WSSN Stories

By Lou Yeboah

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters. Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. The first was like a lion and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.  [Daniel 7:1-8]

I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by and asked him the truth of all this. So, he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, who shall arise out of the earth.

Thus, he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the Most High and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart. [Daniel 7: 17-28].

Let the reader understand, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains . . . “for then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall.” The next three and a half years will be more terrible than anything that had ever occurred before. [Matthew 24:21].

Listen, “Prophecy” is revealed to men to change their perspective, to urge them to see things as God sees them rather than as they appear to the human eye. This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John.

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand. [Revelation 1:3].

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace Allen

Testing The Test!

The test for COVID-19 is being suggested by some and required by some others. Various activities and events may require evidence of a negative test in order to participate or attend. Having a negative test days before the planned activity or event is often the recommended policy that represents the safe way to gather with others.

Does a negative result from a COVID-19 test truly indicate the COVID-19 status of the person who took the test?

Should we consider the recent exposure that occurred too recently for the test to detect or exposure any time after the test?

Thinking it through seems to suggest that the only thing that the test can really determine is if someone were negative at the time of the test, which is not an indication of their immediate, and certainly not their long-term status, such as one day later.

Taking the vaccine has become a social argument that is now documenting strong results for the vaccinated; however, the unvaccinated have among them some that take the efficiency gaps in bureaucratic policy, logic and procedures as reason to fight the shot.

If we were all tested daily, we would find people that test positive today who tested negative yesterday.

Insisting that taking the test is a truly relevant procedure feeds that skepticism. The energy and resources used on testing are probably better used elsewhere.

The New Year brings strong support for underserved communities during the pandemic.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (January XX, 2022) – Leading information services company Experian announced today a $375,000 contribution to four nonprofit organizations that directly support African American communities, as they emerge from challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. These donations will help organizations with operating expenses, and allow for the development of new programs and initiatives.

“Nonprofits have been a critical resource for underserved communities and continue to be resilient in the face of the health and financial crises caused by the pandemic,” said Abigail Lovell, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility for Experian. “In addition to our work together and reaching out with the message of financial inclusion for all, this is an opportunity to provide real support with their general operating expenses. We hope the funds will enable them to strengthen their impact in the communities that need help the most and lessen the wealth gap in society.”

Experian has contributed to the following four nonprofit organizations:

• United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that UNCF’s network of member institutions is a respected model of best practices in moving students to and through college.
• National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Fund – The NNPA Fund promotes scholastic and professional initiatives designed to honor the historic mission of the Black Press: to explore and celebrate black culture, fill the void in news coverage of the Black experience, and provide compelling content that educates, engages, inspires and empowers consumers.
• California Black Media (CBM) – CBM exists to facilitate communication between the Black community, media, grassroots organizations, and policy makers by providing fact-based reporting to a network of over 21 Black media outlets on leading public policy issues.
• The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) – TLF’s mission is to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations by providing scholarships, career and professional development workshops, mentorships, and internships/entry-level positions to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students.

Experian’s contribution will support the development of a new financial literacy program by The LAGRANT Foundation. The TLF-created program will provide ethnic minority college and university students, as well as young professionals, seeking careers in the fields of advertising, marketing and public relations with the knowledge, guidance and resources needed to become financially literate while gaining an understanding of proper credit card use and financial planning.

Investing in underserved communities is a key pillar of Experian’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, which is committed to investing time, resources and partnerships to create a better tomorrow by helping millions gain access to essential everyday services, facilitating inclusion and diversity, and managing Experian’s environmental footprint responsibly.

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About Experian

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 20,000 people operating across 44 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

Charles Patterson freed himself from slavery and built C.R. Patterson and Sons from the ground up

R. Patterson and Sons may not be a familiar name to many, but this small automobile manufacturer is the first and only African American-owned car company. Charles Richard Patterson was born enslaved on a Virginia plantation in 1833. Twenty-eight years later, in 1861, Charles escaped the plantation and traveled to Greenfield, Ohio, to begin a new life. In 1873, he partnered with carriage manufacturer J.P. Lowe and began the successful business of manufacturing horse carriages. Charles then bought out Lowe’s shares of the business and re-established the company as C. R. Patterson and Sons in 1893, with his oldest son, Frederick, taking on more of an ownership role.

