What it do with Lue

Rev. “J” Edgar Boyd

LOS ANGELES, CA- More than 5,000 members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will convene at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, 5711 W. Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, October 19 thru 25, for the 91st Session of the Southern California Conference (SCAC) and the Planning Meeting which will follow, October 26 to 27.

Both sessions will be led by the Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, with First AME Church of Los Angeles (FAME), pastored by the Rev. “J” Edgar Boyd,  serving as host. This will be the last annual conference led Bishop Kirkland as head of the 5th District, prior to his scheduled retirement in the summer of 2016.

Under the theme, “Rebuilding the Walls,” the schedule features day and evening worship services, business meetings and educational sessions for conference delegates, clergy, laity, youth, young adults, and missionaries.

Prior to the official conference opening, the Young People’s Division will hold their annual convention and the SCAC Women’s Missionary Society will also begin their sessions.  The annual pre-conference musical will be held on Sunday, October 18, 4 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 7900 Western Avenue, Los Angeles.  Additional activities at the Hilton include:  Opening Night Worship Service, Wednesday, October 21, 7 p.m., with the Rev. John Cager, Senior Minister, Ward AME Church, delivering the Word.  Mayor Eric Garcetti, along with other elected officials, will bring greetings from the City of Los Angeles; Men’s Witness Night Worship, Thursday, 7 p.m.; Consecration & Ordination Service, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.; and Closing Worship and Commissioning Service, Sunday, October 25 at 3 p.m.

“We are honored to serve as host of this conference session,” said Pastor Boyd.  We are thankful to our Bishop and Presiding Elders who continue to encourage us in the building of our churches and our communities.”

The public is invited to attend the pre-conference musical as well as the noon and evening worship services.

By Keith McCarter

I attended the ICUC forum on October 6, 2015 for the San Bernardino City Council candidates.  I was shocked at some of their answers concerning the various topics.  Let us take for instance the topic of homelessness.    One of the candidates actually said, he would pay the police to round them up and send them to another city.  This answer reeked of insensitivity.

Others said it should not be the cities responsibility.  They suggested that it is a State and Federal problem.  I can understand their rationale with this answer, even though this answer is a bit short sided.

I must say that I was particularly impressed with Mr. Damon Alexander’s answer.  It was very simple.  He suggested to do what other cities have done.  Combine the services of the different social services departments, local, state and federal.  Then we provide the services the homeless needs and help them get back on their feet again.  I COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS CAME FROM THE MOUTH OF A REPUBLICAN.  But I was completely fascinated with the simplicity of his answer.

In actuality, many of the bigger cities have done this.  Also, Los Angeles city has just begun to combine these services as well.  One of the major problems with providing services to people is that the people do not know how to access the available services. By lowering this barrier, Mr. Alexander suggests that the homelessness situation will be minimized if we follow the lead of the larger cities.

One last point I would like to mention.  Politicians usually boast about what they have done to help other people.  I was fortunate enough to speak with a few members from Damon Alexander’s camp.  I was informed and witnessed him arranging an event to feed the homeless last Saturday on October 3^rd.

So when a question arose about homelessness, he did not boast about him using his time, money and energy to feed the homeless at the park during the previous Saturday.  He simply gave a professional answer to a serious concern of the city.  Is this humbleness?  I do not know what it is, but it is very refreshing to witness a candidate taking so much of their person to help alleviate the social impact of a dire concern without trying to use it for political gain.  If elected this Damon Alexander will be a breath of fresh air to the City Council of San Bernardino.

REDLANDS, CA- The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter (serving San Bernardino/Riverside) are serious about health education and eradicating cancer.  The “Pink and Green Divas”  of Eta Nu Omega participated in the 8th Annual Stater Bros. Believe Walk on Sunday, October 4, which benefits cancer fighting organizations in the Inland Empire.  The walk raised over $350,000.

The members of Eta Nu Omega, do not just participate in walks, they take time during their meetings to educate one another about how to conduct self- breast examinations and to be advocates for your own health.  Through various community activities, the ladies conduct youth development programs, provide scholarships and attempt to make a difference in the lives of others.  For future events, please contact President, Linda Gaines Brooks at (909)874-7206 or Ivy Leaf Reporter, Kimberly Isaac at (626) 319-1390.

