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Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Thus saith the Lord, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish!” [Luke13:3]. Loud and clear, Jesus declares: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish!” It is a call for radical inward change toward God and man.  None is excluded! All need repentance! And the need is urgent! Jesus, the Son of God, is warning us of the judgment to come, and offering escape if we will repent. If we will not repent, Jesus has one word for us, “Woe, to you” [Matthew 11:21].

You know, God said to the prophet Ezekiel, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore, hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me” [Ezekiel 3:17]. This demand of Jesus to repent goes to all the nations. It comes to you, whoever you are and wherever you are. This is the demand of Jesus to every soul: Repent! Be changed deep within. Do not sit idle and wait for His wrath. The hour is urgent! Return to the Lord with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning; and rend your hearts. Do not delay your decision. Do not think about this message overnight. Immediate action is required! Repent Now; and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” [Acts 3:19]. For “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” [2 Corinthians 6:2].

 I implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” [2 Corinthians 5:20]. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ [2 Corinthians 5:10]. Ezekiel said, “Repent and turn from your transgressions” [Ezek. 18:30].  John the Baptist said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” [Matt. 3:2]. Jesus said “Repent and believe in the gospel” [Mark 1:15].  Peter said “Repent and be baptized” [Acts 2:38].  Joel calls for deep and thorough repentance [Joel 2:13–17]. The Old Testament thunders, “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin” [Ezekiel 18:30]. The New Testament vigorously exhorts men and women to repent. “Repent … and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,” said the Apostle Peter [Acts 3:19]. The Apostle Paul said, “Now [God] commands all men everywhere to repent” [Acts 17:30]. The Bible commands it, your wickedness demands it, justice requires it, Christ preached it and God expects it.

The signpost reads, “Stop! Look! Listen! Danger ahead!” The Spirit of God, your conscience and your better judgment all join to warn, “Detour! Change! You’re on the wrong road!” God is waving the red flag. His patience is coming to an end. Do not take God’s patience for granted or think lightly of it. Will you repent now? Will you receive Him as your Savior? Christ demands an immediate and unquestioning response. Not an answer, but an action. Not a saying, but a doing. Christ’s call is clear and simple. “Follow Me,” he says. Be changed forever. Not just made a better person, but made new.

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6-7]

The prophet had the duty to deliver the sobering message: Unless the citizens of Israel and Judah acknowledged their sins, turned from them, repented and began again to obey God’s law, they would die in their sins. Regardless of how individuals responded to the warning, if they heard the message, the prophet had done his job and was no longer responsible. Only if the prophet did not deliver the admonition would he be judged along with the wicked. [Ezekiel 3:18-19].

You have been warned to repent, in advance of God’s judgment to come, through this article. It is now your move.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:That thou mayest love the Lordthy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lordsware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them [Deuteronomy 30:15-20].

Only program west of Chicago to offer a nationally accredited degree in pathologists’ assistant

LOMA LINDA, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- On Tuesday, May 15, Loma Linda University (LLU) School of Medicine’s pathologists’ assistant program earned national accreditation by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) for five years, the most an initial applicant can be awarded. 

The two-year master’s degree in health sciences is among 11 accredited pathologists’ assistant programs in the country and the only program west of Chicago to offer education in surgical and autopsy pathology.

“To be awarded a full five years as an initial application for accreditation is quite an honor and speaks to the high-quality education our students will receive,” said Cheryl Germain, MHS, PA (ASCP), program director for the pathologists’ assistant program at LLUSchool of Medicine.

Surgical pathology performs the dissection and description of the specimens generated from the clinics or operating rooms, from a biopsy to a complex cancer resection. Pathologists’ assistants are required to have comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and surgical techniques, in addition to a patient’s clinical history. Students in the program participate in various clinical sites, including academic, community hospitals and private labs, offering exposure to different work environments. 

“The accreditation assures our students meet the highest standards required to work in the growing field of pathologists’ assistants and take the national certification exam with the American Society for Clinical Pathology,” Germain said. “We had a 100 percent pass rate for our inaugural class, and it’s our intent to maintain that level of success for years to come.” 

