WSSN Stories

By Joe W. Bowers | California Black Media

This weekend, the California Democratic Party, for the first time in state history, endorsed three Black candidates for statewide office at the same convention.

Delegates attending the virtual convention threw their support behind Dr. Shirley Weber for Secretary of State; Tony Thurmond for State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI); and Malia Cohen for Controller.

“I’m asking for your ongoing support, running for my first term as Secretary of State. I’m going to fight whatever happens. The democracy that gave me life, gave me opportunity and gave me purpose,” said Weber, who Gov. Newsom appointed Secretary of State in December 2020 after he selected Alex Padilla to replace Kamala Harris in the US Senate when she became Vice President.

96.4% of the delegates attending the convention, themed “We Are California” and held March 4-6, voted to endorse Weber.

The convention attracted more than 3000 Democratic office holders and district delegates to engage each other and mobilize the party faithful as they prepare for the 2022 primary and midterm elections.

Democratic National Convention (DNC) top brass also attended the annual conference, including Vice President Kamala Harris; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12); DNC Chair Jaime Harrison; and members of California’s delegations to the United States Congress, among others.

Rusty Hicks, California Democratic Party Chair, praised the endorsements and admitted the party needs to do more to empower voters — not just engage them.

“Our party over the last two years, actually stood up an organizing department specifically to engage communities across the state on a year-round basis, not just on electoral work, but on important issues and policy work,” Hicks told California Black Media, addressing concerns about the decreasing number of Black men voting for Democratic candidates in elections across the country.

Cohen received endorsement votes from 93.7% of the delegates. Cohen, who is currently President of the state Board of Equalization, was chosen over Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin.

“I’m a proud lifelong Democrat. I’m a proud graduate of Fisk University. We are the alma mater of the great John Lewis. You remember, John Lewis. He was the one that coined the phrase “making good trouble,” she said. “Well, Fisk is the place where I learned the art of making good trouble. A notion that has shaped my career and my public service.”

Thurmond, who was endorsed by 93.7% of the delegates, was elected SPI in 2018 in a close race over his opponent Marshall Tuck. That race was reportedly the most expensive campaign ever for a state education chief.

“In 2018 you endorsed me to serve in this role. I’m before you again asking for your endorsement as I seek re-election to continue the great work to support our six million students in this State,” he said.

Thurmond told Party leadership and delegates – some attending from a production studio in Los Angeles, others mostly participating from home – that he

Lost his only parent to cancer when he was six years old.

“I ended up being raised by a cousin who I met for the first time when I showed up on our doorstep,” he said. “We were raised on the free lunch program, on public assistance and government cheese.”

Thurmond said he found the strength to succeed by his belief in “the promise of education that my teacher shared with me –and saying that my life would be better than it had started.”

Other candidates the delegates endorsed for the June 2022 California primary include: Gavin Newsom for Governor; Eleni Kounalakis for Lt. Governor; Alex Padilla for US Senate; Rob Bonta for Attorney General; Fiona Ma for Treasurer; and Ricardo Lara for Insurance Commissioner.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) is calling on Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones to resign for “dereliction of duty” and for “breeding a culture of racism, hatred, and ignorance.”

Bradford was commenting on an investigation of Kate Adams, a former Sacramento County sheriff’s captain, who was placed on administrative leave for misconduct, which included the distribution of racially charged text messages, memes, and photographs.

Adams has since retired from the position.

“Former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Captain Kate Adams, acting as the Chief of Police of the Rancho Cordova Police Department under the supervision of Sheriff Jones. is the poster child for law enforcement bias,” Bradford stated.

Bradford, who is also the chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, added, “for the first time in California, both the Senate and the Assembly Public Safety Committee chairpersons are African Americans. I am concerned, outraged, but not surprised by this behavior.”

“The pervasive, ongoing racism that is rooted in law enforcement and in America is an issue that all people of color should be concerned and outraged by,” he continued.  “This ongoing, blatant racist behavior under Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones stops now.”

