WSSN Stories

By Lou Coleman

I tell you David said sometimes you just got to encourage yourself. Just look back over your life, yesterday, last week, last month, last year, five years ago, you will discover that you have already gone through enough stuff that should have caused you to lose your mind; but you are still standing. There are others who have gone through less than you went through and committed suicide. Given up on life! But you made it through. Still Standing! Although you’ve been lied on, talked about, criticized, misunderstood, mistreated, you are still standing. Hurt, wounded, knocked down, sick spells, buried loved ones, had to say goodbye to acquaintances, left alone, heartbroken… and you are still standing.  Even though the pain hurts, even though your heart is still healing, even though you still have some tender spots, and your memory is still playing tricks on you… you are still standing. Who am I talking too? May not have as much money as you ought to have, may not have as many friends as you think you deserve, but one thing you can say, “I’m still here.”  And by being here that says one thing, you still have a chance.  You still have an opportunity to reach goals that you have not reached. You still have a chance to get closer to God, and let him use you. Hurt but still standing; Misunderstood but still standing. Almost lost your life but survived the attack, still standing. What the devil meant for evil God turned into good. “They said you wouldn’t make it. They said [you] wouldn’t be, here today. They said [you’ll] never amount to anything…But [you’re] still holding on. Holding on to God’s [unchanging hand] [Lyrics Luther Barnes] though the road has been rough and the goings been mighty tough…” You are still standing!

I tell you when you can persevere through something that should have killed you, and still remain standing; when you can go through crises, and still remain standing; when you can weather the storm and still remain standing; Ah…. Perseverance, preserved, kept in the fire, not kept from the fire… Had to cry yourself to sleep, but you’re still standing. I want you to know that the purpose of this message is to encourage you to know that these can be your words of victory as you face whatever comes your way this week, that at the end you can say, “I’m still standing!” Understanding that you have to go through some things to get to where God wants you to be; betrayal, denial, crucifixion – you’ve got to go through it to get new life.

Let me tell you something, in spite of the issues that came my way, I knew that I had enough in me to withstand it all. And when you know that beyond a reasonable doubt you have what you need inside of you, there is a certain confidence that calms your nerves which is why you don’t have to panic and get hysterical. Why should you crumble under the pressure? When the Word says to you, “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” So go ahead and declare that you were built for this. You were built to handle whatever life throws your way. Knowing that the devil tried this before, but the last storm that you came through left you with praise. A praise that the devil couldn’t shake, because it was deep in the Rock. Joy that the devil could take, because it was deep in the Rock. Power that the devil couldn’t defeat, because it was deep in the Rock. And when you’re built on the Rock, Hell can’t move you. Water can’t drown you. Hallelujah! Can I get a witness?

By Lou Coleman

It can be very difficult to work with a Scorpio as a co-worker. Ain’t that right Mr. Allen? LOL… The Scorpio needs to be in charge professionally and does better in those jobs that will allow them flexibility and freedom to be in control. I’m talking about Naomi “The Marketer” Riggins; Lou Coleman, “The Whatever”, Naomi “The Editor” Bonman, and Lucretia “Ain’t No Stopping Me” Dowdy, strong, commanding, intense, passionate and zealous. Driven, dedicated and loyal. Ambitious and security-loving Scorpio women independent and determined individuals. We will only strive to reach high goals, and we will let nothing get in our way of accomplishing these goals. We will do whatever is necessary to meet goals and don’t care whose feet we must step on in order to accomplish those goals. Watch out now!   Even though we as one celebrate our birthday’s this month, we want to send a shout out to all who are November born. Happy Birthday to You! Now as we go and cut the cake be good to yourselves and one another….Leaving the stage singing….Happy Birthday to Us! Happy Birthday!

By Lue Dowdy

What up IEeeeeeeeeeee! Well feeding those in need is what it DO in a real way! LUE Productions, along with several other community organizations, artists, and community members that come together every year to deliver hot meals to the homeless in downtown San Bernardino are getting together again. Giving back is such a rewarding feeling. Mobilize with us to feed over 400 individuals in the Inland Empire.

Last year we made 477 hot meals and passed out socks, sleeping bags and more. This year we’re doing it bigger and better. Please join in!!!

