L/R: Mr. Gilbert D. Brown, Western Province Polemarch; Ms. Joyce Smith, President, Social Lites, Inc.; Dr. Samuel Gibbs, Chairman
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Congratulations to Social Lites, Inc. for being awarded the “Johnnie L. Cochran Award” and a $500 donation from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at the fraternity’s Public Meeting on Friday, April 13 at the Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center.
Social Lites, Inc. have been in the Inland Empire for sixty-one years and has given to many worthwhile community need and presented over a million dollars scholarships and awards to deserving young men who have participated in the annual Beautillion Scholarship Program.
The 52nd Beautillion Program will start in Fall 2018. For more information visit www.sociallitesinc.net.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, April 21, Lynette Davis will present, ‘It’s Time to Tell Your Story’, a FREE 90-minute interactive workshop to help individuals who desire to tell their (nonfiction) stories.
This free workshop will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Kellogg Room B of the Norman Feldheym Central Library, located at 555 West 6th Street in San Bernardino. There will be light refreshments, a drawing for Amazon and Starbuck gift cards, and Davis will give away two copies of her memoir, Even Rain Is Just Water.
Many people have a desire to write a book—tell their story, but they don’t know how or where to start. The primary goal of the presentation is to help individuals, who want to tell their story, to begin writing.
“Memoir,” explains Davis “is autobiographical but it is not an autobiography. There’s a distinct difference between memoir and autobiography.”
The workshop will discuss the differences between memoir and autobiography, strategies for retrieving memories, the two most important elements of memoir, the actual process of writing, and includes a Q&A session.
For more information on the workshop contact lynettedaviswrites@gmail.comor follow Davis on Twitter @wewalkbyfaith88 or Instagram @Lynettewrites. To contact the library call (909) 381-8235.
HIGH DESERT, CA- High Desert Charitable organization strives to assist homeless residents with providing warm crocheted and knitted hats, caps, scarves etc. for warmth during the cold nights. Your assistance with providing a financial donation and/or yarn in an effort to complete the projects is very much appreciated and will serve many individuals and families in need. Kindly contact Bonita Merrill via email singerforlife777@gmail.com for more details on how you can help.
The desert, Palm Springs to be exact, got a new a vibe during the weekend of Friday, April 7 to Sunday, April 9. Style Fashion Weekpremiered Spring/Summer 2018 designer lines at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Despite the wind that comes along with being in Palm Springs, Style Fashion Week was still a remarkable event with each designer bringing some of their hottest designs for the upcoming seasons. This season, the designers that were featured included: Sweet Talks Swim, Father Akki, Underrated, Richard Hallmarq, Andre Emery, Smock Me, Bohimi Couture, David Tupaz, Merlin Castell, Glaudi, Mario De La Torre, House of Grayling Purnell, Royal Heart by Sergio Davila and Andrew Christian.
In addition to the illustrious designers, Style Fashion Week always incorporates music. Some of the performers this season included: MANN, Sofia Zorian and Chris Stylez.
Stephon Clark’s memorial service held Thursday was a chance for both national and local figures to share their opinions about the latest police shooting of an unarmed black man.
Hundreds gathered to mourn the life of Stephon Clark at BOSS Church in South Sacramento, CA. Clark was shot and killed by law enforcement officers that encountered him while responding to neighborhood complaints of car windows being broken on March 18. Clark was mistakenly believed to be in possession of a gun but was found only to be holding his cell phone.
Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, spoke at the memorial. He slammed the media for the way they were trying to frame the story.
“This is not black versus white, this is right versus wrong,” he said.
Photo by Antonio R. Harvey: Matt Barns Former NBA player, friends and family take Stephon Clark to his final resting place.
He also took a swipe at White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee-Sanders who described Clark’s shooting as “a local matter.”
“This is not a local issue, it’s a national problem,” he said. “A problem this president wants to ignore.”