It took a three-year review process by the NAACLS to earn the accreditation on April 30. The department accumulated various data for the self-study report, including program curriculum, evaluations, student outcomes, school and program policies, clinical training sites, didactic and clinical faculty, and the provision of resources to the program.

Each step of the process was reviewed by NAACLS committees for quality assurance, including a site visit that led to the final approval by the NAACLS board of directors. 

“The high-level of accreditation we received is the culmination and recognition of everyone’s hard work to make this program the success it is,” Germain said. 

The next class begins September 2018, with interviews currently being conducted through the end of May. 

For more information on LLU School of Medicine pathologists’ assistant program, watch the following video or visit medicine.llu.edu/academics/pathologists-assistant-program.

https://vimeo.com/229927601

REDLANDS, CA-  (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- “Stand Up to Stigma,” a 5K run/walk sponsored by the Loma Linda University Health Behavioral Medicine Center in Redlands, drew more than 500 runners and walkers of all ages on Sunday, May 20. By participating in this second-annual event, runners demonstrated their support for mental health services. 

“We want to raise awareness of issues surrounding mental health,” said Edward Field, MBA, administrator of the Behavioral Medicine Center. “We have found there is a lot of stigma surrounding mental health, so people are nervous to talk about it.

“Many find it’s easier to talk about heart disease or cancer,” Field said. “The disease of mental illness is no different. It’s all part of health care.”

Loma Linda University Health’s Behavioral Medicine Center has provided a full spectrum of mental health services for more than 25 years.

The center’s services and programs cover issues such as addictions, anxiety, or depression, for all ages, ranging from children to senior adults. It offers free assessments to anyone who needs help.

May is National Mental Health Month, a time when events like the 5K help spread the word that mental health is something everyone should care about. According to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults experience a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. More than 16 million American adults live with major depression.

Race entry fees and sponsorships support the future construction of playground facilities for the Behavioral Medicine Center’s youth patients. 

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- LUE on Empire Talks with Radio Host Wallace Allen is What it Do!

I.E. catch ya’ girl on Sunday, May 27 live on Empire Talks Back with Mr. Wallace Allen as we promote our 2nd Annual 2018 BBW and Plus Size Model Competition. Make sure you tune in as I’ll be bringing a few of our beautiful contestants along and the featured act Gwaap Fam.

Call in and chat with us (909) 792-5222 (KCAA). You can listen to the show on 102.3 FM, 1050 AM and 106.5 FM.

Until next week L’s!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Wells Fargo’s $60 billion pledge to African American homebuyers is a major part of the company’s dedication to a community that’s grown accustomed to being shut out from having a slice of the American Dream. In addition to the $60 billion in lending for home purchases, the company committed to increasing the diversity of its sales team and providing $15 million toward initiatives focused on homebuyer education and counseling.

“Homeownership is vitally important, because homes are the building blocks of the American Dream and a proven, sustainable vehicle for building individual and family wealth that can be passed down from generation to generation,” said Cerita Battles, the senior vice president and head of retail diverse segments for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

Battles continued, “Homes make up our neighborhoods and our communities and are a stabilizing force for families, making homeownership a key driver of our nation’s economic and cultural well-being.”

With that understanding, bank officials know that their commitment and helpful information to those interested in becoming homeowners must be communicated to the African American community.

To that end, sharing news through the Black Press is also important for Wells Fargo, Battles said.

“Being present in the communities we serve is one of our key strategies for reaching our goals and African American newspapers are a trusted vehicle for news and information in those communities,” Battles said. “So, having information about being a homeowner and sustaining homeownership is critical to reaching the goals of the commitment and helping more African American families become homeowners.”

Housing experts have said that it’s important for aspiring homeowners to have as much knowledge as possible about the homeownership process; that information helps to dispel myths that many African Americans have about homeownership.

“There are many myths that cause a lot of potential African American homebuyers to assume that getting a home mortgage is something beyond their reach. But many times, this is completely untrue, and that message needs to get out,” Battles said. “African Americans need to have the confidence and knowledge to recognize that they can be homeowners, and that a lender, like Wells Fargo, truly wants to help them meet their home-financing needs. The Black Press, and other media for that matter, helps us share these messages to those who desire to obtain and sustain homeownership.”