In 1910, Charles Richard Patterson died and left the business to Frederick, who quickly began converting the company into an automobile manufacturer. The hard work of shifting the scope of the business culminated in the introduction of the Patterson-Greenfield automobile in 1915. It was sold for $685 and featured a four-cylinder Continental engine that competed with Ford’s Model T.

Unfortunately, like many smaller automobile manufacturers of this time, C. R. Patterson and Sons could neither match the speed of Ford’s manufacturing nor its economies of scale. This led to another strategy change for C.R. Patterson and Sons, which started creating trucks and buses using Ford and General Motors chassis for the next several years. In 1939 after the Great Depression, C. R. Patterson and Sons was forced to close its doors for the last time.

Although the story of C. R. Patterson and Sons is not widely known, it was a multi-generational success story, securing Charles’ and Frederick’s place in the automotive history books. Unfortunately, the Smithsonian reports, there aren’t any known Patterson-Greenfield automobiles that have survived to 2020, as it was estimated that only around 150 were ever built, but the Greenfield Historical Society does have a C. R. Patterson buggy which looks to be kept in great condition. You can learn more about the business and these inspiring individuals by checking out the National Museum of African American History and Culture and The Smithsonian or by checking out the book “The C. R. Patterson and Sons Company: Black Pioneers in the Vehicle Building Industry, 1865-1939”.

By Lou Yeboah

As I reflect back over my life, I am reminded that, “I never could have made it without the Lord. I would have lost it all, but now I see how He was there for me.” [Marvin Sapp – Never Would Have Made It – “Emphasis Mine”].

You see, “I could have been dead and gone but [He] saw differently. [He] decided to save me… from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you Jesus. Thank you for delivering me; for setting me free, for saving me, for washing me clean, for loving me.” [Grateful – Hezekiah Walker].

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hands against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand delivers me. I give You thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing Your praise; I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness. [Psalms 138:1-8].

It fills me with humble gratitude and overwhelming awe. Thank you! [Psalm 77:11–12].

Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, My God, that is Who You are. [REVERE, Darlene Zschech & William McDowell Lyrics].

“Oh, get the shackles off my feet, so I can dance. I just want to praise You” [Mary Mary – Shackles [Praise You].

This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad! Amen

I tell you, when we look at our life from where we came from to where we are today, we should be giving thanks to the Lord, proclaiming aloud “look where God has brought us from.” It is His grace and mercy that has carried us through. Like David, God has taken us from the pasture [2021] to the palace [2022]. It’s not just where we made it. It’s how we made it. A remarkable journey that reminds us that we never would have made it without the Lord. [2 Samuel 7].

By no stretch of the imagination, the past two years have been an easy time. The pandemic has forever changed our world and yet here we are thanking God for the brand-new year. We would not have made it, to where we have made it, without a way maker.

Just imagine what would happen if God did not intervene on our behalf? “If the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away.” Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. [Psalms 124:1-7].

“I will always thank the Lord; I will never stop praising Him. I will praise Him for what He has done; may all who are oppressed listen and be glad! Proclaim with me the Lord’s greatness; let us praise His name together! I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me; He freed me from all my fears. [Psalms 34:1-7].

Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard; He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping [ Psalms 66].

“Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” [1 Chronicles 16:8].

For, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his passions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” [Lamentations 3:22-23].

Count Your Blessings, Name Them One by One!

SACRAMENTO, CA—- Assemblymember Chris Holden hit the ground running in 2022 and recommitted to improving upward mobility for people of color by introducing AB 1604, after Governor Newsom’s veto of his Upward Mobility Act of 2021, AB 105. This legislation will be reintroduced and is the first of its kind in the nation – to promote upward mobility for people of color in California’s civil services system and require diversity on state boards and commissions.

“California has led the nation on other social justice and equity issues and now is another chance to continue that legacy,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “My goal is to promote transparency and accountability with this bill – both in government and private workplaces as we saw with AB 979. I am hopeful for what we can accomplish together this year.”

AB 1604 gives the Reparations Task Force more accurate data to utilize in its deliberations. Additionally, the bill requires that SPB establish a process that includes diversity and best practices in each aspect of the design, announcement, and administration of examinations for the establishment of employment lists.

