will do whatever it takes to get your attention.

Let’s assume you had a carbon monoxide detector in your home. You have it because you want to detect poison, because you know that if you breathe in carbon monoxide, it will kill you. So you buy an alarm, and you want that alarm to go off very loudly with that shrieking noise if there is carbon monoxide anywhere near you. My job is to be your alarm today.  And I want you to know that you have a soul that is of greater value than the whole world. And one of two things will happen to your soul: Your soul will be saved or your soul will be lost. I want your soul to be saved, and because of that, I will do everything and go to great length to try to win you to Christ. Because I know as [2 Peter 3:9] says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Remember, neither time, nor death, nor judgment linger.  Don’t overlook the obvious here. But understand that if you go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. [Hebrews 10:26].

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness…” [Acts 17:30-31] and no one, and I mean no one, is above God’s law. Each person will give account of himself to God [Romans 14:10-12; 1 Peter 4:5-6]. A Day of Reckoning is coming. You may reject it, deny it, dispute it, but the Bible declares it as a fact.  [2 Corinthians 5:10]. It will come as destruction from the Almighty [Isaiah13]. Such a matter as this, therefore, is not to be taken lightly. If it’s true that we are held accountable for what we do, that we face a day of reckoning, then we ought to know it and pattern our conduct accordingly. I make no apologies for teaching on judgment, even though some persons may find it discomforting. It won’t do to simply present God as a caring loving God. The gospel will not be the gospel against that backdrop. It only makes sense against the backdrop of truth. And that truth today is that God has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness. [Acts 17:31] and that day is looming on the horizon.  “… As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live…”[Ezekiel 33:11].

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool… [Isaiah 1:18].

: Dr Lucille Ridgill

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- LOS ANGELES, CA— To commemorate the first day of national hospice month, Compassion & Choices announced today it has appointed a leading expert in hospice and end-of-life care, Dr. Lucille Ridgill, to its board of directors. Dr. Ridgill also serves on Compassion and Choices’ African American Leadership Council and its Strategic Impact Committee.

The African American Leadership Council works to increase awareness of end-of-life care options in the African American community by engaging with diverse organizations and sharing experiences African Americans face at the end of life. Dr. Ridgill is an integral member of the team. She has attended a lobby day, represents Compassion & Choices at medical conferences and works to advance end-of-life care education on the national level. She also served on Compassion and Choices’ Strategic Impact Committee, which helped create an innovative strategic plan that will help guide the organization over the next 5 years.

Dr. Ridgill is a Site Medical Director at AltaMed, the nation’s largest network of community-based primary care clinics and senior care programs, overseeing clinical patient care. AltaMed is headquartered in Commerce, California.

Dr. Ridgill is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and is board certified in hospice and palliative medicine. She is also a visiting physician at VITAS Healthcare inCoastal Cities, California. Dr. Ridgill completed her residency at UCLA-Charles Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Creighton University and a medical degree from Creighton University Medical School, in Omaha, Nebraska.

“Dr. Ridgill is an amazing asset to Compassion & Choices who has generously given her time and lent her medical expertise to Compassion & Choices’ Strategic Impact Committee and African American Leadership Council,” said Kim Callinan, CEO of Compassion & Choices. “We look forward to Dr. Ridgill’s expanded role as a board member in advancing our mission of improving care and expanding options at the end of life.”

“The California End of Life Option Act has spurred conversations with terminally ill adults about all their end-of-life options, including hospice and palliative care, to minimize suffering and maximize quality of life” said Dr. Ridgill, “Compassion & Choices is instrumental in ensuring that people across the country are aware of their options at the end of life and able to access them.”

Medical aid in dying has been authorized in the District of Columbia and seven states: California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. Collectively, these eight jurisdictions represent nearly one out of five Americans (19%) and have 40 years of combined experience safely using this end-of-life care option. Between 80 and 90 percent of terminally ill adults who utilize medical aid in dying are enrolled in hospice, according to annual reports in California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

A 2016 Medscape online survey showed 7,500 doctors nationwide from 25 medical specialties support medical aid in dying by nearly a 2–1 margin (57% to 29%).

