RIVERSIDE, CA- On Sunday, December 20, the Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. held its annual “Shop with a Kappa” gift giving event for Riverside County children.  The shopping extravaganza was held in partnership with the Riverside Wal-Mart on Canyon Springs Parkway, where children and their families shopped the aisles for much needed items.

“Giving to families and enhancing the lives of children is what Christmas is truly about,” says Polemarch Demarius Carmichael.  “I think our fraternity members had as much fun giving as the children had receiving.”

Each child received a $100 store gift certificate from a Kappa sponsor, which enabled him or her to purchase toys and essentials.  Upon checking out, the Wal-Mart management team greeted children with goodie bags and snacks.

“The children seemed very excited about the event,” says parent Angela Coggs, whose son Yonathan is a youth Kappa League member.  “Many of them were selfless and wanted to select gifts that would not only benefit them, but their entire families.”

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is an international Greek Letter fraternity that was founded in 1911.  It has more than 150,000 members with 721 undergraduate and alumni chapters.  The Riverside Alumni Chapter is actively involved in community service and youth mentoring.  Its annual scholarship fundraisers and charitable events, which include an annual Thanksgiving food drive and Shop with a Kappa, enable families to receive much needed support.

To learn more about the Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and its programs, please visit www.rackapsi.com.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

It’s time for you to wholeheartedly give yourself to the will of the Lord. I tell you time is running out! Paul said that it is closer than when we first believed. The night is just about to be over and it is day time. Wake up! You can’t continue to live like you have been living. Wake up! It is time to do what God has called you to do. Yeah, the world’s philosophy says, “Live for self”… but God’s Word says, “Die to self!”   Don’t you know that being in God’s will is far better than being outside His will? The problem is that most of us as believers today is committed to this world and not the things of God – everything is about “what we want” and not about “what God wants.” The flesh is running rampant in the Christian world today and I tell you that ought not to be. My purpose is to challenge you to understand that Jesus came to give us something new in our spiritual life. According to Christ, it is absolutely imperative and important for us to be transformed if we desire to enter into God’s Kingdom. Remember what God told His people Israel, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron 7:14). Scripture is very clear on our need to direct our hearts toward God –Remember, “Dying to self” isn’t the goal – “Life” is the goal!

This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart…” [Ephesians 4:17-19]. I want you to know that Paul gets very specific, describing those things which we as Christian must put off and those which we must put on [Ephesians 4:25]. We got to lay aside the old self he says, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and we must be renewed in the spirit of our mind…”[Ephesians 4:22-24]. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! For sin shall not be master over us, for we are not under law, but under grace (Romans 6: 1-14). As you therefore have received Christ, so walk in Him, (Colossians 2:6).

Decide today to give yourself over to the will of God, letting each day count for eternity. Allow God to have His way with you. “Whereas ye know not what shall be on tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away. [James 4:14].  Paul realized he had to fulfill the call of God upon his life. He said, “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel…” [I Corinthians 9:16-17]. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” [Romans 12:1-2].  Understand that God has called you to live a separated life, to be a peculiar people unto Him.  “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” [ 2 Corinthians 6:17-18].

I want you to know that there are two consequences in life. You can either attend the feast were wisdom spreads her table for those who enter her house. She strengthens them, she satisfies them, and she sustains them. She gives them all they need for now and for the future. [1 Cor. 2:9] [John 14:1-3].  Or you can attend the funeral – The context and the contrast. While the wise man goes off to enjoy the feast, the fool goes off to endure his funeral [Proverbs 7:5-27]. This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live [Deuteronomy 30:19]. The alarm has been sounded. What will you do?

Youth Performers and Community Youth at the Event

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- This year, Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown proudly supported Young Visionaries’ 10th Annual Toy Giveaway and Resource Fair at Living Way Church in Fontana.

Nearly 1,500 residents attended the event, which included a turkey and toy giveaway, free shoes, coats, socks, and a Prop 47 workshop hosted by the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office. Items were donated by Young Visionaries; Assemblymember Brown,  47th District; Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren; Walmart; Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County; New Life Christian Church; Living Way Church; Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE); One Body; Firefighters’ Spark of Love Toy Drive; Kappa Alpha Psi; and the United Auto Workers.

“Thanks to Terrance Stone, his staff and the generosity of others, this year’s event was an overwhelming success,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “This was my 3rd Annual Toy Drive, and I’m very proud to have worked with Terrance Stone. I look forward to supporting next year’s giveaway.”

According to event staff, local residents started lining up outside the church at 2:30 a.m. Once the event began at 9 a.m., families were directed to various sites to pick up their items. They were also given an opportunity for a chance to win a bicycle. Special remarks were given by Congresswoman Norma Torres, 35th District, and entertainment was provided by Creating Hopeful Opportunities and Resilience by Developing Skills (C.H.O.R.D.S.) Enrichment Youth Program.

