Local

By Manny Otiko

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- I hate to admit it, but I have been sucked into the Kanye West-Donald Trump media storm. At first, I didn’t want to play a role in this manufactured event, but there are some important marketing, media and political lessons here.

West has always been a controversial figure. He’s a talented musician, who has won multiple Grammys. I bought two of his first CDs, back in the days when people bought CDs, and I enjoyed that his songs were different from the usual guns and blunts fare produced by other rappers. But in recent years, controversy has overwhelmed his talent.

There was the thing with Taylor Swift, the outrageous boasts and then the marriage to reality star Kim Kardashian. Several people in the industry have whispered that Kardashian’s reality TV antics are overshadowing West’s career and he has now been absorbed by the Kardashian clan. And more recently, West was hospitalized for “exhaustion” and rumored to be treated for a mental health condition. Now there is the sudden alliance with the Trump-MAGA crowd.  

This MAGA love happened just when West is promoting his new album. West comes from the showbiz world, where there’s no such thing as bad publicity. (Rapper 50 Cent once said that he didn’t mind some of the black gossip sites running stories about him being gay, because at least they were writing about him.)

West’s alleged alliance with Trump has news jacked social media and made him trend on Twitter, which is all great publicity for his album. This kind of publicity would cost you millions of dollars, and West just got it for free.

There is a history of people using outrageous antics to market their product. Madonna practically perfected it. I’ve never heard a song by rapper Azealia Banks, but her history of making crazy statements landed her in Playboy.

But there is a danger that West’s antics will alienate his base. And that’s already happening. He’s already lost millions of Twitter followers. And West has been hit by abuse on Twitter as fans are horrified by his comments. He might be embraced by MAGA lords, but they’re not going to buy his album or go to his concerts.

Part of the problem is because he’s allying himself with the Trump administration, which is one of the whitest supremacist presidencies in several decades. As ESPN’s Jemele Hill said, Trump has surrounded himself with open racists. He’s also implemented anti-immigrant, and anti-Muslim policies and referred to African countries as “sh*thole countries.” Even the phrase Make America Great Again (MAGA) is racist, because Trump supporters think America was great in the 1950s, when white males ran everything, and people of color had no representation.

Is this what West wants to ally himself with? If so, it’s no wonder his fans and management team have bailed on him.  It’s also ironic that West is getting praised by FOX News, a network that hates hip hop. FOX often tells entertainers that they shouldn’t talk about politics but loves to embrace Hollywood types if they have conservative views.

One of FOX’s arguments against Hollywood political commentators is they don’t know what they’re talking about. Well, that’s exactly the case with Kanye West! Just look at some of his statements:

• Kanye says he loves Trump and he is his brother, but he’s not political.
• He also once said that he doesn’t see the need to read books and bragged about not reading contracts.
• He also praised black conservative commentator Candace Owens, who said that police violence wasn’t a problem with the black community. She also called Black Lives Matter whiny. Owens appears on Alex Jones’ conspiracy show, Info Wars, which should be enough to kill her credibility. Jones has spent years denying that the Sandy Hook school shooting existed until he was sued by the parents of the children killed at the school.

African-Americans turning against West isn’t about group think. People are not rejecting him because he’s dallying with Republicans. They’re turning against him because he’s allying with racists and he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. It’s not about left or right, it’s about right or wrong.

But good luck to Republicans with their embrace of Kanye. He’s a loose cannon and when he explodes again, it’s going to be your problem.

Manny Otiko is a media professional who is based in Southern California. Follow him @mannyotiko on Twitter. This column represents the views of the author, not California Black Media.

LOMA LINDA, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) patients were treated to a visit by Billboard’s country chart-topper Kane Brown on Monday, April 30. The 24-year-old stopped by several of the LLUCH units to meet with and encourage patients. 

He started out in the LLUCH Toyota Learning Center, playing games with patients and sharing stories with some students about his struggles in school, encouraging them to keep trying no matter their situation.

Brown then visited some of the LLUCH units, taking photos with excited fans, playing games with patients and sharing parts of his story.

LLUCH patient Jennifer Nguyen, 5, from Moreno Valley, was just one child who was excited to meet and talk with Brown. When Brown came into the room, Nguyen insisted on getting up out of bed, and couldn’t stop smiling as Brown talked with her about what made her happy. They ended the visit with a hug.