Battles noted that it’s also important to remember that Wells Fargo’s African American homeownership commitment is not a separate loan program, but an effort by the company to increase homeowners in the community. Any of the programs, products, and services that Wells Fargo offers are available to all customers who qualify.

She said it’s not really about what the bank is doing differently for African Americans, but more about how Wells Fargo is showing up for them.

“It’s more about getting the messages to them, meeting them where, when, and how they want to interact with us so that we can leverage all that we have to offer. It’s about education, counseling, and being present in their communities,” Battles said.

Wells Fargo’s commitment to the African American community extends beyond the homeownership commitment. In 2016, the company committed to offering $75 million in grants and lending to help diverse-owned small businesses access capital and technical assistance by the end of 2020.

“In fact, by the end of 2016, the Wells Fargo Works for Small Business: Diverse Community Capital program had distributed $38 million in grants and lending capital to 30 Community Development Financial Institutions serving diverse, small businesses, placing us more than halfway to our goal,” Battles said.

Battles said that even though the goals of the homeownership commitment are challenging, Wells Fargo is committed to doing what it takes to help increase African American homeowners.

“This commitment is not a sprint, but a long journey that will require the focus of our team and collaboration with industry influencers, nonprofits and other organizations,” Battles said. “If this were just a public relations campaign, we would not have made the goals so lofty.”

“Making this commitment holds us accountable to ourselves, our customers, our communities, and the organizations that joined us in this effort; by pushing ourselves, stretching ourselves, and then delivering on our commitments in a responsible manner, we are ensuring true meaningful progress for African-American homeownership across America.”

This article was originally published in The Washington Informer, a member publication of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Learn more about becoming a member at www.nnpa.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- EBONY magazine releases its June issue, showcasing Danai Gurira on the cover. In the accompanying exclusive interview, EBONY sits down with the award-winning actress for an intimate conversation in which Gurira dishes on her climb in Hollywood, her activism and paying it forward.

“I feel called. … I feel like everything I do, everything—the blessings that I’ve received—are not necessarily for me. They’re for me to sturdy up my shoulders for other girls to stand on like I stand on other people’s shoulders,” says Gurira.

The June issue also features a celebration of Black music and a very special ’90s hip-hop beauty retrospective. In addition, readers will learn about Letoya Luckett’s new destiny; GOOD Music’s leading lady, Teyana Taylor, dishes on her beauty tips; and we offer suggestions for the best swimsuits and Father’s Day gifts, with our exclusive gift guide.

“The June issue of EBONY is one to get very excited about. Music has always played—and continues to play—an integral role in Black culture. We hope this edition will deliver a robust celebration of music and get everyone involved,” says Linda Johnson Rice, CEO of EBONY Media Operations. “The June issue also aims to celebrate Black fathers and fatherhood. We take a deep dive into honoring the male role models in all of our lives through heart-touching stories and ideas for purchasing the man in your life the perfect gift for Father’s Day.”

Get the June 2018 digital edition of EBONY via Texture, Google Play, Apple iTunes and Kindle May 17 and on newsstands May 24.  For more with Gurira and behind-the-scenes content, be sure to visit ebony.com/InsideEbony.

ONTARIO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) recently congratulated four area high school students accepted to the U.S. military service academies. The students were nominated by a panel of judges with military backgrounds. Following a rigorous application and interview process, the judges made their recommendations to the respective service academies for final approval.

“Each year, one of my greatest privileges as a member of Congress is to nominate the best candidates our district has to offer. I want to congratulate these four exceptional students on their acceptance into the service academies,” said Torres. “These students will not only receive an excellent education and learn invaluable skills and training, they’ll also serve California and our nation proudly.”

The following are this year’s nominees, their city of residence, high school, and the academy to which they have been accepted: Lucas Florendo (Jurupa Hills High School, Air Force Academy); Malachi Samuels (Diamond Bar High School, Air Force Academy Prep School); Nicholas Ramos (Chino Hills High School, USMA-West Point); and Jacob Turner (Damien High School, USMA Prep School-West Point).

