WSSN Stories

LOS ANGELES, CA-The SAG-AFTRA Foundation announced today that Emmy®-nominated actress Rashida Jones will receive its Actors Inspiration Award, an honor recognizing artists who give back to the community by championing worthy philanthropic causes which make a difference in the world. On Monday, June 12th, the award will be presented to Ms. Jones at the Foundation’s 8th Annual Los Angeles Golf Classic, an event benefiting its assistance and children’s literacy programs.

Rashida Jones is an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, musician and activist. Her philanthropy includes work with the International Rescue Committee, traveling around the world as an advocate for the nonprofit which delivers lifesaving care to people fleeing conflict and natural disaster; serving on the board and as a celebrity ambassador for Peace First, a youth organization that encourages the development of the world’s next generation of peacemakers; and supporting Oceana in its mission to protect and restore the world’s oceans. In addition, she lends her voice to several other important charities including Amnesty International, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and The Trevor Project. Ms. Jones is also a supporter of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s online children’s literacy program Storyline Online (storylineonline.net) and will be filming a new video for Storyline Online following the Actors Inspiration Award ceremony. She will join the ranks of actors Viola Davis, Lily Tomlin and Chris Pine as Storyline Online advocates. Rashida Jones’ commitment to supporting vulnerable populations around the world, the environment, and children’s literacy embodies the spirit of the Actors Inspiration Award.

“We are excited to present Rashida Jones with our Actors Inspiration Award and honor her tireless dedication for tackling issues around global poverty, improving health outcomes for people battling AIDS and cancer, and for using her artistic platform to support several important charities, including our very own children’s literacy initiative Storyline Online,” said SAG-AFTRA Foundation President JoBeth Williams.  “Rashida’s generosity and commitment to giving back to the global community is an inspiration, and we are proud and grateful she will accept this honor.”

Previous recipients of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Actors Inspiration Award are Sofia Vergara, Kerry Washington and Leonardo DiCaprio, who were recognized for their philanthropic work.

Ms. Jones currently stars in the hit TBS series Angie Tribeca where she plays the title role, in addition to working behind the camera as executive producer and a director of some episodes. A multi-hyphenate in the entertainment space, this past year she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for co-writing the first episode of Netflix’s third season of Black Mirror. She is the Executive Producer of Claws on TNT, a nail-salon turned money-laundering-front dramedy, set to premiere this summer. This past April, she released a docu-series on Netflix, Hot Girls Wanted: Turned On, a continued exploration of themes discovered in her Emmy-nominated documentary in 2015, Hot Girls Wanted, this time focusing on society’s relationship with sex and technology. Fans grew to love Ms. Jones from her beloved roles on The Office and Parks and Recreation and through the romantic film that she wrote and starred in, Celeste and Jesse Forever. She will next be seen in the upcoming feature films Zoe alongside Ewan McGregor and Léa Seydoux, and the comedy Tag with Jeremy Renner and Ed Helms.

The L.A. Golf Classic is a major annual fundraiser benefiting the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Catastrophic Health Fund and Emergency Assistance Program for SAG-AFTRA members facing life-threatening illness and severe economic hardship with the support of the entertainment community and generous sponsors. The tournament also benefits the Foundation’s children’s literacy programs Storyline Onlineand BookPALS, which reaches 14 million children worldwide every month. The L.A. Golf Classic is one of the biggest celebrity golf tournaments with over 125 actors and entertainment industry executives expected to participate in the 2017 event.

Celebrity participants in the L.A. Golf Classic to date include: Adam Baldwin, David Leisure, Don Cheadle, George Eads, Gregory Harrison, James Remar, Joe Mantegna, Joe Pesci, Jonathan Banks, Kevin Sorbo, Robert Hays, Ron Perlman, Tim Allen, and Tom Welling. Sponsors to date include: United Airlines, Johnny Carson Foundation, SAG-AFTRA, TNT, TBS, CBS, AMC, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Specialty Benefits, Express Scripts, Fiji Water, Dana Industries, Jerry Lasky, Wing & A Prayer Productions, Backstage, Subaru and Mike’s Hard Lemonade.

