FONTANA, CA- Thanksgiving is a time for family, reflecting on what we have been blessed with, and giving back. On Wednesday, November 22, the day before the annual turkey feast, local non-profit Project Boon and over 25 other local businesses, non-profits and government organizations will be teaming up in Fontana’s Seville Park to help give thanks and bring the spirit of the season to the Inland Empire’s underserved communities.

Beginning at 11 a.m. and running until 3 p.m., the 6th Annual Eat and Be Well event will provide Inland Empire families in need with a traditional Thanksgiving meal, access to health services and fun and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

“I love volunteering at Eat & Be Well,” said Lisa Flores, an Account Executive at Firm Media in Ontario, California, one of the event sponsors. “Every year there are so many attendees, especially kids, all happy to enjoy a holiday meal together. It’s a very rewarding experience.”

With a goal of serving up to 2,500 attendees, Eat & Be Well has relied on more than 700 volunteers since its inception six years ago. Additionally, Eat & Be Well, which is run by a steering committee, spends 5 months planning for the holiday event, and coordinating with local businesses for food and health services donations like free flu shots, bus passes to travel to the event and haircuts.

For more information on how to volunteer, donate, sponsor, or attend, visit eatbewell.org.

Terrence Roberts, PhD, Keynote Speaker, Race & Racism, Redlands 1st United Methodist Church. (Photo credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)

By John Coleman

REDLANDS, CA- United Methodist Church in Redlands led an interesting discussion on Race in America, which was held on Wednesday, November 8. Terrence Roberts led the discussion with a presentation about his early childhood years as a Black child growing up in America. He recalled being scarcely aware of the hurtful attitudes and behaviors of White people towards Black people. He felt safe within this home where he ran and played and enjoyed the joys that childhood had to offer. Early on as a child he was taught to be good, develop a strong internal sense of himself, and to get a good education.

However, outside of the home it was a different story. Roberts became aware of difficulties for Black people surviving in in a racist, legally structured system and in state like Mississippi or Arkansas, where laws are written by White people for enforcement on Blacks, such as the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision, known as “Separate but Equal,” while only a few men who wrote the U.S. Constitution were slave holders, all firmly believed in the superiority of European people over all others. This all began almost from the earliest years of the European invasions of the America more than 330 years ago.

Dr. Roberts proceeded to note post WWII changes in society that began to affect or address concepts of race or racism in the structure of life in America.

In his school years, Roberts began attending the public schools of Little Rock, Arkansas, which under Arkansas laws required Black students to attend public schools that were separate from, but failing to be equal to public schools attended by white students.  This situation was well recognized and sometimes contested by Black people in Arkansas.  White parents and their children were less aware, concerned, or opposed.

In 1954, The U.S. Supreme Court reversed the 1896 “Plessy v Fergusson”  (Separate But Equal) Decision, with the “Brown v. Topeka Board of Education” Decision & ruled that separation (segregation) was inherently unequal, and thus in violation of the US Constitution. White parents, students, school officials, community leaders, and white society-at-large were outraged and organized opposition efforts.

Black students in still segregated Arkansas public schools organized and attempted to enroll in Little Rock High School. Over 300 teen-agers volunteered to participate, but only nine (9) were selected.

Arkansas Governor, Orval Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the students from their attending LRHS, but U.S. President Eisenhower nationalized the Guard and ordered them & USArmy  soldiers to protect the students’ constitutional rights. A soldier was assigned to protect each student, day and night, but abuse and mistreatment continued all year.

Terrence Roberts, then 13-years-old, was among the selected students who became known as the “Little Rock Nine.”  They were confronted by hostile, and violent crowds before and after school all year and behind the scenes in-school hostility and abuse from white students also persisted. However, Roberts commended quiet support and aid from White heroes, students and teachers, who were targeted, threatened and abused if they appeared to encourage and/or support the “Little Rock Nine.”  He specially appreciated the white student who defying white hysteria shared her textbooks, notes, and other class materials with him after his were ripped from him and destroyed.

Parents lost their jobs.  They and many others in the Black community suffered injury and other loss. Many others who carried the de-segregation campaign across America, like the “Little Rock Nine,” were teenage youth and their parents.

Governor Faubus cancelled all Arkansas high schools for the 1958-59 school year.

Terrence Roberts’ family moved to California where he completed high school,  earned a BA from Cal State University, LA; a Masters in Social Work from USC, and his  PhD from Southern Illinois University.   (This “Boy”  really ‘got’ his education!)