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), who is also a member of the CLBC, is the chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

The Greater Sacramento Branch of the NAACP (GSNAACP) asked Bradford to expand the investigation now that Adams has resigned from the Sheriff’s office. RCPD is under contract with the county office and uses deputies to patrol the community.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen that racist conduct is ignored until it reaches a level that the public becomes aware of it. Similar cases of racist texts between law enforcement officers in Los Angeles, Torrance and San Francisco should have taught us that transparency on this issue is a must,” wrote Betty Williams, Branch President of GSNAACP.

Adams would have been able to seek employment as a law enforcement officer elsewhere in California without a hitch if it were not for Senate Bill (SB) 2. Bradford authored the bill that became California law on Jan. 1, 2022.

SB 2 authorizes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to decertify officers if investigations find they have engaged in serious misconduct.The inquiry into Adam’s actions was called off after she retired but Bradford said she should still be held accountable.

“The investigation of Captain Adams must be completed and if the allegations are found to be confirmed, she should lose her POST certification so that she is unable to be hired by any other law enforcement agency to continue racist and hateful misconduct in another community,” Bradford stated. “In addition, the hundreds — or perhaps thousands — of cases she’s handled over the years, under a climate of bias, must all be reviewed in an independent investigation.”

In a statement, GSNAACP said SB 2 “could not have been achieved without the support of many legislators, community organizations, families, and entertainers” who persistently “advocated non-stop for accountability in our policing system.”

“We use this moment to recognize that social

media messaging is used as a pathway to perpetuate racism while also exposing those who use racism in their positions of power. Rancho Cordova’s Chief Adams had a responsibility to stand against racism and bias,” the statement continued. “Instead, what has been communicated to the GSNAACP is a person who finds the historic and traumatizing use of (high-powered water) hoses against Black people a mockery.”

With a Black population of over 6,800 out of a total of 74,000 residents, Rancho Cordova is 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento. The Adams case is not the first time the CLBC has weighed in on misconduct involving officers of the Rancho Cordova Police Department.

In April 2020, a Rancho Cordova officer was caught on video punching a defenseless 14-year-old boy. The deputy was in the area due to complaints from citizens about hand-to-hand sales of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs to minors.

“The deputy saw what he believed to be a hand-to-hand exchange between an adult and juvenile,” according to an April 2020 statement from the Rancho Cordova Police Department.

“After an administrative investigation (related to the incident), the deputy was terminated from employment,” the sheriff’s office said in a September 2020 written statement.

Bradford said peace officers in California are accountable to the people they serve.

“Our communities must have faith that all law enforcement officers in California are held to the highest standards,” Bradford stated.

By Lou Yeboah

You see, Jesus prophesied to the disciples that there will be wars and rumors of wars. He said, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this MUST take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” [Matthew 24:6-7].

Hear me and hear me good. God has a plan for the End Times. The war between Russia and the Ukraine, is part of the plan. As told in the Bible, the world is moving toward the Tribulation and the Battle of Armageddon. God is preparing the nations. This is the most likely reason for the war between Russia and Ukraine, and God is allowing it. Ultimately, it is part of His plan. God has allowed Russia to invade Ukraine. He knew the events of March 3rd, 2022, before they occurred. He knew the Russian army would attack Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant in Ukraine in the city of Zaporizhian. He knew the fires would erupt during the battle over the nuclear reactor as the Russian invasion continued into its second week. He knew that on the morning of March 4th, the world would learn the reactor was safe, the fires would be extinguished, but the invasion would continue. Because as King David declared in [Psalm 139] God knows everything. It is obvious that God knew about the war before it started, and He continues to know all that will happen. So, why did God allow this war to begin and continue? The question to explore is, “What does the Bible reveal about Russia and Ukraine in the end times?”