Brown’s visit was made possible by Inland Empire-based country radio station K-FROG 95.1 FM, which has a long-standing relationship with the hospital.

LLUCH Foundation representative, Tiffany Hoekstra, said she was grateful to K-FROG and Brown for making the day for patients and their families.

Izola Stewart

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Izola Stewart, also known as “PP” was born in Texarkana Arkansas on March 9, 1942 to the union of Arthur and Queen Esther Davis.

At the age of 10, Izola moved from Texarkana with her family to San Bernardino, California. She attended Mill Elementary, Richardson Junior High and Pacific High School.

On August 29, 1959, Izola married the love her life Lawrence Thomas Stewart “LT”.  To this union five children were born.  They established an auto detail business in San Bernardino then in 1968 they moved their family business to Monrovia, California. Izola and her husband gave family and many others an opportunity to work at their detail shop.  

HER LEGACY     

Izola Stewart was a devoted wife, married to her husband for 40 years until his death. She was a loving, caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was very kind, and gentle, always greeted you with a loving smile. She never gossiped or said harmful things to anyone.  Her heart was as pure as gold, her generosity was sincere. Her love for family was solid as a rock.  Everyone who knew her loved her.

Izola cared for her dad who had Alzheimer during his entire illness. When her mother became ill she moved her into her home in Monrovia, California. After her mother’s stroke, she moved back with her mother to San Bernardino California; where she could be closer to her physicians.  Whenever her mother’s great grandchildren were in town Izola would take her to wherever they played tennis in the Inland empire.  Both parents had Alzheimer Izola insisted on her parents being able to remain at home until the Lord called them home. Her parents Queen Ester and Arthur and her brother Henry Davis also preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memories:  One Son Lawrence Thomas Stewart (Geneva) San Bernardino, CA, four daughters Yvonne Stewart, Monrovia, CA, Yvette Huddleston (Michael), Los Angeles, CA, Yolanda Stewart, Monrovia, CA, Monique Bryant (Eric), Rialto, CA, sister Dorothy Wisnieski, San Bernardino, CA and brother Arthur Lee Davis (Fredda), Walnut, CA; Seven grandchildren:  Ebonise Stewart, Jaden Gresham, Ashli Huddleston, Tiquan Martin, Antoine Bryant, Britney Bryant, Shalena Stewart and Sabrina Jackson and one great granddaughter Maliah Campbell, a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives and special friends.

Collective embarks on public education campaign about the role of District Attorneys

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- The ACLU of Southern California and Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE) as part of the “Hey, Meet Your DA!” campaign, are collaborating with groups across San Bernardino County to educate the community on the critical role of the District Attorney. The collective of organizations are hosting a town hall meeting to educate the public about the impact that District Attorneys have on a range of justice issues. The town hall comes after a similar event was convened with residents in Riverside County less than a month ago.

However, the collective group of San Bernardino organizations was troubled and disappointed that their local District Attorney would be so hesitant to meet with the community even after being offered alternative dates and declined an offer to participate even for a short time on the Monday, April 30 town hall meeting. “We need a District Attorney who will represent the community, not avoid them” says Rev. Samuel Casey, Executive Director of COPE.

The press conference and rally that came as a result of the dismissal of the District Attorney drew a crowd of 30 organizational leaders and community members who discussed existing justice issues in San Bernardino. The recurring chant heard from the crowd, led by Casey “It’s time to ReThink Public Safety!” an initiative led by COPE to promote responsible, restorative, and redemptive approaches to justice reform in schools and communities throughout the Inland Valley Region. “We must transform what public safety looks like to our community. We need the DA to prosecute killer cops especially when they are killing our young sons just as police murdered Dante Yarber in a Barstow Walmart.” stated Lanae Norwood from Institute Developing Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership (IDEAL.)

The collective now is focused on their town hall set for April 30^th in the City of Fontana. Their man goal is to discuss with community members solutions needed to reform the San Bernardino County criminal justice system and inform them about the role and duties of district Attorneys.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Bruce Atlas wants Inland Empire residents to refer to the Ontario Airport as “Our” Airport! Atlas, Chief Operations Officer of the Ontario International Airport, was the guest speaker at Monday’s Black Business Chamber Inland Empire (BBCIE) meeting.  

He spoke of the expected growth of the Inland Empire and of the planed airport expansion. He is enthusiastic about getting local businesses involved in the vender and contracting opportunities that come with the Airports growth.  Amy Goethals, the Liaison for The Ontario International Airport Small Disadvantaged Business Program, who was the other speaker, requested support in her quest to outreach and to otherwise accommodate the Airport working with local minority businesses. 