Since 1985, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation has granted more than $18.5 million in financial and medical assistance including $7.5 million in scholarships to SAG-AFTRA members and their dependents. In addition, the Foundation has offered 7200 free educational workshops, panels and screenings to union performers nationwide and its children’s literacy programs have brought the love of reading to more than 250 million children worldwide.

To learn more and for registration information and sponsorship packages (limited while availability remains) visit sagaftra.foundation/golf.

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas, and more generally the emancipation of African-American slaves throughout the Confederate South. Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in most states.

Riley Keene Temple’s recently published book, “Aunt Ester’s Children Redeemed: Journeys to Freedom in August Wilson’s Ten Plays of Twentieth-Century Black America,” examines the redemption story of each play – how the southern black oppressed, descendants of centuries of slavery, put the pieces of themselves back together. Temple analyzes how Wilson’s language – his poetry and the blues — and his dramatic narratives expose the responsibilities, the opportunities, and the challenges of freedom.

Wilson’s plays include “Fences,” “The Piano Lesson,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”  The New York Times obituary called him “the theater’s poet of black America.”

“Wilson, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, died in 2005 at the age of 60. He would have wanted to see the wondrous celebrations of Juneteenth. He would have seen them as both meet and right,” says Riley Keene Temple.  

Riley Keene Temple is an avid American arts advocate and supporter, and has been honored for his leadership of arts organizations. He is a telecommunications attorney in Washington DC, where his Board memberships include the National Archives Foundation and the Trust for the National Endowment for the Humanities. He holds a Masters degree, cum laude, of Theological Studies from the Virginia Theological Seminary. He has written frequently on theology and the creative arts.

DJ Damiq

By Lue Dowdy

DJ Damiq burning up the turn tables is WHAT IT DO! OMG, the feeling you get when the DJ starts playing your favorite song. Keeping a crowd entertained and engaged can be intimidating, but not for DJ Damiq. Dripping with confidence, swag, and humbleness all rolled into one, this DJ makes it happen in several clubs all over Cali. With a large fan base, he stays booked. He gives back by providing free services for charitable and community events.

Demico Sherman, better known as DJ Damiq a.k.a. The People’s DJ, roots hail from the South which includes Houston, Texas and Mobile, Alabama. He was raised in Highland, California as a preacher’s kid that loved to sing and perform. He started djing when he graduated in the summer of 2001 The Arcade, former teen club. What started out as a favor became a hobby and before you knew it, people wanted him at their parties and events.

Being in high demand, Damiq’s network has provided him a long list of DJing accomplishments. Not to mention, he was awarded at the 2016 “My Music, My Mic Indie Artist Award Show” held by LUE Productions for his hard work.

In his words, “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even though I’m far from done, I’m at the stage of preparing the next generation of DJs that come along to have an equal amount of success. Team Work Makes the Dream Work!”

 The night life wouldn’t be right without DJ Damiq literally in the MIX. Until next week L’z!

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

I promise you I will never do it again! I’ll stop sinning! I’ll do anything you say, Lord! Please Lord! Help me! Get me out of this mess!  I tell you the nerve we have trying to bargain with God! Ain’t that ‘bout a pickle! But we do it all the time. We are all guilty. In fact, we are so good at it, and so used to it, that we think it is normal, right, and expected. Tell me, how many times has God come through for you? How many times has He moved mountains in your life? How many times has He caused peace in the storm? How many times has He met your need, done the impossible, and proven Himself to be God for you? But what I really want to know is how many times have you renege on your promise to God after he has delivered you out of your mess? And now you got the nerve to ask Him to deliver you again?

I tell you we ain’t no different they those in the Book of Old. You see Abraham tried to negotiate God’s peace with Sodom, in return for finding a certain number of righteous people in the city; Jacob was willing to devote himself to the Lord in exchange for safety and provision on his long journey; Jephthah bargained with what he assumed would be an animal of his to be sacrificed if the Lord granted him victory over the enemy; and Hannah was willing to give any son the Lord gave her back to Him, if He opened her womb. The truth of the matter is that we have no bargaining position. We are utterly owned by God and we are squatters on His land. Every breath we take is a gift from Him. Every virtue we perform is because of His grace.  We must remember that God owes us nothing; we are complete debtors to Him. The good news here however is that in all of these cases, God fulfilled their requests because of His love and His grace.