Items that are still needed include: Rolls, Corn, Dressing Mix, Gravy packages, Cranberry Sauce and Cakes and Pies.

Drop off Days for food donations are Friday, November 18th at Starbucks in Colton located at1181 S Mount Vernon Avenue in Colton at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. We must have ALL Turkey’s donated by this date in order to get it our cooks; and on November 20 located at 254 Carousel Mall in San Bernardino from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, please call (909) 567-1000 or email Lue.info@yahoo.com.

Publisher’s Commentary By Wallace Allen IV

Today, and every new day presents an opportunity to choose to attempt to go forward or to quit or possibly do something in between. The President Elect, Donald Trump, said things that some will find encouraging. He will rebuild the inner city and African American Community, build bridges and highways and create jobs, and he has not at this writing, mentioned building a wall!

However, many people are disappointed and possibly afraid of the Trump Presidency. I suggest that depending on government action is risky business even when you feel good about who is elected. Life is surely stressful if you feel disrespected by them. I suggest that the election of Donald Trump can and must become a good thing, and to assure our community’s success, we must play our “Trump” card!

Economic issues confronting our community require that concerned and talented community members visualize and effect plans that acknowledge our resources. Demonstrating respect for our resources and potential is a big but very achievable step. Consider that our churches deposit a estimated $500,000,000 per Monday. That deposit is not being levered. Additionally, our trillion dollar annual buying- power is promptly diluted by our propensity to immediately spend it outside of our community. Correcting that bad habit will change things very quickly. Circulating money is how a community grows itself. There can be safety and security in numbers. A community that successfully utilizes its member resources will find that others outside their community will respect that accomplishment and want to work with them also. Whether the President Elect is somehow able to do something for us or not, controlling our resources can be more beneficial than any government program.    

That a group of people can spend a trillion dollars a year and not be economically viable is a demonstration of inappropriate behavior. The fact is, behavior is something that can be corrected. In the ‘games of life’ we know that doing the unexpected, the unusual, can lead to triumph. Our community will find economic triumph by doing the unexpected, the unusual. Focusing on levering our resources and ‘vesting our money in developing our community’ is indeed, an unexpected change and definitely appropriate behavior!

In this game of economics, changing from a random, suicidal spending attitude to a focused buying/spending strategy is in effect, “playing our Trump card”!

By Naomi K. Bonman

Despite the harsh reality of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, there is still a little praise to cheer about. California showed up and showed out in electing the state’s first new U.S. Senator in 24 years. State Atty. General Kamala Harris has become the first black politician in history to represent California in the Senate. This the start that we need in turning over the House of Representatives and Senate from the Republicans. Not only is Harris the states first new U.S. Senator in years, but she is only the second black woman ever to be selected to the Senate since 1999. 

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the Harris-Sanchez Senate race was the first major test of California’s “top-two” primary system, an experiment in democracy that California voters approved in 2010 in an effort to reduce the highly partisan influence of the Democratic and Republican parties and give independents and moderates more clout in the political process. 

Like many Californians, I voted for Harris, and not just because she was a Black woman but because I believed in and loved her vision that she has for not only for the our state but for the Nation. I admired her speeches and I feel a little comfort knowing that she will be representing us in the Senate. Even after the news of our 45th President selection, she gave us even more comfort and perseverance through her words. 

“Our ideals are at stake right now, and we all have to fight for who we are,” she said in a speech far more somber than most victory addresses. “I believe this is that moment in time for our country, where we are collectively being required to look in the mirror, and with furrowed brow, we are asking a question: Who are we? In California, I believe the answer is a good one: We are a great country.”

The country has survived horrible presidents in the past and this one is no different. We can still preserve and achieve our greatness. Let’s not let fear hinder us, but to push us further into achieving what we need to achieve. 

