Local

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Social Lites are an impressive group of women from various professions who have steadfastly dedicated themselves to the youth in the Inland Empire Community.  Over the last 50 years, the Social Lites have made many worthwhile contributions to the needs of the community through various charitable enterprises.

The Social Lites Inc., Scholarship Foundation of San Bernardino will present their 50^th Annual Beautillion Ball, on Saturday March 11, 2017 at the National Orange Show, 689 South “E” Street, San Bernardino, CA 92408.   The Beautillion Scholarship Program is an event geared to recognize and honor young men within the Inland Empire striving toward greater accomplishments in academic achievements.

The theme for the 2017 Beautillion Scholarship Program is  “Men of Tomorrow Pushing Forward”.  This year the young men have demonstrated personal, business growth, development, and community presentations.   The six young men vying for the title of Sir Knight 2017 are Christopher Fulton of San Gorgonio High School, Akil Cooper, Jonathan Rodgers, Julian Houston, and Steven Henderson, all four Knights attends Cajon High School, and Vonte Walker of Arroyo Valley High School.   They all have participated in various seminars and workshops including Strategic Planning/Goal Setting, Cultural Proficiency, Social Justice, Self Determination, and Business For Profit and Non Profit sessions and the Black College Expo.

The young men have experience the value of community service through donations of holiday food baskets, donations of Christmas bicycles to the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino, also they have participated and volunteer as an usher at the Christmas Kwanzaa Event, the Martin Luther King Breakfast Event, and the 2^nd Annual BCCIE Black History Super Expo.   These young men have canvassed the community soliciting support through the sale of ads from family, friends, church family, and businesses throughout the Inland Empire.   The ads generated for this year Beautilion Scholarship Ball will provide funds for scholarships and gifts to be awarded on the night of the Beautillion Scholarship Ball.

This is strictly a “Formal Attire” event, the no host social hour beginning at 6:30pm and the presentation of these young men will begin at 8:00pm.   For more information, go to www.sociallitesinc.net or contact Lisa Blacksher, Beautillion Chairperson at lisasocialites@gmail.com or Bettye Brewster, President at (951) 204-0022 or bettyebrewster@yahoo.com, and Joyce Smith Vice President at 909-534-2929

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

You really do need to kneel before God your Maker and appeal to Him for His mercy and forgiveness; because no one born of God makes a practice of sinning. [1 John 3:9]. What’s wrong with you? Claiming to be born again when your life contradicts it.  I tell you there is nothing more damaging, nothing more hurtful as when a person who has been forgiven of sin continues to sin.  Dragging sin where ever you go. Dragging it into the Church. Dragging it into your home. Wearing it around your neck on display. You are really slipping into a lukewarm, careless, presumptuous frame of mind about your own sinfulness. It worries me that many of you are living double lives. I want you to know that Jesus despised the double-mindedness of the religious rulers of His day. In [Matthew 23:27–28], He said, “Woe to you…….you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which looks beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”Repent before it’s too late!  Paul informs us that “these times of [past] ignorance God has overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent” [Acts 17:30]. I tell you to live a double life is a discredit to God. Repent before it’s too late! Christianity is not a sinning-repenting religion. It’s a victorious religion. There should be a place where you quit your sinning. Shame on you!

I want you to know that Sodom and Gomorrah were two of the most reprehensible cities known to man.  They were so filled with sin that God could no longer hold back His wrath.  He sent two angels to warn Lot and his family to leave before the destruction of the cities.  “The angels told Lot and his family, “Escape for your life.  Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley.  Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.” [Genesis 19:17].  Lot understood and obeyed.  He took his wife and daughters out of the city.  He tried to get his future son-in-laws to flee too, but they thought he was joking.  When they were out of the city, Lot’s wife could not resist the temptation to sin and look back.  Immediately “…she became a pillar of salt.” [Genesis 19:26] Don’t be a fool! Warning comes before destruction. Lot’s wife lost her life because she couldn’t let go of sin.  Scripture is clear: Any compromise with the world, whether in doctrine, morals, or relationships, has disastrous consequences. You better know that you know.  The godly reaction to sin is to recognize it from Scripture, to mourn over it, and to confess it without excuse to the God of mercy. Choose your position – whom will you follow?

