WSSN Stories

Encountering racism is stressful, but did you know that even the fear of discrimination can cause high blood pressure?

A report released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropy dedicated to health and health care, found that hypervigilance—the tension and anxiety people feel when they fear they will experience discrimination—contributes to higher rates of hypertension among Blacks.

“We think that the chronic activation of the biological stress response system that takes place when a person anticipates a negative event like encountering discrimination is what contributes to the higher rates of hypertension among the Blacks in our study,” said Margaret Hicken, PhD, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholar and the study’s leader.

In cases where racism-related vigilance is low or absent, Blacks and Whites have similar levels of hypertension. But when people report chronic vigilance, the rates in Blacks rise significantly.Disparities in hypertension are considered a significant contributor to health disparities overall in the United States.

Lou Coleman

One of the things that the Bible gives us is incredible testimonies. It gives us a glimpse of the struggles and successes of people that went through some things. Without these testimonies, we would think that we were the only ones who went through what we are going through. I’m talking to somebody today who’s agitated, and stirred in your spirit, because you sense God is calling you to another level. Many times the agitation and frustration you feel is the unwillingness of the flesh to make the necessary adjustments. Don’t think that what you are experiencing is some strange or unique battle. On the contrary, you are in good company! Recall Job, Jeremiah, Elijah, David, and Paul. Perhaps like Paul, you are being pressed beyond measure, tested beyond your endurance and you’re on the brink of giving up. I just stop by to encourage you to keep your faith; because God is going to see you through. When you think you can’t go on another hour, when everything looks absolutely hopeless, cry out to God with all that is in you, “Lord, help!” Consider the counsel of the psalmist: Psalm 58:16-18; 18:1-6; 32:2-3; and the key verse 72:12.

Can I tell you about Jeremiah?  Jeremiah was called at an early age, and he was called to a great assignment, but Jeremiah felt that his assignment was too great for him. The persecution that he endured as a result of doing what God called him to do force him to throw his hands up and tell the Lord that he wanted to quit!”  This message today is for people just like Jeremiah. You know that God has a great assignment for your life, but the truth is you are at a place in your life where you are contemplating just giving up. Some of you woke up this morning declaring, “If I don’t get a Word today I AM DONE!”  You have decided that you are not going to fight for it anymore. Your frustration is at an all time high. You love the Lord, but you have decided that God is going to have to find somebody else to finish your assignment.  But isn’t it amazing how God will send His Word at the right time so we cannot walk away from the awesome thing that He is going to do in our life.

There are two things that I would like for you to REMEMBER ALWAYS. No matter what the devil is doing with you, you must know that you are necessary and that you are significant to the Kingdom. You see the enemy is trying to corrupt you, “He don’t want you to know the truth”. In fact he don’t even like you because when you made up in your mind that you’re going to serve God, the devil got real angry with you. But, “To Hell with the Devil!”    When you have gone through Hell, and High Water, and you know God brought you out, you don’t mind saying something; you don’t mind telling the devil, “The Hell with You!”  The devil realizes that if he can make you give up, he will literally manipulate God’s agenda for you. That’s why Quitting is not an option! You may say, but you don’t understand! Oh I understand alright. Assignments are tough! Jeremiah assignment was to prophesy concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Jeremiah’s assignment was to go to the people of God who had fallen into apathy. These were people that had become lukewarm and had chosen to fall away from God. These were people that God had been good too, but had chosen to live contrary to His Word and as a result had become so arrogant that they walked around saying they could do what they wanted to do because God was with them. These were the people that Jeremiah had to prophesy to. When God gives you an assignment, the assignment is never to make the comfortable more comfortable. The assignment is always to make the comfortable uncomfortable. The assignment is always to effect change. It is to push them into their destiny whether they like it or not. Your conflict, agitation, frustration is because God has placed a call on your life. And the enemy is trying to stop you so the assignment will never come to fruition. But the devil is so stupid, he don’t realize you can’t hinder God’s work.

All of us have cried over what we have gone through while trying to do God’s will. It is a test of our character. God wants to know if you will represent Him while you are going through what you are going through. It is about how you will act under pressure. You were anointed for your assignment. This is really about a commitment.  You have to realize the Sovereignty of God. You have to realize that you didn’t choose the assignment, the assignment chose you. If you give up, somebody’s life will be affected. God has sent His Word to remind you that you have been anointed for the trial. You have been consecrated for this. “I Want You to Know That…You Are Not the Only One!” Thank God for His Word – Revelation.