“This was our 10th Annual Toy Drive in the County of San Bernardino, and it was our largest one to date,” stated Terrance Stone, Founder and CEO of Young Visionaries. “We’re celebrating a decade of giving, and hopefully we can leave a legacy behind for the next generation. It’s an honor to be a blessing to others.”

In addition to the giveaways, a diversity of community-based organizations and government entities distributed literature and other helpful information during the resource fair. Approximately 30 vendors participated; among them were Covered California, the African American Mental Health Alliance, El Sol, and the Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce.

“It was a great pleasure to see the parents and their children as they received their gifts with joy, excitement and appreciation,” concluded Assemblymember Brown. “It’s truly an honor to give back to the communities that I serve.”

For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of San Bernardino provided food bags for gifting to community members.  Over two hundred bags of food were assembled and given away. Pictured above, left to right, Ward Young, Deacon Frank Bell, Anita Dimery Riley, Harold White, Anthony Bell

“Medical cannabis advocates need tools and training to talk with their local lawmakers about medical marijuana,” said ASA California Director Don Duncan. “This project is all about supporting and empowering those local advocates to make a difference in their hometown.” ASA’s new Local Access Project (LAP) is a web portal with links to documents and online training that medical marijuana supporters can use to talk with their representatives on the City Council or County Board of Supervisors.

Credit: EarthMed.com

While California voters led the nation in legalizing medical marijuana in 1996, the state has lagged behind other medical marijuana states in adopting a statewide regulatory scheme. Cities and counties have adopted a patchwork of regulations and bans in the nineteen years since voters approved Proposition 215.  Governor Brown signed a historic trio of bills known as the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA) to license and regulate commercial medical marijuana at the state level on October 9.

“The deadline for local licensing of commercial medical cannabis in March has caused some cities to overreact,” said Duncan. “In some cases, local governments are even banning marijuana cultivation by individual patients. That was never the intent of the law.” ASA hopes the LAP will give patients and other advocates tools to talk to lawmakers about alternative to banning medical marijuana cultivation. “I believe that, given the choice, some cities and counties will opt to protect legal patient and the community at large by adopting a local licensing ordinance instead of a ban.”

Come and spend New Year’s Eve with me! I am celebrating my birthday and my special guest for the evening is a great band that we have all enjoyed. Our entertainment for the evening is LAKESIDE, a group that has given us many great tunes, including a song that is a hit all over the world. We have all been moved by that funky classic, “Fantastic Voyage.”  We are gathering at the newly renovated Arrowhead Elks Lodge, 1073 N. Mt Vernon Ave in San Bernardino.

Tickets are only $35 in advance ($45 at the door) which includes food by Master Chef “AW” and party favors. Please call me, Lynn Paul, at (909) 258-0254 for more information and your reservation.

Join me for a great New Year’s Eve. It is my 50^th birthday and I can promise, you will have a FANTASTIC JOURNEY!

Annyett Royale

SOULFUL SOUNDS is WHAT IT DO WITH THE LUE! What happen to that feel good music that bump and grind music, that make you wanna go half on a baby music. I can tell ya’ what happened, it disappeared. R&B has changed! So when I come across a singer that puts me in that mind set I get all warm and fuzzy inside. LOL! So now I need for you to check out Miss Royale. Singer, Songwriter, and Soulful Sensual, a musical tour-de-force, ladies and gents please allow me to introduce Annyett Royale.

As a child at the age of 4, parents Melba Warren and Keyle Glinsey Sr., knew their daughter was a star and out of six of her father’s children she was the only one that inherited the ability to move people vocally with the same powerful, yet sultry voice that her father had. She would wow her grandmother at the young age of 7, singing Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” as if she knew what love was and if she had written it, hitting notes that blew her grandma away. In school she became part of the school choir and at the age of 15 she entered her first talent show winning first place singing Mary J. Blige’s “Real love”. She again, sung with the conviction and emotion of someone way beyond her tender age.

In 1998, she caught the attention of Snoop Dogg’s father Papa Snoop, who then introduced her to Master P, CEO of No Limit Records, on the set of his movie, “I Got the Hook Up.” She sang on set and wowed him. He signed her to his label two weeks later. After taking a leave of absence from the entertainment business to go into management for banking and real estate, she soon realized what her heart truly yearned for and decided to make a big return to music.

She’s back, bigger than ever and taking the music industry by storm, singing her way into the hearts and souls of all who hear her! Heavily influenced by R&B, Gospel, Reggae, Hip Hop, Alternative music and vocal power houses such as: Patti La belle, Aretha Franklin, Tina Marie, Anita Baker, Lauryn Hill, Marsha Ambrosias, Keke Wyatt, Faith Evans, Adele, Fantasia, and Jazmine Sullivan. Annyett wants to bring back what she feels went missing in the industry and should have never left. That REAL heartfelt music that her children and grandchildren could appreciate now and for years to come, that real music, always relevant and never out dated.

