WSSN Stories

By Lou Yeboah

I warned you when you were prosperous, but you replied, “Don’t bother me.” You have been that way since childhood— you simply will not obey me [Jeremiah 22:21]. So, because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; because you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. [Proverbs 1:24-27]

Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” [Proverbs 1:28-33]. I tell you, “It Is What It Is, and It Will Be What It Will Be!”

After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! [Revelations 14:8].

For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow. [Revelation 18:3-5]

Therefore, her plagues will come in one day–death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’ [Revelation 18:8-10].

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? May it never be! [Romans 6]. As the Holy Spirit led Paul to write in [1 Corinthians 6:9-11]: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Hear what Peter told the onlookers when he healed the beggar at Beautiful gate: “Repent, then, and turn to God. That your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” [Acts 3:19].

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.” “Choose Life” [Deuteronomy chapter 30]

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles… And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting [Romans 1:18-23; 28]. “It Is What It Is, and It Will Be What It Will Be!”

By Kenneth Miller | Inglewood Today

Coaches push the athletes they train to put their all into mastering the mental and physical aspects of their sport, preparing them to edge out competitors and perform at the height of their abilities.

But there are real-life situations, it seems, when attaining excellence proves to be too much – or maybe just not good enough.

This seems to have been the case Oct. 29 when an impressive shutout victory for Inglewood High School in Los Angeles County ended up turning into a bitter crosstown game of guilt, blame and grievances. That day, Inglewood High football coach and former Cleveland Browns defensive back Mil’Von James led his team to a 106-0 victory over rivals Morningside high.

Since that shellacking, education authorities have blasted James and Inglewood High for being too focused on winning that they failed to exhibit a spirit of compassion and sportsmanship.

The California Interscholastic Federation -Southern Section (CIFSS), the governing body of high school athletics in the state, released a scathing statement regarding the wide margin of the game’s final score.

“The CIF Southern Section expects that all athletic contests are to be conducted under the strictest code of good sportsmanship. “We expect coaches, players, officials, administrators and students to adhere to the Six Pillars of Character – Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship,” CIF-SS fired off in a statement.

“A score of 106-0 does not represent these ideals,” the statement continued. “The CIF-SS condemns, in the strongest terms, results such as these. It is our expectation that the Inglewood administration will work towards putting in place an action plan so that an event such as this does not repeat itself.”

James, 38, said it was not his intention to degrade or demoralize the Morningside High team.

“I apologized for the way things turned out,” James said even though, during the game, he benched his defensive starters after the second quarter and most of his other frontline players in the second half.

But Inglewood continued to run up the score on its hapless opponent.

Anyone who knows James personally would know – and can attest to the fact — that his intent was never to bring shame to the game that he loves.

Coaches like James who have played college and pro-football understand the fierce competitiveness it requires for young people to succeed when pursuing careers as professional athletes. They train their students to be warriors, to dominate their opponents. Varsity sports is the highest level of competition in high school. Today, the advancement of training techniques and year-round coaching and development increases the likelihood that schools with the resources will outperform schools with sports programs that are underfunded or under-supported.

Since he became coach at Inglewood High three seasons ago, James has taken the team from a losing streak to being nearly undefeated. During that time, the team has moved from CIF-SS Division 13 to Division 2.

Inglewood student athletes have advantages in coaching and preparation that Morningside and many other schools do not.

James was a star on the football squad at Fremont High School in Los Angeles where he graduated in 2003. In college, he first played for the UNLV Rebels where he led the nation in passes; before transferring to UCLA and playing for the Bruins from 2003-2005.

After brief stints in the NFL and the Canadian Football League on the roster for the Cleveland Browns and the Vancouver Lions respectively, James began coaching high school football.

He is the founder and director of one of most successful 7 on 7 leagues in the nation, responsible for scores of future and current high school, collegiate and professional players.

Chances are, if you have observed any top football program in California, you have you witnessed his impact on young players, their development and their unmatched leadership skills – on the field and off it.