Yolanda Adams will performing on the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour at this weekend’s Taste of Soul.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Southern California McDonald’s is bringing hope, inspiration and fellowship to the 10^th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival by presenting the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage. In addition to the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, local gospel talent from Los Angeles and the Inland Empire will be hitting the stage to kick off the day. Taste of Soul attendees can expect to hear uplifting music from Donald Jones and the Los Angeles Mass Choir, Brent Jones with the KJLH Radio Free Performance Choir, the West Angeles Choir and Holman Quartet.

“We are overjoyed to present the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, in partnership with the Taste of Soul organization, to the community,” said Clay Paschen III, McDonald’s owner/operator and president of the McDonald’s Operators’ Association of Southern California (MOASC). “Bringing local talent to the stage is a show of commitment to the communities we serve across Southern California. The local gospel talent is icing on top of what is already slated to be an amazing event.”

The national Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour artists performing on the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, presented by McDonald’s, will include: Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, Tasha Page-Lockhart and DeWayne Woods. The event will be hosted by Lonnie Hunter and comedian Small Fire.

In addition, local talent that will grace the stage will include: Brent Jones with the KJLH Radio Free Performance Choir, Taylor and the Los Angeles Mass Choir, Karen Wiggins and the Inland Empire Explosion Choir, Jubilant Voices, Holman Quartet, Linda Broadous Miles, Episcopal Chorale, Ward African Methodist Episcopal Choir, Kevin Henderson, Jay Frazier/G-Rap, Echoes of Praise, Jackie Gouche and Joe Douglas.

“Extending the Taste of Soul Family Festival to include the Inland Empire is another special part of this partnership,” said Reggie Webb, McDonald’s owner/operator. “We are working with Pastor Mannie Brodie and Principles of Faith Christian Center to provide transportation for any community members who want to experience Taste of Soul and McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour for themselves.”

Transportation to Taste of Soul is available on a first come, first serve basis. The bus will depart from Webb Family Enterprises located at 3155 Sedona Court, Ontario, CA 91764. Those interested can secure a ticket for transportation by calling Ratibu Jacocks of Westside Action Group at (909) 820-4406.

McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is an extension of the brand’s 365Black platform, an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. To learn more about the tour and the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com. For more information on local gospel acts gracing the stage and details, follow @McDonalds_SoCal on Twitter and join the conversation at #365BlackGospel.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Pretentious people: Ugh…  Always want to be seen to show out; can’t function unless they stand out. Always got to be on the program; can’t serve in the background. Always got to be about them.  Then want to have the audacity to get mad when you say something.  Listen, Jesus warned against this type of hypocrisy in Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. You know in the parable Matt 13:26 no one noticed the problem until the wheat began to reproduce, forming heads prior to the harvest. I want you to know that the key difference between wheat and weeds is not in what they do, but in what they are? Who am I talking too? Because pretentious people, act saved but are active sinners. How can you hold a position in God’s houses (the church) and yet the devil runs rapid in your own house? Paul says in Acts 17:22-23…..You need a word that is revelatory and relevant.   Real people don’t come to church to be confused. Real people come to church to get a practical word and to come to understand what they don’t’ understand. I want you to know that the days of coming to church and not understanding the Word is over. Why sit in church just to die on the vine? This thing is personal.

Everything we are is because of God. Get over yourself! It’s not about you! Phil 2:3 says, “don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble…” Attitude is everything.  As 1Peter 5:6 says, “… humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.”  I bet your Pastor would just assume you not tell anyone where you went to church! It brings a reproach upon every saint of God who does try to live for Jesus.  Yet, I thank God that there is a place of repentance for those of us who are guilty of the backward look today. If you are just pretending to be saved, please be aware that you are not fooling the Lord! He knows your heart and will judge you. This was condemned by Jesus in Luke 9:62. This trend in the church today, professing Christians that want to dress, act, walk and talk like the world. People who say they know Jesus, but act like the unsaved around them. What you are doing is playing around with sin and treating sin too lightly! My friend, sin is a deceiver, it is a killer and it is dangerous! It must be dealt with early and radically. Do not let it get a foothold in your life, but root it out, whatever the cost or the pain, Eph. 4:27; Matt. 5:27-30.