The first prophecy that helps to answer the question is [Daniel 11:40-45]. The prophecy describes a series of battles that will occur BEFORE and DURING the Battle of Armageddon. The prophecy refers to the major countries that will be engaged in the Battle of Armageddon. It states that the king of the north and the king of the south will attack Israel. So, who is the king of the north? The prophecy in [Ezekiel 38-39] reveals that most likely it is Russia. These two chapters provide more detailed information about the role of Russia’s army in the battle of Armageddon at the end of the tribulation. Read it. Pick up your Bible and read it. So that you will not be caught off guard as to the things that is YET to come.

Here are His words, “This is the plan devised against the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out against all the nations. For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” [Isaiah 14:26-27]

The message is that God rules over human history. No one can stop His plans. [Isaiah 40:1-23] says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. It is He who reduces rulers to nothing, who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. [Isaiah 40:21-23].

The best example of why God can allow such overwhelming evil, suffering and any circumstance to exist is the crucifixion of Jesus, Himself. The GREATEST wrong, evil and sin EVER committed by any human or humans was when Jesus was crucified. The creation tortured its Creator and then nailed Him to a tree to suffer the most agonizing of deaths. This is the reason God can allow such awful suffering and circumstances to exist in the world: if God can take the GREATEST evil/sin [the Crucifixion] and turn it into the entire creation’s greatest blessings, our salvation, how much ‘easier’ will it be for God, through Jesus, to eventually bring about blessings and a glorious ending from ALL the ‘lesser’ evils, sins and sufferings that exist today, as well as in times past.

No one can frustrate God’s plans. Russia may plan, march, invade, murder, and destroy, but that nation cannot do anything that God does not permit and cause to happen. No President, head of state or ruler of any country can carry out any decision or policy they have made UNLESS God give them ‘permission’ to do so: As [Proverbs 16: 1] state, “Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.” An illustration of this is in [Job 1:6,12; 2:6] where Satan, himself, is shown to be limited ONLY to what God gives him ‘permission’ to carry out. [Job 1:6, 12; 2:6].

My faith is in God not man. What about you?

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

As the cost of gas continues to soar in California, Black leaders, state lawmakers and frustrated citizens are urging Gov. Newsom to take immediate action to decrease high prices at the pump.

Last week, Shane Harris, president of San Diego-based People’s Association of Justice Advocates (PAJA), wrote a letter to Newsom. Harris urged the governor to declare a “state of emergency,” allowing him to cut the gas tax, which Harris believes helps to drive up the cost of gas.

“We are seeing gas at nearly $5.50 a gallon, which is nearly three dollars more than the national average,” Harris said. “I am writing you as someone who works on a daily basis with communities who are already struggling to pay their rent and essentially living check to check.”

PAJA is a national civil rights organization and policy institute founded to direct action with a balanced standard of justice for all no matter their race, religion, criminal record, sexuality, gender status, or citizenship.

Across social media, African Americans are blasting the sharp increases in gas prices. Ellen Nash, a San Diego resident, and chair of the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) posted a photo on Facebook of a gas station in Beverly Hills, where reports say fuel is above $6 per gallon.

“We are experiencing a gas prices epidemic,” said Nash. “Time to shelter in place again. And work remotely!! With A few exceptions. This is ridiculous.”

Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 as President Vladimir Putin authorized “special military operations” that began with missile and artillery attacks on major Ukrainian cities.

Western allies, including the United States, announced sanctions, including restrictions on Russia’s central bank and global payments system. Since the attacks that have caused over a million people to flee Ukraine, a former Soviet republic located on the southeastern doorsteps of Russia, gas prices in California and the rest of the country have soared.

Economic experts say that the U.S. only gets 5% to 10% of its crude oil and refined products from Russia, but gas prices have passed the $5 mark up and down the state. In certain places, such as Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, gas is hovering around $6 per gallon.

Before the war in Ukraine started, Newsom suggested that state legislators consider suspending the entire 18.4 cents federal gasoline excise tax.

“Well, now we have a war going on in Ukraine and while I know that we get our gas here in California from a variety of countries it is still clear that the war in Ukraine is adding on to an already growing crisis at our pumps here in California,” Harris wrote. “While I understand the foundation of the gas tax provides more funding to our state toward things like infrastructure, I also see real people hurting and that is concerning.”

