Local

Assemblymember, Cheryl Brown,(47th AD) introduced Keynote Speaker, Assemblymember, Chris Holden,(41st AD).

Photo by John Coleman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC) presented their “35th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast.” The breakfast was held on Monday, January 19 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.  The morning’s program included prayer, readings from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, music and ‘spoken word (poetry)’, presentations, and special recognition/awards. (To view more photos taken by John Coleman, please visit www.wssnews.com).

Inspirational Films Sol Brothers and When Roosters Crow Examine Young Men of Color, Servant Leadership, and the Life of an Early Pioneer in the Fight Against AIDS

LOS ANGELES, CA- Amid threats to free speech across the globe and questions about the limits of police action at home, acclaimed scholar and filmmaker Dr. Daniel E. Walker launches the “Faith, Hope, and Justice” Lecture and Film Tour. A Research Associate at the University of Southern California’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture, Walker is the author of the critically acclaimed book No More, No More: Slavery and Cultural Resistance in Havana and New Orleans and the study Black Church Next: Challenges and Opportunities Facing African American Congregations in 21st Century Los Angeles,He is the writer/director of the films Sol Brothers and When Roosters Crow, Founding Director of the Long Beach Indie International Film Festival, and executive producer of the forthcoming documentary series Faith and Soul in the City in collaboration with Emmy Award-winning writer and producer P. Frank Williams (Unsung, American Gangster).

A proud product of Head Start, Dr. Walker is an otherworldly speaker called to a mission of education, inspiration, and social change. As he states, “I simply believe that the inherent nature of humanity bends towards the good and I’m just trying to remind people of that. While it’s easy to see all of the recent unrest as negative, I know that there is an opportunity for change that is both proactive and redemptive.”

Walker’s films Sol Brothers and When Roosters Crow exemplify this vision. Sol Brothers examines the triumphant journey of a group of inner city young men as they attend a revolutionary college prep camp. In the acclaimed short film When Roosters Crow he investigates the life of Emmy Award-winning choreographer Dr. Danny L. Scarborough and his public battle with AIDS in the late 1980’s.

As a speaker, Dr. Walker’s style is intelligent, humorous, and inspirational. In addition to his films and moving lectures that are tailored to the specific event or theme, he is also known for his jubilant and provocative extended workshop “Oh Happy Day: The History, Music, and Mission of the Black Church.” Rousing and informative, the stand-alone event covers everything from spirituals and Hip Hop to slavery and social justice.

In addition to his work in history, religion, and film, he is an expert on Cuba, servant leadership, and the use of film, television and digital media as tools for advocacy.

Holding a doctorate (with distinction) in Latin American and African American History from the University of Houston, Walker was formerly the Associate Director of the African American Studies Program at the University of Houston, Assistant Professor of Latin American and African American History at Indiana University, and Visiting Professor of Latin American History at Occidental College. He was also elected Student Government Association President while an undergraduate at San Diego State University.

Walker is co-founder of Leadership Excellence and the Board Chair of the BLU Educational Foundation, two of the nation’s leading youth development and college access organizations, and is the recipient of the W.K.Kellogg National Leadership Fellowship, the New York City Urban Fellowship, and the Coro Leadership Fellowship. A frequent speaker at conferences, commencements, and African American history month events, his passionate message is both timely and universal.

To watch Dr. Daniel E. Walker in action or to download a full biography, visit www.drdanielwalker.com

For questions and bookings contact OneNation Media Services atinfo@onenationmedia.org or call (909) 657-0578 ext 1.

BEAUMONT, CA-Homelessness and poverty is a sad reality for thousands of children, families, veterans, and seniors in Riverside and San Bernardino County, and the recession has left waves of panic and despair in the lives of residents. According to RealtyTrac, Riverside County is second in the state in foreclosures, with one in 17 households slipping into some stage of foreclosure during the first six months of the year. San Bernardino County was fourth, with one in 19 households in default.

In addition to the soaring homeless rate, poverty is a major concern and a growing epidemic for families. According to www.RedlandsDailyFacts.com, 1 in 5 families are living in poverty in the Inland Empire and the number is growing. Children are one of the most vulnerable populations in the Inland Empire.

According to www.NewAmericaMedia,org, a growing number of children don’t eat at all when they go home because 17 percent of children in Riverside County live in poverty. Dedicated to helping underprivileged children, families and veterans live prosperous and empowered lives, former police officer, Lorenzo Thomas, and his family founded Glimmers of Hope Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Beaumont, CA. According to Charla Mackey, the president of Glimmers of Hope Inc., “My family founded Glimmers of Hope in 2007 with our own funds as well as donations from friends because we wanted to provide more opportunities for people in our communities whose lives were torn apart by home foreclosures, homelessness, and unemployment.

