WSSN Stories

Last year’s winner

By Lue Dowdy

Big Beautiful Women is WHAT IT DO! Who will be crowned Miss B.B.W. 2018?

LUE Productions will be hosting its 2^nd BBW (Big Beautiful Women) Model Competition and Fashion Show and Fundraiser. It will be a night of girl power at its finest! Come out and enjoy an evening filled with live performances, fashion, featured designers, music, food, vendors, raffles, and more.

The Winner of the competition will walk away with the following: $500 in cash, a crown, a trophy, a photoshoot, a newspaper/magazine feature, hosting gigs, and exposure/promo for a year or more. That winner could be you! To register, the fee is $50 before January 1, $100 after February 1, and $150 after April 1.

To be considered as a contestant you must be a size 14 and up, be 18 years or older, must be willing to participate in all activities surrounding the promotion and success of the event, and must register no later than May 1. To register, please text (909) 567-1000, (909) 556-7637, or (714) 833-3196. Once we receive your registration fee, the application will be emailed to you requesting the following: 2 headshots and 1 full body shot.

By Ralph Martire

To stimulate the U.S. economy to “levels you haven’t seen in many years”— President Trump is proposing to cut federal income taxes, for most folks in general, but predominately for really affluent families and mega-corporations. His proposal is so skewed to the wealthy that over the next 10 years, more than half of his multi-trillion-dollar tax cut will go to the wealthiest one percent. Big business does well too, gaining an estimated $4.1 trillion tax cut during the next decade. And that’s not the only justification offered for the president’s full-on, supply-side, tax cut. According to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), this tax cut will “create so much economic growth, it [will] begin to pay down the nation’s debt.” Which sounds too good to be true—because it is.

By now, every American who is objective or can-do math should know that the proposed supply-side tax cuts won’t work as promised. Why expect certain failure? First and foremost is something called “history.” Supply-side tax cuts have never worked as promised. Never. Second, focusing tax cuts on affluent individuals and corporations is not an effective way to stimulate private sector job growth—which pretty much explains why history has proven supply-side economic theory is bogus.

Start with history first. Top federal income tax rates for individuals were very high from the end of World War II through 1980—ranging from 90 to 72 percent. During that sequence, the U.S. economy grew at an average rate of 3.8 percent per year, in real, inflation-adjusted terms. Meanwhile income distribution slightly favored the top, with the wealthiest 10 percent realizing roughly 34 percent of all growth in income over that period, leaving 66 percent of income growth for the bottom 90 percent in earnings to share. Still, these were pretty good times, that included a strong middle class and real income growth for all earners.

Then came supply-side under President Reagan, who cut the top marginal income tax rate from north of 70 percent to 38.5 percent in 1981. President George W. Bush then cut the top rate down to 35 percent in 2001, while also cutting capital gains and dividend tax rates, which all primarily benefited the most affluent. That’s nearly four decades of supply-side. And the results ain’t pretty. In fact, average U.S. economic growth from the Reagan Administration through the end of George W. Bush’s second term was 2.8 percent annually after inflation. That’s one full percentage point lower than during the previous, high-tax era, and translates to about $150 billion less in annual economic activity. There was never any trickle-down effect. Meanwhile, income inequality became much worse, with more than all real growth in income going to the wealthiest 10 percent. Everyone else earned less after inflation in 2007 than in 1980. And because the promised economic growth never materialized, federal deficits exploded. 

Which should surprise no one, because tax cuts mostly benefiting businesses and affluent families can’t be expected to stimulate job growth. Here’s why: the economy is primarily, as in around 68 percent, consumer spending. Tax cuts for affluent folks won’t generate much new consumer spending—because individuals at the top of the ladder already have rapidly growing real incomes. In economic terms, they have a low “marginal propensity to consume,” that is, they are unlikely to spend any tax relief they get. No bump in consumer spending, no job growth. 

Business tax cuts also don’t incentivize job creation, because businesses only hire more workers when they actually need additional capacity to satisfy growing demand for whatever they sell. It makes no sense for a business to utilize tax relief to hire folks if there’s no work for them to do. Excess capacity is wasteful, and cuts profits. 