National and state polls show a majority of Americans across the ethnic, political and religious spectrum support medical aid in dying. This majority includes African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, conservatives, Democrats/Democratic-leaning independents, liberals, moderates, Republicans/Republican-leaning independents, Catholics, Christians, Protestants, people of other faiths, and people living with disabilities.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Oscar Valdez announced today that the last day to file a claim for Unclaimed Property Tax Refunds in San Bernardino County is December 18, 2018 for refunds that were issued between March 27, 2007 and August 24, 2014. These refunds are due to a reduction in assessed value after property taxes have been paid. Taxpayers were previously mailed refund claim forms that were never returned to our office for processing or were mailed warrants that stale dated.

“We are working diligently to reunite taxpayers with their money,” stated Valdez. “We have expanded outreach efforts to help spread awareness of these unclaimed property tax refunds.”

State law allows for property tax refunds that remain unclaimed after four years to be transferred to the County’s general fund if ordered by the Board of Supervisors. The unclaimed refunds that have exceeded the four-year time limit will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on December 18, 2018 to obtain such approval.

Taxpayers have the ability to search for property tax refunds by the parcel number or property address and request a claim form at www.SBCounty.gov/ATC/Pirfnet or may contact the San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector at (909) 382-3090.

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Being a Blessing is What it Do! What up IE and everybody! Deuteronomy 15:7 say’s, “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother.”

LUE Productions and its affiliates is reaching out to the community asking for donations to help feed the homeless located in the downtown San Bernardino area. This will be the 6th year that we’ve come together for such a needed and worthy cause.

We serve over 400 hot meals along with resources every Tuesday before Thanksgiving. We would like to thank everyone that has donated already. Thanks to our sponsors Youth Build Charter School of Inland Empire and to the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce.

This year headquarters will be set up at Youth Build. The address and more details are listed below.

If you have any questions we can be reached by text at (909) 567-1000. Please consider helping us meet our goal. Thank you in advance.

Items needed:

Blankets/Mash Potatoes/Stuffing/Deserts

Volunteers Needed:

Drivers/Cooks/Packers

• All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and insurance. LUE Productions and its affiliates is not liable for any accidents that may take place during the process of feeding.
• All drivers must carry first aid kit and gloves.
• All drivers must have one additional person with them if not more when delivery.

Turn In dates and location drops:

• Friday, November 16th (5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. SB Youth Build Charter School 570 N F Street in San Bernardino, CA)
• Saturday, November 17th (4 pm to 6 pm location: Starbucks 1181 S Mount Vernon Ave, Colton)
• Sunday, November 18th (1pm to 3 pm location: Starbucks 1181 S Mount Vernon Ave, Colton)
• Turkey donations uncooked and thawed out needed– Sunday, November 18th (location: Starbucks 1181 S Mount Vernon Ave, Colton from 1pm to 3pm 4. Headquarters
• Day of: Tuesday, November 20 Location (SB Youth Build Charter School 570 N F St, San Bernardino, CA 92410) a. Set Up – 8am b. Start time – 10am c. Delivery time – noon d. Breakdown time – 3pm

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Please do not let that be your portion. “Could’ve, would’ve, Should’ve!” I am writing to warn you against the very real danger of procrastination, meaning deciding later on to accept Christ as your Savior. In the Bible, Paul writes, For God says, “… Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:2]. Don’t be like Lot. Lot lingered…When it was Time for Decisive Action. Lot lingered…When Heavenly Messengers Were Urging Him to Go. Lot lingered…When Judgment was Imminent. Stop Lingering.  Neither time, nor death, nor judgment linger. Decide for Christ before it is too late. For [Isaiah 55:6] says, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” Procrastination can cost you your soul in the end [2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2].

Listen, none of us can say with certainty, when it is our time.  In [James 4:14] the Scripture says, “…What is your life?  It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”  Again, in [Proverbs 27:1] “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Those two scriptures alone should motivate you to seek God.  I tell you, time is of essence. The time to act is now!

You know when Paul reasoned with Felix “of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” [Acts 24:25.] So far as the Bible records and early history go, Felix never called for Paul. Felix is suffering the torments of Hell, not because he wanted to go there, but because he waited for “a convenient season.” I want you to know that the Bible says that when it comes to some things, we should never delay. Delay in making a response. This is the most dangerous type of procrastination. Life is short, and we do not know what will happen tomorrow [James 4:13-14]. The Bible urges us to get right with God today. Jesus could return at any time; we do not know when [Luke 12:40]. But Jesus illustrated the importance of being prepared for His coming in [Matthew 25:1-13]. In this parable, ten virgins await the arrival of the bridegroom and the commencement of the wedding feast. Five of the virgins were prepared for his arrival; five did not attempt to prepare until it was too late, and they were left behind. Jesus calls the unprepared virgins “foolish.” I tell you in the matter of our spiritual life, we dare not procrastinate.

Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. Behold, I am coming quickly…

For the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still, he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” [Revelation 22]

Jesus told the Sardians to do five things to overcome. “Wake up!” Jesus says. “Wake up! Be alert! Open your eyes wide! Slap yourself awake!” If you are to survive you must get out today. Tomorrow may be too late. Wake up and do it now! Jesus says and strengthen the things which remain which were about to die. Remember what you have received and determine to keep it! Repent while there is still time to overcome. If you do not, Jesus says, “If therefore you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you. “Now is the Appointed Time!” He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [Revelation 22:20-21]

By Keith Magee

Keith Magee

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- The election of Donald Trump embodies White supremacy theology that is hostile toward non-whites Black — in particular Black men. He began spurring flames of discord, as the driving force of the birther movement, and also called Mexicans rapists and targeted Muslims with a travel ban. These are underpinnings of the hate of the Ku Klux Klan and a deeply seeded Evangelical apocalyptic theology of a Holy Race War. It is a fact that White evangelicals voted at a rate of 81 percent for Trump.

As someone who attended Vacation Bible School, in the conservative bayou of Louisiana, one of the first songs I remember was “Yes, Jesus Love Me”. Winan United Methodist Church was the place where a White, blonde hair, and blued-eyed Christ was introduced to me as the Savior of the world. This Christ and his church was a place of safety from our personal sins, the social ills on the outside, yet assuredly as place of his love.

The fact that, in 1915, a UMC minister, William J. Simmons, played a major role in the new charter of the KKK, was either unknown or accepted by many. Simmons’ first public order was consecrating their Christian morality by setting a fire to the old rugged cross atop of Stone Mountain, Georgia. And yet there is an idea of racial hierarchy, embedded into religious teachings, that has been a part of our culture for over 400 years.

While confined within the chattels of slavery, religion was an outlet that gave hope in this faith of a suffering servant. The idea was that suffering with him might make it possible to reign with him in eternity. His blood shed, on the cross, was the horror of death and yet the beauty of a saving grace for all. However, it is the same symbol of the cross that is burned, as a form of intimidation, to remind Black people that even this White Savior can’t save them from the venom of White hate.

It seems that daily, throughout America, another Black life is suffocated to death at the hands of someone, in a blue uniform, who is protected by the government. Recently, the death of Botham Jean of Dallas has created a deeper level of anger and outrage. Now it is being communicated that not only are Blacks in danger while driving, standing on a street corner, and in their back yard. But, there is no safe place – even in the sanctuary of their own home.

While Muslim mothers and children have been caged like animals. And, in the last 48 hours, Jews are being reminded of the never-ending antisemitism through the loss of 11 lives during a baby naming ceremony.

The use of religion to stoke racial strife and violence is prevalent in our societies. This past August 2018, while meeting with Evangelical Christian leaders, Donald Trump told them that there would be “violence” if Republicans lost their majority in Congress, as a result of November’s mid-term elections. He told them to take to their pulpit to tell their followers that this is a referendum on him, their religion and freedom of speech. The same religion that teaches love thy neighbor, don’t steal, cheat or commit adultery, is seemingly using white-out to affirm this American president. The adulterer, one who pays for sex and speaks freely about being able to walk down 5th Avenue and shoot someone, is touted as the one to save and make America great again.

The duality of religion and vulnerability was something I Iearned a long time ago from my father who was a lover of dogs. As he would sit out back on a stump, he would give me world wisdoms. He often told me that “if you keep kicking a dog, he will bite back.” The preaching of “whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also”, seemed to apply only to those seen as less than human while these White Christians raged injustice and violence against our communities and leaders. Just over 50 years ago the KKK offered a $100,000 bounty for the assassination of the non-violent Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., resulting in the cowardly shooting of James Earl Ray.

The snuffing out of his life led to anger and biting back with people taking to the streets in over 125 riots in American cities and around the world. This isn’t 1968 when impassioned response for a revolution, from was Pittsburgh to Paris to Prague, happening with protest in the streets. It would appear that this indignation of these Whites is ushering Jesus’ sign of the end, “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” The word nation is translated from ‘ethnos’ which is the root of ethnicity.

It is clear that the White House is being led by an Imperial Wizard and king, the GOP is serving as his Klexter (outer-guard), and his latest US Supreme Court Associate Justice is his Klarogo (sergeant-at- arms). By invoking an evangelical theology and using the Bible to justify their cruel actions, while also trying to subjugate Black people under that same God, there appears to be no recourse but to go to war.