The Inglewood Unified School District also blasted James and Inglewood High.

“Regarding Inglewood H.S. vs. Morningside H.S. Friday night 10/29 game, we at the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) are saddened beyond words by the events that transpired at the football game Friday between Inglewood and Morningside high schools,” the IUSD stamen read. “We will conduct a full investigation and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that a similar outcome never happens again under an IUSD athletic program.”

High school sports, in many schools, is a training ground for college and pro athletes. Schools that have better resources will always have an edge.

It is unfortunate that this incident has placed a dark cloud over a  high school sports program. Inglewood High’s football program should be celebrated for its league championship and undefeated record in a school district that is still in state receivership.

About the Author

Kenneth Miller is the publisher of Inglewood Today.

By Lou Yeboah

Yeah, I know! But while very few people may want to hear this message that does not mean it is a message no one needs to hear. Repentance is difficult. No one wants to think about it. No one wants to contemplate it. No one wants to do it very often, and certainly no one wants to hear about it all the time. But the Word must be in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with great patience and instruction.

All throughout the Bible we see people being called to repentance. God, Jesus, Paul, Peter, John the Baptist, Prophet Isaiah, and many others, all were involved in clearly communicating to others to repent. Jesus came on the scene saying “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand. [Matthew 4:17]. The fact that you may have a problem with “Repenting” messages, speaks volume.

I write this not to condemn anyone, but this is the urgency we face. The Kingdom of God is at hand! [Matthew 3:2]. The wicked must forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts and seek the Lord while he may be found. There is no time to waste, no excuses to be made. Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. [2 Corinthians 6:2].

Because, Jesus, whose way John was preparing, has come. He has accomplished his mission of salvation. He took our place under God’s law and lived a life of perfect obedience. He demonstrated perfect love for everyone, friends, and foes alike, by not telling them what they wanted to hear, but what they needed to hear. He endured rejection from the very people he came to save. He did not complain when the rulers of Israel unjustly convicted and condemned him to death. He willingly took our place on a cursed cross and endured the hell our sins deserved. He demonstrated his power by crushing Satan’s skull under his foot and ripped the heart out of death by stepping out of the tomb. Everything that Jesus came to do – he did. And all that’s left now is to clear the threshing floor of this world; to separate penitent believers from stubborn, impenitent unbelievers. Wherever God’s Word – his Law and Gospel – are proclaimed, that separation is taking place. Right here, right now, Jesus is busy gathering his wheat and burning up the chaff.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Behold, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you that you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

I tell you, there are some warnings that we can afford to ignore, some at which we can even laugh, but this is not one of them. Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand! There’s no time to waste. Life or death. Eternal glory or eternal shame. Heaven or Hell.” Whatcha gonna do?

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. [John 6:60, 66].

Repentance – A message No One Likes to Hear!

By Lue Dowdy

Spinning on the 1z and 2z we got Ty-tyanna Tarkington aka DJ TAI.

I met this talented DJ through a good friend that goes by the name of Yung Miss. I instantly fell in love with her beautiful spirit, voice, and work ethic. I’ve had the opportunity to hire her for several events and let’s say I was not disappointed. This Queen is truly putting in the work. Below are 5 questions I asked her to answer so you’ll get to know her too. Until next time L’s!

Where are you from and currently residing? 

When asked I always said I’m from Palmdale, but really, I spent most of my life right here in the Inland Empire- more specific Moreno Valley. I’m always grateful of my start in Palmdale, but really Moval is home. I’ve met so many amazing people while growing up out here that, When I think of home, I automatically picture the big Murda “M”. Currently, I live in Riverside because I studied at the UC, Riverside (Go Highlanders!) for my Undergrad in Political Science and just never left.

What inspires you? 

I would say my family and my curiosity inspires me. My family because without my family’s support I wouldn’t be who I am, but really, it’s true. My parents taught me to never give up or to cut myself short, no matter what. This has been my standard of life in everything that I do from academia to my music to even the company I keep.