The BBCIE meets three times per month. BBCIE President, Tammy Martin-Ryles, says that the Chamber will continue to expose members to speakers who are able to educate, stimulate and facilitate opportunity.  

Bruce Atlas will be on Empire Talks Back (ETB) on Sunday, May 6 at 10 a.m. on KCAA 1050 AM, 102.3 FM and 106.5 FM. You can also watch the show live at kcaaradio.com.

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)-When author and playwright, T’ana Phelice, decided to branch out from the literary world to the stage atmosphere, her followers and others in the community would leave her plays feeling inspired. After her first stage production, ‘The Diamond Monologues’ she wanted to continue to put out work that would impact people’s lives for the better, and hence her next stage production ‘Pass the Cornbread’ was created.

‘Pass the Cornbread’, which debuted on Saturday, April 21 at the New Hope Christian Life Center in San Bernardino, is about six cousins who are trying to get to the truth. They are trying to get to truth about their life, purpose and self-worth. Sunday dinners is when the cousins gather around the table for some good ol’ cornbread and home-cooking to not only come together as a family, but to update each other on what’s happening in their individual lives. They each inspire each other in some way or another. Towards the end of the production the audience can feel the redemption that each character has gone through.

The cast consists of six dynamic actors: T’ana Phelice, Audrica McPeters, Tiffany Smith-Brooks, Mike Braswell, Queene Esther and Nycce Blingsly. This production was very unique, not just from the storyline, but for the mere fact that each story was REAL! This is the first time that Phelice casted a play without a script. Each cast member gave her their testimony and the storyline was created it. 

If you missed this production, there will be more dates in the future. Follow T’ana Phelice on all social networks or visit her website at www.tanaphelice.com for upcoming events and updates. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Synergy is created when two or more come together to produce a result greater than the sum of their individual effects.

The District held its second Synergy Day at San Gorgonio High School on Wednesday, March 21.

Synergy Day teaches students how to be more compassionate, build leadership and communication skills and have a greater sense of self. During the daylong event, students learned to create more authentic relationships, so they can unite in a common goal of making their school campus a better place for everyone.

More than 65 students from different backgrounds, social groups and grade levels came together in the San Gorgonio gym to participate in team-building exercises and personal experiences. Students practiced active listening skills, discovered how much they have in common with students outside their usual social circles and most importantly, learned to respect themselves and others in their daily interactions with friends and strangers.

“I hope this small group of students will share what they learned, by word of mouth and by example, with their friends and those students will share it with their friends and take flight to create a positive, long-lasing shift in our school culture for years to come,” said San Gorgonio counselor LaShawn Jackson.

Synergy Days are scheduled for all SBCUSD high schools.

LOS ANGELES, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- The Opening Premiere & Cocktail Hour of New Stage Play “Feeding A Monster” was a success as many celebrities walked the red carpet, enjoyed hosted cocktails and smooth jazz by saxophonist Cal Bennett. The premiere & cocktail hour for Feeding A Monster was held on Friday, April 20, inside the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles. Celebrities and guests filled the theater in support of the evening’s theme “Standing with Survivors of Sexual Assault.” Those in attendance included Garrett Morris (The Jamie Foxx Show), Roger Mosley (Magnum P.I.), Glynn Turman (A Different World; House of Lies; Queen Sugar), Ralph Farquhar (Moesha; Married With Children), Rahvaunia (ABC’s For The People), Neko Sparks (The Woods), Ty Granderson Jones (ER), Judyann Elder (Family Time; Martin), John Cothran (Murder In The First), Petri Bryd (Daytime Emmy Award Show Judge Judy), Janeshia-Adams Ginyard (Black Panther), Diana Popick (All Wrong; Criminal Minds), Thomas Wright (Fruitville Station), and many others.

April being Sexual Assault Awareness month, author Veronica Loving and co-author Jazzmine Jackson are using their new stage play to help victims and survivors affected by sexual assault start the road to physical healing. The play is a genius blend of comedy tragedy and lessons they learned along the way. 

April being Sexual Assault Awareness month, author Veronica Loving and co-author Jazzmine Jackson are using their new stage play to help victims and survivors affected by sexual assault start the road to physical healing. The play is a genius blend of comedy tragedy and lessons they learned along the way.

