WSSN Stories

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Well, you asked for it! Fate it will be: your destiny, Death says the Lord. “For when I invited you, you ignored me; when I spoke to you, you brushed me off. You did the very things I exposed as evil; you chose what I hate.” Therefore, I will put you to death… “[Isaiah 65:12-15] [Psalms 50:22]. Prepare to meet your God!

Listen, life is filled with boundaries. The government places boundaries on our lives through various laws and regulations.  Society places boundaries on our lives by telling what most people feel constitutes acceptable behavior.  Religion places boundaries upon the lives of people by telling them what they can and cannot do.  Even churches have certain standards which they expect people who attend to observe.  The list could literally go on forever, but the truth of the matter is this: everywhere you go in this world, you are confronted with boundaries, and when a boundary is crossed, usually a penalty is incurred.  If you violate the laws of the land and get caught, there is a price to pay.  If you step over the boundaries imposed by society or religion, you may be ostracized by the group. The same is true when it comes to God.  When you step over God’s boundaries, there is always a price to pay. Case in point, Lucifer was proud and because of that God hurled him from heaven down to the earth because he crossed God’s boundary of obedience into the territory of disobedience.  [Revelations 12:7-9]. Adam and Eve had one boundary in the Garden of Eden: abstain from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but they chose to overstep the boundary. They crossed the boundary and the result was the introduction of sin, disease, violence, greed, pain and death into our world. [Genesis 3:14-19] [Romans 5:12].  Not to mention Eli’s sons who crossed the boundary of morality. They slept with the women who came to sacrifice at the altar. They therefore met untimely and tragic deaths [1 Samuel 2:12-36]. And Jonadad, who advised and encouraged his friend and cousin Amnon to commit incest by sleeping with his own sister. After committing incest with Tamar, Amnon turned to hate her and chased her away, later Amnon was murdered. [2 Samuel 13: 1-39]. Ham who saw his father Noah’s nakedness, Noah was displeased and rained curses on him [Genesis 9:18-25]. The problem is we’ve been deceived into believing that the boundaries don’t matter.  But here is the deal, if God is truth and he speaks the truth, then what he says matters.   Stepping beyond the boundary stones is not wise.

Listen, God has set certain boundaries in His Word.  Those who cross God’s boundaries will find that there is no hope, no forgiveness and nothing to look forward to but His judgment.  But, it doesn’t have to be that way!  The Lord stands ready right now to forgive all those who will come to Him in humble repentance, [1 John 1:9]. Come to the Lord today and get things right with Him.   Don’t cross that line!  If you do, you will regret it for all eternity! Come while He may be found.  You see a crooked generation is a lost generation. We are told that Peter warned them. We are told that he pleaded with them to save themselves. In other words they were in terrible danger and they couldn’t see it, and so he had to warn them and beseech them to see their plight. “Don’t ignore what I have said to you. The wages of sin is death!” Won’t you respond as the 3,000 men responded who were listening to Peter? They understood what he was saying, and they agreed with his diagnosis of their condition. They nodded their heads silently. They said ‘Amen’ in their hearts. They acknowledged their corruption and that their only Savior was Jesus Christ. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you too will be saved.

[Jeremiah 26:4-6]

“And you will say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD, “If you will not listen to Me, to walk in My law which I have set before you, to listen to the words of My servants the prophets, whom I have been sending to you again and again, but you have not listened; then I will make this house like Shiloh, and this city I will make a curse to all the nations of the earth.”

 [Deuteronomy 30: 19] “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live…”

By Naomi K. Bonman

After being exhausted from all the happy hour and per usual networking events at restaurants and local clubs, entrepreneurs and Clark Atlanta University alumni, Shanelle Williams and Kareem Taylor wanted to create something different where other Black entrepreneurs and professionals could come together in an adventurous and fun environment, which is how the Encounter Camp was launched.

“My goal is simple,” Williams, CEO at True Splendor Events and Encounter Co-Founder, explains. “I want to create events and experiences that inspire and change people. I want to create a safe place for people to come and share their fears and their thoughts, and those things they’ve been struggling with but leave refreshed and inspired, and renewed to go out into the world and make a difference.”