My curiosity inspires me because without it I would have held myself back from learning/doing everything that truly makes me happy now. For instance, I taught myself how to play the guitar with no guitar… like how you learn how to do anything without the most important element! However, I was determined. I remember, I was watching video, after video, after video of guitar legends talking about the fundamentals and even printing out guitar chords so I could finger along. Despite it obviously being regular printed on printer paper, in my head, I could really feel the smooth glossy neck of the guitar and hear each nickel-plated string. Honestly, I think my dad was more excited than I was to hear what I would sound like that, he gave me my birthday gift a week early! My mom laughed and said, “your dad was so excited to give you your own guitar that he couldn’t wait anymore.” So, all that to say, my curiosity and family really inspire me to really be the best me I can possibly be. If it weren’t for my family being a positive reinforcement of love and support, then I wouldn’t have the curiosity I do to just challenge the difficult/unknown.

How and when did you get started performing?

I got started in performing with my family at a young age (I think like 3-5?). My family would do talent shows in our front living room on like Friday nights. My mom loves Sade and has her live performance DVD that she would like, perform for everyone, which I would say really piqued my interest in singing in front of an audience. But, once I started praise dancing in church, I really fell in love with performing and entertaining people. 

What are some of your hobbies?

When I get the chance to relax and just be, I like to practice new songs on my Guitar. I, also, like to knit, skateboard, and figure out samples and originals to songs. It’s something I just started doing more with Yung Miss, so what I’ll do is send her a song and ask her to identify the sample. I like trivia questions, so it keeps me on my musical toes. 

Past and Current projects?

It’s funny because I’ve been songwriting and singing for about 12 years, but I just started releasing music myself as of last year. My first ever released song is called “You and I.” I dropped it back in May2020; when I wrote the song, I had just had a bad break-up and I felt so lost. I had built a whole identity around being with this person and now they were gone… so the song is about my process how dealing with that transition. 

I just dropped my 2nd song called “That Sux”! I’m not gonna lie, I loved writing this song so much. I love R&B and Neo-Soul, so I wanted to make an R&B song. I wrote it while I was on my way to my shitty job (at the time) when the beat for “That Sux” came on, and all the words just came out of me so easily. I feel powerful when I sing it because it’s so different from “You and I”. Especially my mindset during each time period, it’s crazy to hear myself be confident now when like 5 years ago I was so “I can’t go on without them.” I love it, so make sure to check it out, it’s call “That Sux.” It’s out on all platforms, be sure to check it out and let all your friend’s family and coworkers know about it! 

And as far as new projects go… it’s top secret so I have to keep it on the hush hush haha. So, just make sure to follow me on my Instagram: @tymashoe for more music update like show performances, music video releases *wink wink*, and new music exclusives. 

I really appreciate @Lueproductions hitting me up and asking me to write a little snippet, even though I almost wrote a whole 10-page essay haha. I am so grateful for the chance to speak about my experience as an artist and share it with everyone. So shoutout to Lue for allowing me on her platform! *DJ air horn noises* 

Thank you so much and don’t forget to check me out at the Next Lue Production Event, “SO YOU SAY” December 29th at Shooters Bar & Grill in Temecula! The open mic starts at 8:15pm-9:15pm & performances the rest of the night. I’ll be DJing until Midnight or until they kick me out the club- whichever happens first- so I hope to see you there!!!

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Last month, Lawrence Lucas, founder of the United States Department of Agriculture Coalition of Minority Employees (USDA-CME), testified before the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans.

Lucas said racism is the prime reason there are just a little over 400 Black farmers in California.

“The income of Black Farmers has been drastically reduced and the amount of wealth that has been taken from Black farmers is tremendous,” Lucas said. “What you would call reparations, we call justice. It is why you must do what you have to do in California to right the wrongs suffered by Black people.”

Lucas is not the only one concerned about mounting evidence that documents a long history of race-based discrimination in American agriculture.

The United States Department of Agriculture recently created the Equity Commission (EC) to study racial discrimination and government policies that have disempowered Black farmers, depleted their wealth and nearly wiped out their presence for over 100 years.