Matt Barnes, a former NBA player, spoke after the memorial service. Barnes also organized a rally in Clark’s name. He said the issue hit home with him because he was a parent.
“I’m a father of two young boys, and I fear for their lives,” said Barnes. “Not only in the streets, but also behinds the hands of cops.”
Julie Debbs, a Sacramento resident, said Clark’s death could serve as a unifying force in the black community. She noted that several local gangs had attended the funeral peacefully.
“Everybody came together today. This is beautiful. Maybe this will bring us all together as one,” she said.
RIALTO, CA- Hoping to boost voter turnout for the upcoming mid-term and future elections, a collaborative of local nonprofit service organizations is pooling their resources to educate, empower and motivate residents (ages 16 years and older) to register, vote and become more involved in all levels of government that affect our lives.
The nearly 20 nonprofits — who have named their partnership Inland Empowered — are hosting two “B’CAUSE U” Voter Empowerment Workshops this month on Saturday, April 7 at the Carolyn E. Wylie Center located at 4164 Brockton Avenue in Riverside and on Saturday, April 14 at San Bernardino Valley College located at 701 S. Mount Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. The workshops will begin at 10 a.m.
An opening performance by members of Youth Action Project will set the stage for the workshops, followed by the first presentation on “What Government Is & What It Is Supposed To Do For You.” Marc K. Fudge, Ph.D., Professor of Public Administration at Cal State University of San Bernardino (CSUSB) will present on April 7, and Dr. Brian Janiskee, Chair of the Department of Political Science at CSUSB will be the April 14 presenter.
Spoken word and dance performances by Destiny Muse, Chelsea Davis, Caleb Collins and others will precede and then follow the second presentation on “Understanding What Propositions Really Mean & Why Your Vote Matters.” Joan Donahue, Vice President of the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Riverside will make the presentation on April 7, and Jill Vassilakos-Long, Co-President of the LWV of the San Bernardino Area will present on April 14.
“Our collaborative chose to design a creative, educational program that will allow people to gain a better understanding of government on local, state, and federal levels and to become more involved in the decisions each level makes that impact their everyday lives,” said Lisha Smith, Chair of the Legislative Committee of the Inland Empire Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., who manages Inland Empowered’s planning meetings.
“Inland Empowered believes that knowledge is power,” she added. “That’s what we are offering through these workshops, knowledge to awaken people to the realization of the power that lies within their vote.”
The workshops are free, but individuals attending are asked to register through Eventbrite.com. Free refreshments will be provided and there will be raffle drawings during the workshops.
Members of Inland Empowered
100 Black Men of the Inland Empire
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
BLU Educational Foundation
Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Fair Housing Council of Riverside County
Inland Empire National Pan Hellenic Council
Inland Empire Section, National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Knights of Peter Claver
Ladies Auxiliary League of Women Voters of Riverside
League of Women Voters of the San Bernardino Area NAACP of Riverside & San Bernardino Counties Riverside
Jimmy Jean Louis at the Hollywood Stars Gala Wardour Studios (Photo credit: Maury Phillips)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA- Wardour Studios Hollywood Stars Gala Academy Awards Oscars Viewing Party was a success as many celebrities walked the red carpet, enjoyed a hosted VIP reception then dined on a four-course sit-down dinner while viewing the 90th Academy Awards.
The Hollywood Stars Gala Oscars event was held on Sunday, March 4, inside the elegant ballroom of the newly completed Beverly Hills Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Celebrities and guests filled the ballroom in support of the evening’s theme “Women in Entertainment.”