The gas tax in California is at 51.1 cents per gallon, and it is scheduled for another increase in July. California Assembly Republicans last week said they are backing a bill, AB 1638, that Assemblymember Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) introduced. It would eliminate the current gas tax for six weeks.

At the release of Harris’s letter, San Diego County recorded its steepest hike in the average-price of gasoline since Sept. 28, 2019. Self-serve regular fuel rose 8 cents to $4.975, in 16 days, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Oil Price Information Service (OPIS).

Hardworking families are having to cut back from other expenses just to fill up their gas tanks,” said Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) on March 2. “Higher gas prices are eating up their budgets for food and groceries, prescription medications, school supplies, and other necessary expenses. With such an enormous surplus, this is just unacceptable.”

A study conducted by UCLA’s Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy revealed hardships Blacks and Latinos are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study estimates that more than 1.9 million adults in California were unable to pay their rent on time in July 2020.

“Californians pay the highest gas tax in the nation, which is adding to the skyrocketing cost of fuel,” said Assemblymember Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach). “Our communities are struggling to make ends meet while Sacramento leadership works to increase the cost of living even higher.”

By Gigi Crowder

As Black History Month 2022 winds down, I find myself doing a mental assessment regarding how much progress we have truly made regarding addressing health disparities, especially as it relates to mental health, which now has everyone carrying more awareness and possibly less stigma. I naturally think about the impact COVID-19 has had on the emotional wellness of the African American community. I ponder about the additional barriers and challenges my community will need to navigate. For example, how damaging is distance learning for black students? Will our Elders thrive and get back to socializing, going to worship services, and visiting family; or will they feel more comfortable continuing to isolate? Has so much death, economic loss, and social unrest during this pandemic created an increased sense of hopelessness and despair? As an optimist and Activist, who relies heavily on my faith, I don’t allow myself to focus on the negatives very long. I prefer to spend more time considering solutions, potential opportunities and focusing on who I need to join forces with to promote improved outcomes.

My staff and I at NAMI Contra Costa take our roles offering non-clinical supports and resources to African American communities across California to heart. We all are fully committed and strategically built strong networks and collaborate effectively with Statewide Cultural Brokers in each County, Black Faith Leaders and Centers/Churches, Athletes, Entertainers, and Social Influencers across the state and beyond. We closely monitor the community’s needs and respond swiftly to fill gaps and offer resources. Our team has facilitated a minimum of 2 targeted trainings or awareness events each month since we began doing this work. I’ve spoken on panels with Assembly members, Congresspeople, and other elected officials at Town Halls to lift the mental health needs of African Americans due to COVID-19. I have spoken on the radio and had the opportunity to speak at concerts etc. My team members have participated at health fair events across the state, as well as showing up virtually or physically wherever there is an opportunity to spread the word about CalHOPE. The CCP staff is diverse across ages; we can offer all services in a culturally responsive manner with a primary objective to reduce the harm and prevent challenges due to the pandemic.

As California moves toward less restrictive protocols, I recognize It is indeed a great blessing to have NAMI CC participate as a CalHOPE Campaign subcontractor. We greatly appreciate the role we play in delivering ethnic-specific messages that reminds African American because of low vaccination rates and the greater risk they must proceed with more caution. We have not been able to change the minds of all-black community members who carry vaccination hesitation due to misinformation and broken trust based on past hurts.  However, we have been very successful with getting those deciding not to be vaccinated to reduce their risk of getting infected. We target the unsheltered and have partnered with our county Supervisors and Public Health Department and given out thousands of face masks, hand sanitizers, and even COVID-19 rapid tests. We have had CCP staff at Vaccination Clinics around the state with information about our ethnic-specific support groups, resources, warm line, and the CalHOPE Live Chat.