By July 1, 2023, the Department of Human Resources shall develop model upward mobility goals to include race, gender, and LGBTQ as factors to the extent permissible under state and federal equal protection laws. The goals will be based on department workforce analysis and shall post the model goals on its internet website.

“I will work with my colleagues in the Legislature to improve California leadership and uphold equal opportunities for workplace growth,” said Holden.  “The promise of doing the right thing remains, and I am more committed than ever to creating more inclusive workplace environments and remove barriers that hinder qualified individuals to move up within their department simply based on the color of their skin.”

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Black leaders in California are remembering the life and accomplishments of Willard H. Murray Jr., an engineer and United States Air Force vet, elected to the California Assembly in 1988. He served in the State Legislature for eight years until he termed out in 1996.

Murray died on Dec. 20 of natural causes. He was 91.

“It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to our former Chair and colleague, the Honorable Willard H. Murray, Jr., who passed away yesterday afternoon,” read a statement the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) released the same day. “Willard Murray, Jr. was an exceptional man and public servant.”

In the Assembly, Murray represented California’s 52nd Assembly District in Southern California.

Murray and his son, Kevin Murray made history as the first father-and-son duo to serve in the Assembly simultaneously.

The younger Murray represented the 47th Assembly district which covered a part of Los Angeles. Later, he won the 26th Senate district seat based in Culver City.

Murray worked in government for more than 25 years at various levels. Before he was elected to the Assembly, he worked for former California Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Congressman Mervyn Dymally (D-CA-31). In addition to serving as an adviser to the California Senate Democratic Caucus, Murray also served on the staffs of former Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty and two former Los Angeles City Councilmembers, Robert Farrell and Billy Mills.

In the Assembly, he chaired the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration and served on a number of other committees. A civil rights activist in the 1960s, Murray’s political and legislative priorities included education, criminal justice, economic development and healthcare.

In 1998, Murray was also elected to serve on the board of the Water Replenishment District (WRD) of Southern California. He also served on the board of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the largest water public agency in the United States.

“Willard had a long, distinguished career as a leader and public servant in our state. He was giant in the water industry and a champion for the districts he served,” Dale Hunter, Executive Director of the California African American Water Education Foundation (CAAWEF), told California Black Media.

Hunter said Murray introduced African American professionals, including himself, to the water industry, teaching them the ins and outs, mentoring them, and guiding them so that they moved ahead in their careers.

“Willard truly made a difference,” Hunter continued. “He was not afraid of diving into policy and making changes that needed to happen. I’m thankful for his contributions and saddened by him leaving us. I’m also grateful for his teaching. I definitely would not be where I am if it were not for his influence.”

Murray earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northridge State, a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, and MBA from Loyola Marymount University.

In 1956, he married Barbara Farris Murray. The couple had two children, Kevin and Melinda, who are both attorneys.

 “We mourn with the friends and loved ones of Willard H. Murray, Jr. and celebrate his life and tremendous legacy as a public servant,” the CLBC statement continued. “May he rest in peace.”

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

People who the state of California had a hand in forcing or coercing to undergo vasectomies or get their tubes tied are now eligible for compensation. The payments will come from a $7.5 million state fund.

Some of those victims, both men and women, were sterilized without their consent or knowledge.

“California is committed to confronting this dark chapter in the state’s past and addressing the impacts of this shameful history still being felt by Californians today,” said Gov. Newsom last week when he announced the program which began Jan 1 and is included as a line item in the state’s 2021-22 budget.

The Governor’s office estimates that there about 600 survivors, eligible and alive, who underwent the now-illegal method of birth control either at state medical facilities or in prison.

The survivors have until Dec. 31, 2023, to apply for compensation. $4.5 million of the fund will be used for payments evenly divided among people who apply and are approved. Each will receive a check for an amount up to $25,000 dollars.

Another $2 million will be used for public information campaigns promoting the program. $1 million will be used to create and install commemorative plaques at locations where “the wrongful sterilization of thousands of vulnerable people” happened, according to the Governor’s office.

Last year, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) wrote and introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1007 that proposed the program and served as the basis for funding the policy, which was included in the state budget after negotiations with legislative leaders.

Carillo said the launch of the program represents a victory that “comes to fruition after decades of advocacy.” She also highlighted the fact most of the victims were low-income, living with disabilities, or were people of color.