Hip-Hop artist T.I.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The SoCal Harvest Cup kicked off on Saturday, November 11 at the National Orange Show Events Center, in San Bernardino. The event was presented by THC Design and Brass Knuckles.

From booths offering free dabs and samples at every corner to all the different activations and seminars, there was something for every type of cannabis consumer. As guests entered through the gates, they were welcomed with bags of bud to fulfil their cannabis appetites.

Magical Butter‘s Top Cannabis Chef competition kicked off at 1:30 p.m. with chefs duking it out in the preliminary rounds of competition. The art of trimming was also on display at the THC Design booth, along with Shards of excellence.

High Times’ Senior Cultivation Editor Danny Danko hosted his “Free Weed” cultivation seminar followed by several music acts that hot the stage, which kicked off with Berner. Following him included: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, who truly brought the funk; Naughty By Nature who packed in the crowd; Lil Dickey; and T.I. who closed out the night by bringing down the house.

MORENO VALLEY, CA- Music Changing Lives recently announced that it has been honored with a prestigious 2017 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations.

“We are excited to be named a Top-Rated 2017 Nonprofit,” says Josiah Bruny, CEO. “We are proud of our accomplishments this year, including our Lights on Afterschool Unity Fest.”  

The Top-Rated Nonprofit award was based on the large number of positive reviews that Music Changing Lives received – reviews written by volunteers, donors and clients. People posted their personal experience with the nonprofit. 

For example, one person wrote, “Music Changing Lives is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children by encouraging them to pursue their dreams in music and art. MCL provides these students with the equipment and instructors they need, as well as educational resources to assist in their homework and overall performance at school. 

My experience at MCL as the administrative assistant to the CEO, Josiah Bruny, was rewarding in many aspects. I had the opportunity to be a part of a hard-working team and learned so much about what it takes to run a non-profit. Everyday there were tasks to be taken care of such as making sure there are enough snacks for the kids, answering e-mails and phone calls from parents and city officials, organizing materials for each school site, finding new and inventive ways to make the program a better experience, etc. 

The students love the program and are all encouraged to showcase their talents at the annual MCL Showcase. The showcase allows students to present everything they have learned throughout the year and this year’s showcase (2017) was a success. Hundreds of parents and school officials showed up and we received a lot of positive feedback. Music Changing Lives is a great program for students who want to further their music and arts education while making new friends,” Yen Tran, UCR Alumni, stated.

While the Top-Rated Awards run through the end of October, Music Changing Lives was part of the inaugural group to qualify for the year. In addition, they’ve been added to GreatNonprofits #GivingTuesday Guide—an interactive guide to top nonprofits throughout the years. Look for this near the holidays.

“Savvy donors want to see the impact of their donations more than ever,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits, “People with direct experience with Music Changing Lives have voted that the organization is making a real difference.”

Being on the Top-Rated list gives donors and volunteers more confidence that this is a credible organization. The reviews by volunteers, clients and other donors show the on-the-ground results of this nonprofit. This award is a form of recognition by the community. The mission of Music Changing Lives is to offer the highest quality music and art enrichment programs to underprivileged and at-risk youth, between the ages of 5-19, helping them improve their chances of achieving a positive and successful future.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, November 11, Women of Worship & Warfare International (WOWW Int’l) held a food giveaway where they gave away over 50 bags of food to women in need for the holiday season. In addition to turkeys and baskets, the organization also gave out hygiene products and purses.

WOWW Int’l is a non-profit, ministry organization that is committed to addressing the needs and well-being of women in the Inland Empire community. The group consists of women from diverse churches and communities. Together they give women with children hope through physical needs like social resources, domestic violence advocacy, clothing and food donations, and job leads. They also extend spiritual needs by sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ and Praying for women to assist them in overcoming their areas of hopelessness.

Additionally, they offer women support either through one-on-one mentoring, monthly worship services in Chino (1st Friday of the month) or Rialto (3rd Friday of the month) or by their outreach and street team – WOWW in The Streets.

WOWW Int’l has ministered and helped over 10,000 women from vast backgrounds since 1998. They offer Pastoral support as well. Their obligation is to embolden women to live a life that results in overall life success so that they can leave a blessed legacy to their children, and their children’s, children.

By Lue Dowdy

Bringing awareness about violence through music is WHAT IT DO! Violence is everywhere. You see it when you turn on the television and when you walk or drive through certain neighborhoods. So why does it have to be in the schools? School should be one of the safest places for our youth. They should be worried about graduating or who they should ask out to prom. Our youth should not have to worry about SAFETY while learning.