EC will advise the Secretary of Agriculture by identifying USDA programs, policies, systems, structures, and practices that created barriers to inclusion or perpetuated racial, economic, health and social disparities.

USDA-CME was founded in 1994 to address discrimination within the USDA, which Lucas referred to as the “Last Plantation” during his testimony. The coalition also focuses its work on the historical loss of Black land and how government policies deprived African Americans of generational wealth.

The EC is expected to issue a preliminary report and provide “actionable recommendations” within the next 12 months, and a final report to be finished within two years.

“The Equity Commission is taking important steps to dismantle barriers historically underserved communities have faced in accessing USDA programs and services,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a Sept. 24 statement.

Lucas said despite the USDA’s efforts to address decades-old discrimination practices, he does not see it “getting any better” for Black farmers. Non-Black farm producers are fighting back in the courts, Lucas said.

“You have White farmers, who own most of the land and get all the benefits from the land; they are the ones now bringing court cases around the country. They are saying that it’s discriminatory to have debt-relief for Black farmers,” Lucas said.

The CME’s biggest accomplishment is its involvement in securing debt relief for Black farmers as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The ARP package included a multi-billion-dollar fund for socially disadvantaged farmers throughout the United States.

The coalition has worked alongside U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) to create the Justice for Black Farmers Act, which will provide even more aid to socially disadvantaged farmers.

Of the approximately 70,000 farms in California, more than 90% are White-owned or White-managed and fewer than 1% are Black-owned or Black-managed, according to the 2017 federal agriculture census.

The 2012 census reported that California had 722 Black farmers. By 2017, that number had decreased to 429. Nationally, there are 45,508 Black farmers or 1.3% of all farmers according to the 2017 agriculture census. Their properties account for 0.5% of the country’s farmlands.

In contrast, about 14% of all U.S. farmers in 1920 were Black, according to that year’s agriculture census. At the time, there were 925,708 Black farmers. Nearly all of them farmed in Deep South states. Lucas blames the USDA for the depletion of Black farmlands over the last century.

However, the USDA says it is in the process of reversing harmful policies and taking restorative action for programs that affected the progress, financial stability, and productive livelihood of Black farmers.

“We are serious about our efforts to end discrimination across all areas of the Department and to improve access to services for key stakeholders,” said USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh in a statement.

In March, the U.S. Congress passed a $4 billion debt relief program for farmers of color to address past discrimination in USDA programs.

The debt relief program was passed as part of the ARP. It includes funding to pay off USDA loans held by 16,000 Black, Native American, Alaskan Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic and Latino farmers.

Claiming discrimination, a group of White farmers have filed a dozen lawsuits against the program including one class action suit. Preliminary injunctions by three courts have momentarily blocked the program from issuing funds from the program.

According to Khubaka Michael Harris of the California Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association (CBFAA), “The debt relief was written in a way to help Black folks, but it is not just for Black folks. That’s why it’s in the courts. It was written where anybody who is a farmer can say, ‘Hey, I’ve been affected by COVID, too.’ Then, you are going to say that this money is just earmarked for Black folks? Now, the legislators have to go back to write in a language that targets underserved communities.”

Based in Sacramento, CBFAA advocates for socially disadvantaged California Black farmers, and agriculturalists of color nationwide.

Lucas said it is actions such as the lawsuits that “deny Black farmers their dignity,” “a right to farm,” and deny Black farmers the “right to the same programs and services that White farmers get in this country.”

In California, farming is classified under the term “agricultural activity.”

The state defines it as “the harvesting of any agricultural commodity, including timber, viticulture, apiculture, or horticulture, the raising of livestock, fur bearing animals, fish, or poultry, and any practices performed by a farmer or on a farm are also agricultural activities.”

“That goes for licensed cannabis farmers too,” Harris said. “If you cultivate cannabis you are a farmer in this state.”

Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, titled “The Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans,” was a law created to investigate the history of slavery in the United States, the extent of California’s involvement in slavery, segregation, and the denial of Black citizens their constitutional rights.