With a powerful voice reminiscent of R&B greats Aretha Franklin and Tina Marie and a songwriting style that’s all her own, she has never shied away from a challenge and her powerhouse voice shows it!

Until next week my peeps and remember SAN BERNARDINO STRONG. L’z!

Pres. Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama step down from Air Force One after landing at the San Bernardino International Airport Friday night

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Friday, December 18, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama flew into the San Bernardino International Airport to comfort the victims of the Inland Regional Center shooting which occurred a couple weeks ago. The First Family were on their way to their annual family vacation prior to stopping in San Bernardino.

Loved ones and community members came out to support the family and legacy of William Henry Jacocks, also known as Ratibu, on Thursday, December 17 at New Hope Baptist Church in San Bernardino. (Photos by John Coleman).

By John Coleman

 SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Hundreds came out to pay tribute to the legacy and life lived of William Henry Jacocks, also known to some as Bill or Ratibu. Those that were present at the memorial included members and officials of the State, County, Regional, and Local offices. There were leaders of every walk of life from family to friends of Ratibu. The memorial service was held on Thursday, December 17 at New Hope Baptist Church in San Bernardino.

The memorial service reflected and paid tribute to prominent moments of Ratibu’s life and influence. He was a US Army infantryman, operator of a local ‘small business’, missionary promoting entrepreneurship among the community, and leader of the Inland Area Kwanza Group. He was a strong supporter and advocate of Kwanzaa Consciousness, civic engagement, including a leadership role in the Westside Action Group, and evidenced by the dozens of officials who stood to acknowledge his role in their success and of course his love for his family.

Rest in Peace, Ratibu.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Paul said: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life…” (1 Timothy 6:12). I don’t know what kind of fight you’ve been putting up in the past year, but the Spirit says you have been so overwhelmed at times that you’ve lost your fight. You’ve become a weak, passive soldier of the Cross – discouraged, wounded, and perplexed; but now it’s high time for you to get back up and fight the good fight of faith. I pray that this message from the Holy Spirit will put the fight back in you – that once more you’ll be fearless against the devil’s weapons.

You know when the prophet Hosea wanted to warn Israel about their cowardly spiritual condition, he reminded them of their father Jacob. The crux of his message was, “You’ve become weak, passive. And now the enemy is over-whelming you! You claim to be Jacob’s seed – but I want to show you how far you’ve strayed from his example. I want to show you how Jacob prevailed – how he had power with God!” He told the Israelites this about Jacob: “He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us;” (Hosea 12:3-4). Hosea’s message to them was very simple: “Here was a man greedy for God, hungry for everything God had for him!” Jacob came out of the womb in a fighting mood, greedy for the blessings of God! Yet it wasn’t the double portion of his father’s wealth that Jacob was after; it wasn’t the promise of the land. No, Jacob wanted something more. He wanted the blessings of God so he could be in the lineage of the Messiah! And he wanted the priestly blessing. This meant not only being priest of the clan – it also meant being able to bless others! [Genesis 27]

I want you to know that Jacob’s hand on Esau’s heel was a powerful statement! It said: “I will not be held by sin’s grip – I am more than a conqueror! I will lay hold of all that is of Satan and resist, fight, and be victorious! I want God’s hand on me!  I want His blessing at any cost.” I tell you Jacob had a made-up mind. He had determined that no one was going to stop him from receiving God’s blessings not even his own brother. I also want you to know that Satan has a plan of destruction for your life and he is not just going to lie down, roll over and let you be what God wants you to be. He is working over-time to distract you and to delay the fulfillment of your promises. He is working over-time to side-line you, to kill, steal and destroy your life [John 10:10]. You need to realize that there are Princes of Persia in the spiritual realm working to prevent you coming into the revelation and reality of your destiny. Therefore, you need to release spiritual warfare and pray. Scripture tells us that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but demonic powers and principalities. Know your authority and be vigilant about it.

In closing I want you to know that Jacob spent years fighting to get and keep the blessings of God; and that same desire ought to put the fight back in you. Throw off your passive, defeated countenance. Cast aside all feelings of defeat – and stand up and fight! Right now God is saying, “Come on, and fight!” – Because He loves you! He wants you to claim all His blessings. Rise up in faith and lay hold of His promises. Stand up and fight! You have His strength – use it! It is time that you tell the devil to Hell with you and take back what is your. Proclaim the victory that Jesus has already won for you on the cross. I tell you for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Those are the words of the preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. This is a time for new beginnings, a time to say goodbye to the past year and welcome the new. Don’t you go into another year bruised and battered!