SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches invites the community to the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast. The Prayer Breakfast will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 7:30 a.m. at California State University San Bernardino Coussoulis Arena. Tickets are $25 per person and parking is free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.iecaac.com/events.

There is still time to be a sponsor of this historic event and to buy an ad in the souvenir book. Your support is very much appreciated. For more information, please contact the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches at (909) 474-7036 or by email at IECAAC1998@gmail.com. You may also visit their website www.iecaac.com.

IECAAC membership includes more than 20 churches throughout the Inland Empire. They are committed to addressing the needs, leading change and improving our communities. Their mission is community self-sufficiency and sustainability in spiritually, education, community development and economic development through faith-based efforts.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Brandon Mason attributes his career in healthcare to the opportunities provided to him by the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board (WIB).

The shy, gentle-natured 21-year-old man was raised by a single mother and completed high school with aspirations of becoming a physician.  He enrolled in San Bernardino Valley College where he soon changed course and decided to pursue nursing.

It was the devastating diagnosis of his mother’s breast cancer that compelled Mason to step away from the Certified Nursing Assistant program and find employment to support his mother and two younger siblings.

During his tenure as janitor at a local amusement park, his hopes of pursuing the nursing degree began to fade until he learned of the WIB Youth Program.  This program is designed to help youth ages 16 to 24 enhance job skills, develop leadership qualities, explore career options and take advantage of paid internships available to help them build experience.

He enrolled in the program through Provisional Accelerated Learning Center in San Bernardino in December 2014 and took the opportunity to complete vocational training at Summit College.  Today, Mason is a Certified Nursing Assistant and employed full-time at Hacienda Heights Healthcare and Wellness.

“The Youth Program helped get me to where I am now,” Mason said.  “I don’t know what I’d be doing today, honestly, if it wasn’t for the program, and I am grateful for all the things people involved did to help me.”

Mason intends to reach out to the WIB in the near future to seek assistance in pursuing a Licensed Vocational Nurse degree back at Summit College.

“We strive to achieve success stories like Mason’s in San Bernardino County, as it reflects our Countywide Vision of a vibrant economy with a skilled workforce,” said James Ramos, Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. “This Youth Program is just one of the innumerable services available to San Bernardino County residents that provide resources and support to realize long-term success.”

Other services provided at no cost include skills assessment, career counseling, job training and placement, resume assistance and interview training, and access to computers, printers, faxes and telephones.

“We have seen a high success rate of participants in our Youth Program securing employment after completing the program,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board.  “The program takes a comprehensive approach in helping youth ages 16 to 24 enhance their job skills, develop leadership qualities, explore career options and take advantage of work experience opportunities.”

What it Do with the LUE this week is THANK YOU! I want to say thank you to all the wonderful folks that did their part to make our 3rd annual Feeding the Homeless Project, “PASSING OUT HOT MEALS”, a total success. This year we were able to feed over 400 homeless men and women in downtown San Bernardino. LUE Productions was happy to partner with Big AZ FUK, DRAC Entertainment, K.I.O., RIBS, and the Westside Story Newspaper.

We put the call out for donations of food items and socks, drivers, servers, and packers; the community answered. Individuals formed teams and made it happen. I want to thank the staff at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library for allowing us to mobilize there and Ribs for allowing us to set up the shop. I loved the fact that we had several community organizations, small businesses, entertainment entities, and artists involved such as singing sensation, Bernice Celetes, Rapper Yawnie, Gospel Rapper Dunamis L1019, Rap Group Gwaap Fam, Rapper Dada Doe, United Nations of Consciousness (U.N.C, Black Collar Entertainment, Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire, Rigorous Grind Graphics, Unlimited Tax Service, and many more.

I have to give a major shot out to two amazing ladies Rochelle McCoy and Elizabeth Pinder-McSwain. Next year we will do our best to feed MORE.  We will always out on for our community; it takes ALL of US L’zzz!  Please follow LUE Productions on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram

And before I let ya’ll go, I want to give a major shout out to our hometown boys GWAAP FAM. They are on 99.1 KGGI’S First Listen. Please do me a favor and SHARE the link below. We need for you to help us flood the web site. Once you’re on the website switch to desktop to leave a comment. Support NOW not later. Thank you!

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

The Chicago Police Department covered up a brutal police shooting. They destroyed and hide video evidence of one of their officers shooting and killing a Black Teenage boy. The officer then continued to riddle the apparently dead body with additional bullets… A total of sixteen bullets!