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“Though the storms keep on raging in my life, and sometimes it’s hard to tell my night from day, still that hope that lies within is reassured, as I keep my eyes upon the distant shore; I know He’ll lead me safely to that blessed place He has prepared. But if the storms don’t cease, and if the wind keeps on blowing, my soul has been anchored in the Lord. [My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord.” Lyrics, by Douglas Miller]

Regardless of the storm that tosses your life and mine, if we have the same confidence that Paul had in his relationship to the Lord, then we can have faith in His promise to be with us always – [Matthews 28:20; Hebrews 13:5 Psalm 23:4]. What an encouragement it is to know that we will never face an instant of life on our own. Every step, every valley, every mountain will be graced by God’s presence. [Psalms 23:6] – Goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. I tell you just having a word from God is enough to anchor us and give us blessed assurance. Why? Because God is as good as His Word [Romans 4:21] His promises are steadfast and true [Roman 3:4; Hebrew 6:18]. Promises of….. Brighter Days – [Psalms 30:5] Deliverance – [Psalms 34:19] Everything is for our Good – [Romans 8:18; 28;32] Divine Grace – [2 Corinthians. 12:9] Ultimate Glory – [Revelations. 21:4] promises based in and on His Word. So go ahead and claim the promises of God as an anchor for your soul as you sail the seas of life. You see if ever there was a time when we need to heed Paul’s warning not to be “…tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” [Ephesians 4: 14] it is today. Because what we all need if we are to withstand the spiritual winds, which are howling about us, is a real sense of stability. We need spiritual mooring. We need something solid and firm to hold on to. 

I don’t know about you, but I still believe that God is Sovereign! This just means that He is in absolute control of everything that happens in life. He is a Sovereign Lord – [Isaiah 45:7]. Listen to the testimony of James concerning this sovereign Lord – [James 1:17]. “If I didn’t know God was on His throne I would not want to live in this world another second, but as long as I know He orders the storms – [Mark 6:45-50] I can weather them. He knows what is best and that is all He sends into your life and mine [Romans 8:28]. So the best thing we can do when the storms rage about us is run to Him for refuge and cling to Him until the storm passes” [Psalms. 57:1; Isaiah 25:4].

I want you to know that I’ve faced more storms than I care to recount, but my anchor of faith holds. God rides the storms with me as Jesus did with the disciples [Matthew 8:23]. Storms of change, tragedy, disillusionment, depression, financial meltdown, loss, and turmoil come, but I’m at peace because -the anchor- holds. It’s secured to an immovable Rock who knows all, controls all, sees all and loves me unconditionally. My ship may bruise and the winds tear the sails. It may even rub up against a few rocks, but I’ll never be blown beyond God’s perimeter or sink beneath His reach. Nor will you. So when storms test your anchor, remember it’s anchored to an all powerful unchangeable God. Let me say I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.”That is the kind of confidence that will let you shout in the devil’s face, even while the storm still rages, [Job 1:20-21]. So as we go through life’s storms, may we always have this song in our hearts. Let the winds blow. Let the waves surge. Let the questions fly. Let the threats come. Let the world speed on.  We have an anchor! We have a hope! We have stability here and now and eternity guaranteed in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love. “My soul’s been anchored in the Lord!”

Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program and White House Partner to Launch Historic Program to Improve the Hollywood Pipeline

Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program and the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities launch HBCUs in L.A. Internship Program. Hosted by SAG-AFTRA on Friday, November 4.

SAG-AFTRA is honored to host the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP) and the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHI-HBCU) to showcase the talented young men and women produced by our nation’s HBCUs with the launch of this historic internship program.

The first program of its kind to take on Hollywood’s pipeline problem, the HBCUs in L.A. Internship Program inaugural class will include White House HBCU All-Star students and a select group of the best, brightest and diverse student leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation.

Launching in the Summer of 2017, the program will provide students with an immersive, real world work experience designed to supplement their academic curriculum and prepare them for careers in the entertainment, media and communications industries. The internship program stems from many of President Obama’s initiatives, such as A Call to Arts and My Brother’s Keeper, which aim to engage and mentor the next generation regardless of who they are or where they come from.

Special guests will include Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Deputy Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, Acting Executive Director White House Initiative on HBCU’s; David White, National Executive Director, SAG-AFTRA; and Stacy Milner, founder of the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program and author of Leveraging UP! The Key to Launching Your Entertainment Career; Federal officials; HBCU Presidents and Community Leaders; and other special guests.

The event will take place at SAG-AFTRA Plaza, James Cagney Boardroom – Lobby Level, located at 5757 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. Parking will be validated. The event will start at 6 p.m. and will resume until 9 p.m.