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. 

In addition to a free college education, the honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Rep. Torres will nominate, through a competitive process, one individual for each vacant academy slot allotted to the 35^th district.

Executive Director, Akliah Templeton, Chats with WSS News on the vision and mission of the U.S. Vets Program

By Naomi K. Bonman

Executive Director of U.S. Vets Inglewood, Akliah Templeton

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Memorial Day is on Monday, May 28 and to commemorate it, the U.S. Vets organization will be celebrating its 25^thAnniversary by honoring the veterans who have served for our country. The celebration will take place on Friday, May 25 at U.S. Vets-Inglewood located at 733 S. Hindry Avenue in Inglewood.

U.S. Vets is the nation’s largest non-profit provider of direct services to homeless and at-risk veterans. The organization currently has 20 residential sites and 9 service centers across the country, as well as national homeless prevention programs. U.S. Vets provides housing, counseling and career development services to help veterans and families successfully transition to civilian life.

WSS News recently caught up with the executive director of U.S. Vets, Akilah Templeton where she chatted on her overall mission and vision for the organization.

Check out the interview below:

As executive director, what is your vision for the future of U.S. Vets?

Ultimately, it is imperative that my vision aligns with the collective vision of the organization’s leadership.  My Vision for U.S.VETS Inglewood involves a commitment to ensuring excellence in service delivery, continued growth and more collaboration with those who are concerned with improving the quality of life for our nation’s heroes. This means using evidence-based interventions to address the challenges faced by veterans. It includes expanding programs and services to reach more veterans and veteran families. It requires coalition building so that we are part of a community-wide response to solving a set of complex problems.

I am certain that as an organization, we cannot do this alone. Veteran homelessness is a humanitarian issue. It is an issue that shouldn’t exist.  When we talk about expanding housing programs, we have to involve the community. The community must make the connection between the sacrifices made by these brave men and women and the freedoms we enjoy as a result.

For those who are unfamiliar what id U.S. Vets and what does the organization do?

Simply put, U.S.VETS rebuilds lives. Every service we provide, every bed we fill and every meal we serve in some way contributes to helping a veteran gain stability. Services include transitional housing and now permanent housing in some areas, help with re-integration into the labor force,  targeted case management, therapy, substance use treatment, social activities, help with strengthening independent living skills, family services, legal services and assistance with finding a permanent place to call home. U.S.VETS is the largest non-profit provider of veteran specific housing, employment and case management services in the country.

How can veterans who aren’t apart of the organization become involved?

Veterans who are seeking services can contact their nearest U.S.VETS location for more information. The Inglewood site is located at 733 S. Hindry Ave. in Inglewood. We accept walk-ins. You can also reach us by phone at 310-348-7600.  

Veteran’s wanting to offer support or simply get involved can find us at usvetsinc.org for information on donating and volunteering.

What other upcoming events does the organization have?

We are looking forward to our first annual celebrity basketball game in August. We hope to raise funds to cover gaps in existing programs and to expand service delivery.

LOS ANGELES, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- From promoting childhood education to improving company strategy and customer service, Ruchi Singh sees the vast potential of using data to improve lives.

“I have a vision to use my knowledge and passion to solve real-life problems using data science,” Singh says. “I believe that by analyzing the data being collected will help make better business decisions, equip children to learn and elders to live comfortably.”

The West Los Angeles resident will graduate with honors in May with a Master of Science in Information Systems from California State University, Los Angeles.

Born and raised in India, Singh traces her interest in computers to when she was a little girl. She remembers playing “Snake,” an early mobile phone game. Intrigued by the technology behind it, she eagerly took an introduction to computer science class in school and created her own computer game.

Singh’s fascination with computer programming continued. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the Mody Institute of Technology and Science, and then secured a full-time job as a system engineer for an information technology company.

During the four years she worked in IT, she developed a keen interest in data analytics, systems and software used by businesses for workflow, accounting, procurement, project management and manufacturing.

When her husband was offered a job opportunity in Los Angeles three years ago, Singh decided to pursue a master’s degree in information systems at Cal State LA.

