Local

By Linden Beckford Jr.

When people speak about Soul Singers from the past, Joe Tex is seldom mentioned. This writer is hoping to help change that. Joe Tex was born Joseph Arrington Jr in Rogers, Texas on August 8, 1935. His mother moved to Baytown, Texas after she and Joe Sr. divorced. While growing up in Baytown, Joe Tex sang in a Pentecostal Church choir. This is very interesting to note. When one listens to the various songs of Joe Tex, you can clearly hear the church influence.

Joe performed at the Apollo Theatre as a result of winning $300 from a talent show in Houston, Texas. He won four weeks in a row. This led to him being discovered by Henry Glover, who offered him a contract with King Records. However, his mother wanted him to graduate high school first. Mr. Glover agreed to wait a year before signing him at age 19.

King Records was an American leading independent record company in Cincinnati, Ohio founded in the 1940s by Syd Nathan. Artists such as Hank Ballard, James Brown, and Etta James recorded for King Records. Joe Tex first started recording music in 1955. It has been said that James Brown would borrow microphone tricks from Joe.

While Joe Tex was at the height of his career, he was invited to a Nation of Islam temple in Miami, Florida in 1966. Troy X was the Minister of that temple at that time. Joe Tex accepted the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. Elijah Muhammad appoints him as Minister in the Nation of Islam in 1972. His name is changed to Yusef Hazziez. After Elijah Muhammad passed in February 1975, Joe Tex followed Warith Deen Muhammad (son of Elijah Muhammad) when he took the Nation of Islam in another direction. He went back to music with a band called 2nd Resurrection. Joe Tex had a smash hit in 1977 called, ”Aint Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman).”

Sadly, Joe Tex was in debt and very depressed. He passed away at his home in Navasta, Texas at age 47 from a heart attack. It will be important to remember this man as one of the great pioneers of Soul music! Long live the soul of Joe Tex!

Charles Owens, inventor of the long putter, poses with one of the clubs that he designed and used on tour on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at Rogers Park Golf Course in Tampa, Fla. (Photo by Craig Litten) NYTCREDIT: Craig Litten for The New York Times

Charles L. Owens, a trailblazing African-American golfer and the first person to use the yip-reducing long “belly” putter in competition, died September 7, 2017, in his hometown of Winter Haven, Florida. He was 85.

“We are extremely proud of our father’s life-long dedication to the sport of golf,” Owens’ family said after his death. “His contributions to the sport helped open it to everyone regardless of age, race or disability.”

Born in 1932, Owens grew up in the Jim Crow South, the son of Fred Owens, a groundskeeper at the Winter Haven Golf Course. He took up golf as a child by hitting bottle caps in the street with broken pine branches. That’s when he develops his unique cross-handed grip – an attempt to imitate golfers he saw on the course — that he would use the rest of his life.

During paratrooper training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in 1956, Owens shattered his left knee when his parachute failed to deploy properly. The resulting injury left him with a fused knee and a distinctive limp. It was the first of several leg injuries that would cause his career to ebb and flow over the years. After working as an assistant golf pro at the South Shore Golf Club on Staten Island, N.Y., Owens joined the United Golf Association in 1967. He earned his PGA Tour card in 1969 along with a sponsorship by Wilson Sporting Goods.

In 1971, he won the Kemper Asheville Open before being sidelined by another leg injury. In 1977, he became the head pro at Tampa’s Rogers Park Golf Course and oversaw a major overhaul of the publicly owned course. Built in 1952, it was for decades the only place in Tampa where African American golfers could play. The course was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

Owens returned to the pro tour in 1986 and won the Seniors Tour twice that year. It was during one of those matches that he broke out his 52-inch-tall Slim Jim — his own version of the “belly” putter invented decades before but never used in competition. His version reached to his sternum, letting him putt despite a stiff back.

In 1987, he was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame and received the Golf Writers Association’s Ben Hogan Award, given to a golfer who succeeds despite a physical handicap.

More recently, he was inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame in 2007; published his autobiography, “I Hate to Lose,” in 2008; and was featured in “Uneven Fairways,” a 2009 Golf Channel documentary about the contributions made by African American golfers.

Owens was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease within the past year, after which his health quickly deteriorated.

His funeral was on Saturday, September 16, in Winter Haven.

RIVERSIDE, CA- We hear about “one woman shows” quite often, but rarely we hear or see a One-Man Show. The Paul Robeson-One Man Show is the number one ‘One Man Show’ touring in the United States, the Caribbean and Central America. This is the most requested Multi-cultural educational show on the American and Caribbean Educational Circuit and the favorite on the topics of Diversity, Compassion, African pride, Social Justice and the music of the Harlem Renaissance.

This entertaining, laugh out loud, music filled show with audience participation, covering his friendships with Albert Einstein, Dubois, Langston Hughes, Cab Calloway, Jomo Kenyatta, Kwame Nkrumah and many others who contributed to the cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance.

