WSSN Stories

By Lue Dowdy

The Hip-Hop Shop featuring Joesph Reed, Melanie Cesarez, Camryn Stanfield, and Troy Wilbert is WHAT IT DO! Just recently Edwin Johnson, founder and CEO of Chords Youth Enrichment Program, along with youth from San Bernardino High School and the CHORDS Program came together to produce a new school song for San Bernardino High School.  A video was shot at the school and has already received 1,000 shares and 55,000 views.

Not being afraid to walk away from tradition, they decided to change it up by adding Hip-Hop and Rap. Let me tell you, the youth were not playing when it came to those barzzz on the mic. We live in an urban community which is saturated with Rap, R&B, And Hip-Hop, so kudos to Joesph Reed, Melanie Cesarez, Camryn Stanfield, Troy Wilbert, and the entire team that worked on the project. Make sure to check out the video on YouTube. Please support our YOUTH & MUSIC!

Until next week L’z!

About The HIP HOP SHOP & Edwin Johnson:

Edwin Johnson has been working in the social service field with children and families for the past 16 years. His expertise consists of behavior modification, counseling support, family stabilization and management. He oversees groups such as anger management, domestic violence, substance abuse, gang awareness training, cognitive behavioral therapy, (Thinking for a Change) to inmates and parolees. He’s supervised inmates, parolee’s youth and their families providing them with the tools and support needed to be successful and stabilized upon reentering society.

Mr. Edwin has worked in institutions, crises homes for youth, group homes and as a community partner assisting families with resources for their youth. Having the ability to connect with the individuals he serves is crucial. His approach is strength based which allows him to meet the individual where they are and build off strengths they may not know existed.

In 2012 Mr. Edwin founded his own nonprofit titled “CHORDS Enrichment Youth Program” for youth in the city of San Bernardino which continues to serve at risk teen and their families.

EBONY, the preeminent media brand for African-Americans, continues its commitment to recognizing excellence and achievements of amazing Black women, who are not only changing the game, but also writing new rules in the fields of science, politics, entertainment, fashion and sports.

In the first of an ongoing series, this year, the magazine opted to honor 100 exemplary champions of #BlackGirlMagic of past and present including: tennis superstar Serena Williams, entertainment icon Beyonce,  award-winning writer Maya Angelou, visual artist LaToya Ruby Frazier, Nobel Prize Laureate Toni Morrison, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and civil rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams

Contributors to this collector’s item range from Natalie Baszile, the celebrated author of the book-turned-OWN television show, Queen Sugar to scientist Danielle N. Lee who highlights Hidden Figures‘ inspiration and beyond in a riveting chapter on Black female achievements in STEM. Cover to cover, this is an inspiring must-read, particularly during Women’s History Month.

“Black women have so often been denigrated and pushed aside, despite our clear ability to excel, for being part of two marginalized groups,” says EBONY’s Editor-in-Chief Kyra Kyles who sets the stage for this instant keepsake with a letter about how sistas make the world go ’round.  “It’s such a joy to be able to celebrate over 100 inspirational ladies across all walks of life, leveraging the unique vantage point our magazine offers as curator of the culture.  These beautiful exclusive images and moving words from top writers will ensure that anyone who reads this will be filled with pride for what we have achieved and are poised to achieve in the future.”

Ladies First, the second special issue that EBONY has released this  year, follows a very successful commemorative edition “Hail to the Chief: Saluting Eight Years of Excellence. heralding the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama and his historic administration.

For more information, and to see a special Women’s History video tribute, visit EBONY.com.  Follow the issue on social via #EbonyLadiesFirst

AT&T Presents an Exclusive Fireside Chat with the Best-selling Author and Self-made Digital Media Maven Luvvie

DALLAS, TX– Best-selling author and digital strategist Luvvie Ajayi joins AT&T* at the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit in Phoenix March 9-12. Best known for her popular blog Awesomely Luvvie, Ajayi will take part in a special dose of “real talk” Friday night. She’ll discuss her compelling journey and the power of sisterhood and digital connections.