I want you to know that trouble is often didactic [intended to teach a moral lesson]. Some of the most amazing lessons of your life will come in times of stress and strain.  You may not believe this now while you are in your mess, but you will be better because of the trouble you went through! You will be stronger and you will be wiser because of it! Your praise will even be where it needs to be because of it! I tell you, trouble came to make us better. I can testify that by my own experience when I experienced trouble I became a better person because of it. The things I’ve learned in sorrow are the things I’ve learned the best! You see no matter how difficult the circumstances may be, you have to see the hand of God in it.

You know Job made a request to God and then he took a stand in God. Perhaps that is what God is saying to someone today who is big on the request side, but suffering on the stand side. You cannot ask God to do, if you refuse to be. Your convictions must be clear. Your stance must be sure. Your resolve must be resounding. You are not reading this because you wonder if God is going to do it. You have a history with God. You have seen God do too much over the years to even let doubt come out of your mouth. You know God is going to do it. The real question is how long are you willing to wait for God to manifest it into your life? I know it is rough, but wait it out. I know you are pushed to the edge, but wait it out. If you just wait this thing out, God will work it out. The trials and adversities of life are never pleasant, but it is in them that we learn the secrets of dependence, of grace, of hope and of God’s presence. None of us wishes for trials or adversity, but it is through them that God refines the metal of our lives and molds us into His image. Just as metal is placed in a furnace and heated to a white hot state so the dross can be removed, God allows us to enter the furnace of affliction so that He might refine and purify our lives. Rather than complain and be depressed, know there is a blessing tucked away in the midst of the trouble.

“If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established. [Isaiah 7:9]

By Naomi K. Bonman

If you’ve been following the movement for a while, then you probably remember Gerald D. Thomas, a young, successful millennial who is making an impact in his community. For those that are unfamiliar with Mr. Thomas, he is the founder of the marketing and public relations agency, The GDT Agency. He recently launched a new campaign entitled, “The Love Project,” and I recently caught up with him again where he chatted about his inspiration behind starting the project and where he plans on taking it. 

Click here to read more

By Lue Dowdy

BBW Model Tasha Rene is WHAT IT DO! I love working in entertainment and meeting new talent. It gave me the opportunity to meet the beautiful Tasha Rene. I fell in love with her spirit, energy, and passion.

From San Bernardino, California this Diva has been modeling off and on since 2000. This beauty is making a name for herself in the Plus Size world of fashion. Tasha has rocked runways all over Southern California. She competed in Miss Plus Top Model and modeled for Baby Doll Couture and Belo Noir Diamond Couture by Tanya Marie. Ensuring that she stays relevant, this model auditions and competes all over.

Tapping into her acting skills, Tasha landed herself a gig on BET’s My Black is Beautiful and a modeling gig for Fashion Bug.

I’m currently working with Tash on the set of a new reality show called “Entertainment At A Glance” where she plays a main character. I’ve seen this Queen in action and yes she slays. Make sure you support Tasha Renee the BBW Model/Actress. Until next week L’z!

In the words of Tash Rene, “I’m me 100 percent of the time. What you see is what you get. I live life to the fullest. I want no regrets.”

By Angela M. Coggs

On Wednesday, May 10, the San Bernardino County of Behavioral Health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (N.A.M.I.) hosted the 1^st Annual Peer Support Summit at the Double Tree Hotel in Ontario from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The keynote speaker was Mental Health Advocate and former Los Angeles Lakers small forward Metta World Peace. A continental breakfast and lunch was provided to the attendees. The summit was free and open to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness or have lived experience, having a family member diagnosed with a mental illness, as well as mental health direct service providers.

The summit featured theme was “Engage, Collaborate, Empower”. Assistant Director-San Bernardino County Behavioral Health, Sarah Eberhardt-Rios, welcomed the attendees and provided the opening remarks to the summit to help kick off May Mental Health Awareness Month in the department. The audience was the serenaded with an inspirational and interactive rendition of, “Lean on Me” by a Department of Behavioral Health staff member, who engaged and invited audience participation. The President of the San Bernardino Chapter of N.A.M.I. May Farr was also in attendance for the augural event.