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit….” [Ephesians 5:8-18]

Ed Gordon

Bounce and Omnicom Media Group held their second annual Black History Month event to discuss diversity in media and the progress that has been made in recent years. An intimate group of 150 advertising and media professionals and press gathered at the Omnicom offices in downtown Chicago for a discussion centered around the theme of “Recognizing Progress in Diversity.”

A heartfelt keynote speech was delivered by CNN commentator Angela Rye, followed by an insightful panel discussion moderated by veteran broadcast journalist and Bounce newsmagazine show host Ed Gordon. The panel discussion featured panelists Dana Bonkowski (Starcom Chicago), Latha Sundaram (Omnicom), McGhee Williams Osse (Burrell Communications) and Ronnie Dickerson Stewart (Digitas).

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all the top AA television markets.  Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For more information on Bounce and Omnicom Media Group visit bouncetv.com and omnicomgroup.com.

By Lisa D. Kelly

Jerome is a man on a mission! His goal is to use his sultry singing voice as an instrument that will “bring joy through music,” especially to the senior generations.

On his newly released CD, Songs for You Vol. 1, Jerome has written an original song dedicated to seniors called the “Seniors Anthem,” in which he states, “All I want to do is say to you how much I care.”

Having grown up in Newark, New Jersey and raised by his grandparents, Jerome developed a love and appreciation for a generation of people that had devoted their lives to serving others but who are now often overlooked.

After singing the “Seniors Anthem” at a senior facility in Claremont, California, a lady once approached him with tears in her eyes saying, “It feels so good that somebody really cares about us.” Knowing that his music is indeed making a difference, Jerome continues to serve as an “Ambassador” who “will always make time to include Seniors, so they are not forgotten or neglected.”

In August 2015, Jerome Dean was presented with the Certificate of Recognition Senior Citizen Ambassador Award, given to him by L. Dennis Michael Mayor of Rancho Cucamonga, California, for his “commitment and dedication to serve and brighten the day and lives of our treasured Senior Citizens.”

To see more testimonies about the work Jerome is doing and to hear his songs, please visit his website at www.jeromedean.com, or go to www.soundsofsunrise–?entertainment.com.

By John Coleman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino County Association of African American Employees, (SBCAAAE) held their 24th Annual Black History Month & Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on February 25 at the Victoria Gardens
Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

In her program welcome, SBCAAAE President, Phyllis K Morris, reminds that this county is the largest and among the fastest growing and diversifying, that SBCAAAE encourages & supports the professional & personal development of its members,   seeks opportunities to celebrate and share our culture, and recognizes that our expression in Art serves as a platform for educating us & others for sharing culture, advocating for justice, for equality, & building a better future.

Through the arts, African Americans have contributed & influenced American culture on many levels.    Today’s event honors six African Americans, artists whose body of work or promise is exceptional, & commitment is amazing.

By Naomi K. Bonman

Chris’ little sister from Everybody Hates Chris, which was played by Imani Hakim, is all grown up and is taking on more roles in movies that are making an impact in the life of millennials.

Hakim plays the love interest of Trevor Jackson in the upcoming Netflix film, Burning Sands, which premieres on Friday, March 10.

Burning Sands takes you on a raw, voyeuristic journey of fraternity pledging through the eyes of one favored pledgee, who is torn between honoring a code of silence or standing up against the intensifying violence of underground hazing. Led by a breakthrough performance by Trevor Jackson, director Gerard McMurray’s feature directorial debut brings an emotional honesty to the classic tale of “rites of passage” and the complicated bonds of brotherhood.

The film also stars ?Alfre Woodard, Steve Harris, Tosin Cole, DeRon Horton, Trevante Rhodes, Christian Robinson, Rotimi, Octavius Johnson, Malik Bazille, Mitchell Edwards, Serayah, and Nafessa Williams.