Navy Seaman Tyelor House

CIVITAVECCHIA, ITALY- Tyelor House from San Bernardino, CA, handles a mooring line around bits aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) as it prepares to enter port during a regularly scheduled visit to Civitavecchia, Italy. Arleigh Burke, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

Mike Epps (Photo Credit Freddie Washington)

What it Do amazing people! Well, San Manuel does it again with another entertaining and successful event for the Inland Empire. I had a blast at Mikes Epps Comedy Tour titled, “After Dark for the Grown & Sexy”! I said it before and I’ll say it again, laughter is good for the soul.

San Manuel bought out the very funny and talented comedian Mike Epps along with his team Comedian G Thang and Comedian Scruncho. I’ve never seen theses comics live, only on television. I’ve always wanted to see Epps do his thing in person and I finally got a chance to. I had more than one person say how Mike, wasn’t that funny in person.

Well, I think he proved critics wrong. Last week he had the entire theater cracking up with his crazy jokes. The audience was diverse and full of folks ready to have a good time and laugh. Walking out onto the stage looking so fresh and clean, that sexy man did that! Mike Epps’ career as a comic began in 1995. Since then his career has taken off. You may have seen him on the big screen in films such as, “Next Friday,” “Friday After Next,” and “All About the Benjamin’s.” He was recently selected to play the role of the famous comedian, Richard Prior, which will be coming to a theater near you soon. I’m excited about that one can’t wait.

Once again KUDO’s to San Manuel! Until Next Week!

G Thank (Photo Credit Freddie Washington)

Comedian Scruncho (Photo Credit Freddie Washington)

DeOndra Morris

By Naomi K. Bonman

Louisiana native DeOndra Morris is the creative director, visionary, and designer behind the line of handbags under DeOndra Jeree. At 22-years-old, Ms. Morris is closing the gap that she has

One of the DeOndra Jeree handbags

witnessed within the marketplace by ensuring that her line of bags provides exactly what the average women is looking for, which is practicability, affordability, and a bag that is stylish that can be transitioned from day-to-night and work-to-weekend.

Morris knew that she wanted to be a designer after watching America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway as a little girl. Back then she would say to herself that she was going to be a big designer one day and have her own fashion brand. And she continued to make that dream a reality.

In addition to those shows, the rising designer has kept her grandmother’s words dear to her heart. Her grandmother has inspired her to keep pushing towards success by “keeping God first and she will have great success and that no matter what may come across her path, good or bad, she should always remain focused and humble and to keep her eye on the prize.”

Once she realized what she wanted to do she let go of all fears and moved to the fashion capital of the world after college–New York. Upon arrival in the Big Apple she immediately got her grind and hustle and landed her first internship with Shecky’s, a fashion and beauty company.  From there she went on to intern at the Handbag Designer Awards where she was not only able to attend the awards, but work with the bags as well.

“I learned a lot from working at those two places, but I had also done my research before starting my own fashion line,” Morris said. “I did the business part first, such as getting it incorporated, etc. Then I started the design process.”

DeOndra Jeree is now a full fleshed company that caters to fashion savvy women ages 25 and older. Each hand bag is transitioned to where it can be used from day-to-night and work-to-weekend. As the line continues to grow, Morris would love to have a variety of handbags in different styles and colors and to be picked up in major retailers, such as  Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Sak’s Fifth Avenue.

To view more of DeOndra Jeree handbags, please visit www.DeOndraJeree.com.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

To trust or not to trust, that is the question, and the decision that you make between those two choices, is either going to give you sweet peace of mind, or make you worry your whole life through! Listen, the answer to stress free, worry free living, is to seek God, seek out His righteousness and TRUST Him to see you through! I tell you, “I’ve got a Feeling; Everything’s Going to Be Alright!”

Bible history tells us that God likes to do amazing things in our lives when we untie His hands with our faith. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” There is such a sweet peace that only God can give when one finally places it ALL in His hands. And it’s a wonderful place to live! But sometimes we stop short of God’s blessings. We think that three times is good enough. Then we want to quit! But I tell you, instead of turning back or contemplating quitting you need to say to yourself, I’ve come too far to turn back now!  In Joshua 24, Joshua calls all the tribes, elders, officers, and people of Israel together to Shechem. He reminded them of all the glorious things God had done for them. Joshua, in essence was saying, look here, I’ve thought about this thing, but all that keeps coming to me is how good God has been. So “make your choice whom ye are going to serve, but I’ve come too far to turn back now. For me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”

I want you to know today if you have been saved one day, one hour, one minute, or even one second, you too, have come too far to turn back now.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not faint.  I tell you; in God the possibilities are endless! Don’t Quit Now! Too much is at stake! Instead dig deeper and grow to new heights in Him. God is able! He’s the God of the impossible. Besides, the Bible makes it very clear: If we don’t believe this about Him, we don’t trust Him at all. John writes, “He that believeth not God hath made him a liar” (1 John 5:10).  Get a hold of faith- believe God to absolutely change and transform your life. If He provided for the destitute widow, for the demon-possessed boy, and for Jarius daughter, He can provide for you. Our God can fix anything. Tell the Devil, “It’s too late! You’ve come too far to turn back now.