“We often discuss a woman’s right to choose, which includes the choice of becoming a mother, to become a parent. California’s eugenics laws have taken that away from many people,” said Carillo. “This is only the first step in addressing this wrong.”

She was referring to the practice, legal in California, that authorized state-run healthcare facilities to sterilize people that they considered “unfit for reproduction.”

“The compensation finally admits that California was in violation of human rights and reproductive justice. As a state, we must and can do more to recognize the horrific impact of eugenic sterilization programs on California families, and the devastating consequences of this failed attempt to eradicate populations.”

California’s sterilization law remained in effect from 1909, when the Assembly approved it, until 1979 when it was overturned. During that period, an estimated 20,000 people were sterilized.

In 2003, Gov. Gray Davis issued an apology to survivors.

“California led the way in eugenics as legislation was copied across the United States and used as a model for Adolf Hitler throughout World War II,” according to a statement Carillo’s office released.

State-sponsored sterilizations, however, continued in California prisons at least until 2010, according to the State Auditor’s office. That policy was banned in 2014.

Survivors can apply for payments through California’s Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Compensation Program, according to Gov Newsom’s office. The California Victim Compensation Board is responsible for administering the program.

The board says the identities of applicants will be kept confidential and payments will not impact a claimant’s trust, or Medicaid or Social Security status or benefits. The state will also not consider compensation survivors receive as income for state tax or child support purposes.

Gov. Newsom said the program is part of a broader state initiative to redress historical injustices.

“While we can never fully make amends for what they’ve endured, the state will do all it can to ensure survivors of wrongful sterilization receive compensation,” the governor said.

To apply, survivors should visit www.victims.ca.gov/fiscp, reach out to CalVCB at 800-777-9229, or send an email to

fiscp@victims.ca.gov to obtain an application. They can also send a letter to P.O. Box 591, Sacramento, CA 95812-0591.

By Lou Yeboah

Even though the journey may not necessarily have been an easy one, God has been good to you. God has blessed you. Don’t make the mistake of forgetting that truth. God’s grace and mercy brought you through. [Psalm 91:7] says, “Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.” May you never forget where He brought you from!

Like God through Moses told His people before their entrance into the promised land at least six times in [Deuteronomy 8:1-20]: Be careful not to forget the Lord your God! The children of Israel were being blessed with the Lord with the ability to enter the Promised Land, but they did not listen. May we not be like the children of Israel who didn’t listen. Not only did they forget the works of God, but they also forgot that it was God, who was leading them; guiding them; that had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey. I say and I say again, if God allows you to see another day, yet along another year, may you never forget where He brought you from.

We must remind ourselves, on a DAILY basis, where the Lord has brought us from, and where we could have been. We must keep a humble and a pure heart before the Lord because the danger of forgetfulness according to [Psalms 50] tells us that God will tear us in pieces, and there be none to deliver!”

Therefore, “Beware, that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His precepts, and His statutes, lest when you have eaten and are full, and have built goodly houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all you have is multiplied, then your [mind and] heart be lifted up and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, but who brought you forth water out of the flinty rock, who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end.  And beware lest you say in your mind and heart, my power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. But you shall [earnestly] remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And if you forget the Lord your God and walk after other gods, serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. Like the nations which the Lord makes to perish before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the Lord your God.” [Deuteronomy 8:10-20].

Thank God for His Grace and Mercy and thank Him for the provision made for you, so that you can have life in abundance.

Oh, Heavenly Father, I thank You Lord for Your Grace and Mercy. I reverence Your Holy and magnificent name. I give You praise, thanks, honor and glory for Your extended grace and mercy towards me. I thank You for paying the penalty for my sins and for never turning Your back on me. For there are many times that I have come short of Your Glory, BUT You still love and care for me. I’ve failed You and walked away from You BUT, You still came after me. Even when I take Your mercy and grace for granted, You still give me more grace and more mercy. I thank You Lord, for allowing me to awake this morning, when so many have passed unto eternity. You have favored me with life yet another day, whereof I am grateful. Thank You Lord for Your GRACE and MERCY. In Jesus name. Amen

May the New Year be one of great spiritual growth for you. May it be one where you learn the name of Jesus, and never fail to see Him for who He is, and what He is doing. And may it be one where you resolve to live with hope, and with love for God. Christ’s blessing be upon you in 2022, and always. Amen.