The goals of the event was to enhance peer support and positive relations by identifying key barriers. By removing as many barriers as possible, that keeps individuals from seeking help and understanding, individuals are more likely to access resources and assist in their own recovery. This event was an opportunity for peer-run program leaders and participants to share ideas, challenges and best practices. It also encouraged connecting with one another to increase the overall network of peers. Studies show individuals diagnosed with a mental illness are more likely to seek help from others that they feel can identify with them on a personal level.

The highlight of the summit was keynote speaker Mental Health Advocate and former Los Angeles Lakers small forward Metta World Peace.  His topic of discussion was, “Living Your Truth.” He was introduced by Edwin Henderson, Mental Health Education Consultant with San Bernardino County Behavioral Health, who gave a brief summary about how the summit was conceived and the importance of eradicating stigma associated with mental illness. He gave a brief synapses of World Peace’s turbulent early years in the NBA, acknowledging and seeking treatment to maintain his mental health, as well as his effortless work as an advocate for Mental Health Awareness.

“I’m very happy to participate in this mental health awareness event. Events like this one help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health,” World Peace said in a statement. “It is vital that we educate our communities and let people know there is nothing wrong with seeking out help when you need it.”

Not only did he give a noteworthy account of his long family background with mental health issues, his struggles with mental illness on and off the court, and how he continues to look toward the future in a positive manner and how he continues to better himself on a daily basis. He admitted to the captivated group that when was younger he did not value education. He did not place it as a high priority in his life. However, four years ago that ideology all changed. He proudly disclosed that he is now a student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). That news initiated an impromptu roaring applaud from the mesmerized audience.  His story resonated with everyone in the room on one level or another.

“Metta World Peace’s testimony was so amazing.  I have been a Los Angeles Lakers fan for years, but his testimony was amazing. It brought tears to my eyes. The fact that he preserved through his own personal storm, refusing to give up,” said Sara Rourke, Department of Behavioral Health employee. “Having a giving heart towards others in need, with no expectations in return. I was so touched. I asked for a hug, and a hug is what he gave.  I was blessed and grateful to hear an amazing testimony of encouragement.”

After his hour long testimony of resilience, recovery and wellness, Metta entertained a few questions from the audience. Many thanked him for coming to share his story and while others posed questions to the NBA champion. The last question asked was probably the most profound, “What would the current Metta World Peace tell the past Ron Artest?”

“I was very, very self-destructive. There was no talking to me. I just would not listen. Not as far as suicide but somewhere in that same family. I didn’t care where my career went. I didn’t care if I threw it all away,” admits World Peace. “I think the only that I could say to him (Ron Artest) is ‘you’re making and you’re going to ruin it for yourself. You need to change but, understand, that it’s not going to happen overnight.”

He indicated that he could have grown and developed to the person he is today a lot sooner if he had taken advice from people who attempted to guide him in a positive direction. Two of those people were Mitch Kupchak, former general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Reggie Miller, retired NBA shooting guard who played his entire 18 year career with the Indiana Pacers and current NBA commentator for TNT.

He concluded the question and answer segment by encouraging people to be true to themselves, “It’s important to be yourself because it’s hard to be someone else. Being someone else requires you to act all the time. It’s not worth it.”

His last piece of advice for Ron Artest was to “Be yourself. Acting out and getting in trouble can’t be you. Take your time. You’ll make mistakes along the way. Keep going, eventually you’ll become the person you want to be.”

After the Q&A segment, World Peace was joined on stage by Angela M. Coggs, Mental Health Specialist with San Bernardino County Behavioral Health, and one of the Commissioners with San Bernardino County Behavioral Health. Together they presented him with an appreciation award that read in part, “We hereby presented to Metta World Peace for your ongoing commitment and dedicated service as an advocate for mental health and imparting your valuable insights and inspirations.”