And that is exactly what the Encounter Camp offered—refreshment, rejuvenation, and inspiration! The camp was held at the beautiful Pali Retreat in the San Bernardino Mountains from Friday, August 25 to Sunday, August 27. Attendees had a full-fun weekend that consisted of workshops, early morning yoga, dance classes, s’mores around a campfire, and archery. Dance classes were taught by Los Angeles based Choreographer, Luckie, who is known from Oxygen’s hit show “Dance Your A** Off.”

“It was very powerful experience,” Dwight Williams, Art Director from Los Angeles, stated regarding his experience at Encounter Camp. “It was definitely life-changing and reaffirming. It’s for those who want to get away and want to grow. I had a wonderful time with great people, great views, and the facilities were clean. What set it apart was the structure, friendliness, speakers, activities, down to the food and the snacks. It was very well organized.”   

Bummed that you missed out? Well, there are already talks about the next Encounter Camp so make sure you follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @EncounterSoCal or visit www.encountercamp.com and sign up on the email list to stay updated!

By Lue Dowdy

Winner of LUE Productions 2017 B.S.M. Competition, Clyde Gatewood, is What It Do! History was made! It was a packed house and something different. LUE Productions was able to pull off the 1^st Big and Sexy Men Competition in the Inland Empire. The event was created to bring focus to the plus-size community and to show that sexiness and confidence comes in all shapes and sizes. Body shaming in my opinion is another form of bullying and it needs to STOP! No longer do you have to be a size 0 or 4 to be considered beautiful or handsome.

The event was held at the Women’s Club of San Bernardino on Sunday, August 27 where a total of four handsome men competed for a crown, trophy, and $500 cash. It wasn’t easy! Each had to endure rehearsals, multiple photoshoots, and more in preparation for the competition.

The categories consisted of four sections: Boss Look, Summer Nights, Free Style, and Questions. Contestants were also judged on their group opening performance and individual performances. We had the pleasure of having VIC Camp, former Miss California Lea Freeman, Celebrity Hair Stylist Brittney Shearz, and Gina Carter as our panel of judges. Alfred Parker, Michelangelo, Clyde Gatewood, and Maurice Cunningham did a fabulous job from beginning to end. The ladies loved them!

The evening was hosted by Petti Model Krystal Yvonne and very funny Comedian Tamiko Kirkland. The audience could not stop laughing with Tamiko’s hilarious jokes. We continued on with our mini BBW fashion show featuring DIVA’s Outlaw Fashions provided by Mrs. ‘Riisha Shelby. The pieces provided by DIVA’s Outlaw Fashions were smoking hot and gorgeous. R&B Singer Annyett Royale blessed our ear gates and DJ UpperKutt kept it live on the turn tables. Food was catered by PitStop BBQ and the moments captured on film by ILondon Fog and F.W. Photography. Special thanks to all our volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and supporters. We could not have done it without you all.

Make sure to follow LUE Productions on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, IG, and Snapchat for upcoming events. Donations are welcome and can be made via PayPal under Lue.info@yahoo.com. Remember to always love the skin you’re in! Until next week L’z!

Publishers Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

As we are mesmerized by the video visuals of the tragedy in Texas, we are also driven to tears of pride as we witness the heroic response from plain folk volunteers.  The expected first responders are needed and extremely appreciated; however, the truth is that the real first responders are often potential victims that were prepared for an unexpected emergency. The clean water and plastic bags for personal waste go a long way when strangers are herded to a safe-from-danger-spot that has room, but no accommodations for a large gathering of people. Shelters are temporary spaces, such as churches, schools and stadiums that are seldom, if ever, able to accommodate at any level of comfort.

We have seen the Texas tragedy cause people to open their homes to strangers! That is a great storyline that will probably soon be countered by stories exemplifying the other side of human nature.  There will be examples of real looting, not just the “emergency borrowing” that some did survive. There will be stories about folks who were ridiculed by people who could have helped. 

The rain is moving out of Texas into neighboring states where it will eventually normalize. Texans and the nation will feel the ripple effect of the human toll of death and property loss for years! Recovery from the coming health issues will be countered by “economic opportunity”. There will be growth and development, but the memories of pain will remain throughout the lives of some.

I pray that this evidence of unexpected devastation will cause more people to realize the importance of each other! There may come a time of tragedy when the people that you disagree with will be the same people that you will be depending on for help.

We do not have to agree with each other about how we got here, but we do need to respect the fact that we are here together!  Friends do not have to agree, they should only be friendly!

