WSSN Stories

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Several notable celebrities, community leaders and entertainers descended on the city of New Orleans once again to attend the 15th Annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards, held today at the Ritz Carlton, New Orleans. They were joined by attendees from across that nation who converged to recognize this year’s recipients of the distinguished awards, including popular Political Commentator Symone Sanders, renown actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, Black Girls CODE CEO Kimberly Bryant and next generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator Monique Vann-Brown. Additionally, college philanthropist Tishauna Wilson was recognized alongside this lineup to receive a $10,000 McDonald’s HBCU Forward Scholarship, facilitated by Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

McDonald’s 365Black Awards take place annually to honor outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community. The program launched in 2003 as an extension of the company’s 365Black platform, created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year-round. Held in conjunction with ESSENCE Festival™ presented by Coca-Cola®, the event was hosted by actress Essence Atkins.

R&B singer Dave Hollister gave a dynamic performance during the awards. Presenters included actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery, actor Larenz Tate, actress Bresha Webb, media personality Tai Beauchamp and McDonald’s Owner/Operator Tanya Holliday. Award-winning gospel artists Fred Hammond and JJ Hairston also made appearances.

TV personality and model Cynthia Bailey brought her large social media following along to the event, posting live from the ceremony. Other celebrity attendees included actor Lance Gross, award-winning talk show host, Loni Love and R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn, among others.

 “It was a privilege to witness and take part in the celebration of our outstanding female honorees. Their accomplishments reflect the tenets of our 365Black platform,” said Kenny Mitchell, McDonald’s U.S. Vice President of Brand Marketing & Content. “Our 15 year-long partnership with ESSENCE and continuation of the 365Black Awards affirms our commitment to celebrating everyday people who are doing extraordinary things to positively move Black Forward.”

Those who were unable to attend the ceremony can follow @365Black on Twitter for commentary on the awards and join the conversation on all social platforms using #365BlackAwards.

To view more photos, please click here. 

JT Turner

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Laughter in the High Desert is What it Do! Actor and Comedian J.T. Turner is a true talent!

I had the pleasure of meeting J.T. while supporting another comic friend at a show. From the moment he walked on stage, I was cracking up and so was the audience. His set up and delivery seems so effortless.

J.T. has opened up for some of the greats such as: Steve Harvey, Joe Torry, Tommy Davison, Renaldo Ray, Shang, G-Thang and many more. Having hosting skills, he’s hosted for 112, Boys II Men, E-40 and Chris Brown concerts, as well as community, corporate and private events.

Comedian J.T. Turner has the comedy game on lock in the High Desert. Every Thursday and Friday you can relax at the Green Tree in Victorville and get your comic fill with him as your host and other talented comics on the line-up. All the comics have either been on BET’s Comic View, Comedy Central and have performed at the IMPROV, Laugh Factory, Ice House and several other popular venues.

This year he will serve as LUE Productions event host on Sunday, August 26 for their Annual BBW/Plus Size Model Competition bringing awareness to domestic violence. This comedian’s star is rising higher and higher. His TV credits include: “Laughs” on the FOX Network and the movie “Cheaper to Keep Her” (2017).  Follow him!

Catch me next week L’s!

Photo Credit: Earl Gibson

By Barbara James

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— On Monday, July 2, we laid to rest Joseph Jackson, the patriarch and former manager of one the most talented and legendary families of all times, the Jackson’s. His controversial legacy by some, shall remain interfused with his epithet being “an extremely harsh disciplinarian, womanizer and also perhaps engaging with mercenary motives.”  Whether these statements are true or false, the facts that can be unanimously agreed upon is the legendary Joe Jackson successfully raised and produced one of the most prominently talented musical families throughout history. 

Janet Jackson lovingly stated prior to the funeral services, “Joseph, my incredible Father, drove us all to be the best that we can be and for that I am truly grateful.”

I had many red carpet moments with Joseph Jackson throughout the years, and they will remain as fond memories for our entire staff. Mr. Jackson, (though he insisted upon being called Joe), was always an extremely jovial, flamboyant and humorous individual throughout each interview. His eyes would instantly light up when asked questions regarding his children and grandchildren. Joseph Jackson embraced the ‘Black Media’ with candor and endearment, always reminding us that only we, can tell the true stories of our families and communities in which we live and strive daily. Jackson entertained us with sharing his most cherished thoughts and sentiments each time we met. 