I know that as the months move on and we forget about how we honored our African American Heroes in February; our work will continue and we will stand on the shoulders of those heroes. We already see the negative impact and the statistics continue to highlight glaring disparities, such as more hospitalizations and higher death rates even for black children, but we will adapt and develop new community-defined targeted strategies.

My prayer is that others, especially decision-makers, will join me and take time to look at how much our program has done to reduce risk, and consider where we can be used to address other concerns faced by African Americans and others impacted by mental illness. NAMI CC supports the new 988 services to offer a non-police response for those experiencing a mental health emergency. Our Crisis Counselors are fully trained and can easily support that effort recognizing too often African Americans are statistically at the greatest risk when law enforcement is needed. At NAMI CC we are already the trusted go-to agency for African Americans responding to those that call and understand how to triage as needed. There is no need to build a new responsive prevention system when one already exists through the culturally, ethnically, and linguistically sensitive programs CalHOPE has in place across California.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, to mark Black History Month, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held a virtual ceremony honoring people with the group’s Unsung Heroes award.

The 11 CLBC lawmakers nominated an individual from their respective districts – people who exemplify selflessness, courage and service, and whose work to lift others often goes unrecognized.

“From our earliest days in the United States, the course of this country’s history has been influenced by African American heroes and pioneers that go far beyond slavery and fighting for our freedom,” said Bradford.

“We have contributed to science, medicine, business, education, government, industry and social leadership,” he continued.

Bradford said he hopes the CLBC tradition of honoring a wide variety of people doing extraordinary work serves as a reminder that “no matter who you are you can create long-lasting change.”

Here is a list of the CLBC’s 2022 Unsung Heroes:

35^th Senate District (Los Angeles County)

Bradford nominated Dr. Keith Curry, President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District (CCCD). Curry is responsible for overseeing all departments and functions of Compton College and serves as secretary for the CCCD Board of Trustees. He helped raise $11.3 million to help the school transition to an independent college.

30^th Senate District (Los Angeles)

Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), Co-chair of the CLBC, nominated Charles “Bear” Sprately. Sprately founded Brothers Against Banging Youth (BABY) in 2008. The community-based nonprofit provides gang prevention and crisis intervention for young men and women in underserved neighborhoods. BABY has been key to opening up new opportunities to thousands of Los Angeles area youth.

7^th Assembly District (Sacramento and Yolo Counties)

Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) nominated Sharron Chandler, Founder and Executive Director of Yes2Kollege Education Resources, Inc. The Sacramento non-profit provides African American students with “real time” educational tools and resources to live healthy and productive lives, while helping them aim for academic excellence and prepare for high-skill jobs.

9^th Assembly District (Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties)

Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) nominated Dr. Janine Bera, Chief Medical Officer at WellSpace Health. The non-profit community health center system provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services to more than 100,000 people each year at 31 greater Sacramento area locations.

18^th Assembly District (Alameda County)

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) nominated Nancy Harvey, owner of Lil Nancy’s Primary Schoolhouse, a home-based family childcare program in Oakland. The school serves children 4 years old and younger, teaching them language, arts, math, science, and social skills. The program prides itself on its low staff-to-child ratio designed to increase interactions with adults, promote learning, and prevent education gaps — so children enter school “kinder-ready.”

41^st Assembly District (Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties)

Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) nominated Ray Ealy, founder of STEAM:CODERS. Founded in 2014, STEAM:CODERS enhances the education of  K-12 students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), preparing them for educational or professional opportunities. STEAM:CODERS recruits students who reside in communities served by Title I schools. Through the program, thousands of students have been introduced to skill-building training.

54^th District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) nominated Cassandra Steptoe-Sampson, founder of A Child’s Dream-CA. The non-profit is dedicated to helping children in South Central Los Angeles — and their families — access resources they need for school and to stay healthy. Under her leadership, the organization has distributed backpacks, school supplies, shoes, clothing, hygiene kits and toys to the families in Los Angeles, and beyond, with the help of sponsors and partners.