We will host an invitation-only “Seat at the Table with Luvvie” for top influential attendees at the Summit. All attendees are invited to join a fireside chat with Luvvie under the Arizona open sky.

Ajayi will open up about her first best-seller “I’M JUDGING YOU: The Do-Better Manual.” The book chronicles her path and lessons she learned about the power of women along the way. She will also talk about how she used a “mean digital game” to build her own personal brand.

“I’ve lost count of the many women who pushed me to do my best, opened doors for me, mentored me or simply had an encouraging word,” Ajayi said. “Much of it came through social media and digital connections. So, it makes sense for me to sync with AT&T to open a dialogue with some of corporate America’s most powerful women of color about this very topic.”

The fireside chat with Luvvie will start at 9 p.m. MT Friday, March 10. But attendees won’t have to wait until then for the fun. Earlier that day, there will be a panel featuring AT&T Chief Storyteller and Director of Social Media Joy Hays and other digital movers and shakers.

Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Cynt Marshall will introduce Luvvie at the fireside chat. Black Enterprise named Marshall to the Black Enterprise Most Powerful Women in Business list. The list calls out the highest-ranking and most influential black women executives in the nation.

Conference goers can also enjoy the AT&T Power Lounge. They can kick back, charge devices and learn the latest about AT&T offerings, including the new DIRECTV NOW streaming video service.

The Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit will take place at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa-Palm Court.

Find out more about the Summit and other content curated for the black community at thebridge.att.net.

By Lou Coleman

That’s your problem…. always thinking and wanting it to be about you. Well I got news for you Boo, Boo… It’s not about you! It’s about God! As Pastor Rick Warren said in his [Purpose Driven Life Book] “The purpose of your life is greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness.” …..It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. It’s not about you! You were born by God’s purpose and for His purpose. You are not the center of the universe. God is! I tell you, you would do good to remember that. It will save you a lot of headache and heartache. It’s not about you and it’s not about me. It’s about God! Stop your whining and grow up because the more you wallow in self-pity, the more pitiful you become. Self-absorbed, and self-seeking gets you nowhere. Jesus is the vine, God is the vinedresser, and you are a branch. [John 15:5]. Your life is in God’s hands and hangs by a thread of sovereign grace. God owns every soul. He made us and we belong to him by virtue of his being our Creator. Always thinking life is about you, your needs, your wants, and your desires. Well it’s not! Get over it!

I tell you, most of us are so deep into this mentality [me, myself and I] that we find it hard to even conceive of a different perspective. We live most of life focused on self—“It’s all about me.” But in reality, life is not about you, nor me; it’s about God. This world is God’s world, not yours. History is God’s story, not yours. Even your own life is not your own; you belong to God.  When you get a hold of this truth and begin to live for the glory of God, you will be doing what you were created to do. And you will become who you were created to be. This is what the God of the Bible says: Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. [Isaiah 43:6-7]. Whoever you are, wherever you’ve come from, I want you to know that your reason for existence on planet earth is the same. You have been created for the glory of God—to take all that you are and all that you have and use it to magnify Him.

You know the Apostle John tells us that John the Baptist “came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him all men might believe.” John was the voice calling in the desert, “make straight the way for the Lord.” John was the one who came with the message, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” John was the one who wore clothing made of camel’s hair and ate locusts and wild honey. His wasn’t a tasteful appearance or a tasteful diet. His life wasn’t about creature comforts; it was about calling lost and condemned creatures to repentance. Like his diet, his message often left a foul taste in the mouths of those who tasted it. People back in John’s day didn’t like hearing that just like they don’t today. We live in a world that would have us believe that we’re basically good people living basically good lives and God will accept us for who we are. It’s ironic that people would believe that about God in a world that would also have us believe that life is all about me. Getting what I want, when I want it, what makes me happy, because I deserve it? Truth…. Jesus says in [Matthew 16:24] “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Don’t get any clearer than that! It’s not about you!