The officer said he was threatened by the boy… There were at least three other police officers witnessing the shooting… They were on duty, so some will argue, they were really participating.  Their “incident reports” regarding the shooting obviously supported the “boy was threatening” story!

The Chicago Police Department convinced the victim’s family to promise to keep silent about the shooting by quickly offering 5-million dollars in ‘hush mouth” money! One question is, did the Chicago Police Department tell the family how the killing really took place and that there was a video of the entire sixteen shot shooting?  If not, it looks like another lie that the Chicago Police Department is caught in.

A stubborn journalist sued the Chicago Police Department in a “freedom of information” action and was awarded the power to force the release of the video.

The video shows the teenager walking away from the policeman who started shooting the “threatening” boy while he was at least two car lengths away from the officer… The officer shot sixteen times and each bullet ended its journey with body wrenching impact on the dying, and for some of the bullets, the dead body of the teenaged Black Boy.

The Chicago Police Department’s response to being caught in this morass of lies has to this point been to, after a year, finally charge the shooter with murder. However, that arrest occurred only hours before court ordered public viewing of the incriminating video.  Days of community protest and national outrage have initiated the Mayor’s firing of the Police Chief and his request that the citizens of Chicago trust his good intentions.  That would suggest that the mayor had not seen the video and that he was not party to the cover up… Would you drink that Kool-Aid?

By Dwaine Radden Jr. (University of New Mexico Sports Blog) 

The California Raiders captured their fourth Championship in ten years Saturday night with a 24-14 victory over the Las Vegas Trojans. The Raiders started the opening drive with their prolific rushing attack led by running back Eric Marshall who had 15 carries for 105 yards and 1 touchdown. The Raider offense struggled the previous two weeks and had key injuries coming into the Championship game but still managed to put points on the board.

Former Utah State commit Quarterback Robert Fuller threw a 15 yard touchdown pass to Mikael Bowden to put the Raiders up 7-0. The Raider defense came into the game with high expectations and continued to create turnovers against the Trojans. Defensive back Lamar Jones picked off the Trojans quarterback to give the Raiders offense another opportunity to score.

The Raiders who are currently ranked #2 in the Western Rankings according to Amateur Football Power rankings continue to drive the ball down the field with a pass from Robert Fuller to veteran wide receiver Kiyron Brokendough which led to a touchdown, but the Raiders failed to convert the PAT.

The Trojans would not go down without a fight, they continued to move the ball down the field after halftime taking the lead 14-13. Former San Bernardino High school football standout Mike Fields forced a huge fumble giving the Raiders a chance to regain the lead. Running back Eric Marshall who has been a torture for opposing defenses during the playoffs had a huge 60 yard touchdown run to lift the Raiders ahead 21-14. The Raider defense played tough hardnose football to hold the Trojans to 14 points. Kicker/punter Tim Parker put his foot on display again

Saturday night with a field goal to put the Raiders up 24-14 with 2 minutes left for the Trojans to score.

In those classic football movies it’s always that last drive that tells the ultimate comeback story. The Trojans had one last shot to create that comeback story. Raider defensive back Damien Hale created a moment of his own with an interception to seal the deal. Owner Dwaine Radden Sr. said, “I’m proud of the players and the staff for believing and buying into our Franchise and team code, “Discipline, Determination, Dedication Equals Winner always on and off the field.” Raider Head Coach Antonio Marshall said, “We played great, it was a close battled but in the second half we made adjustments.” He also talked about winning the coveted NDPFL Championship, “I feel like a 1200 lb gorilla is off my back, having to follow in the footsteps of Owner and former Head coach Dwaine Radden Sr.”

The California Raiders are ranked #2 only behind the #1 Colorado Greyhawks and will have an opportunity to play for a National championship. Coach Marshall talked about the ranking after the game stating, “It’s a blessing to even be ranked, we could be ranked #1 but we’ll take #2 for now.” The Vegas Trojans finished ranked # 8 but still had a very good season and showed signs of promise. The Raiders have been one of the most dominant semi-pro teams in the state of California, and in the country.

Misty Copeland

The first African American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Misty Copeland, will visit UC Riverside to present a free public lecture on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the University Theatre. Admission will be based on a first come, first served basis. Line-up begins at 5 p.m., doors will open at 6 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7 p.m. Free parking will be available in Lot 6.

Copeland’s appearance has been more than a year in the making, said Ken Simons, the director of African Student Programs, who reached out to the dancer’s agent in September 2014.