Saturday, March 24, would probably be one of the last Red Carpet events for the 89 year old music icon. Joseph Jackson graced the 2018 Stellar Awards Red Carpet at the Orleans Casino in Las Vegas speaking with HDIV News Editor, Barbara James. Jackson was filled with excitement and humor as always when Barbara James asked,

“Why did you choose to attend one of the greatest gospel music events this evening?” Mr. Jackson smiling profusely replied, “I love gospel music. “

“It is the music that I grew up with and have thoroughly enjoyed over and above all music.” He further commented, “The Gospel Stellar Awards is the only event that you will leave, not feeling the same way that you came.”

“It is one of the most inspiring musical events ever.”

He then proceeded to give her a strong embrace, as he continued towards the backdrop for perhaps one of his last photo opportunities.  

LaToya Jackson delivered a loving tribute to him. “I will always love you!” “You gave us strength, you made us one of the most famous families in the world. I am extremely appreciative of that, I will never forget our moments together and how you told me how much you cared.” 

Michael Jackson credited his father with making sure his children weren’t cheated by industry vultures, and noted that unlike some child stars, his parents didn’t take their children’s money to enrich themselves.

“I’d say we’re among a fortunate few artists who walked away from a childhood in the business with anything substantial — money, real estate, other investments. My father set all these up for us,” Jackson wrote in his 1988 autobiography. “But still I don’t know him, and that’s sad for a son who hungers to understand his own father. He’s still a mystery to me and may always be one.”

Joe Jackson has been buried in the same Southern California cemetery as his late son Michael. He was laid to rest on Monday in a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Thus saith the Lord; what right have you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth, seeing you hate instruction and cast My word behind you? You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother, you slander your own mother’s son. These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you and set them in order before your eyes. [Psalms 50].

Now consider this, you who have forgotten Me, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Turn from your wicked ways [2 Chronicles 7:14] while it is yet day and there is still time to repent, otherwise you will feel my wrath to the uttermost! On the outside you look righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. You snake, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape being condemned to hell? [Matthew 23:25-39]. Be zealous and repent NOW and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place. [Revelation 2:5].

I want you to know that the Word of God has very bad news for the wicked. God is angry with the wicked every day. If you do not turn back, He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready. He also prepares for Himself instruments of death; He makes His arrows into fiery shafts.  [Psalm 7: 11-13].  I tell you, you are just a step away from disaster! You best repent and repent NOW!

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you, life and death… therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live… [Deuteronomy 30:19].

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SACRAMENTO, CA— With the signing of the 2018-19 State Budget by Governor Brown, Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in the San Bernardino Community College District received $1 million to help launch the Advanced Manufacturing Futures Initiative. The partnership between Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D- San Bernardino), and the San Bernardino Community College District will help expand hands-on job training at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) to prepare students for the Inland Empire’s growing demand of qualified manufacturing and production sector workers.

“We have seen substantial increases in both demand and popularity for jobs in the manufacturing and production sector and I am elated to be partnering with San Bernardino Community College District to help provide training for our next generation of workers,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “In the Inland Empire alone, there are 17,500+ new manufacturing and production jobs projected by 2024 that will need skilled and trained workers and this program is just the start to meet those needs.” 

The initiative will provide students with modernized training in in-demand jobs that include electricians, welders, machinists, engineering technicians, chemical plant and system operators and mechanical drafters, among others. The current career options at SBVC will be enhanced by integrating the newest and state-of-the-art equipment, tools and software to aid in curricula for industry-recognized certificates and associate degrees that lead to “Pathway Occupations” that constitute manager and supervisorial roles that are offered through universities in the form of bachelor’s degrees.

“Thanks to Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes’ tireless leadership to elevate job training as a state budget priority, today our region took a major step forward in building a stronger workforce and stronger economy,” said San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Bruce Baron. “San Bernardino Valley College is now better positioned to provide students with leading-edge courses, and better positioned to support local businesses with a pipeline of workers who are job-ready and armed with in-demand skills.” 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SACRAMENTO, CA— Earlier this month, it was announced that the San Bernardino County Fire Department was being awarded $450,000 to purchase a new Type III Wildland Fire Engine. The decision to award the county fire department extra money to purchase the fire engine came from budget negotiations between Assemblymember Eloise Reyes (D-San Bernardino), the State Assembly and Governor Brown’s administration. 