By Naomi K. Bonman

Freestyle is culture. Free style is art. And art and culture is Hip-Hop. On Tuesday, August 29, at Play House Nightclub in Hollywood, eight freestyle rappers from across the Nation battled it out at Verizon’s #freestyle50 challenge where they competed for a debut produced by London On Da Track, an opening slot in the upcoming 300 Artist Development Tour, and $10,000. The challenge was hosted by Sway Calloway (former MTV VJ) and Smack White. Nine were chosen from over 9,000 entries submitted through Instagram and Twitter. However, out of the nine finalists only eight performed, due to one being from Houston and having to deal with unfortunate weather conditions which prevented him from attending the finals.

“We’re looking for energy,” London On Da Track stated when asked what skill set that the judges would be looking for. Producer Kevin Liles added to the statement, “Two words, Beast Mode.”

And that is what the finalist brought, energy! The energy was felt throughout the club in the battle between the last two standing, Damond Blue and Y.K Supe went head to head for the grand prize. It was a close call with both rappers staying on cue with a smooth style. Y.K Supe from Chicago took home the grand prize.

The judges of the night included Tuma Basa, Spotify; Carl Chery (Apple Music); and Big Boy, radio host and actor. Other special guests that were in the house and that performed was rising stars Tee Grizzley, OMB Peezy, Cyhi the Prince. Last year’s winner, Tre Da Kid also came on stage and did a quick freestyle. He recently released his debut single, “Run it” which has over one million streams on music streaming platforms. World Renowned Hip-Hop artist, Redman, made a surprise debut and hyped the crowd up before the last two finalists took the stage for the prize.

#freestyle50 was inspired by Verizon’s 8GB for $50 prepaid offer available exclusively at Walmart.

Photo highlights (Photo Credit: Kristina Dixon/11:One Visuals) 

Dr. Francis Bandoh-Aidoo

Dr. Francis Bandoh-Aidoo was born in Bekwai (Ashanti), Ghana of Ghanaian parents. He lost his parents at an early age and was raised by his grandmother and aunt. His parents were highly educated and therefore he aspired to be the best he could be in life. He was destined for greatness, faithfully serving the Lord and being lead by the Holy Spirit to make decisive decisions. Ranking high in exams in high school and college were some achievements he spoke about. Obtaining his first job in Ghana as an accountant was thrilling for him for he had gained experience working amongst people. He often spoke of his beloved siblings, whom he learned from. A very unique man was Dr. Aidoo. It was hard for us to grasp where he was coming from at times because of his excellency and being a disciplined individual. We had to accept the fact that he was a strict man who wanted the best for his family, so he did things his way.

Upon leaving Ghana in his early twenties, he took a big leap to move to England to pursue his education as a certified public accountant. He also studied law and received different credentials in business.While studying in London, he met his wife who was a nursing student. It was a real love story for them, for they fell in love, got married and had two children. He started working for a company, importing and exporting goods. That was part of his business experience.  Dr. Aidoo wanted to do more with his knowledge, and that’s when he moved to the United States. He believed the United States to be the land of opportunity. Years later, his wife conceived their third child. He had a creative idea of manufacturing hair care products because of people’s need for solutions to receding hair lines and hair breakage problems. He made products for all hair types. The products had now become a company. First it was known as Afriq A Fro, then Ancestral Hair Care Products, and now Aidoo Aid. He researched enzymes and alkaloids and how they could be used to effectively help hair grow. He started his trial and testing procedures with two adopted brothers Peter and Rocco Guerriero. Together, they never thought he would fail and encouraged his courageous reputation. To this day, that teamwork legacy constructively stands for Dr. Aidoo’s legacy to be embarked. His coworkers and family continue to believe in his vision of promoting his hair products. His children will inherit his company with dignity and respect of attaining what Dr. Aidoo so valued.

This is a short summary of this wonderful and clever man whose life was of the essence. He was an interesting individual and his family believes his legacy will live on. We love you and will miss you Dr. Aidoo.Thank you for reminding us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens you, so do it!

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

What an insult to God…  God has set you free, why in the heck would you submit again to a yoke of slavery? Why? Because it feels good! Hell, sin always feels good in the moment, but did you know that “Sin will always cost you more than you intended to pay. That it will take you further than you intended to go; and it will keep you longer than you intended to stay.” Just look at you now, “Shackled by sin.” Sin is divisive, deceptive, destructive, and deadly [leads to death, destruction and damnation].  Listen you cannot eat at the Devil’s table without getting food poisoning.  You cannot warm yourself at the Devil’s fire without getting burned.  Satan shows you the neon lights of Sin City, but he doesn’t show you the graveyard.  Consider the words of [Proverb 20:17]… “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.”  “What you pay for sin in cents, it will cost you in dollars.” Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for being… captive to sin.” [Acts 8:22-23].