The grand evening started as celebrities walked the red carpet into the luxurious hotel including Gretchen Rossi (“OC Housewives”), Jesse Metcalfe (“Desperate Housewives”), Janice Dickinson (“The Janice Dickinson Show”), Jimmy Jean Louis (“Joy”), Melia Kreiling (“The Last Tycoon,” “Tyrant”), and Erika Alexander (“Get Out”), Angelina Leo, (International Actress and TV Host), 2017 Primetime Emmy Award winner Kim Estes (“Dicks”), 2015-2017 Daytime Emmy Award winner Celeste Fianna (“The Bay”), Arthur Sarkissian (“The Foreigner”, “Rush Hour”), Dan Katzman (“Stuart Little 2”, “Roots”) and their guests were entertained during the hosted VIP Cocktail Reception by Deejay Tolula Adeyemi.
“It was so great to see so many celebrities, producers, music industry people, guest support this fabulous event, and especially gratifying to see everyone here stepping up to bring female filmmakers onto equal standing, as they should have always been” saidSteven Nia, Chairman and CEO of Wardour Studios. “We here at Wardour Studios are committed to aggressively keep the movement going forward as the industry enters this new era.”
Tables in the ballroom were decorated with gorgeous floral arrangements by George Ortega, Creative Floral Director of “Square Root,” which matched the elegance of the evening only the Waldorf Astoria could provide.
During the hosted VIP Cocktail Reception guests were able to catch glimpses of the Oscars® red carpet arrivals at the Dolby Theater on the screens around the room. While waiting for the Oscars® ceremony to begin, guests had the chance to smile and pose for the camera in the Socal Mirror Photo Booth, creating a memory of the nights’ celebration for them to take home.
When the Academy Awards hosted by Jimmy Kimmel started, those in attendance were invited to indulge in an exquisite dinner created by the Waldorf Astoria’s celebrity chef Jean-George, while watching the winners receive their Oscars® on large screens located around the ballroom.
Announced at the event was one of Wardour Studio’s newest Hollywood China co-productions, “Crossroads to Shaolin”. It is the story of a young American boxer who discovers how to be the true champion that he is at a Shaolin temple, helping him to go on to become world champion. Lee Baker is writing and directing the film, with Stephen Sobisky as visual effects supervisor, and Dan Katzman as producer.
Other celebrities that walked the red carpet or attended included:, Ruth Connell (“Supernatural”), Ellen Hollman (“Spartacus”), Kelley Jakle and Chrissie Fit (“Pitch Perfect 1,” “Pitch Perfect 2”), Sammi Rotibi (“Django Unchained”), Benjamin Zhu and Alex Nia (“Crossroads to Shaolin”), Victoria Smurfit (“Once Upon A Time”), Thora Birch (“American Beauty”), Ellen Hollman (SIX, Spartacus), 2017 Daytime Emmy Winner Meadow Williams (“The Bay”), Ali Levine (“Stripped”), Jeff Rice (“Lone Survivor”), Saxon Sharbin (“Freakish”), The Hon. Walton Brown Jr., JP MP, (Minister of Home Affairs, The Government of Bermuda), Richard Greenberg (“The Terminator”), Olga Safari (“The Dome”), Martyn Ravenhill (Liberace Mansion, Owner) and many others.
“Steven and I are extremely grateful for all the wonderful participants, this evening, and we hope to be working with many of them soon”, said Angelina Leo, COO of Wardour Studios.
About Wardour Studios Wardour Studios is a state of the art, next generation, film studio, with solid artistic and advanced technology foundation. Wardour Studios is the ultimate digital studio, with expertise in the production and distribution of feature films, TV, visual effects, VR – virtual reality, AR – augmented reality, which is addressing and exploiting the emerging challenges in the global, and specifically in the Hollywood and China entertainment landscape. Wardour Studios continues to grow into a vertically integrated global content platform of increasing diversity, reach and scale. The Company’s portfolio of assets includes film and television libraries, a world-class film business and an expanding global distribution footprint.
Wardour Studios Film Fund is supported by One Belt One Road Funds (OBOR Funds) and other designated Chinese film funds. The fund is co-managed by Wardour Studios and China Three Kingdoms, and will focus on English-language films, Chinese co-productions as well as Chinese-language movies. Wardour Studios Film Funds has received significant investment commitments for the production and distribution of the films described above, and it clearly aimed at Wardour Studios’ strategic positioning to expand its film and entertainment business in USA and China, the second-largest film market, as well as globally.