A war for the soul of the country is the true meaning of a righteous doctrine. This hatred under the guise of religious teachings can no longer be met with patience, peace talks or Twitter protests. And, if there’s resistance in it being met with preaching the gospel of Jesus’ love to a Christian sect who apparently welcome the KKK’s, “So I’ll cherish the bright fiery cross, till from duties at last I lay down, then burn over me a bright fiery cross, the day I’m laid in the ground.”

Nor can we have any hope that this President, who just affirmed to his Texas supporters that he’s a proud nationalist and believes that if the synagogue had an armed guard there would have been a different outcome. The only thing that he can do is continue to spark and ignite more flames of discord and hatred.

It calls to question: Do we have to accept that non-White Christians, along with White Christians, who don’t believe this rhetoric, won’t be able to enter paradise through the same pearly gates? Possibly there’s a backdoor for the rest, on a lower level, because of an unequal salvation? Or perchance there’s a difference in how Jesus loves me verses them?

It is obviously that this sect of Christians has completely forgotten the Jew, from Nazareth, who came to fulfill the law through the good news of love. It was his belief, and that of his father, Yahweh, that his death would save the entire world, regardless of difference – through his selfless act and message of love. It is that love that most dominates all of our hearts and theologies, so that we can have peace on earth.

Dr. Keith Magee is a public intellectual, theologian, and social justice scholar. He is Senior Fellow in Culture and Justice, University College London and serves in leadership, The Berachah Church, Boston, MA and The Tab Church, London, England. For more information visit www.4justicesake.org or follow him at @keithlmagee.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Keith Wade Dedeaux was born August 21, 1951, in Pasadena, California. He was the youngest of six children born to Carl and Vitelsia Dedeaux.  Keith began school in Pasadena attending Grover Cleveland School.  His father constructed a home for the family in Good Hope, California and the family moved from Pasadena in 1960.  Keith attended Perris Elementary School.  He also attended Perris Junior High School and Perris High School where he enjoyed playing the drums and participated in band and running track.  It was through these activities that he made lifelong friendships with Carl Collins and the late Willie Collins.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

After high school, following in the trade of his father, Keith completed his apprenticeship as an equipment operator in the Operating Engineers, Local 12 in 1979.  He had a tremendous work ethic operating large earth grader for several housing tracts, commercial, industrial and institutional projects.  Until health issues deterred him from labor, he worked as a crane operator on 40-ton and 90-ton cranes for Hill Crane Rental in Bloomington, California.  He enjoyed pointing out buildings and projects he had worked on throughout Southern California.

In March 1982, Keith joined Park Avenue Baptist Church and was baptized by Rev. L.B. Moss.   He was a member of the Voices in Christ Young Adult Choir and delighted in serving as an usher.  He also assisted David Ross with the planning of the parking lot at the church property on Martin Luther King Boulevard.

He married Barbara Collins in September 1982 and lovingly took on the duties of father to Sadiki Nezart.  Even though he worked many long hours, leaving for work during the wee hours of the morning, he made time to attend football and basketball practices and games for Sadiki from Riverside Junior Tackle and through college at Northridge University.  His involvement only began again with the arrival of Vitelsia to complete the family.  She was involved in a few sports until she found her passion in dance.  Keith then became a back-stage dad, moving props and sometimes even dancing a step or two to stretch breaks while dancers made costume changes.  Watching Vitelsia perform on stage has been the highlight of his life.

Keith leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Barbara; children, Sadiki (Maria) and Vitelsia; grandchildren, Derek, Aliah, Auset and Shakira; brothers, Carl of Los Angeles, CA, Ralph (Nancy) of Rio Rancho, NM, Rudy (Judy) Santa Maria, CA and Gerald (Helene) Riverside, CA; sister, Audrey of Los Angeles, CA; in-laws, Cecelia Collins of Riverside, CA, Joseph Hester (Jacklyn) of Riverside, CA, Carl Collins, San Jacinto, CA, Sharon Collins of Lithonia GA, Christopher Collins (Brenda) of Victorville, Linda Collins of Moreno Valley CA and Eric Collins (Celia) of Chino, CA; aunts, Barbara Keel of Los Angeles, CA and Pearl Haggins of Pasadena, CA; godchildren, Charles Grays III and Ashton Grays; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.