59^th District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) nominated Dr. John Griffith. Griffith began his career at Los Angeles’ Kedren Community Health Center in 1981, serving as the Chief Operating Officer-Mental Health Services until 2002, when he became the President/CEO. During his tenure at the health facility, he has instituted several changes to help meet the health needs of residents in the surrounding community. Griffith was instrumental in setting up a relationship between Kedren and Charles Drew University, California’s only HBCU. Medical students participate in the project as part of their residency requirements.

64^th Assembly District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) nominated Dr. Ayanna E. Davis, an advocate for education, political empowerment and social justice. She lives in Compton. Over her 27 years of service in education, Davis’s has touched the hearts and helped to shape the minds of thousands of children. Currently, Davis is the Vice President and Political Action Council member of the Association of Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA). In her role as President-elect of the Southern California Chapter of the California Association of Early Young Children, she advocates for disadvantaged children (from birth to 8 years old).

79^th District (San Diego County)

Assemblymember Akilah Webber (D-San Diego) nominated William Jones, President, CEO and Director of CityLink Investment Corporation, a commercial real estate company. A civic leader and advocate for African Americans and other minorities, Jones is also the lead independent director of Sempra Energy. Earlier in his career, Jones served in San Diego city government as a City Councilmember, Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff to City Councilmember Leon Williams.

62^nd Assembly District (Los Angeles County)

Earlier this month, Assemblymember Autumn Burke (D-Inglewood), who was a member of the CLBC, resigned from the Legislature, citing personal reasons.

The CLBC honored a nominee from the Burke’s district: Derek Steele, a Morgan State University graduate who started his professional career as an electrical engineer at Northrop Grumman. Later, he began serving his community as a volunteer with the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI). His work focused on figuring out how to recreate local food access systems to solve health disparities and food insecurity in Inglewood and nearby communities. Finding service to others more fulfilling than corporate pursuits, Steele was recently appointed SJLI’s Executive Director.

You can watch the ceremony here.

By Dr. Keith Magee 

What is it about this 22-year-old music star, whose career has seen a vertiginous rise over the last few years, that has some people so very upset that he has been nominated for an NAACP Image Awards?  It has come to my attention that his inclusion among the nominees at this prestigious celebration of Black excellence has reignited outrage about Lil Nas X’s body of work in a certain portion of our community.

On Saturday February 26, the ceremony is scheduled to grace our screens again. This year the Grammy-award winning rapper Lil Nas X has been nominated in three categories – Entertainer of the Year, Outstanding Male Artist, and Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song.

Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill, who publicly declared his homosexuality in 2019, clearly takes some delight in hitting a nerve. His music videos feature scenes that some have found shocking, often depicting an array of gyrating, naked or semi-naked male dancers. One scene in the video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” shows the singer defiantly pole-dancing his way to hell, where he performs a lap dance for Satan, then kills him and steals his horns before sprouting his own wings. Cue furious backlash, accusations of “devil worshipping,” and demands that Black pastors voice their disapproval to “protect our children.”

Instead of reacting to these award nominations with anger, it might be more helpful for us to wonder why Lil Nas X chooses to use such imagery in his videos. He has described how difficult he found it, as a teenager, to reconcile his queer identity with what he heard in church about homosexuality being a vile sin and all gay people being destined to spend eternity in hell. Same gender loving young Black people like him often find themselves demonized by the very Christian pastors and brothers and sisters who should be embracing them understanding that the primary mission of Jesus was the promise of eternal life through the sacrifice of love.

I cannot speak for Lil Nas X, but I think it’s a fair assumption that the depiction of his descent into hell in the “Montero” video is meant to represent his frustration at being told he would never be allowed to enter heaven. The fact that he is shown seducing the devil in order to murder him surely suggests the singer feels he has had to defeat his own demons – those negative messages planted in his brain by the church – in order to liberate himself from fear and prejudice and be comfortable in his own skin as a gay Black man.