Wardour Studios’ management has the mission of creating and evolving a truly next generation film studio, which is emerging as a leading global entertainment company, with a fast growing and diversified presence in multiple areas of media and entertainment.
Moses E. Miller – Wardour Studios Hollywood Stars Gala credit Roel Meere
Kim Estes – Hollywood Stars Gala by Wardour Studios.Credit Maury Phillips
Erika Alexander – Hollywood Stars Gala by Wardour Studios- Credit Maury Phillips
Sammi Rotibi – Hollywood Stars Gala by Wardour Studios.-Credit Maury Phillips
LOS ANGELES, CA- After rave reviews and six sold out shows; by popular demand, The Penis Monologues “The Long Hard Truth” written and directed by Karen Roberson, is back for two encore performance May 19 and 20.
The Penis Monologues “The Long Hard Truth” will make you laugh, cry and celebrate the true essence of a man, as you will see them like never before! This is a MEN EMPOWERMENT SHOW for both men and women to see!
The Penis Monologues “The Long Hard Truth”, featuring performances by Mike Strong from Vivica A. Fox’s ‘Black Magic’, takes you on a journey of ten phenomenal men who will leave you spellbound in their raw and riveting portrayals of these real-life stories.
The Penis Monologues “The Long Hard Truth” characters are: “Angry Penis” played by Tobyus Green, “Broken Penis” played by Lamont Young, “Devoted Penis” played by Samuel Simmons, “Loving Penis” played by Lucky Conner, “Disappointed Penis” played by Marwan Granville, “Empty Penis” played by Louis Kameron Jack III, “I Don’t Penis” played by Reggie Myles, “I Do Penis”, played by Idrees Degas, “My Penis Matters”, played by Dejuan Christopher, and “Erotic Penis” played by Mike Strong.
The Penis Monologues “The Long Hard Truth” most talked about play in 2017 is back stirring up emotions of truth from men’s perspective Saturday, May 19 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 20 at 5 p.m. at California State University, Dominguez Hills Theater 1000 E Victoria Street in Carson.
Karen Roberson , a Compton California native was an honor student at California State University Dominguez Hills where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater Arts and Communication. She also obtained an Associate Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Los Angeles Southwest Community College.
She is the Owner and CEO of Mahogany Girl Productions LLC. MGP is a performing arts and community event based Production Company bridging performing arts, community, education and entertainment together on one platform in efforts to change the world one project at a time. MGP also host community and charity events fostering community involvement and positive change in the spirit of love and unity.
She is also the Founder and President of Mahogany Stars Inc, a 501(c)(3) federally tax exempt Nonprofit Organization providing programs for youth and young adults in underserved communities such as community building, financial literacy, career planning, communication skill building, self advocacy, community outreach, self awareness, college prep, educational assistance, mentorship programs, scholarships and more.
A consummate singer, actress, writer and producer, some of her stage credits include ‘Before It Hits Home’, ‘The Crowded Room’, ‘Talking Bones’ ‘African Company Presents Richard III’, ‘The Vagina Monologues’, ‘Intimate Apparel’ ‘Meetin in the Ladies Room’ and ‘Flyin’ West’ ‘The Conversation’ and ‘Roxy’ to name a few . Karen has also been featured in films such as “The Last Man Standing” Carte Blanche” and “Cut”. In her most notable performance, she worked with Jo Marie Payton (Harriet Winslow, ‘Family Matters’ ABC Network) and starred in her One Woman play, ‘The Drama That Surrounds Me, The Incomplete
Autobiography of Jo Marie Payton’ which had a successful sold out run in Los Angeles and was also featured at the Miami Theater Festival . Karen produced “A Woman Called Truth – The Sojourner Truth Story”, The Miss Greater West Coast Scholarship Pageant and her riveting and powerful original stage production “The Penis Monologues – The Long Hard Truth” that she wrote and directed which is set to kick off it’s national tour in
2018. She performed at various venues including Hollywood’s ‘The Sunset Room’, Leimert Park’s ‘5th Street Dicks’, ‘The Wilshire Ebell’ ‘The Fox Theater’ ‘The World Stage’ ‘The Conga Room’, The Shrine Auditorium, Hollywood’s House of Blues and the Saban Theater.