Until we meet again…  Jesus’ last public message before He dies on the cross.  It is stunning…a scathing denunciation of false religion and hypocrisy.  Jesus is speaking to three groups of people…  a multitude; the disciples and the scribes and Pharisees. Talk about name calling, Jesus holds nothing back!  Bold and courageous, He calls them fools, snakes, vipers, blind guides, and 7 different times He calls them hypocrites.  They are wearing masks, and He pulls them off.  They come to church appearing to be one thing, but at home they are entirely different.  They are religious play actors.  Jesus demanded sincerity and reality.  I want you to know that you may walk in sin for years, but one day judgment will surely come. One day, time will run out! There will be no more opportunities and no more calls to repentance, Gen. 6:3. There will be nothing but judgment swift and sure! I challenge you to flee the wrath of God! There is but one shelter for the soul, Romans 5:6-9… Get Over Yourself! It’s not about you!

ONTARIO, CA- The 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire, Inc. will hold its Inaugural Gala on Saturday, October 10 at the Ontario Double Tree Hotel from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. During this event, the 100 Black Men will honor exceptional black professionals throughout the Inland Empire who have made significant contributions in their fields.

The following professionals will be honored at the event: Admiral Edward Moore, Jr. (Ret.), for his historic contributions to the United States Navy rising to the rank of Vice Admiral as an African American; Judge Richard T. Fields, for his historic contributions as the first African American presiding judge in Riverside County; and Dr. Ernest Levister, M.D., for his significant contributions in the field of medicine in the Inland Empire and to the formation of the J. W. Vines Medical Society.

Tickets can be purchased at www.100bBlackMenIE.com. The 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire, a chapter of the 100 Black Men of America, is committed to intellectual development of youth and the economic empowerment of the African American community based on the following precepts: respect for family, spirituality, justice and integrity.

Dr. Tim Hougen, Jennifer Pacheco, DBH Director CaSonya Thomas, Douglas Fazekas, Imo Momoh.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Board of Supervisors was recently recognized and commended the County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) for winning six Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents.

NACo recognized the following DBH projects in their respective categories: Mountain Breeze Villas in Community & Economic Development; Remote Group Supervision for Rural Intern Placements in the Employment and Training for County Residents; Culture Specific Subcommittees in Civic Education and Public Information; Child and Adolescent Needs Strengths (CANS), Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST) and Access, Coordination and Enhancement (ACE) in Human Services.

DBH’s Culture-specific Subcommittees are community-driven advisory groups that engage in policy advocacy, outreach activities and program planning.  Feedback provided by members assist the department in designing programs and services that are culturally informed.

DBH, through these NACo award winning programs, is supporting the Countywide Vision by creating a county in which those who reside and invest can prosper and achieve well-being.  Information on the Countywide Vision and the Department of Behavioral Health can be found at www.sbcounty.gov.

LA VERNE, CA- Garrett Management Group, LLC presents “An Experience Under the Stars”, a captivating dinner show featuring soul stirring music performances by Men of Motown and world renowned saxophonist/vocalist, j.dee. Relive the spirit of classic Motown Saturday, October 24 at the beautiful Hafif Estate located at 4742 Live Canyon Road, in La Verne. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a 3-course dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes parking, dinner and show.  Patrons will be shuttled from the parking area to the amphitheater.

Alphonso Boyd’s, Men of Motown, are a legendary culmination of Motown vocalists and songwriters. Consisting of four gentlemen, the Men of Motown continue to keep one of the greatest sounds in music alive and kicking. Group members Al Boyd, Kevin Carroll, Russell Watts and Ron Preyer each have a unique story that helped shape the history of Motown Music. Singing professionally for over 50 years, Al Boyd has performed with The Calvanes, The Elgins, The Sixteens, The Olympics, Dennis Edwards, David Ruffin and toured with the The O’Jays. Boyd later became a staff writer for Motown and penned the tune “Shakey Ground” originally recorded by the Temptations and made famous by Elton John. From the Doo Wop era, Kevin Carroll is most known for as the lead singer of The Platters. “When we sing the songs of Motown, people remember where they were and what they were doing when those songs came out,” says Carroll. Russell Watts began his music career with the soul group Imperial Wonders and he continued singing with The Drifters, and toured with the O’Jays alongside fellow group member Al Boyd. Fourth member Ron Preyer also sang and toured with the greats of Motown, including the Temptations, Mary Wilson and the Supremes.

j.dee, a phenomenal soprano saxophonist, adds elements of sultry, funky and smooth jazz sounds guaranteed to put the audience in a cool groove.   A natural born writer, producer and arranger, j.dee has worked with the great Grover Washington, Jr., Lalah Hathaway, Doc Powell, James Brown, Cherrelle, and WAR, just to name a few. j.dee wrote the theme song and several tunes for the motion picture, “Original Gangtas”, and produced the hit song, “12-15-22-5 (LOVE)”, which was placed in the film, “Losing Isaiah”.