Singh chose Cal State LA because of its accredited state program and because of “it’s perfect blend of courses in computer science, project management and enterprise resource planning systems.”

In her time at the university, she has focused much of her studies on using data science to explore ideas and create solutions that improve existing business models.

Singh excelled in her graduate program, presenting research papers at international and state conferences, such as the 19th International Conference on Electronic Commerce in South Korea, the 2017 Women in Data Science Conference, and the 26th Annual Cal State LA Student Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities. She was also a member of the High-Performance Information Computing Center at Cal State LA.

Singh coauthored a paper, “Applications of Machine Learning Models for Yelp Local Business Data,” that has been submitted for publication in the International Journal of Business Analytics.

For two quarters, Singh was a global information security analyst intern with the Walt Disney Company. She also implemented a training tutorial for cloud-based big data company Databricks.

She was awarded a scholarship to participate in the 2017 Teradata PARTNERS Conference in Anaheim, CA, last fall. Teradata is a leading data and analytics company. The conference was the premiere customer-led global data and analytics event for visionaries, change agents, industry leaders, and practitioners.

Singh also found time to develop her own projects. A skills app she created aims to help children become more inquisitive and productive. The program is currently being considered for Amazon’s Alexa, the voice-controlled virtual assistant.

Singh credits mentoring and support from knowledgeable faculty members, such as Professor Jongwook Woo and Professor Arun Aryal, with successfully guiding her and other students through the graduate program. She was recently recognized for her academic accomplishments during the 2017-18 Graduate Student and Faculty Mentor Recognition Reception at Cal State LA.

After graduation, Singh plans to enter the workforce to apply her skills and experience in new and innovative ways.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Los Angeles resident Debbie Lumpkin, a former corporate executive, and consultant was recently appointed as deputy inspector general for Diversity and Small Business Development in the Office of Audits and Investigations at the California Department of Transportation. Part of her duties will be to oversee minority contractors who apply for transportation funds raised by Senate Bill 1, officially known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The bill raised taxes on gasoline and diesel prices that go towards highway repair and maintenance.

According to a press release from Gov. Jerry Brown, Lumpkin previously worked for Southern California Edison in several senior positions. After leaving Edison, she worked as a consultant who represented “major corporations and diverse communities.” 

“Most notably, she successfully secured $1.5 billion in diverse business contracts, tripling the amount spent on diverse enterprises in her first year,” according to the press release. 

“Serving the great people of California in this capacity excites me. Over the next ten years, Senate Bill 1 is estimated to generate $52 billion in new contracts; someone needs to monitor them. This position has the potential to impact all community groups that represent California,” said Lumpkin.  

“Lumpkin is a proven and devoted leader in every sense of the word. She has single-handedly created opportunities for many minorities, women, disabled and veteran-owned businesses across California,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena,) chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus in a press release. “Advocating for her in this new role was something that came easy for the CLBC. We know she has the best interest of all community groups in our state. I am confident that she will excel at Caltrans in this new role.”

State Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Gardena,) who worked with Lumpkin at Edison, also praised her. 

“I have no doubt that she will handle her new position with the same innovative and vigorous spirit that she has afforded every community she has served,” said Bradford.

Bradford worked hard to make sure minority contractors get a piece of the transportation bill funds. Bradford said he wants at least 25 percent of the contracts awarded to go to minority-owned businesses.

“If we are going to ask drivers who utilize California roads to pay an extra 12 cents per gallon and promise billions of dollars for infrastructure,” he said, “some of that must reach minority trucking firms, minority engineering firms, real estate firms, architectural firms, all those types of services that will be needed to build and repair those roads.”

Although SB 1 is expected to raise $1.8 billion annually, it was controversial when it passed. Many Republicans opposed it. 

“Many Californians are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling just to make ends meet. Jerry Brown’s massive gas tax increase will add $2.50 every time we fill up our gas tanks, which hits our poor and working-class Californians the hardest,” said Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach,) who launched a website to try and repeal the tax. “Meanwhile, Sacramento’s special interests are lining up for their $52 billion payday with absolutely no concern on how this will impact California’s hard-working families.”