Which means there’s literally no reason to believe President Trump’s proposed tax cuts will stimulate the economy, and every reason to believe they’ll grow the national deficit.

Ralph Martire is executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, a bipartisan fiscal policy think tank.  

Naomi K. Bonman

LOS ANGELES, CA- Taking the Exquisite Podcast Radio Network to the next level will require demonstrations and leadership from a professional journalist that has been hosting her podcast radio network show “Purposely Awakened Radio” on EPRN. Ms. Naomi K. Bonman is a talented journalist and entrepreneur with an eye for design, ear for entertainment, and she’s committed to bringing insightful news to communities. Bonman is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University.

As President of West Coast Operations for the Exquisite Podcast Radio Network, division of Exquisite Conglomerate Communications LLC, Naomi will be in charge of ramping up the network show lineup along the West Coast. Currently there are 3 network shows that have been activated in California, and with Ms. Bonman’s direction EPRN will be looking to increase that number to more than 25 over the course of the next six to eight months.

The Exquisite Podcast Radio Network is looking to not only launch new shows in California, but they are also looking to reach audiences in Nevada, Washington, Oregon, as well as cities in western Canada. Ms. Bonman’s EPRN show “Purposely Awakened Radio” will be the flagship show for the Exquisite Podcast Radio Network on the West Coast.

EPRN is a unique podcast radio network that trains, develops, markets, and distributes content for aspiring podcasters and radio personalities. Since the 1st quarter of 2017, the network has taken off and can now be heard in more than 250 cities worldwide. Listeners can log onto the Exquisite Podcast Radio Network at www.eprn.us and listen to more than 20 shows with over 300 episodes of original content.

By Lue Dowdy

LadyMV and RoyalRose Winter FASHION SHOW is WHAT IT DO. This Sunday, November 26, Lady MV is celebrating fun,  figured women during the month of November.

I’m calling all my fashionista’s who are looking for something fun to do after Turkey day. Yolanda Magnum and ‘NeNe’, CEO and Founder of LadyMV and RoyalRose Clothing, along with her entire team are ready to serve it up on the runway.

Beautiful models of all shapes and sizes from all over will be showcasing collections by talented fashion designers.

Lady MV Winter Fashion Show will consist of cocktails, networking, and special guest appearances from Love And Hip Hollywood stars Masika and Moniece and live performances.

Make sure you get your ticket for this EPIC EVENT. Please visit their facebook for more details. Until next week L’s!

By Rebecca Shapiro, Huffington Post

Another star was born Sunday night when Diana Ross turned her American Music Awards performance into a family affair.

The icon accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award surrounded by her family, and she even invited her grandchildren on stage to dance as she sang, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” during a stellar performance.

It didn’t take long for audience members at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and those sitting at home, to notice Ross’ grandson dancing his heart out.

Ross’ grandson also hugged the singer when she accepted her award, saying into the microphone, “I’m so proud of you!” He later closed out the awards show by taking another moment to tell his grandmother that he was proud of her, and to let the crowd know that he loved them too.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- As millions of travelers flood the roads this Thanksgiving, the San Bernardino Police Department is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and law enforcement across the state to share an important lifesaving reminder: Buckle Up–Every Trip. Every Time. San Bernardino Police Department will be conducting driver safety operations throughout the Thanksgiving holiday season.

During the 2015 Thanksgiving weekend, 301 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, and 53 percent were not wearing seat belts at the time of the fatal crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  California accounted for 42 of those fatalities.  Nighttime proved even more deadly, with 57 percent of Thanksgiving weekend crashes occurring at night nationally.  Much like drunk driving, these deaths represent needless tragedies for families across America.  Many of these deaths could have been completely prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.

Year after year, families are devastated when news arrives that a loved one is killed on their way to Thanksgiving festivities. These stories are just unacceptable when over 50 percent of the deaths involve an unrestrained occupant.  Especially when it’s known that seat belt use is one of the simplest ways to stay safe while riding in a vehicle.