“I have been looking forward to bringing Misty to UCR for quite some time. It’s great to have our co-sponsors share this epic moment in timewith our campus and community,” said Simons. “Not often do we witness something that is a global first, and the UCR community will have that rare opportunity to see an international icon at the top of her profession. Misty drew a line in her own sand, leaped over insurmountable adversity and landed on greatness!”

A rising star in the ballet world, Copeland gained notice in 2007 when she became ABT’s first African American female soloist (a rank below principal dancer) in 20 years. In 2014, she was featured in an Under Armour ad that went viral, gaining over 9 million views to date, and in April 2015 Time Magazine named her one of the “100 most influential people.” But perhaps she is best known for being the first African American female promoted to principal dancer at ABT this past June. Even as her promotion was celebrated, it raised all-too-familiar questions about why African American dancers, particularly women, remain so underrepresented at top ballet companies in the 21st century, despite the work of pioneering black dancers who broke racial barriers in the past, said Anthea Kraut, chair of the dance department at UCR.

“Misty Copeland is a role model to many, not only because of her phenomenal dancing but also for overcoming so many obstacles and for challenging ideas about what a ballerina should look like,” said Kraut. “Her presence at UCR will energize all dancers to pursue their dreams and to speak out against racial stereotypes.”

Xiomora Forbes, a Ph.D. student in critical dance studies, agreed.

“I’m excited to have Misty Copeland come to UCR and share her experiences with navigating the ballet world. I’ve always looked up to her because she started ballet late and because she never let anyone stop her from reaching her goals. It is an honor to have her on campus with us,” Forbes explained.

The visit is being coordinated by UCR’s African Student Programs and supported by the Highlander Empowerment Referendum. Co-sponsors of the event include the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Dance, Department of Athletics, Department of Theatre, Film and Digital Production, and the Voice News.

The trailer of “A Ballerina’s Tale,” a documentary about Copeland, will be played prior to the talk, and there will be a performance by Bre Dance Studio in Riverside. Copeland will perform in “The Nutcracker” at Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Hall on December 16 and 19.

Participants attended workshops, listened to motivational speakers, shared stories of personal struggles

A resource fair was arranged during the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s Y4 event to provide youth the opportunity to learn more about industries such as healthcare, education and public service and inquire about the necessary steps they should take in order to obtain a career in that particular field.

Over 600 youth who participate in San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s youth programs throughout the county came together for a day of networking, listening to motivational speakers and attending career workshops on Friday, Nov. 20 at the Ontario Convention Center. Pictured from left are Carlos Vasquez, 17, Academic Coach Ivan Lumba, and Shane Hoffman, 23, of Operation New Hope.

Entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Arel Moodie acted as the emcee during the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s annual Y4 event. Moodie also presented workshops on workplace success and networking. His dynamic sessions engaged youth who sat and listened intently to his advice that included the importance of working hard, taking the initiative, being the “best employee ever,” and taking pride in even the most menial tasks.

Dr. Alex Ellis, nationally renowned motivational speaker and author, was the keynote speaker during the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s Y4 event. Personal presentation was this year’s theme, and youth were dressed in professional attire procured from Goodwill. Dr. Ellis underscored that one’s outfit should compliment their true nature. “I don’t want you wearing a shirt and tie, and you’re at home beating your girlfriend. Be the best person you can be on the inside and express it through clothing on the outside in order to get the respect and reputation you deserve.”

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“Watch me whip whip, Watch me nae nae [Want me do it?] Now watch me whip [Kill it!] Watch me nae nae (Okay!) Now watch me whip whip, Watch me nae nae [Can you do it?] [Silento – Watch Me Lyrics]…

You see Christ said [Matthew 16:18] … Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hell SHALL NOT prevail against it. You need to realize that you have “Spiritual Authority” through Jesus Christ. You need not live in fear of the demonic; you are not to see demons behind every bush. But rather, you are called to make use of the protection God provides for you in Christ. “Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places…. Your spiritual warfare with the devil should always be with the consciousness that you have authority over him because he is already a defeated foe. The promise we have from Scripture is that when we “Resist the devil, He will flee from” us [James 4:7]. Don’t miss the word “flee.” Flee is something someone does when he is on the run from a superior force. The devil’s a coward. He picks on us when we are feeling weak, but he turns tail when we show the first sign of strength. Never forget; YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN AUTHORITY OVER THE POWER OF THE ENEMY. So the next time the devil gets in your face [first make certain there’s no unconfessed, unrepented sin in your life] then tell the devil to hell with you!  I’m not going to listen to you!  I don’t have to obey you! I’m saved!  I’m redeemed!  My body is the temple of the Holy Ghost!  You have no right here! You are trespassing!  In the name of Jesus I refuse you! I rebuke you! Break yourself fool and get to stepping… And he will flee from you. I tell you, you must ALWAYS TAKE AUTHORITY OVER THE DEVIL. If not, he will take control over you.