The San Bernardino County Fire District, Serving the Cities of San Bernardino and Grand Terrace was in need to replace their aging Brush Engines. Brush Engines are first response units to San Bernardino and Grand Terrace as well as first response units to the State Responsibility Area’s (SRA) to protect life and infrastructure.

“We have seen a marked increase in the length as well as severity of our state’s fire season and our fire departments and first responders need to be equipped correctly and ready to respond at a moment’s notice,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “This Type III Fire Engine is one of the foundational pieces of our fire response infrastructure and ensures that our fire department can adequately respond when the need arises and that they can continue to serve the people of the 47^th Assembly District.”

San Bernardino, Grand Terrace and the surrounding cities and areas of the 47^th Assembly District are listed by Cal Fire as “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the LRA (Local Response Areas)”. Brush engines or Type III Engines are specialized units that have a short wheel-base and high clearance to operate in off road Areas such as the Santa Ana River, Waterman Canyon, the wildland urban interface in Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the SRA (State Responsibility Area’s). These units are also used in the states Master Mutual Aid Program.

Kikkoman

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Kikkoman, an unsigned rap artist out of Orlando, Florida, is WHAT IT DO! So, check it out folks!

I was totally shocked when my mother’s auntie told me that my little wousin was an upcoming rapper based out of Orlando. I was like “Nah, really?” and they were like, “Really!” So, I looked Kikkoman and found it be the truth. My little cousin got bars for days. I’m so excited and happy that he’s pursuing his dreams.

Kikkoman will be performing this coming Friday, July 6, right here in San Bernardino at the Re-Up Festival. The event is featuring top artist such as: Chief Keef, Casey Veggies, Audio Push, Lil Debbie, Uno the Activist and many more. Tickets can be purchased online. Check out Kikkoman’s bio below:

Kikkoman is an Orlando raised rapper and song writer with a diverse style to reflect his diverse roots. This Black and Japanese artist has a unique sound that is able to enhance any generation of music, whether it be hip-hop, dirty south, dubstep, commercial or rock. With his lyrical flow and conscience soul, Kikkoman can turn any song into his own.

He was born in Missouri in the 90’s. Briefly living in California and growing up in Florida has made him a music lover on all levels. Listening to entertainers which include DJ Quick, 50 Cent, 2Pac, Biggie, Bone Thugs and various other influential rappers, they have inspired him to take it to the next level.

Kikkoman has developed his own flavor. He made sure to focus on mixing and mastering a unique sound that no one in the music industry contains by adding a different twist. Kikkoman’s voice, marketable look and a stage presence will have you out your seats. He is something this industry desperately needs. So, let’s give the people what they’re waiting for! Kikkoman is Orlando’s next big Star.

Until next week! #Lueproductions

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— It has been seven months since marijuana has become legalized in California, as well as a few other states. Since it has been legal many have been joyous, while others have still been skeptical and have continued to raise questions and concerns. This is why it is important to have forums to accommodate people into better understanding the science and benefits behind cannabis. 

On Wednesday, June 27 at WeWork Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, modern-day political voice, cultural and legal expert, Dr. Christopher Metzler, participated in a one-on-one “Politics of Cannabis” discussion with Black Hollywood Live Executive Producer, Derrial Christon. Throughout the question and answer session they chatted on the medical, recreational and statutory components of cannabis. 

“[Tonight] is going to be a really good event,” Christon states on what attendees were in for. “Obviously the cannabis industry is booming and growing in several different markets It’s a money maker so people are now realizing that they need to label it differently than how it has been looked at before.”

The event was presented by Wise Owl Media Group and Jade Umbrella, and was very well attended. Attendees were able to mingle and network with each other, as well as partaking in sampling of Cannabis and hemp-infused food and drink supplements. 

“The people that are the closet to me are people in my family,” Dr. Metzler explains on what inspired him to get into the cannabis industry. “When I see family and friends suffering from illnesses and I see medication that is given to them that is not really helping but making the situation worst, I then have to look at what is freely available and what are the alternatives. I’ve done that and so I’m very very passionate about this topic.” 

In addition to educating the guests about Cannabis, the founders of MelixMJ also introduced their DNA kit. The Cannabis DNA report tests how genes influence Cannabis on one’s health through a saliva collection kit. Based upon individual results, certain products may be better tolerated or more effective for specific conditions. Genes help to determine how our bodies process and rest on cannabinoids and terpenes (different compounds in cannabis). This test is revolutionary for prescription of the right strain and right dose for flower, concentrates, edibles, topical, and THC to CBD ratios based upon one’s unique genetic expression.