Please email Alexandra Tashman at alexandra.tashman@sagaftra.org to RSVP. As space is limited, only CONFIRMED media will be able to attend. For more information please contact: Pamela Greenwalt, SAG-AFTRA Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at (323) 549-6872 or pamela.greenwalt@sagaftra.org.

Janet Kirtley

Janet Kirtley is What It Do Inland Empire. She is the Founder of S.E.S. Management (5 yrs), Founder of S.E.S. Music Group (3 yrs), Founder of S.E.S. Street Team (2 yrs), and Founder of Put Down Your Guns – The Cali Movement (1 yr). Read all about this amazing lady right here in my column.

S.E.S. stands for “Something Extra Special”. They’re in the business of helping others achieve their goals and dreams in the music industry in the fields of Stage Management, Artist Management and Artist Branding and Promotions. Keeping with the philosophy of taking care of the independent artist, S.E.S. only works with upcoming local talent, promoters and businesses. S.E.S. is contracted with OutDaHouse Productions, Observatory and Novo to run all Hip Hop & R & B Shows for the following venues: The Observatory Orange County & San Diego, The Novo formerly Nokia, Pomona Fox Theatre and The El Rey Theatre.

S.E.S. Management has done a lot of their own independent shows, as well as Stage Management, running and booking acts and opening up for Tech N9ne, DJ Quik, E40, RJ, Lupe Fiasco, Desiigner, Snoop, Asher Roth, Mac 10, WC, Kurupt, 2 Chainz, Nipsey Hussle, Jarule & Ashanti, Fat Joe & Remy Ma, Young Thug, Juciy J, Iamsu, DMX, Hopsin and Psycho Realm just to a name a few. S.E.S. has become the premier stage management company for major and small promoters to run their shows with expertise and professionalism. SES has also played a major role with headlining acts that come to town in booking and stage management for the recent 2 Pac Tribute Show.

Trust me artist Janet Kirtley is someone you want to know. Until next week keep them L’zzz in da air!

Publisher’s Commentary By Wallace J. Allen

San Bernardino L & M; Charter Change… FOR… City Clerk Treasurer, City Attorney not elected   AGAINST want to vote for those positions   Measure O, Repeals S B Ban on sales N;   & P; Regulates growing and sales of MJ…

51… School Bonds, K-12 & Community College Facilities…   YES!

52… Medi-Cal Hospital Fee…       YES! BENEFITS Total Healthcare in Ca…

53… Revenue Bonds Statewide Voter Approval     YES! Though investor money develops, resident use is the ultimate payback to investors! Work done in phases is more transparent and efficient, especially when done with public money!

54… Legislature, Legislative Proceedings… YES! Requires 72 hour internet before legislation can be voted on… Video and record all Legislative meetings.

55… Tax Extension…   YES! Taxes people earning $250,000 per year to aid Education & Healthcare… (We should all look forward to qualifying to pay this tax)

56… Cigarette Tax … NO!  This 2-dollar tax is a misguided attempt to stop poor people from smoking… It is targeting poor and mentally challenged people who would probably stop smoking if they had a job with a living wage… Jobs and mental services would probably be a better means of producing the next wave of Tobacco Use Reduction… And a tax on luxury items would probably raise more money than the cigarette tax! (Possibly)

57… Criminal Sentences…   YES!     Court assignments for juveniles will be made by Juvenile Court Judges… Parole for non-violent convictions! Will not release prisoners convicted of violent crimes as defined by the California Penal Code! See page 143 of your large California Official Voter Guide

58… English Proficiency Multilingual Education… YES!     Allows parents/schools to locally determine the bilingual teaching methodology…

59… Corporations, Political Spending …   YES!   Gives California an Official Billboard stating opposition to “Citizens United”! It speaks against creating a “Corporate Humanity” class as super political contributors.

60… Adult Films, Condoms… Requires Condom use during filming… NO!   This provides no additional protection for workers and creates right to sue for uninvolved entities…

61… State Prescription Purchasing, Pricing standards… YES!   Do not worry about Big Pharmacy raising the price on the VA and thus on everyone else! The VA contract is for all 50 states! Big Pharmacy cannot raise prices in California ONLY!

62… Death Penalty Repealed… YES! Saves Money, Eliminates executing the innocent and coddling the guilty!