Consider Judas’s final hours after giving the devil place in his life [Matt 27:3-10; Acts 1:18]. Consider Eve, after she took a little bite [Genesis 3:6].  Consider Lot’s wife after she took a little look [Genesis 19:26]. Consider Uzzah who took a little touch [1 Chronicles 13:10].  Consider Ananias and Sapphira who told a little lie [Acts 5:3].  Consider Samson [Judges 16:20] and Saul [1 Samuel. 16:14] whom the Lord’s presence departed because of sin. Do not allow sin to destroy you! Avoid it at all cost!  “Break every chain!”  Walk in the freedom you have been given. Mimic Paul approach to sin:  “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” [I Corinthians 6:12]. Jesus said that He has come to set the captives free. Sin doesn’t have the power to hold you prisoner. God has broken the chains. It’s what Jesus had in mind when he cried those last words on the cross: “It is finished!” So, do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”[Romans 12:2] The power to break free from the chains of sin – the power that God has already provided – is already available to you, right now. God’s will is for you to overcome.  “…stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” [Galatians 5:1]

The NAACP, the nation’s oldest social justice organization, released this statement following the removal of Senior White House Strategist and known white supremacist Steve Bannon from President Trump’s administration. 

“The NAACP is glad to see Steve Bannon out of the White House,” said Derrick Johnson, interim president and CEO of the NAACP. “Ousting one key staffer, however, can’t erase the words used by President Trump this week in defense of domestic terrorists, neo-Nazis and white supremacists. President Trump provided permission for these hate groups to exist. Following the travesty in Charlottesville, Virginia, numerous other rallies and white supremacist groups are being mobilized across the country. These groups are not rallying for peace, or for the preservation of Confederate memorabilia. They exist purely to foment hatred and violence. And they march with the president’s blessing.

“President Trump must denounce in words and in deeds these white supremacists and urge them to stop their senseless rallies and killings and unlawful demonstrations. We further call upon the President to remove the people who share Steve Bannon’s poisonous beliefs from the White House, including Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka. President Trump needs to send a clear message to our great country: That his administration disavows bigotry in all of its forms, and that racist ideologies simply will not be tolerated.”

RIVERSIDE, CA- – The first economic forecast conference focusing directly on the San Bernardino County economy took place August 17, hosted by the UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development.  The event was intended to shine an analytic light on the county’s ongoing growth and bring together local policy and business leaders to discuss creative strategies for the region’s continued economic development.

Although the pace of job growth has slowed, the county is still adding jobs at a faster rate than the U.S. In addition to traditional regional industries such as transportation and logistics, local industries that have gained include education services, real estate, and notably, manufacturing, which bucked national and state trends of very low or no growth.

Key Findings for San Bernardino County:

• In 2016, the pace of job growth in San Bernardino County slowed. While last year’s growth rate of 2.3 percent was respectable, it fell short of previous years (’14: 4.9 percent, ’15: 4.7 percent), although the county grew at a faster pace than the U.S. as a whole (1.9 percent)
• The County outpaced the U.S. which grew by just 1.9 percent, but underperformed relative to California as a whole and nearby Southern California counties: Riverside County grew by 5 percent last year, and California and other Southern California counties grew between 2.4 percent to 2.7 percent.
• While transportation and logistics registered an impressive 9.2 percent job gain as expected, there were welcome gains in Education Services, up 8.4 percent from 2015 to 2016, and real estate, up 6.5 percent. 

The housing market in San Bernardino County continued to improve in early 2017, with the median home price up by more than 8 percent in the second quarter of this year, at nearly $290,000. Meanwhile, permits for single-family homes in the first half of this year were up by one-third over last year (32.9 percent from first half of ’16 to first half of ’17).

The Center for Economic Forecasting and Development at UCR School of Business opened its doors two years ago and has been producing a wide variety of economic analysis ranging from revenue forecasts to gross metropolitan product reports.