I know many of us have been and most of us are at that place where we need God to work it out for us RIGHT NOW! We need a breakthrough NOW! Not tomorrow, but RIGHT NOW! I want to encourage you though, to hold on because change is coming “Jesus told me, everything’s going to be alright!”  I want you to know that it was in the belly of the whale when Jonah was at his breaking point that God stepped in. Hannah was at her breaking point when she began to pray. They thought she was drunk, but it was at this moment that God stepped in on her behalf. Even Jesus in the garden was at his breaking point, desired that his bitter cup be removed. I tell you, “I’ve Got A Feeling; Everything’s going to be Alright!

So in every venture you undertake in life, give it your all. Whatever you take upon yourself to do in life, give it everything you have and NEVER let quitting become a commonplace in your life, no matter how hard things gets.  Because faith is trusting that even when nothing makes sense, God still has a plan. Faith is knowing that when everything is crumbling around you, your hope is never misplaced when it’s put in the loving hands of God.  So before you give up and walk away from something, do what Mary did at the tomb: look again!  Because In every situation you encounter, you can trust that God will send and provide just what you need, just when you need it the most! Mary had almost given up; her spirit was low; she had little faith. She backed out of the tomb, but then she turned around and looked again! This time, she saw Jesus! He may not come when you want him to, but He’s always on time!  DON’T GIVE UP… LOOK AGAIN! “Jesus told me, everything’s going be alright!”

My hope is that through these messages you will come to understand new dimension of God and the distinct mentality necessary to pursue God’s promise of new life. It has been my heart’s desire to ENCOURAGE and inspire you to step out in faith in order to grab hold of the good things God has in store for you. “I’ve Got a Feeling; Everything’s Going to be Alright! Be alright, Be alright, Be alright!”

Frank Buncom IV

SAN DIEGO, CA- Frank Buncom IV, a student at Saint Augustine High School in San Diego, was selected to play in the Semper Fidelis All American Bowl which was held on January 4, 2014. Buncom is a model student and citizen. He maintains a 4.0 grade point average, participates in the associated student body council and is on the Saint Augustine principal’s list. Buncom is also an active member of the community through volunteer work with Young Christians Making a Difference organization (www.youngcmd.org), is a member of the Loyal Sons of Saint Augustine and has received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. He was also named homecoming king.

Richard Sanchez, head coach for Saint Augustine, states “[Buncom] is the best player I have ever coached in 20 years in regard to character and leadership qualities.”

If you want nominate a young athlete to be highlighted, please send us his/her photo, their highlights, school that they play for, recent and major accomplishments, and a quote from either you or a coach to mail@westsidestorynewspaper.com.

Snoop Dogg

LAS VEGAS, NV- The holidays are coming up which means it is the perfect time of the year to not only take a mini vacation, but to also treat yourself…at the same time! On November 14 through November 16 the Rock’n’Roll Running Festival will be back in Las Vegas and on Sunday, November 16 at 3 p.m. rap icon Snoop Dogg will be performing during the pre-race.

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas has proven over and over again to be one of the biggest and most anticipated running events in the world,” said Josh Furlow, EVP of Global Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “We are thrilled to continue this legacy in 2014 by announcing Snoop Dogg, one of the most legendary, chart-topping artists of the past two decades, as the headliner for this year’s festivities.”

The festival is the only running event to be illuminated by the neon lights on the Las Vegas Strip. Each of the marathon and half-marathon courses run down both sides of Las Vegas Boulevard, featuring everything from the iconic  ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign to the Fountains of Bellagio with the finish line at the base of the Mirage Volcano.

Weekend activities begin with a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo where all participants pick up their race number, gear bag and t-shirt. This ultimate running resource will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15.  New in 2014, festival weekend will include the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll 5k presented by SLS Las Vegas on Saturday night where runners can take the on Remix Challenge; running two events and potentially garnering three medals in one weekend.

As the event’s official charity, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America will return with the Team Challenge half-marathon training program. Over the now six-year history of the Rock ‘n’ Roll event in Las Vegas, more than $20 million has been raised for CCFA through the Las Vegas race to find a cure for the 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

For more information or to register for Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas, visit StripatNight.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“Mama always said, “Stupid is as stupid does” – Forrest Gump. 