OkayAfrica, the premier destination for all things Africa, releases its inaugural “OkayAfrica’s 100 Women” list Monday in honor of Women’s History Month and its March editorial theme, “Black Girls Only.” With written and video features, the curated list pays tribute to 100 African women on the continent and in the Diaspora who are leaders in their fields. The feature story highlights the accomplishments and social and cultural impact of renowned figures like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Luvvie Ajayi, Issa Rae, Ruth Negga, Lupita Nyong’o, Iman and Caster Semenya and other major change agents making a difference around the globe. Included are Phiona Mutesi, chess prodigy from Uganda and subject of the recent Disney Queen of Katwe film; Farida Bedwei, information technology entrepreneur from Ghana, whose cloud software is used by over 100 microfinance companies in her nation; and Ilwad Elman, human rights and social activist from Somalia, who assist survivors of domestic violence and street children in Mogadishu, among many others.

“OkayAfrica’s 100 Women” was compiled by women of the OkayAfrica staff who, after months of research and intense debate, identified an influential group of women who are beacons in their respective industries—each the total personification of #blackgirlmagic. Representation by country and social impact were key factors in decision-making on the #okay100women.

“We proudly present 100 dope women who hail from the continent and the Diaspora—an amazing collective of visionaries, champions, pioneers and innovators,” said Antoinette Isama, OkayAfrica Associate Editor. “These brilliant women, our seestahs, are positively impacting our lives and the lives of others across African and around the world.”

“OkayAfrica’s 100 Women” can be found at http://www.okayafrica.com/100-women. The online magazine plans a series of events later in the year (or month) to honor the women.

With no other platform having yet recognized the accomplishments of such a diverse group of African women globally, OkayAfrica is at the forefront of bringing together a distinct group of women who are marking forward progress in their communities.

About OkayAfrica

OkayAfrica connects a global audience to the African continent through compelling content and high-profile cultural events. The leading media company of its kind, OkayAfrica is a multifaceted hub: a lifestyle brand, an online magazine, a bespoke content producer and an event producer. OkayAfrica fills the gap in representations of Africa by presenting a forward thinking, nuanced view of Africa today.

WASHINGTON – Dr. Ben S. Carson, Sr. was sworn in today as the 17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).   Vice President Mike Pence administered the oath of office with Secretary Carson’s wife Candy and granddaughter Tesora holding the bible.  Secretary Carson will now lead a abinet agency with approximately 8,000  employees and an annual budget totaling more than $40 billion.

Among his first actions in his new role, Secretary Carson plans an ambitious listening tour of select communities and HUD field offices around the country, beginning in his native Detroit.

“I am immensely grateful and deeply humbled to take on such an important role in service to the American people,” said Secretary Carson.  “Working directly with patients and their families for many years taught me that there is a deep relationship between health and housing. I learned that it’s difficult for a child to realize their dreams if he or she doesn’t have a proper place to live, and I’ve seen firsthand how poor housing conditions can rob a person of their potential. I am excited to roll up my sleeves and to get to work.”

For nearly 30 years, Secretary Carson served as Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, a position he assumed when he was just 33 years old, making him the youngest major division director in the hospital’s history.  Dr. Carson received dozens of honors and awards in recognition of his achievements including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. He is also a recipient of the Spingarn Medal, which is the highest honor bestowed by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Dr. Carson has written nine books, four of which were co-authored with Candy Carson, his wife of 41 years.  Together, they co-founded the Carson Scholars Fund, which celebrates young people of all backgrounds for exceptional academic and humanitarian accomplishments. The Fund has recognized more than 7,300 scholars, awarded more than seven million dollars in scholarships, and installed more than 150 Ben Carson Reading Rooms throughout the United States.

Born to a single mother with a 3rd grade education who worked multiple jobs to support their family, Secretary Carson was raised to love reading and education.  He graduated from Yale University and earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School.  He and his wife are the proud parents of three adult sons and three grandchildren.  Read Secretary Carson’s full biography.