I recently caught up with the rising actress where she chatted on her experience in working with Trevor and the rest of cast and why the film is a must-see, especially for college students across the globe. Check out the interview and trailer below:

Describe your role in the film ‘Burning Sands’?

I play Rochon, the girlfriend of Zurich [played by Trevor Jackson]. Rochon is a strong and independent young queen who knows where she’s going in life. Rochon is also a fashion major at the college.

How was it working alongside Trevor Jackson?

The best! What really excites me about this film is that as a cast we are all young and up and coming, so being a part of something like this was probably one of the best experiences in my life. Everyone’s chemistry was off the chain. We all bonded out there in Virginia. We would all want to hang out and it felt like we were actually at college or summer camp. Working with Trevor and the other cast mates was amazing! We still have a group chat [we all talk on]; we just love each other so much!

What can viewers except from watching the film?

I think viewers can except reality, truth, and greatness. We are really shining the light and pulling the covers back on hazing. I didn’t even know how severe and intense this topic was until I started reading the script. I didn’t know that they do all the stuff that they do. I think that the [viewers] will have a [better] understanding of fraternity, sorority, and Greek life behind closed doors. I’m pretty sure a lot of college students will be watching it since it is a college film, but hopefully some of the stuff that happens behind closed doors will be changed and that it will encourage others to spread awareness.

What is next for you?

I have a couple movies that are coming out later this year and next year. No details or release date yet.

When does the Burning Sands release on Netflix?

Burning Sands comes out on March 10 on Netflix. 

Follow Imani Hakim:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/RealImaniHakim

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anakih1

Snapchat: @Imani_Hakim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficialImanihakim

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On the morning of February 15, 2017 parents, students and community members took a journey to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The trip sponsored by the Inland Kwanzaa Group is an annual pilgrimage to discover Black History, and interact with docents dressed in period attire.  The township established by Colonel Allen Allensworth and four friends represents the only town in the state of California completely founded, owned and developed in 1908 by an ex-slave. The self-governed town grew rapidly and prospered prior to World War II, with a school house, a huge store for commerce, a church and many beautiful affluent homes for this time. It was truly a great experience and for many of our students it was their first time out of the city, being in farm country with chickens running free.  

We had the honor of meeting a direct descendant of Colonel Allensworth, and he shared the importance of preserving the rich history that made this place so great. One of the students commented: “I really had fun, and I learned something I never knew existed.” There were food vendors, music, and arts and crafts activities for the whole family to enjoy. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is very unique as it preserves for us the great possibilities of what can be done for future generations. The PAL Charter Academy students were excited to learn the ethnically diverse contributions that have made our country great, and look forward to the opportunity for future trips.  

By Lue Dowdy

Save the date for Thursday, March 30th, when LUE PRODUCTIONS present E.A.A.G., an entertainment/talk show, hosted by Ms. Lue

Come be a part of our live audience! We will have  amazing talent from all over, as our team of actors/comics bring the funnies. You will also get to see aspiring models rip the runway while having fun. The show will be filmed by Robert of Ilondon Fog Studio, former broadcaster for FOX and Paramount Pictures. The show will be held at Pro Center Barber Shop located at 626 N. Sierra Way in San Bernardino.

Seating is limited seating to the first 50 seats available. Please inbox to RSVP for your free seat. The first taping will be at 8 p.m. featuring Pop Locker Tydee Bone and Hip-Hop dancer BJ. The special guests will be CEO of S.E.S. (Something Extra Special Entertainment, Janet Kirtley; and featured model Dee Dela Cruz. The second taping will be at 9 p.m. and will fature radio personality 5 Cent and model Krystal Yvonne.

Please like us on Facebook under ‘LueProductions’. Until Next weel L’z! View the  event page at www.facebook.com/events/263559784066785.