63… Firearms, Ammunition Sales…   NO!   How much is too much ammunition? Too expensive to enforce and is potential result worth it? One can make his own ammunition as well as build his/her own firearm… How it that going to be regulated

64… Marijuana Legalization… NO!   This Prop is too complicated… possession of one ounce is all ready legal for adults. Need a bill to decriminalize… Legalization is an economic opportunity that needs transparent regulations that allow for equal access to the industry.

65… Carryout Bags Charges (Directs funds)   NO!   Plastic bag companies need your vote to keep selling bags…

66… Death Penalty… Mend It Don’t End It…   NO!   Lawyers are the main beneficiaries of a “yes”!

67… Ban on Single Use Plastic bag Sales… NO!    Let your city decide!

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“…. Let my distress and the tears I shed in consequence of it be ever before thee, 0 Lord” [Psalms 18:6].

For those that don’t understand why it is hard for a mother to let go of her child no matter what they do, I want you to know that a mother called by God will never relinquish the title. Mothers never relinquish the title, even if the child is rebellious, harsh, and cruel or has gone wayward. Her heart just will not allow it; not when she is called by God. A mother loves her child no matter what they do or have done. Yes a foolish son brings sorrow to his mother, and the pain of seeing so much time, expense, effort, and affection go to waste sucks the life from her soul. It tears at her heart and spirit. Like David, she cries for her foolish son and wept, “O my son, my son, my son” [2 Sam 18:33]. Like Mary, she just doesn’t stand stoically and passively by at the foot of the cross, as if she were already made out of stained glass. No, she crumples at the cross. She falls down to the depths there, moaning and wailing and begging the God of heaven to stop her hell on earth. If a son will consider these things and be wise, his father will rejoice. [Proverbs 27:11] and his mother will have gladness in her heart [Proverbs 23:25]. But a Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble [Job 14:1].

How many mothers’ hearts have been broken by willful and wayward children? My hand is raised! But only the LORD knows such large numbers! The heart that almost daily burst with pleasure and affection caring for the newborn is torn deeply by the willful disobedience and foolishness of the sinful child. Mothers shed many tears. When you look into any mother’s eyes and see them glistening with tears, when you look into any mother’s eyes and see them about to brim over, remember that the love there is a reflection of a much higher love. It is a reflection of the love of God, “love divine all love’s excelling.”

Some of you know all too well what I’m talking about, or perhaps I am the only one with a prodigal son… by his own admission, he chose the path of worldly pleasure. The grief that I feel – grief over the foolish choices that bring consequences to him, pain to others, and reproach to God’s name. The fear – fear of the future and what will happen to him and to my family. If you know the sorrow of a wayward child may I encourage you to — lift up your eyes and look to God? Receive his comfort in your grief, His joy for your fear, His forgiveness for your sin, His righteousness for your shame, His hope for your future. In all cases, the Word of God gives us one recipe for the curing of all their ills, ‘Bring him unto Me” says the Lord.

I tell you we must never cease to pray until they cease to breathe. No matter how far gone they may seem do not give up hope for them. Lay them at the feet of Jesus, and then intercede for them! Go to God on their behalf, and plead with Him for their lives! Don’t give up, and thereby miss the opportunity to see God work a miracle! Regardless of their age; from young to old, unsaved to backslidden, rebellious stricken to criminal, or indifference, prayers based on God’s Covenant Promises will prevail because the Lord has bound Himself to the Word of His own lips… So don’t let Satan drag your kids through Hell… or to Hell. You have a covenant with God! FIGHT IN PRAYER [Nehemiah 4:14]. Ever since God announced in the Garden of Eden, that the woman’s seed would be against the serpent, Satan has been trying to steal and destroy the seed of God’s people. He is so terrified of our children that he often works overtime against them. This is because he knows that the next generation might just be the generation that is his undoing, ushering in the return of Jesus. The need of the hour is for parents to become skilled in SPIRITUAL WARFARE! There are times when the only thing standing between our children and the enemy is prayer, the key to winning the battle. No matter what the enemy determines to do in the lives of our children, he is no match for our Almighty Father. “The battle for our children’s lives is waged on our knees. When we don’t pray, it’s like sitting on the sidelines watching our children in a war zone getting shot at from every angle. When we DO pray, were in the battle alongside them, appropriating Gods power on their behalf. It’s time to go to War! Pray without ceasing!