The show will be premiering this Saturday, September 23 at 6 p.m. at the Heritage High School Theatre located at 26001 Briggs Road in Romoland. Tickets can be purchased through the Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce at www.riversidecountybcc.org.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA- Women with Voices is celebrating its second annual book fair coming to SoCal’s Inland Region on Saturday, September 30 to the Rancho Cucamonga Community Center located at 11200 Base Line Road. This year’s event will feature an expanded list of inspirational authors, artists, and speakers who will host book signings, panel discussions, and spoken word presentations. Special performances will be given by Blended Sounds of Joy; Jazz-artist Marlo Wells; Psalmist Thumbalina Jenae Valle; and spoken-word artists Brittany Abraham and Ty Scott King.  Comedian Mel Austin is returning this year as the event MC. 

“We’re building upon our success from last year, said Rena Neal, founder of Women with Voices.  “It’s truly amazing to see your vision become reality. I’m encouraged by the support we’ve received and the growing list of dynamic authors and artists that will be featured. Everyone is encouraged to come out and join us for a wonderful celebration of books and art.”

Returning authors this year include, Torrian Scott (“Running After Destiny”) and   Annette Hubbard (“Oh! Sing Praises”); first time authors Roseanna Roman (“Advancing in Adversity”) Willie and Marie Hudson (“The Holy Ghost Got a New Dance”); Dr. Beverly Crockett and Kim Price (“Survival Living by Design”) L.J. Jackson (“Sleeping with My Shoes On How to Reclaim Your Power”); Claudia Cooley (Rev Up for Success”); Jacqueline Wallace (“Brokenness to Beauty”); Sherpa VeJauan (“Goals Journal 2018”); Joe Lim (“Half My Life: The Testimony of a Father and His Special Needs Child”); Dr. Rose Parker (“Still Standing The Rose Parker Story”); Gisele Beauty (“Breaking Through Generation Cycles”); Vera Brown Sisler (“I am Not My Dress”); Andrea Jones (“Streets of Grace”); Dr. Kudjoe Sumney (“Kingdomnomics for Kingdom Business”); Barbara Ruby (“Woman at the Well Today”) Yvonne Camper (“Healing the Wounds Prophetic Leadership Transformed”); Taura Stinson (“100 Things Every Black Girl Should Know”).

Interested authors and vendors may contact Women with Voices at (909) 559-6662 for more information. 

Tickets are $5 and may be purchased through Eventbrite or by visiting www.womenwithvoicesca.com.

By Naomi K. Bonman

RIVERSIDE, CA-Be apart of a movement! Purposely Awakened, a self-consciousness and awareness media company for Black and Minority millennials, is proving to be more than just a news source for the next generation. Purposely Awakened is positioning itself as a movement, as an agent of change and its first epic project in doing that is through a web series that will premiere Spring 2018.

“Purposely Awakened: The Series” is currently in pre-production. The team met this past Sunday where they put together a plan of action that is required for the series to be of high-quality. Of course, when it comes to anything pertaining to change, it is always a great idea to get the community apart of that change

So, how can you be apart of this movement? You can purchase a T-Shirt at www.purposelyawakened.com/webseries or you can check out the campaign page where you can also view a short teaser and read more information about the series at igg.me/at/awakenedseries.

By Lue Dowdy

One MEAL at a time is WHAT IT DO!

Mobilize with us!  LUE Productions and PitStop BBQ have teamed up along with a few other community entities. Our purpose is to serve 400 or more hot meals to the homeless located in Downtown San Bernardino. We go out into the homeless camps, underneath the freeway ramps, behind the abandoned buildings, and into the fields with HOT MEALS.

Every year the number of homelessness increases in San Bernardino. We’re asking for your HELP! We’re in need of food donations and volunteers. Please consider being a part of our efforts. We’ll be sending out hot meals, Tuesday, November 21 from noon until 4 p.m. at the library located at 555 W. 6th Street in San Bernardino. We thank you in advance! To donate or volunteer contact us via email at Lue.info@yahoo.com or text (909) 567-1000 or (909) 556.7637.

Here is a list of what is needed: Delivery Drivers (8) Packers (10) Servers (10) Turkeys (20) large Cans of Corn (20) large cans of green beans (20) rolls (500) bottles waters (500) dressing/stuffing mix (20) cranberry sauce (20) boxes of mash potatoes (20).

Until next week, L’z!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new location. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Friday, September 22, from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2164 N. Mt. View Avenue in San Bernardino. The community is invited to come out and celebrate this momentous accomplishment.

The celebration will be attended by distinguished guests and will include a short presentation, tours, and hors d’oeuvres.

Since 2002, TFCF has been at the forefront of eliminating homelessness through evidence based programs and housing. To date, it has helped over 1,020 homeless women and children in the San Bernardino County reach self-sufficiency in addition to reunifying 249 children with their mothers.

“We are overwhelmed with joy over this new addition to our agency, said TFCF Founder and Executive Director, Kim Carter. “This is another key self-sustaining layer to our overall operations.”

The new location will allow TFCF to grow its evidence based programs and housing services which is currently serving 11 different cities.

“Without the support of our donors, this dream wouldn’t have come to fruition,” said Vanessa Perez, TFCF Associate Director. “It’s so exciting to be a part of an agency that is truly impacting lives.”