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

What do you think about owning a Credit Union? Will you please take the time to respond to the short survey on page three and submit as requested…

Here is what I think…

Credit Unions are owned by their members. Credit Unions are designed to reward their members as opposed to paying dividends to investors. Credit Unions provide regular/normal/customary/traditional banking services for individual, as well as business members. Credit Unions are conveniently accessible via brick and mortar sites, as well as via the internet. 

There are some special services that should be available in our Credit Union; for instance, our churches should be able to access loans. Our small businesses should be able to access loans. Individuals should be able to access auto and home loans. Obviously, checking and savings accounts must be part of the package. All this must be conveniently available at reasonable rates! 

The Credit Union should have Directors that are known members of our community. The Credit Union should run as lean and efficient as possible so that the emphasis is on customer service. Employees and contractors for the Credit Union should be members of our community.

A mission of the Credit Union should be to serve the members and community as an economic support and development resource.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Continuing their efforts to serve, members of the National Council of Negro Women’s Inland Empire Section’s visited Meadowbrook Park and Mary’s Mercy Center in the City of San Bernardino on February 4th to give out over 200 hygiene care bags to the homeless.

“Our Section chose to collect items to prepare and give out ‘blessing bags’ to the homeless as a part of a regional Black History Community Service project initiative started this year by NCNW Southern California Co-Convener Dr. Helena Johnson,” said Inland Empire Section President, Milele Robertson.  “Our members stepped up, donating much needed items for these men and women, but so did our community partners.”

The I.E. Section’s Director of Communication Kimberly Clark secured the help of Sam’s Club in Riverside that enlisted volunteers for the day, Sam’s Club in Ontario that donated 200 bags with giveaway items, and Thrivent Financial in Ontario, which donated funds to support the outreach. “Without their support,” said Clark, “our event would not have been able to serve so many. We appreciate their enthusiastic partnership.”

“We were happy to help,” said Kern Wilson, Club Manager of Sam’s Club in Riverside. “Sam’s Club is always willing to donate our services when needed in our community. In fact, we do this quite often and we look forward to future opportunities to work with NCNW.”

Responding to the NCNW I.E. Section’s Facebook recap of the event, Financial Associate Tara Walker also expressed Thrivent Financial’s pleasure in being part of the event.  With these partners’ help NCNW members collected several hundred blessing bags filled with toothpaste and toothbrushes, chapsticks, socks, wash cloths, soap, batteries, sunscreen, lotion, and a variety of other essential hygiene items.

Having a key partner on the receiving end was equally important to the event’s success. Mary’s Mercy Center provided a great location to connect with people in need. According to Marsha Olguin, director of Mary’s Mercy Center, 250 to 300 people come through the Center each day seeking food, clothing, shelter, showers, and other needs. After enjoying a hot, healthy meal individuals also received a blessing bag from NCNW members and Sam’s Club volunteers.

“We are always willing to work with NCNW to assist the people who come through our doors,” said Olguin. “There is never too much that can be done to help others.”

In talking with the homeless, NCNW members learned how great the need really is. “We discovered there is a big need for blankets, shoes, and food,” said Jernine Williams, NCNW I.E. Section’s 1st Vice President, who led the service project’s coordination. “If anyone would like to donate any of these items, please email us at iencnw@gmail.com. On the subject line type ‘Donations’ and a NCNW member will promptly reply.”

To get a glimpse of the day visit https://www.wevideo.com/view/848077621. Also, to learn more about the local NCNW’s activities, meetings, and events visit us on Facebook at NCNW Inland Empire Section@NCNWIESection or Instagram and Twitter @NCNW_IESection. You can also visit the Bethune Center, located at 141 S. Riverside Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376, or call us at (909) 874-6000.

Members of NCNW prepare table a Meadowbrook Park to deliver care packets to the homeless.

NCNW, in partnership with Sam’s Club and Thrivent Financial, collected and distributed over 200 bags to the homeless.

Volunteers also helped Mary’s Mercy Center give out food, along with care packets that included toiletries, batteries, and other items.