“It was amazing to witness this event develop. It was astonishing to see how many consumers and San Bernardino County community members related to Metta World Peace’s story,” said Jessica Romo-Gutierrez, La Sierra University Social Work Intern with San Bernardino County of Behavioral Health. “It was an amazing feeling to be under the same roof with other programs and/individuals with the same passion to contribute to improving others quality of life.”

Ethan Mink with KVCR, the local PBS TV station out of San Bernardino, conducted a brief interview with the former Laker following his speech. He asked a few questions before World Peace was swept away for pictures. Later World Peace joined the other attendees for lunch in the dining hall. When he entered the room he received a resounding show of appreciation and a standing ovation. Although individuals approached him during lunch he did not turn anyone away. He signed basketballs, basketball cards, hats, and programs as well as posed for a few pictures. 

In addition to Metta World Peace’s story of struggle and resilience, there were several other notable aspects of the summit including a presentation from the San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Office of Cultural Competency and Ethnic Services Justine Rangel and Victoria Hall, Table Discussion Questions breakout sessions and a Peer Programs Panel. The panel consisted of staff from the Department of Veteran Affairs Loma Linda VA Healthcare System, San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Transitional Ages Youth (TAY) Program, Victor Community Support Service Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) Program, San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Clubhouse Expansion Program and a Case Manager/Peer Support Specialist. The purpose of the panel was to share best practices with other departments and programs that would be shared and utilized. The importance of sharing what works and what does not work can assist in going forward in the ensuring that programs are focused and result in positive outcomes.

In addition interactive sharing sessions/workshops, there was a photo opportunity drawing that allowed twelve attendees to pose for a picture with the former Los Angeles Laker. The winners were randomly selected and given a special golden tickets to for the group photo.

One attendee, who is a client of the Department of Behavioral Health, really made an impact on World Peace. Although she was not selected for the group photo, she had painted a picture for him and wanted to give it to him. She asked one of the Program Managers if she could make sure he received it. The Program Manager not only made sure he received it, she made it possible for her to present to him herself. He expressed his gratitude and stated that he really loved it. He noticed it was not signed. He said that he would love it if she signed it because “you (she) an artist and that all artist should sign their work.” This made her very happy. She signed it, said thank you and began to walk away. He stopped and said ask if she would take a picture with him. She was elated. This was only one instance how World Peace interacted with the attendees on a personal level.

He took pictures and signed autographs for anyone who ask, even during lunch. He was described as genuine, honest, sincere and unpretentious by those who approached him. “Very inspirational speech given by Metta. He talked about mental health issues he struggled through and the positive things he’s doing to help others going through the same fight,” said attendee Jorge Brown. “Really down to earth guy I had the pleasure of meeting.”

During his speech, World Peace spoke about how his mental health issues stemmed from alcohol abuse, anger abuse and an unstable household. The former Ron Artest, who infamously drew an 86-game suspension for his role in the Palace Brawl in 2004. He has since cemented a stronger reputation based on his work with mental health advocacy.

Perhaps the most memorable part of his testimony was when the one time NBA Champion eloquently stated, “We accumulated mental debt. Years of building-up of fear, tension, anxiety, and other maladaptive behaviors. It takes time to pay back once you’re ready to free yourself from the debt,” recalled Matthew L. Talley, Clubhouse Specialist with Pacific Clinics, an organization that offers mental healthcare and behavioral therapy for children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and the homeless. “This statement had a huge impact on me because it informs/reminds me that RECOVERY takes time and that’s okay!”

In 2007, World Peace founded Xcel University, which raises funds for those same causes. He publicly thanked his psychologist following the 2010 NBA Finals and later auctioned off his championship ring for $650,000 to help various mental health charities.

Chase Enriquez

By Lue Dowdy

The Hip-Hop/Rocker, Chase Enriquez, is WHAT IT DO! I became a fan immediately the first time I saw this artist perform. Chase Enriquez is an artist whose song writing approach and live show blends the skillful lyricism of Hip-Hop’s golden age and the raw vocal energy of Rock n’ Roll’s yesteryear with an attack that differs from the styles of previous genre-crossing.