The nine-member task force is expected to hear more testimonies from Black farmers in California, including producers from the Central Valley.

“I see what all of you in California are doing is what needs to be done across this country,” Lucas said during his testimony. “It is the courage of your governor and the courage of the people on this reparation committee to take on this daunting task of talking to other people about their pain and suffering. Black farmers are suffering.”

CABINDA/ANGOLA – 09JUN2010 – African farmer to watering plantation.

Local Las Vegas professional beauty school, the Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas (CILV), donated 20 wigs handmade by school students and completed several complimentary beauty makeovers to local breast cancer survivors during its 5th annual “Wig-A-Thon” event on Friday (11/5) afternoon.

Spearheaded by Denise Dixon, longtime philanthropist and founder of The Cosmetology Institute, the heartfelt charity event touched the hearts of many. During the uplifting “Wig-A-Thon” event, The Institute’s beauty students provided four breast cancer survivors, three of which were currently still battling the horrific disease, with complimentary handmade wig installations as well as makeup, nail and hair services. Emotions ran high from the survivors, students and school instructors as the survivors were overcome with joy and gratitude, even being invited to come back for ongoing complimentary wig maintenance services as needed.

Additionally, through its partnership with the American Cancer Society of Nevada, CILV donated 16 handmade wigs to be gifted to women.

“The American Cancer Society is grateful for the continued support of the Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas,” said Angela VanBrackle, executive director of American Cancer Society of Nevada. “Providing wigs to those undergoing treatment is a great boost to self-confidence to those women and being able to share in the moments of them receiving the wigs is inspiring. With our strong partnerships with several cancer treatment centers here in the Las Vegas valley; we are able to distribute the donated wigs to those in need.”

Additionally, 18 women received on-site mammograms at the event from the Nevada Health Centers Mammovan, a mobile, medical 3D mammogram station, that was stationed at The Institute during the Wig-A-Thon. Determined to give back for this special cause, The Institute paid for all uninsured recipients to receive the same-day mammograms. In honor of her family members recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Dixon will also donate $1,000 to the Nevada Health Centers Mammovan to thank them for their support.

The “Wig-A-Thon” event concluded with lunch in the courtyard with the breast cancer survivors, staff and students, complimentary catered by Kountry Boi Catering & BBQ, and a heartwarming award ceremony praising the participating students.

About Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas 

The Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas opened in 2015 to serve the Las Vegas community with a professional beauty school and outlet aiming to lift up disenfranchised youth, especially BIPOC, in need of professional skills, direction and career opportunity within the beauty industry. CILV offers young students an educational facility with affordable tuition, professional training, and the necessary skills to start and maintain their own business. Programs include: cosmetology, esthetics, hair design and nail technology. The school received National Accreditation in 2019 and has since seen hundreds of graduates. CILV was founded by Denise Dixon, a small business owner, serial philanthropist, author, and community advocate in Las Vegas. Dixon’s mission is to pay it forward and give other women and minorities in her community a helping hand via CILV and its related scholarships, grants, programs and events.

For more information on the Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas, please call 702-756-2208, visit the school at 3249 W. Craig Rd., #100, North Las Vegas, 89032, or browse their website at CILV.com. Follow them on social media at facebook.com/CosInsLV and on Instagram at @CILVegas.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — — The Television Academy Foundation today announced applications are open for its 2022 Internship Program in Hollywood for college media students nationwide.

Paid internships are offered for graduate and undergraduate college/university media arts students for the spring and summer of 2022. Internships may be in person, hybrid or remote, depending upon the opportunity, and are subject to change. As a condition of employment, the Academy Foundation will require all in-person or hybrid work interns to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

The prestigious program gives students in-depth and hands-on professional experience in a variety of television careers and professions at prominent Hollywood studios and production facilities. Internship categories include animation, cinematography, program development, directing, editing, interactive media, news and writing.

Among the career-advancing opportunities available is the Foundation’s distinctive “Star Trek Command Training Program,” in association with CBS Studios, which offers students an immersive professional experience within the Star Trek franchise.