NHTSA estimates that proper seat belt use reduces the risk of fatal and serious injuries. In 2015, approximately 13,941 people survived crashes because they were buckled up.  If everyone had worn their seat belts that year, an additional 2,804 lives could have been saved.  NHTSA’s research also reveals that males are more likely to be unbuckled than females in a fatal crash, and that younger drivers are also at greater risk of being unbuckled.

San Bernardino PD’s goal for the ‘Buckle Up—Every Trip. Every Time.’ seat belt awareness campaign is to save lives.  This campaign reminds Thanksgiving travelers, and all drivers, about the importance of buckling up–every trip, every time.  Thanksgiving should be a happy time, not a tragic one.

Additionally, OTS statewide data reveals that of the 42 killed during the Thanksgiving weekend, 18 were alcohol involved deaths. While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, The San Bernardino Police Department supports the new effort from OTS that aims to drive awareness that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Prescription medications and marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest. 

Never drink and drive and whether you’re a passenger or the driver, riding long distances or short, buckle your seat belt.  Doing so ensures everyone arrives safely to their Thanksgiving destinations.  Remember: Buckle Up–Every Trip. Every Time.

Terrence Roberts, PhD, Keynote Speaker, Race & Racism, Redlands 1st United Methodist Church. (Photo credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)

By John Coleman

REDLANDS, CA- United Methodist Church in Redlands led an interesting discussion on Race in America, which was held on Wednesday, November 8. Terrence Roberts led the discussion with a presentation about his early childhood years as a Black child growing up in America. He recalled being scarcely aware of the hurtful attitudes and behaviors of White people towards Black people. He felt safe within this home where he ran and played and enjoyed the joys that childhood had to offer. Early on as a child he was taught to be good, develop a strong internal sense of himself, and to get a good education.

However, outside of the home it was a different story. Roberts became aware of difficulties for Black people surviving in in a racist, legally structured system and in state like Mississippi or Arkansas, where laws are written by White people for enforcement on Blacks, such as the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision, known as “Separate but Equal,” while only a few men who wrote the U.S. Constitution were slave holders, all firmly believed in the superiority of European people over all others. This all began almost from the earliest years of the European invasions of the America more than 330 years ago.

Dr. Roberts proceeded to note post WWII changes in society that began to affect or address concepts of race or racism in the structure of life in America.

In his school years, Roberts began attending the public schools of Little Rock, Arkansas, which under Arkansas laws required Black students to attend public schools that were separate from, but failing to be equal to public schools attended by white students.  This situation was well recognized and sometimes contested by Black people in Arkansas.  White parents and their children were less aware, concerned, or opposed.

In 1954, The U.S. Supreme Court reversed the 1896 “Plessy v Fergusson”  (Separate But Equal) Decision, with the “Brown v. Topeka Board of Education” Decision & ruled that separation (segregation) was inherently unequal, and thus in violation of the US Constitution. White parents, students, school officials, community leaders, and white society-at-large were outraged and organized opposition efforts.

Black students in still segregated Arkansas public schools organized and attempted to enroll in Little Rock High School. Over 300 teen-agers volunteered to participate, but only nine (9) were selected.

Arkansas Governor, Orval Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the students from their attending LRHS, but U.S. President Eisenhower nationalized the Guard and ordered them & USArmy  soldiers to protect the students’ constitutional rights. A soldier was assigned to protect each student, day and night, but abuse and mistreatment continued all year.

Terrence Roberts, then 13-years-old, was among the selected students who became known as the “Little Rock Nine.”  They were confronted by hostile, and violent crowds before and after school all year and behind the scenes in-school hostility and abuse from white students also persisted. However, Roberts commended quiet support and aid from White heroes, students and teachers, who were targeted, threatened and abused if they appeared to encourage and/or support the “Little Rock Nine.”  He specially appreciated the white student who defying white hysteria shared her textbooks, notes, and other class materials with him after his were ripped from him and destroyed.

Parents lost their jobs.  They and many others in the Black community suffered injury and other loss. Many others who carried the de-segregation campaign across America, like the “Little Rock Nine,” were teenage youth and their parents.

Governor Faubus cancelled all Arkansas high schools for the 1958-59 school year.