You must RSVP by emailing Lisa Moreno at Lmoreno@Timeforchangefoundation.org. Please note: there will be a strict adherence to the RSVP guest list. 

Edited by Naomi K. Bonman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, September 17, over 1500 people attended the Community Block Party hosted by San Bernardino Pastors United. In addition to the 1500 attendees, over 30 agreed to turn their life around and accepted Christ into their lives.

“The community residence was very pleased,” Rev. Reginald Young stated. “Each family displayed courtesy and kindness during the event. The event was very peaceful, no violence.”

Prominent community leaders also came out to support the event, which includes San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis, Assemblymember Elosie Reyes, Assemblymember Marc Steinorth, Councilmembers Bessine Littlefield and John Valdivia and City Attorney Gary Saenz.

There were also a host of community organizations and media outlets that supported the event from the beginning to the end. United Nations of Consciousness were resourceful in utilizing their space for goods to be stored to and from there. Community Action Partnership’s (CAP) office donated 8 pallets of non-perishable items. The host church, Temple Missionary Baptist Church, helped with the set-up, food zone, registration, program flow, and event clean-up. The Way Outreach provided volunteers that assisted in making sure the day ran smoothly

Pastor Raymond Turner and Pastor Freddy brought the message and the alter call and Pastor Raul kept the vibes going as the DJ. 

“Everyone was touched by the service and love shown,” Rev. Young said. “The children were extremely jubilant, from the shoes, bouncer, face painting, and food they were happy.”

The next community block party is scheduled for Saturday, March 17 at Arden Park in San Bernardino. The question also came up whether to have another block party before the year is out. The SB Pastors United are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 11 at 10 a.m. to discuss that.

By Naomi K. Bonman

It takes some actors years to get their big break and then it takes others just a short amount of time. Rising Actor, Gonzalo Martin, landed a lead role in the upcoming Indie Film, “When It Rings.” The film features Golden Globe Winner and Best Actress Oscar Nominee Sally Kirkland and is produced by Tyrone Tann of Stauros Entertainment in collaboration with Corona based media company, Trick Shot Media Group.

“It was truly amazing when I found out that was going to be working with someone of such high caliber [Sally Kirkland],” Gonzalo states on his experience working on his first feature film with award winning talent. “I couldn’t believe it. My first feature film and I get this amazing opportunity to be acting side by side with an acting legend. She has done it all and she is amazing.”

Kirkland coached Martin for his lead role in the film. Martin attended New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. He was recently in the BuzzFeed web series “Snapped” and he also starred in an Apple commercial as well as a national commercial for Kellogg’s promoting, “L’eggo my Eggo.” Martin is definitely on his way to stardom.  

In addition to working with Kirkland, Martin also enjoyed working with Tann and is very appreciative of the opportunity that he has given not only himself, but other rising actors as well.

“The thing that I loved most about producing this film was giving new talent, such as Gonzalo Martin, an opportunity to star in their first feature film, as well as to give the directors and producers a chance to spread their wings as filmmakers and directors,” Tann explains. “It was also an honor and privilege to work with [the amazing and talented actress] Sally Kirkland.”

Tann gained notoriety in 1998 by breaking the Guinness World Records for producing the longest single take in a film called, “Bug Night.”

“When It Rings” is a psychological thriller and drama that focuses on a young man, Zach Garland (Gonzalo Martin) who is still haunted by his sister’s death. Ten years after a tragic accident  Zach returns to his childhood home to help his family sell the house. At the home, he finds a toy phone he would use to communicate with his dead sister when he was younger. Years of counseling convinced him it was all in his head until an unexpected call comes through the toy phone, setting off a series of terrifying events, making him question what, and who, is real.

The film is slated to release in early 2018. Check out the behind the scenes trailer below:

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Well let me break it down for you.  God says he will chew you up and spit you out. [Revelation 3: 14-16]. Like a serpent that swallows hole; and digests and then vomits the remains of its victim. Make no mistake about it. You better get your act together! Stop your sinning! God has already warned you. [Nahum 2:13] “Beware, I am against you. This is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts. I will make your chariots go up in smoke and the sword will devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the sound of your messengers will never be heard again.”  I will bring you down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with male goats. [Jeremiah 51:40] “I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand, with a strong arm, even in anger and in fury and in great wrath. “You’d better change and repent or I will come and fight against you with the sword out of my mouth.” [Jeremiah 21:5] 

“Remember Pharaoh…  He was disobedience to Me and it cost him his honor, his people, his slaves, his army, his son, and his own life. Ahab, he was disobedient and the dogs licked up his blood.  The kings in [Joshua 9] instead of doing what I ask them to do, they plotted all kinds of clever little devices against Me and all five of them were taken and hanged on five trees in a row. Not the mention the 31 kings in [Joshua Chapter 12] who was also disobedience, Moses and Joshua alone slain them. Like I said, I will chew you up and spit you if you don’t get your act together.” Listen, God is long-suffering and not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,” but sooner or later, life comes to an end and so does God’s patience. Don’t wait too late!

“These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me…… Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” [Revelation 3:14-22].