Since our inception, we have volunteered and donated toys, clothing, food and other necessities to numerous organizations, schools, churches, and businesses throughout the Inland Empire including St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Holiday Wish Foundation, World Visions, Christ the Resurrected Church, Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veteran’s Medical Center, Nicolet Middle School, Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Victorious Living Institute, and New Hope Sober Living Homes.

We also operate our own Christmas drive to support families in need in our community and provide care packages for U.S. troops, but we want to help more economically disadvantaged people become self-sufficient and remain financially stable throughout the year. One of our biggest goals for next year is to create a resource center to help people find career opportunities (not just minimum wage, part-time jobs) and qualify for higher paying positions. We recently launched a Go Fund Me campaign in order to help make this dream a reality.

Our resource center will allow us to offer many services to Inland Empire residents, including a basic life skills course, basic computer classes as well as job training classes that will teach people the secrets to writing effective resumes and cover letters that will get the immediate attention of HR managers. We will also teach them about the importance of using the right keywords in resumes, and how to communicate like a pro to land the career of their dreams.

We will also have a clothing closet for job seekers who cannot afford to buy professional business attire for interviews so that they can look and feel their best. Our overall mission is to help underserved communities in the Inland Empire become financially independent-especially parents and veterans, so that they can be successful and contribute their unique skills and talents to make the Inland Empire a better place to live. Although there are shelters and temporary help for people in need, we want to help people help themselves which will ultimately decrease homelessness and poverty rates in our communities,” says Mackey.

To make a donation to Glimmers of Hope’s Go Fund Me campaign, click here:  http://www.gofundme.com/GlimmersofHopeInc

For more information about Glimmers of Hope Inc., visit www.Glimmersofhopeinc.org.

Eric Carthen

OXNARD, CA- Eric Carthen is from the Inland Empire and is a junior at California Lutheran University (CLU) in Thousand Oaks, California. He was one of the students from CLU to be honored at the Ventura County’s 29^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day event.  The theme for this year’s event was “Celebrating Voting & Civil Rights—Today!”  The event was held on Monday, January 19, 2015 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Theater in Oxnard, CA. The keynote speaker was Mr. Gerald C. Rivers who spoke on the topic of “The Voice of Dr. King.”  This event was sponsored by: Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ventura County, The City of Oxnard.

(left to right) Hattie Inge, President of Rialto Black History Committee; Myron Hester Sr., Master of Ceremonies; Joanne Gilbert, Community Service Award Recipient; Elvis Brown, Minister; Sup. Gonzales, Dr. Joel McCloud, Chancellor; Valerie Singleton, Psalmist; Pastor Chuck Singleton, Community Service Award recipient; Assemblymember Cheryl Brown; Congressman Pete Aguilar; and Mike Story, City of Rialto Administrator at Rialto Black History Committee, Inc. 30th Annual Dr. MLK Luncheon.

FONTANA, CA- Residents throughout the County of San Bernardino gathered over the weekend to honor one of the most inspiring and influential activists in United States history. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a testament to how the strength and service of one individual can uplift a community and collectively change the world,” Supervisor Josie Gonzales stated. “I was honored to join friends and colleagues at the Rialto Black History Committee, Inland Empire Concern African American Churches, and Bethel AME Church in Fontana to celebrate the life of such a historically iconic individual.”

King High School senior Brooke Tolson with her parents Andamo and Gayla at the Posse Foundation awards event.

RIVERSIDE, CA- Brooke Tolson, a senior at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, was awarded the highly acclaimed Posse Foundation scholarship in Los Angeles on January 7. The Posse Foundation founded in 1989 identifies the best and brightest multicultural students from public high schools with exceptional academic and leadership potential. These students are awarded a four-year full tuition scholarship to attend one of 51 top colleges and universities in the nation. The Posse model is rooted in the belief that a small diverse group of talented students, a Posse, carefully selected and trained can serve as a catalyst increased individual and community development. For 25 years, Posse has awarded $668 million scholarship awards. Over 2400 students were nominated out of Los Angeles for the 100 scholarships that were awarded.

Brooke is in the top 10 percent of her graduating class and has a 4.33 GPA. She is involved in Cheer, Link Crew, BSU, the Adventure Club, California Scholastic Federation and National Honor Society, while having perfect attendance at King High School. She is a tutor at Mathnasium and has traveled to Haiti with Vacation Bible School to teach English. Brooke will be attending Pepperdine University in the fall to study elementary education with career aspirations of becoming a teacher. Brooke is the daughter of Gayla and Andamo Tolson and the sister of Enrico and Austin Tolson.