Born and raised in San Diego, Chase bounced between Chicago and Atlanta for some time before making Los Angeles his home. Influenced by artists such as Guns N’ Roses, Nas, Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) and Big Pun, his sound mashes up big anthemic hooks with skillful rhymes over assorted production styles. Chase has collaborated with several artists which include: Don Cannon, (Aphilliates/The Acadamy) Greg Street, the Grammy Nominated Track Slayerz, SnL (Young Money) and a host of other local and national acts.

Chase’s first single with major distribution, “Tell Me Why,” was released on December 4, 2013 via INgrooves|Fontana. Since then he has followed up with a slew of singles including “Another Night,” and “Light it Up,” and a few EP’s with the most recent being “Til the Flame Burns Out: Muse Edition” released on February 5,2016.

Upon releasing his latest EP, Chase enlisted the help of some local hired guns to build the live shows. Dubbing it the “Chase Enriquez Trio,” with the help of Eduardo Lizarraga and featuring assorted musicians including Jason Dickie and others; they play locally around the Los Angeles area. Notable Venues consist of the Viper Room, Loaded Hollywood, Silverlake Lounge and The Study-Hollywood.

Chase Enriquez music and videos have been featured on sites and music programing such as indierapblog.com, hellhoundmusic.com, indiebandguru.com, CMC Beat Lounge, H2oTv, Skilly Magazine, along with many others. Please make sure you follow this amazing talent. Until next week Lz!

Blake and Kappa (Photo Credit: Jason O’Brien)

By Angela M. Coggs

On Saturday, May 20, the Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. hosted the 2nd Annual Kappa Youth Leadership & Development League End of Year Luncheon at Castaways Restaurant in San Bernardino from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each Kappa League member played an integral part of the program that included giving the invocation, making speeches, introducing peers and guest speakers as well as conducting the master of ceremony duties. The celebration set against the elegant, breathtaking backdrop provided an intimate affair high on the rolling hills of San Bernardino.

Deltas and KLers (Photo Credit: Jason O’Brien)

The Kappa League Program has a mission to provide educational college readiness opportunities for economically disadvantaged young men of color. The Riverside Alumni Chapter Kappa League focuses on training young men of color (but not exclusive to) 9th-12th grade for leadership, achievement and service in every field of human endeavor. The fundamental purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi is ACHIEVEMENT, it is therefore the Fraternity’s primary purpose to help these young men achieve worthy goals for themselves, and make constructive contributions to their community when they assume leadership roles.

This year marked Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi’s second year of conducting this leadership development program for high school young men.  After a successful inaugural year with eight participants with a primary focus of introducing them to our 6-phase program:

1. Self-Identity? – Discipline, Assurance, Awareness, and Appearance
2. Training – ?Academic, Career-Choice, Preparation, and Organization
3. Competition? – Politics, Career Advancement, and Sports
4. Social? – Religion, Arts, Entertainment, Conversation/Communication, and Etiquette/Manners
5. Health Education – ?Physical Fitness, Sex Education, Drug Education, and Health and Safety.
6. Financial Literacy – Budget and financial planning

“As Chairman of the 2016-2017 Kappa League program I am extremely proud of the accomplishments attained by our 16 young men. The end of the year luncheon at the Castaways restaurant gave us an opportunity to put on display some of the skills that our young men were exposed to and developed over this course of this year,” said Zack Stewart, Kappa League Chairman and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. “It also gave us a chance to recognize the young men, their parents and those that played a role in making this year such a success.”

(Photo Credit: Jason O’Brien)

In addition to celebrating the young men as a group, the only two graduating seniors Jeremiah Evans (attending University of California, Riverside in the fall) and Cameron Miles Scruggs (attending University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the fall) both received a $1,000 scholarship.

Another organization that played an amazing part in ensuring the program’s success was Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) Program is designed to refocus the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with the support and action of other major organizations, on the plight of African-American males. EMBODI addresses issues related to STEM education, culture, self-efficacy, leadership, physical and mental health, healthy lifestyles choices, character, ethics, relationships, college readiness, fiscal management, civic engagement and service learning.