Shout out to R&B artist, Yung Muusik, for having a heart to help our youth by putting on a concert in the City of Adelanto. The focus is to bring people together and this is an all age event. feel free to bring out your family for a day of fun and MUSIC. Edwin Johnson of Chord Youth Enrichment Program will be the guest speaker of the evening. The concert will feature performances by local artist such as: Gaim Ov3r, Yung Muusik, Jada J., Princess Anyia, and more.

There will be activities and free giveaways for families. The concert will take place on Saturday, November 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of the Lord Baptist Church located at 17911 Permain Street in Adelanto. Let’s do our best to spread love and not hate.

Until next week L’z!

Kim Carter

The EBONY Power 100 is compiled by the editors of EBONY magazine. Each selection is considered a leader in his or her field. Over the past year, these individuals have had a positive impact on the African-American community. They are game changers in their respective fields and have consistently challenged the status quo. The Star-Studded list of other honorees includes people like Oprah Winfrey, R & B legend Rihanna and U.S. Senator Kamala Harris to name a few. Kim Carter is being honored as one of the “Community Crusaders” reflecting a collective of liberators and leaders who affirm the lives of the misrepresented, no matter race, gender or creed. Through philanthropic efforts and activism, these honorees galvanize and nurture our communities with the mission of ensuring liberty and justice for all.

Kim Carter founded the Time for Change Foundation in 2002, helping homeless women and children reach self-sufficiency. Today, she is a powerful leader transforming the lives of those impacted by poverty and incarceration. Kim’s innovation created a plethora of evidence-based program models, including 2 shelters, 13 permanent supportive housing units and developing her first affordable housing project, The Phoenix Square.   Today, the organization’s impact and model is being replicated in 2 different states and the Bay Area.

As a policy fellow, she learned how to navigate the political system and influence policy and laws to advance her cause. Using her past experiences with incarceration and homelessness as the fuel to drive her passion, she has excelled as a notable leader. Through her Center for Housing Advancement & Motivational Projects LLC she does consulting and motivational speaking across the country.   Many call Kim the “Real Deal” because she is a powerful voice for change with dynamic skills that propel others to stand up and take action.

The Ebony Power 100 list features men and women who are truly making a difference in their communities and the world through their work, talent and influence,” says Nationwide Chief Administrative Officer Gale King. “Nationwide congratulates this year’s distinguished honorees and looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments and contributions at this year’s gala.

“My purpose is to do what seems impossible, like ending homelessness and developing leaders from  those that are most impacted by negative social conditions,” says Kim Carter. “Harriet Tubman didn’t quit when she found freedom, she went on to free thousands of slaves… that’s my SHERO!”

RIALTO, CA- The story of Freddie Meeks, a California resident, and Port Chicago a time in history; dare to remember…

It’s July 17 in Port Chicago, California, a cool summer Friday night at a munitions naval base 30 miles North of San Francisco. The year is 1944 and World War II is in full swing. According to a United States Navy report, “The actual work of loading ammunition and explosives aboard the ships was performed exclusively by Afro-Americans under the supervision of White officers and Afro-American petty officers,” and the routine assignment of Afro-American enlisted personnel to manual labor was clearly motivated by race and premised upon the mistaken notion that they were intellectually inferior and thus incapable of meeting the same standards as their white counterparts.”

But then the unspeakable happened, explosion after explosion – so fierce, it shook the ground with the force of an earthquake. Knocking out windows and shaking buildings as far east as Boulder City, Nevada. The results of the explosion at the naval facility killed or wounded 710 people, 435 of whom were African American. This single disaster accounted for more than 15 percent of all African American naval casualties during World War II.

What happened next is even more mind-boggling than the explosion itself? Following the explosion, many of the African-American survivors, expected to be granted survivors, leave before being reassigned to regular duty, but that leave was not granted, even for those who had been hospitalized. All African-American men were sent back to work loading ammunition under the same officers as before.

Fifty sailors of the United States Navy, all African-American men, refused to resume loading activities under the same conditions and were ultimately tried and convicted of mutiny for failing to obey orders. Thurgood Marshall, then chief counsel for the NAACP, was reported to state he saw no reason why the men should be tried for mutiny, which implies a mass conspiracy, rather than on lesser charges of individual subordination, and blasted the trial by stating that the defendants were being tried for mutiny “solely because of their race and color.” Virtually all of the convicted sailors were released from prison early in 1946 and were given a general discharge from the Navy “under honorable conditions.”