Bryon Tillman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Westside Story Newspaper would like to thank “Byron Tillman Transport,” for providing the transportation that delivered toys to many children doing the holidays. It is people like you that make the world a better place.  Thank You!

By Lue Dowdy

From Cali to Texas, Grim Reality Entertainment took to the road. Guess what? LUE Productions artist MACK PEPPERBOY joined the tour for the last three shows. The tour host  was Comedian, BRETT AS IS, so you know it went all the way up! With his Cali sound mixed with that New Orleans flavor, Mack Pepperboy delivered knockout performances in Riverside, North Hollywood, and Sacramento.

Finally leaking hits off his new project “IT’S THE PEPPERBOY,” like “GET IT,” “LITT,” and “ON THE BLOCK” had the audience rockin! Our team is extremely proud. We believe that Mack Pepperboy has a lot to offer to the entertainment game. Fans will be able to hear what he’s been cooking up in the booth at CHEF MUSIC STUDIOS, located in the Victorville under the production of CHEF GEO.

No wine is served before its time and it’s TIME. MERCH will be available soon! Please follow our artist on Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, Reverbnation, and our LUE Productions Reverberation page under MACK PEPPERBOY. We appreciate the support! Until next week L’z.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

You really do need to kneel before God your Maker and appeal to Him for His mercy and forgiveness; because no one born of God makes a practice of sinning. [1 John 3:9]. What’s wrong with you? Claiming to be born again when your life contradicts it.  I tell you there is nothing more damaging, nothing more hurtful as when a person who has been forgiven of sin continues to sin.  Dragging sin where ever you go. Dragging it into the Church. Dragging it into your home. Wearing it around your neck on display. You are really slipping into a lukewarm, careless, presumptuous frame of mind about your own sinfulness. It worries me that many of you are living double lives. I want you to know that Jesus despised the double-mindedness of the religious rulers of His day. In [Matthew 23:27–28], He said, “Woe to you…….you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which looks beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”Repent before it’s too late!  Paul informs us that “these times of [past] ignorance God has overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent” [Acts 17:30]. I tell you to live a double life is a discredit to God. Repent before it’s too late! Christianity is not a sinning-repenting religion. It’s a victorious religion. There should be a place where you quit your sinning. Shame on you!

I want you to know that Sodom and Gomorrah were two of the most reprehensible cities known to man.  They were so filled with sin that God could no longer hold back His wrath.  He sent two angels to warn Lot and his family to leave before the destruction of the cities.  “The angels told Lot and his family, “Escape for your life.  Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley.  Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.” [Genesis 19:17].  Lot understood and obeyed.  He took his wife and daughters out of the city.  He tried to get his future son-in-laws to flee too, but they thought he was joking.  When they were out of the city, Lot’s wife could not resist the temptation to sin and look back.  Immediately “…she became a pillar of salt.” [Genesis 19:26] Don’t be a fool! Warning comes before destruction. Lot’s wife lost her life because she couldn’t let go of sin.  Scripture is clear: Any compromise with the world, whether in doctrine, morals, or relationships, has disastrous consequences. You better know that you know.  The godly reaction to sin is to recognize it from Scripture, to mourn over it, and to confess it without excuse to the God of mercy. Choose your position – whom will you follow?

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit….” [Ephesians 5:8-18]

By John Coleman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino County Association of African American Employees, (SBCAAAE) held their 24th Annual Black History Month & Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on February 25 at the Victoria Gardens
Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

In her program welcome, SBCAAAE President, Phyllis K Morris, reminds that this county is the largest and among the fastest growing and diversifying, that SBCAAAE encourages & supports the professional & personal development of its members,   seeks opportunities to celebrate and share our culture, and recognizes that our expression in Art serves as a platform for educating us & others for sharing culture, advocating for justice, for equality, & building a better future.

Through the arts, African Americans have contributed & influenced American culture on many levels.    Today’s event honors six African Americans, artists whose body of work or promise is exceptional, & commitment is amazing.