I tell you, too many of us “Believers” get stuck on stupid. We can be orthodox, faithful in our church attendance, givers, read our Bibles, pray regularly and still be stuck on stupid. Jonah was. In the beginning Jonah was stuck on stupid and he hadn’t learned a thing. And if we continue to keep repeating the same stupid sin, then we too are stuck on stupid.  Yes, the truth cuts, but truth never fears scrutiny.

The problem with most of us is that we have an arrested theological development. We go back to the way we always thought and don’t want to be shaken. But as Forrest’s sergeant asked in the movie, “What’s the matter with you? Are you stupid or something?” And just like Forrest, we stand at attention and bark, “Stupid is as stupid does, sir!”

Where am I going with this? Actions speak louder than words. Christian is as Christian does, faith is as faith does, and love is as love does. My friend, if you are still repeating the same sin that you did five years ago; ten years ago or even twenty years ago, and if you’re not growing; if you’re not even baby-stepping spiritually, then you’re probably stuck on stupid. The good news is that you don’t have to stay there. You can grow. You can change… starting today! As the writer of Hebrews challenged, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Heb. 12:1). God wants all of us to keep growing in grace until He graduates us and takes us home.

You know there is a huge difference between knowing the truth and living the truth. All the things that Jonah said while he was inside the fish were all things that he knew to be true before he set foot on the boat. But even though he knew it, he didn’t live it. Even though he knew all that about God, it still didn’t stop him from running away from God. I tell you at that point we can be a lot like Jonah. We can know the truth about what God has done for us in Jesus, but that doesn’t mean we always live it out. We can know that we have been saved from our sin, but sometimes our lives don’t show it. Jonah never got it. He was stuck on stupid. He never got over his sin of prejudice. He was still bitter and angry as the book closed. He still had a high opinion of himself and he’s hung on to the petty. Jonah never learned the lesson that God was trying to teach him.  How about you? Or are you a modern day Jonah? “Stupid is as Stupid Does!”

Hakim Hazim

By Hakim Hazim

“The whole history of the progress of human liberty shows that all concessions yet made to her august claims have been born of earnest struggle. The conflict has been exciting, agitating, all-absorbing, and for the time being, putting all other tumults to silence. It must do this or it does nothing. If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters.”

-Frederick Douglass

If we want to continue to be free from societal and self-inflicted limitations, we must return to our ancestral core psyche that enshrined faith, struggle, resilience and devotion to the cause of empowering our brothers and sisters. Those who survived the Transatlantic trip and gifted this country with their progeny were some of the most amazing people to ever walk the earth. They embraced these traits as their only hope and so should we. To be certain, we as a people have made tremendous strides. But it is curious to me that although our history has been replete with great spiritual fervor and passion, we are beginning to leave this out of our approach. Our most accomplished leader today was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He had a Gospel-oriented, political approach that implemented civil disobedience to achieve liberation for the masses of Black people. It cost him his life, and he gave it, without flinching. No man is perfect and without flaws, but I believe a flawless God chooses flawed people to carry out His will, if they are simply willing to suffer and struggle in order to fulfill His plan.

Given the current state of affairs, can any person of faith truly say this is God’s current plan for us? The incredible strides we made collectively post WWII to the Civil Rights Era slowed to a crawl only a few years afterward. Economic advancement was unleashed, but rife individualism accompanied this progress. What we need is leadership redux. Redux means to return or review a previous time and to glean from its benefits. We were a less self-centered people at one time. Driven by a great cause, we joined in and supported our leaders. The greatness of black leaders was their willingness to risk everything to move their people forward. History shows us that everything from great military campaigns to business ventures begins with risk tolerance. What separates pretenders from the valiant is risk, plain and simple. When it comes to social reform the same is true. Unfortunately, we don’t have men who will risk everything for their wives and families. We don’t have politicians who will risk their political career for the right thing or the people they represent, anymore. We don’t have godly men who will reject church opinion to comb the streets in search of the stray lamb that has little to offer the congregation. And because of this lack of leadership we can’t offer this generation what previous generations offered us. It is incumbent upon us to give them better.

We need to start fighting now and not concern ourselves with the winds of popular opinion. We must preserve the best aspects of our past and not prop up self-absorbed celebrities as the role models for our young. It’s great that many of our athletes and entertainers are making so much money, but we have to make sure their shine does not eclipse the pillars our fathers who made so much of our progress possible. We must remember those who risked being recaptured again into slavery to help others be free; those who sacrificed their lives to set things right, and those who labor still for the promise of what we can be as a people. Leadership redux is the only answer for our current state of affairs.