Isn’t the truly shocking thing here is that some of our young people are growing up not only having to deal with racial inequality and hatred but also being made to feel that they don’t even belong in certain Black churches because of their sexuality? That they are supposedly so unlovable in the eyes of God that they can never be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven? That they are destined to burn in hell as a punishment simply for being themselves? Now, as a Black pastor myself, this harmful treatment of children is something I would be happy to protest about.

I’ll be honest, I won’t be letting my 7-year-old son watch Lil Nas X’s “Montero” video, because the sexual imagery it includes is clearly not appropriate for young children. I won’t be letting my little boy watch any of Megan Thee Stallion’s extremely raunchy videos either, and she is also nominated for the 2022 NAACP Image Entertainer of the Year award. (Although, after centuries of the hyper-sexualization of Black bodies by others, part of me cannot help but admire young Black performers who are now seizing control of how their bodies and their sexuality are portrayed.) I certainly don’t allow my son to listen to rap songs that appear to glamorize violence, misogyny, or drugs, indeed I pray for a world in which no Black music stars feel the need to write such lyrics. I wish I didn’t have to work quite so hard to shield my child from what I see as unsuitable material. But I accept that, as a father, protecting him is my job. One day my boy will be old enough to decide for himself, and if, among the messages I don’t much like, he also hears some messages about racial equality, female empowerment, body positivity, and the acceptance of homosexuality and gender difference, then I’ll see that as a bonus.

Let’s be clear here – the NAACP’s role is not to parent our children or to sanitize pop culture in order to avoid shocking a particular demographic. Nor is it to police adherence to a conservative version of Christianity or any other religion. The NAACP operates under the same separation of church and state as the rest of American society. Like us all, they cannot oppose any individual’s right under the First Amendment to free speech – and that extends to song lyrics.

Its historical roots may go deep, but the NAACP is also – happily – adept at moving with the times. It can see the considerable value in nominating high-flyers like Lil Nas X – it’s good PR to embrace the stars that today’s Black youths idolize. What does it matter if the great civil rights organization occasionally hitches a ride on the coattails of young Black stars’ success? The NAACP is perfectly aware, I’m sure, that it can only have a positive impact on America if it continues to mean something to every generation. Our young people are our future. If the NAACP fails to reflect their idea of Black culture, engage with them, and galvanize them to continue the fight for Black people’s advancement, then where will we be?

Goodness knows we have some fights on our hands right now – against attacks on our voting rights, gerrymandering, police brutality, attempts to deny our painful history and prevent our children from learning about how we overcame oppression. Is this really the moment to be bickering amongst ourselves instead of uniting in our collective struggle, along with our allies, against racial injustice?

On Saturday evening, I for one will be enjoying the 53^rd annual NAACP Image Awards’ festival of amazing Black talent without reservation, and I wish all the nominees in every category the very best of luck.

Keith Magee is Senior Fellow and Visiting Professor of Practice in Cultural Justice at UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, a Fellow at UCL Centre on U.S. Politics, and Professor of Practice in Social Justice at Newcastle University. He serves as Commissioner on United States – United Kingdom Fulbright Commission and was appointed to the Mayor of London’s Commission on Diversity in the Public Realm. He is the author of Prophetic Justice: Race, Religion and Politics, January 2021

By Lou Yeboah

The World is Now on the Eve of Destruction, and near the great deception that was foretold in the Bible. The Great Tribulation with the Antichrist is almost upon us. The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. The stage is being set for the Final, the Great, Apostasy. [Revelation 13]. Listen to me like you’ve never listened to me ever in your life!

When the Lord tells you to run don’t hesitate, don’t argue, and don’t look back. As the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished. [Genesis 19:15-26]. Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains; for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon the people. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.  [Luke 21:21-23]. Listen to me like you’ve never listened to me ever in your life!