Cheryl Nichols and Estella Wells, of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., presented each of the young men who completed the yearlong program with a certificate of completion, a bow tie with “EMBODI” embroidered on it, and a book entitled, “101 Things Every Young Man of Color Should Know” by Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields. The book was given to inspire the young men on their continued journey in life.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Kirk Kirkwood, Ed.D., Vice President of Educational Services for College Bound. The mission of College Bound is to provide comprehensive programs and services that prepare students for admission into and graduation from accredited four-year institutions of higher education Kirkwood is also a successful graduate of the nonprofit he now helps to oversee. His inspirational message to the Kappa Leaguers about writing their story before someone else does resonated with everyone in the filled room.

Kirkwood invited the young men to write their three chapter “Book of Life” by unfolding stories of their life’s journey. Chapter 1- “We’ve Come A Long Way- History- Remember your history and what you’ve been able to accomplish thus far by the Grace of God. Keeping alive our rich ancestry history from Africa as the sons and daughters of Kings and Queens- Royalty.” Chapter 2- “We Shall Not Be Moved- Don’t be afraid and intimidated, listen to your parents, take care of your responsibilities and have an attitude of gratitude. Given the turmoil of today, making the world great again and stand fast on the guiding principles of the Lord.” Chapter 3- “The Best is yet to come”- These pages are blank but what you do today will effect what is written about you tomorrow. You are now in the process of writing your own story and accomplishing your goals. You are in control.”

Kappa League 2016-2017 members: Agyei Butler (President), Jailan Spencer Blackwell, Timothy Bolton, Jeremiah Evans, Julian Garrett, Blake Gilmore, Yonathan Habtemariam, Joshua Hudson, Matthew Ruan Issac, Ahmir Khalid King, Brian Palmer Jr., Keyvon Rankin, Stanun Rudley, Cameron Miles Scruggs, Deon L. Thomas III, Brandon A. Wells, and Christopher Williamson.

Dr. Kirk Kirkwood (Photo Credit: Jason O’Brien)

The event was well attended with guest including the Kappa Leaguers parents, grandparents, mentors and supportive community members. This year’s sponsors were Riverside Alumni Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Akil Manley and Wal-Mart. Partnerships and Special Thanks goes to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – EMBODI Program– Cheryl Nichols and Estella Wells, Abundant Living Family Church (AALFC) Sondra Mc Ginnis, University of California, Riverside- Dr. Kenneth E. Simmons, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Male Success Initiative- California State University, Fullerton, and Corbin J. Pickett- The Candid Professional.

“We are extremely proud of our Kappa Leaguers and expect them to continue pursuing achievement in every field of human endeavor,” said Stewart. 

The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. would like to invite interested young men grade 9^th to 12 grade to join the current members of their Kappa Youth Leadership and Development League to learn more about their unique program and the achievements of their outstanding young men by visiting http://www.rackapsi.com. To become a sponsor, new member or to attain information about the program, please contact Zack Stewart at Stwe2z@aol.com.

Yonathan and Kappa (Photo Credit: Jason O’Brien)

By Naomi K. Bonman

Do you have life insurance? Most will answer that question with the response of, “Well, why do I need it?” or “No and it really doesn’t benefit me right now.” People don’t think of getting life insurance until it’s too late or when they realize that they are in a situation where they urgently need it.

I recently had a deep conversation with two women who know the importance of having a policy. Life insurance just doesn’t cover death expenses, but it is also good for other occurrences that life throws our way. Angela Alexander and Jessica Poche both went through different situations where they learned the benefit of having life insurance and the circumstances of not having it.

Jessica, who was insured, was married to her husband for a year and five months. During their marriage, her husband fell terribly ill and had a $700,000 life insurance policy that just needed to be updated with Jessica’s information. He insisted that she update it, but Jessica believed with all her heart that her husband would be healed. When he later passed, she then realized why the policy would have made a difference.

Angela is the author of “Miracles in Action”, which is a book based on her story of her twin 8-year-old boys who were killed in a car accident when she was deployed in Japan. The day before she lost her boys a friend called her asking her about life insurance. She was given a month free trial and just signed up, not knowing that the next day after getting coverage on the entire family, that she would need it for her babies. The boys had written letters prior to their passing saying that they would. So, for her, not expecting to lose her children, but being responsible, she was taken care of when it came to their funerals and other expenses.