I want you to know that that ole pickpocket, embezzler, burglar, mugger, swindler, con, shoplifter, bandit and pirate; the great enemy of God and man; the devil, the adversary, that criminal who wants to steal our salvation, our clear conscience, our confidence, and our hope; has been caught, found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. He must “GO TO JAIL: And Go directly to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.” You see the devil has always been about taking what doesn’t belong to him. He robbed Adam and Eve of the garden and he stole their innocence. He robbed Job of his family, his wealth and his health. He snatched away one of the twelve from Jesus side and walks about as a roaring lion,” according to [1 Peter 5:8] “seeking whom he may devour.” The devil robbed Jesus of the dignity due Deity through the travesty of a trial by the Jewish hierarchy; by the scoffing of the soldiers who with a crown of thorns feigned to honor him as king before nailing Him to the cross. You must enforce Jesus victory and Lordship in the situations of life, or the devil will take control by default. Amen! So this, my friend, is what we’ve come to do.   “Tear down strongholds, Break the chains, and Bind the devil in Jesus’ name. For tonight, WE GOT A RIGHT, to shake the Foundation with Praise!” Hallelujah! [Joe Pace – Shake the Foundation]

In closing I want you to know that Jesus commanded. He spoke authoritatively. He spoke unhesitatingly, unequivocatingly. And He gave mandates, not suggestions. [1 John 4:4] says, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Know that you know…. That’s it and that’s all!

(from left to right): Tai Beauchamp, TV Personality & Lifestyle Expert; Alicia Alston, Vice-President, Global Communications at Prudential Financial; Michelle Ebanks, ESSENCE President; Dani Arps, Interior Designer; Marvet Britto, President and CEO of the Britto Agency; Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche; Dorinda Walker, Director of Consumer Strategy & Key Initiatives Multicultural Marketing, Prudential’s U.S. Businesses; ESSENCE Features Editor Lauren Williams. (Photo, Matthew C. Anderson)

ESSENCE, the preeminent brand for African-American women, partnered with Prudential Financial, Inc. to help its audience tackle college debt with the most recent installment of its EmpowerU e-learning series, College Debt: Money Lessons Everyone Should Know. Over 40 million Americans have college debt, but student loans are only one piece of your financial puzzle. Through this course, students not only learned how to gain control over their student loans, but also how to master the rest of their money and lay the foundation for a fiscally sound post-college life.

Each installment of ESSENCE’s EmpowerU e-learning series is led by expert instructors. Last month’s course was led by Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche—an award-winning teacher of financial empowerment, who is quickly becoming America’s favorite financial educator. Aliche addressed important financial-related topics such as debt management and reduction, student loan savviness, credit-building tips and more. This month’s installment, You Can Be Frugal and Fabulous!, will be a personal finance course led by Aisha Taylor. Taylor is a financial consultant, best-selling author, entrepreneur, empowerment coach and founder of FNPhenomenal (Frugal n Phenomenal). This course will teach participants to be smart with their money and stay out of crushing debt while they live and build toward the lifestyle that they really want.

In addition, on Friday, November 6^th, ESSENCE and Prudential hosted a panel discussion entitled, “Money + Power: Must-haves for Prosperous Business Women” held at Apella in New York City.  Moderated by ESSENCE Features Editor Lauren Williams, the panel featured leading industry mavens and tastemakers who shared timeless insights with the audience, including: Marvet Britto, President and CEO of the Britto Agency; Tai Beauchamp, TV Personality & Lifestyle Expert; Dani Arps, Interior Designer; and Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche.For more information on the Empower U e-learning series, visit ESSENCEEmpowerU.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education has joined the growing number of governing boards and agencies that live stream public meetings.

Starting with the November 17 session, the Board of Education will now broadcast its meetings live twice a month, offering stakeholders an opportunity to watch from any device with Internet access. In addition, meetings will be recorded and archived online.

Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden championed the live broadcasts as a way to improve civic participation.

“This makes our meetings accessible to a larger audience, improving transparency and accountability to our community,” Marsden said. “So much of our work is focused on engaging the public and making sure they’re a part of important decisions and conversations that will shape the future of our community.”

Board of Education meetings will be aired live on the District’s YouTube channel, SanBdoCitySchools. Regularly scheduled school board meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month.