La June Montgomery Tabron

By La June Montgomery Taborn, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Prior to the displays of hatred and the tragic loss of Heather Heyer, a young woman who seemingly embraced the virtues of healing, a transformation was taking place in Charlottesville, Virginia. This college town, where roughly 80 percent of the residents are white, culminated a lawful process in February when its City Council voted to remove the statue of Robert E. Lee from a city park. 

Passionate acts came from opposing sides, as opponents filed suit to stop the removal and the city changed the name of Lee Park to Emancipation Park. But there was honest dialogue and truth-telling, the ingredients for healing. Neighbors learned more about one another, their culture and motivations. But the progress was derailed.

The protesters who converged in Charlottesville were largely white men often perceived as privileged in our society, and among their slogans was “We will not be replaced” by immigrants, blacks, Jews, or homosexuals.  Instead of feeling empowered, they were threatened and seemed in pain. Their hearts and minds needed healing.

But racial healing doesn’t begin until you intentionally, respectfully and patiently uncover shared truths, as Charlottesville residents had begun to do before the violence and turmoil. Shared truths are not simply the removal of physical symbols, like monuments. While it may begin to change narratives, it doesn’t reach the level of healing that jettisons racism from the land or creates equitable communities. Racism has persevered because remedies ranging from public accommodation laws to Supreme Court rulings are limited in scope and reach: They fail to change hearts and minds.  

A new approach is needed that penetrates the full consciousness of our society, draws in all communities and focuses on racial healing and truth-telling.

Racial healing can facilitate trust and authentic relationships that bridge vast divides created by race, religion, ethnicity and economic status. Once the truths are shared, racism is acknowledged and hearts begin to mend, only then will communities begin to heal the wounds of the past and together move forward to address the bias in employment, education, housing and health that causes widespread disparities, and denies opportunities to our children.

To be sure, racial healing is predicated not just on an emotional encounter, such as saying, ‘you’re sorry,’ rather it’s predicated on a truth-telling. But who’s truth? We all have our own truth and we need collective conversations to help us in reaching a common truth and a vision for the future, based on what we decide together. 

And while sharing each of our individual truths requires sharing stories, reaching a common truth is more than a blending of stories. It’s about co-creating a common set of morals, principles, wisdom and guidance that is written on our hearts, captured in our faith and in how we treat each other as human beings. It is developed by all of us in the courtyard, in town halls, in living rooms with family and neighbors, all in the crucible of human goodness. That’s where we develop “the” truth. 

At the W. K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), we promote racial healing because it moves people to act from their hearts. Real change happens when people work together and build relationships. Rarely does it occur when it is forced upon communities by laws and rulings. Last January, WKKF coordinated an annual National Day of Racial Healing, which inspired civic, religious, community and philanthropic organizations to collaborate on activities to facilitate racial healing. But we can’t wait until next January to embrace racial healing. 

Today, with the threat of unrest billowing through communities, our country needs to heal. All sides must air their pasts, fears, and anxieties, and articulate their visions for a future where all children can thrive.

After centuries of racial hierarchy, all sides have been wounded: Whenever a policy or decision gives privileges to some and not others or perpetuates injustices, the collective community suffers, and part of our common humanity is lost. It leaves some wounded and unable to work towards our collective interest.  

What is inspiring is the healing that is happening around the country. Earlier this year, 200 people gathered at the Chicago Theological Seminary for an extraordinary day of racial healing. People of all races, genders, religions and ethnicities, gathered in healing circles to share their “truths” on the racism they endured or consciously or unconsciously unleashed on others. The healing circles were sanctuaries for truth-telling, and helped people see one another, acknowledge differences and begin to build authentic relationships. 

WKKF, through our Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) framework, is supporting racial healing in the 14 places where the TRHT is being implemented.  Since 2010, when our America Healing initiative launched, WKKF has actively promoted racial healing and supported racial healing practitioners who are available to help communities, concluding that:  

• Racial healing accelerates human capacity for resilience, truly embracing one another and reconnecting many people who previously had their identities denied back to their roots, culture, language and rituals.
• The focus of racial healing is our “collective humanity,” and lifting up that which unites us rather than that which divides us, while discovering, respecting and indeed honoring our unique experiences.
• Racial healing will facilitate narrative change, which will help everyone in communities articulate the truth about their collective histories and be exposed to full, complete and accurate representations of themselves and their communities.  

Communities must heal so they can grow. Let’s heal and build sustainable progress neighbor by neighbor, community by community to transform America so all children can have a brighter future.