Dr. James L. Snyder

By Dr. James L. Snyder

I must confess I do have some old-fashioned biases. I would be the first to admit I’m not up to date on the latest fad or trend.

I come from that era that believed the well-dressed man is one that doesn’t stand out from everybody else. I’ve tried to keep to that all these years. I certainly don’t want to stand out and have people recognize me or point their finger at me and whispered to each other.

For years, I’ve been very careful about that. Now, it seems that because I try to dress like a well-dressed man and not stand out I am in fact standing out. Nobody, except me and two other people, really care about being well-dressed.

This has never been an issue with me and it even now is not an issue. But reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the year before me, I have to take some calculations. According to my calculation, I no longer fit into that “well-dressed man” category, because the term “well-dressed man” does not mean what it used to mean.

I hate it when something outlasts its definition.

To be a well-dressed man today, according to the latest fads and trends I have noticed, I need to throw away my belt and let my trousers drop all the way down to my knees.

Let me go on record as saying, never in a million years will that happen.

Then there is the issue about a necktie. Am I the last person on planet earth wearing a necktie?

Very few people today know how to tie a necktie. Well, I do and I will until they put me in a casket and then I hope I’m still wearing a tie. So if you come to my funeral and look at me in the casket and I’m not wearing a tie, complain to someone for me.

The latest trends and fads have no interest to me whatsoever.

This came to my attention recently when I had to sign some legal papers for something to do with the church. I had to sign here, initial there, sign the next page, initial three pages and it went on and on until I ran out of ink.

I’m one of those old-fashioned guys that use a fountain pen and all that signing and initialing drained all of the ink out of my fountain pen. Before I finished, I was on the verge of carpal tunnel.

I sighed rather deeply, looked at the gentleman (I think he was a gentleman because he was dressed like a gentleman), and said kind of sarcastically, “Do you remember the old-fashioned handshake?”

He looked at me without smiling and then said, “Here are some more papers for you to sign.”

I thought I was signing my life away, but in reality, I was just signing my ink away.

I do remember when a handshake really meant something. Just about everything was sealed with a handshake and both parties were as good as their word. It would take a lot of undoing to undo that handshake. Now, you’re only as good as the word on a piece of paper over your signature. Then, some lawyer can finagle it around to mean something other than what you really meant it in the first place. So what’s the purpose of all this?

I know you’re not supposed to say this, but I will, I sure long for the good old days when a handshake was all you needed. I get tired of the rigmarole passing as business these days. I get tired of paperwork that’s piled higher than the tallest tree in the forest.

Of course, if we go back to that handshake scenario, it will put many lawyers out of business. What would these people do for a living? I have some ideas, but I’m going to keep that to myself.

Trust has gone out of our culture today because everybody is only after what they can get for themselves and they don’t care how they get it.

A handshake met something in “the day.” In fact, I believe it was more binding than all of the paperwork and signed documents and legalese we have today. It’s hard to sue a handshake!

What I want to know is simply this. When we replaced the good old-fashioned handshake with all of this legalese stuff, are we better off? Have we simplified everything and covered all of the bases?

The answer is a loud no.

A man’s word used to be his bond and something he would never go back on.

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I have lived on that marital philosophy all of our married life. I know in the marriage ceremony there is no “handshake.” But the philosophy of that handshake is right there. When I said “I do,” and she responded by another “I do,” we were shaking hands and saying to everybody around us but particularly to one another, “We do.”

I think James shook the right hand when he wrote, “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation” (James 5:12).

I’m all for getting back to the good old days when a handshake was all you needed.

Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, PO Box 831313, Ocala, FL 34483. He lives with his wife, Martha, in Silver Springs Shores. Call him at 1-866-552-2543 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net or website www.jamessnyderministries.com.

Cheese Chisholm and young fans

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, will bring their unrivaled family show to the Greater Los Angeles Area for nine games at six different arenas from Friday, Feb. 6 through Monday, Feb. 16.  The 2015 “Washington Generals Revenge Tour” will entertain the Southland during the following schedule:

Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank

Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. Galen Center Los Angeles, CA

Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. Saddleback College Gym Mission Viejo, CA

Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7p.m. UCSB Events Center Santa Barbara, CA

Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. Honda Center Anaheim, CA

Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. Honda Center Anaheim, CA

Sunday, Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m. STAPLES Center Los Angeles, CA

Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5:45 p.m. STAPLES Center Los Angeles, CA

Monday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. Honda Center Anaheim, CA

The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to beat the Globetrotters.  The Generals are on a mission and will do whatever it takes to win.  They plan to evoke a new strategy that is sure to give the Globetrotters a run for their money, despite the Globetrotters’ 98.7 winning percentage and over 25,000 wins since 1926.