Exclusively for Southern California college students, the Foundation also offers the Diversity and Inclusion Unscripted Internship Program for students from disadvantaged backgrounds interested in nonfiction television careers. In addition, internships for foster youth in the greater Los Angeles area, provided through an endowment gift from Dick Wolf’s Wolf Family Foundation, are available.

“The Foundation’s Internship Program is in a class all its own,” said Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “For over 40 years, it’s offered students from across the country the chance to get relevant job experience and network in the entertainment capital of the world. We urge media arts students to apply for this program, which has jumpstarted careers for so many industry professionals.”

Finalists for these coveted opportunities are selected by members of the Television Academy; final selections are made by participating host companies. The program is designed to train, inspire and open doors for diverse and highly motivated students who might not otherwise have access to the industry.

Summer interns will receive weekly professional-development sessions including panels with television-industry leaders, customized seminars on personal brand-building and navigating the job market ahead.

Established in 1980, the Foundation’s Internship Program has been instrumental in launching the careers of prominent writers, producers, directors, executives, and Emmy^® nominees and winners. Notable Foundation alumni include: The Orville executive producer Brannon Braga, Space Force producer Jennifer Celotta, POV Entertainment President Layne Eskridge, Grey’s Anatomy consulting producer Elisabeth Finch, The Sandman series executive producer David S. Goyer, Maya and the Three creator and executive producer Jorge R. Gutierrez, America’s Got Talent associate director Carrie Havel, WandaVision assistant art director Eric R. Johnson, The Boys creator Eric Kripke, and Judas and the Black Messiah executive producer Sev Ohanian.

All selected interns become lifelong members of the Television Academy’s alumni network, gaining access to exclusive networking opportunities, industry events and an online alumni platform.

Online applications are currently being accepted through Jan. 19, 2022, by

5:00 p.m. PDT at TelevisionAcademy.com/Internships.

About the Television Academy Foundation

Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Television Academy Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of television while educating and inspiring those who will shape its future. Through renowned educational and outreach programs, such as The Interviews: An Oral History of Television Project, College Television Awards and Summit, Student Internship and Fellowship Programs and the Faculty Conference, the Foundation seeks to widen the circle of voices our industry represents and to create more opportunity for television to reflect all of society. For more information on the Foundation, please visit TelevisionAcademy.com/Foundation.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Last week California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a “consumer alert” warning Californians that cannabis-infused edibles are being packaged and sold as copycat versions of popular food and candy products.

The California Department of Justice is advising consumers that illegal and unregulated edibles may contain dangerously high levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in Cannabis, and they are available in packaging nearly identical to those of popular brands like Cheetos, Fruity Pebbles, and Sour Patch Kids.

Bonta is urging Californians not to consume these dangerous knockoffs and to report the products if they encounter them.

“While cannabis-infused edibles packaged to look like our favorite brands may seem harmless and fun, the dangers of consuming unregulated and untested cannabis products are high, particularly for children and teens,” Bonta said. “The fact is: here in California, we have a safe, regulated, and legal cannabis market. But if a product is being marketed to children, mimicking a well-known consumer brand, and advertising sky-high levels of THC — it’s not likely to be a part of it.”

Cannabis-infused edibles describes any food or drink containing marijuana or any of its active ingredients, most often THC and cannabidiol (CBD), according to the Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab (RVDAR), a California drug rehabilitation and substance abuse treatment program.

Generally, the edible product is infused with cannabis extract. Marijuana is heated in an oil-based liquid to obtain the extract, RVDAR explains.

“Compared to other ways of consuming marijuana, edibles are known for producing a delayed high. Further, they may be more discreetly consumed than marijuana from a blunt, vape pen or bong,” according to RVDAR.

The California cannabis industry is regulated by the state’s Business and Professions Code and is covered by the Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA).

According to Bonta, the edible products sold by unlicensed operators, often contain levels of THC that exceed the legal limit, and are advertised to youth in violation of MAUCRSA, which sets up a basic framework for product licensing, oversight and enforcement.