Jesus warned that just prior to His Second Coming, an all-encompassing World War would threaten the very survival of mankind. We are living in those times today. There are four prophetic developments occurring right now that demonstrate how close we are to the Euphrates River War, otherwise known as World War III. I can’t tell you exactly when this is going to happen, but the Bible tells us where World War III will originate. [Revelation 9:14-15]. According to Bible prophecy, it will be the Battle of Armageddon which destroys all things. It will be when Israel is attacked by Russia and Iran [Gog and Magog]. I tell you, when the Lord tells you to run don’t hesitate, don’t argue, and don’t look back because the setting up of the Abomination of Desolation will mark a time of danger that will come so swiftly that in [Luke 21:34-35] Jesus said it would be like a snare—catching us completely off guard. Isaiah compared it to the collapse of a high, swelling wall “whose breaking comes suddenly at an instant.” [Isaiah 30:13]. Do not be deceived. Take heed, be alert, watch and pray because current events right now, show this day rapidly approaching.

Jesus spoke of these major world events to come before His return in what is called His Olivet Prophecy. [Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21]. His disciples began by asking Him, “What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Christ’s reply included this warning of an unprecedented time of trouble: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” [Matthew 3; 21-24]. When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled… For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon the people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. [Luke 21:20-24; see Revelation 11:2; emphasis mine]. Listen to me like you have never listened to me ever in your life. The weapons will be used. The world will be destroyed. Cities will disappear. No nation will be spared.

The apocalyptic revelations are a warning to all mankind. The end is coming – sooner than we think!  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch! This is not only a commandment, it is a warning. [Mark 13:37]. The Day is real, and the hour is set … [Zephaniah 1:14-18]. The Antichrist will rise and conquer … [Revelation 6:1-2]. A Great War will ignite the Earth … [Revelation 6:3-4]. Global famine will follow… [Revelation 6:5-6]. One-fourth of Mankind will be destroyed … [Revelation 6:7-8; Revelation 9:13-15; Revelation 9:16-19]. One-third of all trees on Earth will burn [Revelation 8:7] One-third of all life in the sea will die … [Revelation 8:8-9; Revelation 16:3]. One-third of all fresh water on Earth will be poison … [Revelation 8:10-11]. One-third of the light of the Sun, Moon, and Stars will be blocked … [Revelation 8:12-13). Rivers and springs will turn to blood … [Revelation 16:4-7]. A great heat will scorch the Earth … [Revelation 16:8-9]. A thick, darkness will cover the Earth … [Revelation 16:10-11]. Millions who come to the Lord will be executed … [Revelation 14:13; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 6:9-11]. A massive Earthquake unlike any other in the history will convulse and change the face of the Earth … [Revelation 16:18-20; Isaiah 24:19-20].

Listen to me like you’ve never listened to me ever in your life. God leaves us with an ominous warning . . .”Search from the book of the LORD and read: Not one of these prophecies shall fail…”[Isaiah 34:16]. “Indeed, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it…” [Isaiah 46:11-12]. Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!

“To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Indeed, their ear is uncircumcised, And they cannot give heed. Behold, the word of the Lord is a reproach to them; They have no delight in it.” [Jeremiah 6:10].

“Also, I set watchmen over you saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen. ” [Jeremiah 6:17].

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

It was a great day in the City of Redlands this past Sunday as nonprofit, “Stronger Together Now”, held its 1st SoulFood Fest in celebration of Black History Month. The day was beautiful and filled with a spirit of unity and togetherness.

Several community organizations participated by providing free promotional materials, resource information, along with fun games and activities for the entire family to enjoy. There were live performances from local artists, along with a cook-off featuring ten soul food vendors. I had the opportunity to contribute my tasting skills as a judge, and let’s just say I left on Cloud 9. The food was delicious. I had a blast helping as a judge and networking.

It was nice to see so many African American community members dressed up proudly in African

garments. I am totally looking forward to next year’s celebration.

Congratulations to the SoulFood Fest Cook-off winners. They are: Still Standing BBQ for the Meat entrée (ribs); Ruby’s Ribs for the side dish (pineapple baked beans); and Brooklyn’s Bakery Bites for the dessert (peach and French toast cobbler).

The mission of Stronger Together Now is to help underserved communities in the Inland Empire by providing access to programs, organizations, resources, and events.