Terrence Roberts’ family moved to California where he completed high school,  earned a BA from Cal State University, LA; a Masters in Social Work from USC, and his  PhD from Southern Illinois University.   (This “Boy”  really ‘got’ his education!)

Hip-Hop artist T.I.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The SoCal Harvest Cup kicked off on Saturday, November 11 at the National Orange Show Events Center, in San Bernardino. The event was presented by THC Design and Brass Knuckles.

From booths offering free dabs and samples at every corner to all the different activations and seminars, there was something for every type of cannabis consumer. As guests entered through the gates, they were welcomed with bags of bud to fulfil their cannabis appetites.

Magical Butter‘s Top Cannabis Chef competition kicked off at 1:30 p.m. with chefs duking it out in the preliminary rounds of competition. The art of trimming was also on display at the THC Design booth, along with Shards of excellence.

High Times’ Senior Cultivation Editor Danny Danko hosted his “Free Weed” cultivation seminar followed by several music acts that hot the stage, which kicked off with Berner. Following him included: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, who truly brought the funk; Naughty By Nature who packed in the crowd; Lil Dickey; and T.I. who closed out the night by bringing down the house.

By Lue Dowdy

Bringing awareness about violence through music is WHAT IT DO! Violence is everywhere. You see it when you turn on the television and when you walk or drive through certain neighborhoods. So why does it have to be in the schools? School should be one of the safest places for our youth. They should be worried about graduating or who they should ask out to prom. Our youth should not have to worry about SAFETY while learning.

Shout out to R&B artist, Yung Muusik, for having a heart to help our youth by putting on a concert in the City of Adelanto. The focus is to bring people together and this is an all age event. feel free to bring out your family for a day of fun and MUSIC. Edwin Johnson of Chord Youth Enrichment Program will be the guest speaker of the evening. The concert will feature performances by local artist such as: Gaim Ov3r, Yung Muusik, Jada J., Princess Anyia, and more.

There will be activities and free giveaways for families. The concert will take place on Saturday, November 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of the Lord Baptist Church located at 17911 Permain Street in Adelanto. Let’s do our best to spread love and not hate.

Until next week L’z!

Kim Carter

The EBONY Power 100 is compiled by the editors of EBONY magazine. Each selection is considered a leader in his or her field. Over the past year, these individuals have had a positive impact on the African-American community. They are game changers in their respective fields and have consistently challenged the status quo. The Star-Studded list of other honorees includes people like Oprah Winfrey, R & B legend Rihanna and U.S. Senator Kamala Harris to name a few. Kim Carter is being honored as one of the “Community Crusaders” reflecting a collective of liberators and leaders who affirm the lives of the misrepresented, no matter race, gender or creed. Through philanthropic efforts and activism, these honorees galvanize and nurture our communities with the mission of ensuring liberty and justice for all.

Kim Carter founded the Time for Change Foundation in 2002, helping homeless women and children reach self-sufficiency. Today, she is a powerful leader transforming the lives of those impacted by poverty and incarceration. Kim’s innovation created a plethora of evidence-based program models, including 2 shelters, 13 permanent supportive housing units and developing her first affordable housing project, The Phoenix Square.   Today, the organization’s impact and model is being replicated in 2 different states and the Bay Area.

As a policy fellow, she learned how to navigate the political system and influence policy and laws to advance her cause. Using her past experiences with incarceration and homelessness as the fuel to drive her passion, she has excelled as a notable leader. Through her Center for Housing Advancement & Motivational Projects LLC she does consulting and motivational speaking across the country.   Many call Kim the “Real Deal” because she is a powerful voice for change with dynamic skills that propel others to stand up and take action.

The Ebony Power 100 list features men and women who are truly making a difference in their communities and the world through their work, talent and influence,” says Nationwide Chief Administrative Officer Gale King. “Nationwide congratulates this year’s distinguished honorees and looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments and contributions at this year’s gala.

“My purpose is to do what seems impossible, like ending homelessness and developing leaders from  those that are most impacted by negative social conditions,” says Kim Carter. “Harriet Tubman didn’t quit when she found freedom, she went on to free thousands of slaves… that’s my SHERO!”