Experience Under the Stars is an amazing mix of soul and jazz, under a gorgeous starry night. For event information and tickets for this great show, call 1-866-514-3391. Tickets are available for advanced purchase online at, www.gmgevents.net and at Hafif Family Foundation, 265 W. Bonita Avenue, Claremont, CA, 909-625-7971.

What up Inland Empire! What it do with the LUE this week, is the WINGS! In this industry I get a chance to meet many talented independent artists. A lot of them have similar stories and similar goals. I’d like to introduce the man himself, Justified Smith.

Justified Smith is one of the most prolific writers of our time. He has recorded and printed more than 6 independent albums over the last nine years and has reportedly moved thousands of units in the music game. Over his career he’s shared tracks with West Coast veterans E-40, Kokane, Spice 1, Bad Azz, Above the Law, and many other independent artists. Respected mostly for his passion to hustle and the heart to sell his own music out of the trunk, Justified is definitely an underground icon.

This talented artist is a jack of all trades. Not only is Mr. Smith a talented rap artist but a business owner, show host of “CALI LIVE”, CEO of “Justified” and “G.I.2.G Entertainment”, but most of all a loving and caring single father of two beautiful little girls and one handsome son. He goes hard for his family on a daily basis to ensure their provided for. You can always catch Mr. Smith doing good work within his community and beyond. His organization M.O.F.I.A. which stands for “Men Of Faith In Action”, puts on several events throughout the year blessing the folks with needed household products and materials. I can respect that all day long!

Follow the wings and please support Justified Smith. His music is available everywhere digital downloads are sold. For bookings please contact email Justfiedmuisc@net.com. Until next time l’zzz! Justified’s latest song titles include “Man On A Mission” and “Follow The Wings” featuring Suga Free Message.

By Naomi K. Bonman

To commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I recently interviewed the author of “A Survivors Celebration of Life Beyond Domestic Violence”, which is written by Tahirah Ogletree.

Olgletree is an African-American actress, print model, author, filmmaker and advocate for domestic violence. Originally from Cleveland, Tahirah moved to Phoenix, Arizona to pursue her passion for film and acting. Over the years, she has been featured as a commercial print model in nationwide magazines and catalogs, starred in Internet commercials, and landed a role in a 2008 SIS TV Production. In 2011, she was rated as America’s top-aspiring African American woman, and was featured on the prestigious cover of the Blow, Hair & Fashion magazine. In 2012, Tahirah established her own film company, O’Tahirah Films, LLC. She wrote, produced and starred in two short films, Battered But not Broken and Phoenix Finest in Blue. In “Battered But Not Broken,” Tahirah played a battered woman who finds the strength to take back her life from the deadly grips of her abuser. Tahirah wrote “Battered But not Broken” to raise awareness on domestic violence and how rapidly it’s becoming an epidemic in so many households across America.

A Survivors Celebration of Life Beyond Domestic Violence is dedicated to every victim and survivor of domestic violence with the purpose of empowering, inspiring, educating, and helping to save and change lives. It is intended as a celebration of the beauty that all survivors have within, and is a reminder to everyone that there is life beyond the deadly grips of domestic violence. This empowering coffee table book is filled with inspiring quotes, tips on how to detect the early warning signs of domestic violence, tear-jerking testimonials from survivors around the world, Tahirah’s own autobiography, and a list of domestic violence hotlines with 24/7 access to highly trained advocates for immediate support.

In conjunction with her book release, Tahirah’s clothing line debuted with the launch of two t-shirt designs. The first derives from her original art pieces called “ Power Beyond the Fist.” The striking image translates two powerful messages. On one hand, it’s a collection of 52 inspiring phrases that help domestic violence victims understand they can overcome through faith in God, encouragement, forgiveness and a great support system. On the other, it sends the message to males that real men don’t hit women. “The Nubian” shirt hits the positive message home to victims and survivors that there is no excuse in settling for a life that’s less than one is capable of living; that there is true purpose in life beyond domestic violence. It is necessary to rise above and become the best version of oneself. When worn, these high-quality shirts act as strong messages to society, supporting the theory that we can break the silence of domestic violence.

To listen to the audio interview, please visit http://bit.ly/1JAuQCr. For more information on the book and how you can get it, visit otahirah.com.