Her acting will captivate you, her singing will move you, her writing will empower you and her contributions to others and the communities she serves will inspire you.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, April 7, 15 young men will walk across the stage at Sturges Center for the Fine Arts in downtown San Bernardino as part of the Mr. Cardinal City Pageant.
At first glance, the pageant may appear to be a high school popularity contest, but the contestants know it’s an experience that teaches them professionalism and good etiquette, requires high academic achievement, and shapes their perspective on community service.
This year, the students are using the event as a way to shed light on the #NeverAgain movement. Pageant coordinator and founder, Jamie Rios, confirmed the 15th Annual Mr. Cardinal City Pageant will be dedicated to the victims and survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that took place in Parkland, Florida on February 14.
“This could happen to anyone,” Rios said. “We have to be there to support others in need.”
Rios added that Mr. Cardinal empowers participants to develop interpersonal skills and a strong sense of community.
The 2017-2018 Mr. Cardinal contestants are: Aldo Ramirez, Alfonso Sanchez, Alonzo Sanchez, Anthony Valencia, Benito Fregoso, Bryan Rosales, Daniel Cardenas, Daniel Villegas, Hervin Labandaria, Jedn Corona, Jeremy Barrios, Omar Santana, Roman Camarena, Samuel Herrera, and Yair Alcantara.
To purchase tickets, contact any Mr. Cardinal contestant or pageant coordinator Jamie Rios at jamie.rios@sbcusd.com or call (909) 881-8217. Red carpet event starts at 5 p.m. and the pageant begins at 6 p.m. at Sturges Center for the Fine Arts located at 780 North E Street in San Bernardino.
Local associates read books to students on Dr. MLK Jr,’s Legacy at Fontana Unified School District Elementary Schools as part of national service effort
FONTANA, CA- Wednesday, April 4 marked 50 years since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his message and values of dignity, equality, justice and service still inspire and motivate millions of people. To honor Dr. King’s legacy and commitment to service, local Walmart leadership and or associates in Fontana hosted and participated in a book reading on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy starting at Dorothy Grant Elementary School.
“Dr. King’s lessons have stood the test of time and continue to unite our communities, bridge differences and bring us together as a people,” said Walmart Market Manager Jondolon Bush. “We encourage everyone to volunteer in an act of service – no matter how big or small – to honor the legacy of Dr. King this week and beyond.”
As part of this event, Walmart donated 1,000 copies of Brad Meltzer’s book, “I Am Martin Luther King Jr.” to students across 10 Fontana USD elementary schools. Students were challenged to think critically about Dr. King’s message of equality, service, and leadership, and given an activity to illustrate what they want their positive impact in the community to be. Walmart presented the Fontana USD with a $1,500 donation.
“The Fontana Unified School District is proud to partner with Walmart on this day of American history to share with the students of Fontana the values Dr. King preached,” said Fontana USD Superintendent Randal S. Bassett. “We hope that Dr. King’s messages of service, justice, and equality resonate with students today.”
Today’s act of service is part of Walmart’s national effort to honor Dr. King and his legacy. Among several activities planned, fifty Walmart leaders across the country and at least 50 stores nationally are participating in, and encouraging others to engage in, acts of service in their local communities.
Along with the acts of service, the Walmart Foundation has awarded nearly $4 million to 12 nonprofit organizations working to help promote access, equity and inclusion among diverse populations.
Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