This is just the first of many events that Dr.Metzler plans on doing. He will be rolling out more sessions across the country to start educating people about the benefits, science and how people can become more involved in the industry. 

If you missed the Los Angeles event, you can check out the interview below:

Stay connected @DrChrisMetzler on Twitter/Facebook/Twitter.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— You harlot…. you are just as treacherous as Israel sister Judah who went and played the whore. [Jeremiah 3:8-10]. I tell you, you are an embarrassment to God and the church.  You have trangressed against the Lord your God and have scattered your charms to alien deties under every green tree… says the Lord. [Jeremiah 3:8-13].

Tell me, what was the sin that got Sodom and Gomarrah utterly destroyed? What was the sin that got David’s kingdom taken away? What was the sin that led to Samson getting his eyes gauged out, put into prison, and then death? Tell me, what was it? You see, Jesus said in [Matthew 5:27-30] that, “You have heard that it was said, you shall not commit adultery; but I  [Jesus] says, that whosoever looks at a woman [man] with lust for her [him] has already committed adultery with them in their heart.

Listen, if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out an cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. [Matthew 5:27-30; Matthew 8: 8-9].

Understand that your eternal destiny hangs in the balance of whether you fight lust or settle down and live in it. I tell you, only if you repent, and show you’re repentance by brokeness, is there any hope that God can change you from what you are to what he desires for you to be.

Return, backslider, says the Lord; I will not cause My anger to fall on you for I am merciful, says the Lord; I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity “… for this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” [Ephesians 5: 3-6].

I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. [Galatians 5:16-17].

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—Rev. Shane Harris, a San Diego civil rights activist, is part of a group of clergies who have rallied in support of migrant families being detained at the southern border.  Harris staged a protest outside the Otay Mesa Detention Center on Friday, June 22. He will conduct a tour of the facility on Wednesday, June 27. 

Migrants have been coming to the United States, fleeing poverty and violence, for several decades, but the Trump administration recently instituted a new policy that separated parents from their children. About 3,000 families have been affected so far. 

Former Immigration and Naturalization Service INS which is now known as ICE agent Damon Alexander said this is not a new issue. He saw the same situation when he was working for the agency in the 1990s. In those days, people were fleeing political violence in Honduras. 

“Back then it was the death squads,” he said. 

What’s different is the amount of media attention. Alexander also pointed out that if you are fleeing violence you can apply for political asylum, but that depends on the criteria of the country, the attorney general at the time and the president. 

Alexander emphasized that it was a crime to enter the country without using legal means. If you do so, you are subject to arrest and could be separated from children, like American citizens who break the law, he said. However, he was surprised that deported migrants were not kept with their children. 

According to Harris, this is a moral issue. He said the policy of separating children from their parents was not “biblical.”

“It is biblically and morally wrong,” said Harris. 

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who spoke forcibly for family separation, has been criticized by his own United Methodist Church, who has accused him of aiding “child abuse.”

Although the Trump administration has backed down and said it would reunite the families, it hasn’t said how and when it would do this. 

Many Americans have been shocked at the administration’s family separation policy, but this isn’t the first time this has happened. In the past, enslaved Africans were sold as property and torn from their children. And during the early part of the 20th century Native Americans children were taken from their families, and placed with white families who gave them Anglo names and forbade them from speaking their languages. (This process was supposed to help them better integrate into society.) 

During World War II, Japanese American families were interned in prison camps, because the nation questioned their loyalty. Also, the War on Drugs, which is still on going, separated thousands of black men and women from their children.

Harris added that the treatment of migrants was an issue that should concern the African-American community. The Trump administration has been hostile to minority groups, he said. He added that the administration planned to deport Haitians migrants who had been allowed to stay in the country as part of a refugee program. The Trump administration has announced that Temporary Protected Status designation officially ends in July 2019.

“This administration is rewinding the clock,” he said. “We should stand with them (migrants.)”

Harris thinks Trump implemented the policy because he saw it as an issue Republicans could run on in the 2018 midterm elections. And it seems to be working with hard-core Trump supporters. The New York Times reported 90 percent of Republicans to have a favorable view of Trump. 

According to Harris, this can serve as a lesson for liberal Democrats. 

“If Democrats want to win in 2018, they need to stop saying ‘I’m surprised,'” said Harris. “He’s (Trump) playing to his base,” said Harris.