In 1999, Freddie Meeks was pardoned by President Bill Clinton in recognition of the injustice he suffered as one of the convicted sailors, and at the time of his pardon, Mr. Meeks said, “After all these years, the world should know what happened at Port Chicago. It should be cleared up that we did not commit mutiny, and we were charged with that because of our race”. In July 11, 2016 the Assembly Joint Resolution No. 33 was filed with the Secretary of State – it would pardon all of the members of the Port Chicago 50.

Dennis Rowe Entertainment is proud to present Port Chicago 50, a story of love for Country, the American Dream and a quest for Equality and Fairness.

Unbelievable…Emotional…Dramatic…Thought Provoking are some words audiences have used to describe Port Chicago 50. Broadway Producer Woody King, Jr. said “The actors and designers did an excellent job” and Linda Armstrong from New York’s Amsterdam News exclaimed “Everyone should see this show!”

Port Chicago 50 is a must see for everyone and will be a weekend of historical enlightenment! The powerful story is co-written by David Shackelford and Dennis Rowe, and directed by Dennis Rowe. Port Chicago 50 does use some strong language. Port Chicago 50 is presented by Dennis Rowe Entertainment from Los Angeles, California.

The play will kick off on Friday, December 1 in Rialto. To claim you discount on your tickets, please use PROMO code: “IMPROVE.”

Click here to buy your ticket!

By Naomi K. Bonman

In this day of age, the phrase “Unapologetically Me” has been heard over and over; however, it is a true testament to being unashamed of who you are. This is how I would describe Christian recording artist, Sherri Bryant. She is unapologetically bold and unashamed in her worship and passion in praising God. Her boldness in her ministry has helped others worldwide to tap into their purpose and calling in Jesus Christ.

Sherri has released three projects since she has been in her ministry of music. Her first project, “I Found the One,” demonstrates her ability to capture melodies of heaven through her unique vocal arrangements and expressive lyrics. Her second cd, “Made II Praise,” is a collection of contemporary praise and worship that radiates with the passion and energy that flow from Sherri during a live performance, and her latest project which just released this year, “True Worship” also is a collection of contemporary songs, but they are also very testimonial to the struggles that Bryant went through on her life’s journey to her destiny. “You Are Greater” is just one of the songs that captures her testimony from fear to faith and helps the listener to understand that no matter how high their mountain our God is Greater.

Sherri is currently the worship leader at Water of Life in Fontana, California, and in addition to that she travels all over the world ministering her gift of music and winning souls to Christ. She recently traveled to The Congo of Africa where she ministered to a crowd of over 140,000!

In a recent interview that Sherri shared with the Westside Story Newspaper, she explained her experience of being in Africa, as well as what inspired her to take her gift of music to the heights of where it is now. 

Director Katja Bentrah and Producer Tobian Rosen’s award-winning film Watu Wote (All of us), is based on a true story and has won over thirty-five film festival awards, including the Gold Student Academy Award. The film stars Adelyne Wairimu, Barkhad Abdirahman (Captain Phillips), Fasal Ahrmed (Captain Phillips) and Abdiwali Farrah (Fishing Without Nets).

For a decade, Kenya has been targeted by terrorist attacks of the Al-Shaaab. An atmosphere of anxiety and mistrust between Muslims and Christians is growing. Until in December 2015, Muslim bus passengers showed that solidarity can prevail.

Katja Bentrah started her career as a theatre tailor, but fell in love with filmmaking when she studied acting in Vienna. Her first short films (Babydoll, No one pukes in Heaven & Tilda) have been playing successfully at many international festivals. During her master studies at Hamburg Media School, she directed Where have you been, Secrecies and Watu Wote.

Producer Tobias Rosen was brought up in South Africa. After returning to Germany he worked as an actor at theater and for film, before he joined the producing masterclass of the Hamburg Media School. He supervised the graduation movie Child of Fire as director and producer as well as the historical drama Valentina. Rosen also produced the shorts Secrecies, At the End and Watu Wote.

Just a handful of this must-see films awards include; Best Narrative short at Brooklyn Film Festival, Best Short Film at the Oscar qualifying Bermuda International Film Festival, Best Short & Best Production at the German Newcomer Awards First Steps, the winner of the San Sebastian International Human Rights Film Festival and the Gold Student Academy Award, which qualifies it to be considered for a live action short film Oscar.