Cannabis businesses have to follow the same rules that other businesses in California follow. For example, there are rules in the statutes about waste disposal, protecting the environment, vehicle registration and paying taxes.Bonta’s office makes the following recommendations:

IDENTIFY LOOKALIKE PRODUCTS:

Californians should look for copycat packaging with language that indicates that the product contains cannabis — such as “medicated”, “THC,” “CBD,” “keep out of reach of children and animals,” and/or an image of a cannabis leaf.

In California, legal cannabis products must be affixed with the universal symbol that includes an encircled triangle with a marijuana leaf and exclamation mark in it. It letters CA are imprinted below it.  If you see indications of copycat packaging or do not see the universal symbol, the product is illicit — and may be dangerous.

KNOW THE HEALTH RISKS:

Illegal cannabis products present a risk to public health and safety. Children can experience a variety of delayed symptoms upon ingesting cannabis edibles, including, but not limited to difficulty breathing, lethargy, dizziness, nausea, and loss of coordination.

Illegal products made with synthetic cannabinoids may pose additional health risks. Synthetic cannabinoids can be highly toxic and are illegal in the state of California. Side effects of consuming synthetic cannabinoids include rapid heart rate, agitation, vomiting, trouble breathing, psychosis, among others.

In recent years, California has seen a surge in pediatric exposure and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) visits related to cannabis edibles, as well as an increase in children as young as 12 who are intentionally using cannabis products.

In 2020, there were 1,173 calls to the Poison Control Center for services related to children aged 0-19 ingesting cannabis products. This is up from 404 calls in 2016, with the biggest increase for children aged 0-5.

California has also seen a rise in emergency room visits related to cannabis poisoning among young children. In 2016, there were approximately 21 visits per one million Californians aged 0-5. In 2020, there were approximately 113 visits.

Bonta’s office insists that if a child has accidentally consumed these illicit products, monitor them for symptoms of intoxication. California’s Poison Control System has a 24-hour hotline available for immediate assistance.

The toll-free phone number is (800) 222-1222. Language interpreter services are offered in over 200 different languages and calls are kept confidential.

Upon encountering lookalike cannabis-infused edible products, Bonta is asking the public to file a complaint with the Department of Justice and with the Department of Cannabis Control.

ATLANTA, GA— Morris Brown College boasts a new mentorship program that matches local MBA professionals from eight prestigious schools with its growing base of diverse students. The inaugural program will support a select number of full-time juniors and seniors along with a unique cohort of first year students from the College’s adult education program.

“This wonderful opportunity offers an educational and mutually beneficial experience for both the mentor and mentee, and Morris Brown is excited and motivated to bring it to fruition,” said the College’s President, Dr. Kevin James.

Mentors are expected to provide student participants exposure to new career & industry possibilities as well as general business guidance, including insights into various functional areas, best practices of networking, and interviewing strategies.

Terry Comer, a Morris Brown College graduate (2003) and Harvard Business School alumnus (2006) is helping to spearhead the program alongside an impressive grouping of local MBA alumni. “I’m excited to support Morris Brown’s resurgence, particularly given how instrumental the College was in my personal development as a business leader. This program has tremendous potential and would not be possible without the broader Atlanta MBA community being so generous of their time,” said Terry Comer.

The collection of mentors represents a diverse group of our nation’s most respected MBA programs. All of the mentors hold senior leadership positions within established startups to Fortune 500 companies, spanning a variety of industries from retail to digital infrastructure. Together, these talented MBAs with a wide range of professional experiences and backgrounds, including 10 who are Presidents of their companies, are coming together to exclusively support Morris Brown College after its recent accreditation candidacy announcement.

At the conclusion of the first 8-month period, mentors and mentees are expected to complete surveys to best evaluate the program’s impact as well as identify future opportunities for expansion and improvement. The objective is to continue to serve the College for many years to come as Morris Brown expands its enrollment.

For more information, please visit https://morrisbrown.edu/.