The Generals are the master mind of the late Louis “Red” Klotz, who passed on July 12, 2014.  The last time one of Klotz’s teams beat the Globetrotters was on Jan. 5, 1971, thanks to a last-second basket by Klotz in Martin, Tenn.

Bull Bullard

Known worldwide as the Ambassadors of Goodwill™, the Globetrotters will honor a “Hometown Hero” at each of their 310-plus games in North America.  The team is searching for active, wounded or retired members of the military who have made their community proud with their brave service and exemplary character.  Fans can nominate “Hometown Heroes” at harlemglobetrotters.com.  The Globetrotters will also play a portion of each game with a camouflage basketball as a sign of respect to all who protect our freedom.

With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard, Firefly Fisher and Moose Weekes,  plus female stars TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Sweet J Ekworomadu* – the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. With incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.

Tickets are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com and the respective arena box offices.  Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at harlemglobetrotters.com. A partnership with Metro allows riders to receive a $7 discount on select seats by showing their Metro transit receipt/pass at the box office or by using the promo code METRO when purchasing online.

Greetings, from Trudy Coleman, Founder of Juneteenth Education Technology Mobile Arts Center, Inc., (J.ET.M.A.C), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, We invite you to the “14^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Unity Breakfast and Tribute”, on Monday, January 19, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Breakfast and Program, Discussion Panels from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m..   This is event is to celebrate the life, struggle, and accomplishments of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his dream for equality, justice, and freedom for all. This year we are working to encourage the youth to get prepared for leadership roles, how to become economically prepared for the future, and be a part of improving America.

The MLK program consist of live musical performances from Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pastor Brian Kennedy of Ontario, CA, Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ, Bishop Terrance Rhone, of Pomona, CA, and others. Our special guest recording artist is Mr. Juan Santiago, of Uninhibited Praise from North Carolina, he has had appearances and opening performances with artist such as: Bobby Jones Gospel, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Stage Plays “In Times Like These” and “Lord, I’m Coming Home” featuring Karen Clark-Sheard, Vicki Winans, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Tampa, Florida.

As Co-founder and sponsor of the “California National Juneteenth Freedom Day”, A Holiday Observance Bill, originally signed by Governor Gray Davis in June 2002, the dream continues on.  This holiday observance is the celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed into law, freeing all people born on American soil, by President Abraham Lincoln, in 1863.  The news of that freedom order did not reach the last slaves in Texas, until June 19, 1865.  This June 19, 2015, will be the 150^th Anniversary of the Juneteenth, and completion of that freedom.

As Co-Chair of the National Education Committee, with the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, (N.J.O.F.), along with Dr. Ronald Myers, Chairman, we are continuing our efforts to make Juneteenth a Holiday Observance across the United States of America and abroad. June is Black Music Month, and June 2015, is the “25^th yr. Anniversary of the Juneteenth Celebration in Pomona Valley, the birthplace of the holiday bill for California. An Enshrinement for the Holiday Bill Observance was placed in Ganesha Park, to serve as a reminder of that time in history. I have dedicated my life to keeping Juneteenth alive, and educating our youth, and our communities about its significance. On Saturday, June 27, 2015, will be the “3^rd Annual Emancipation Proclamation Dinner & Phineas Newborn Jr. Music Arts Scholarship Fundraiser”, an Extravaganza musical event, and Juneteenth Student Contest.  Please check website for location announcement. So, save the date and be involved.

Donations are needed, and welcome throughout the year. We are seeking sponsorship for both events.  Deadline is January 15^th for Advanced tickets sales. Donations: $35.00 in Adv, and $40.00 at the Door, VIP $45.00. Tickets can be purchased for the MLK breakfast now online, using Paypal, or go to website: www.jetmacinc.com, and click on Payment/Donate, mail check or money order to mailing address: J.E.T.M.A.C., INC., 7640 Broadmoor Place, Rancho Cucamonga, CA  91730; or call for locations to pick up your tickets.  Please check our website to download sponsorship information, advertising in our program book, or vendor booth, at www.jetmacinc.com.  We look forward to seeing you next year and your goodwill is appreciated. I can be reached at (909) 418-8530,