Written by Loving, La Darrion Williams, and directed by actor Art Evans best known from the movie “Die Hard 2,” the play is based on Loving and Jackson’s memoir “Feeding A Monster.” The memoir details Loving’s 21-year marriage to her husband who was a minor-league baseball player. Their marriage took a turn when Loving learned that the man, husband, father and athlete she loved was a sexual assault predator living in her home.

The book is unlike any other book that addresses sexual assault, it follows the dramatic real-life story of authors Loving and Jackson who were victims of a predator who happened to be the husband and father of the mother and daughter duo. The book describes the abuse inflicted by the man who was to protect, love, and keep them safe. The women in this book speak candidly about their personal experience with sexual assault and other issues such as date rape and domestic violence. Cast members include actors Fayley Patrice (playing Veronica Loving), DeJuan Christopher (playing Kenneth Crockom King), Doyin Domingo (paying Jazzmine Jackson), Conisha Wade-Dorsey (playing Rhea), and Andre K. Jefferson (playing Eli).

The play is scheduled to run for one more weekend on April 27 through April 29th at the Hudson Theater, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA.

For show times and tickets, go online to HudsonTheatre.com or call 323-960-4420. You can purchase the book online at Amazon.com.

Popular airline begins non-stop service to New York in September

ONTARIO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Ontario International Airport (ONT) officials heralded news from JetBlue that the popular airline will return to ONT this fall, beginning with nonstop service to New York. JetBlue is the third carrier in recent months to announce new service at ONT, the fastest growing airport in Southern California.

“One of the biggest questions we get is when JetBlue will come to Ontario. Now we know that day is September 5,” said Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “We can’t wait to welcome JetBlue, its crew members and customers. They can expect quick, easy access to our first-rate facilities and the hassle-free experience for which ONT is known.”

JetBlue will launch its new service with a daily roundtrip to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Flight 355 will depart JFK at 7:12 p.m. local time, arriving ONT at 10:39 p.m. Red-eye service back to JFK will depart ONT at 11:59 p.m. with arrival in New York at 8:24 a.m. JetBlue will serve the non-stop route with 160-seat Airbus A320 aircraft.

OIAA CEO Mark Thorpe noted that ONT has room to grow and that there will be ample opportunity for JetBlue to initiate new routes as the airport adds services and amenities that are popular with airlines and air travelers.

“Ontario is the place to be in Southern California aviation,” Thorpe said. “Domestic and international carriers are quickly seeing the great value ONT provides for their airlines and their customers.”

JetBlue operated at ONT from July 2000 to September 2008. It suspended service as Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the previous operator of ONT, reconsidered its approach to regional air transportation and began emphasizing growth at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The OIAA took control of ONT from LAWA on November 1, 2016.

OIAA Vice President Ron Loveridge said JetBlue’s return is testament to the tremendous growth that’s occurring throughout Inland Southern California.

“This is seen as a region to invest in, and ONT plays a such a vital role in making sure that continues,” Loveridge said. “For business and leisure travelers, JetBlue’s new non-stop service to New York couldn’t come as more welcome news.”

ONT is the fastest growing airport in Southern California with passenger and cargo volumes increasing by 10% and more than 16 %, respectively, in the first three months of 2018 compared with the same period last year. ONT welcomed 4.5 million passengers in 2017, 7% more than the year before.

Frontier Airlines initiated operations at ONT last October with service to its home base in Denver, Austin and San Antonio. Flights to the Texas airports continue to Dulles International Airport outside Washington, DC, enabling ONT passengers to reach the East Coast without changing planes. In March, China Airlines began daily service to Taiwan, the first trans-oceanic service in ONT’s history.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- The SB Pastors United will be hosting another Community Block Party on Saturday, April 28. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Highland Pacific Elementary School located at 3340 Pacific Street in Highland.

“We are bringing God back into our schools and community,” Reginald Young explains. “The Pastors in Unity and solidarity is taking a stance against violence on our youth and in our community. We invite the community to come out and join us.”

There will be free food, free groceries, free shoes, free clothes and free health checks. There will also be a life-saving message by Bishop Ernest Dowdy of Church of the Living God, as well as powerful gospel music, dancing and good fellowship, face painting, free prizes, much fun! 

The SB Pastors United will also be in attendance at the San Bernardino 2018 State of the City address, on Friday, April 27 at the SB International Airport. Along with two other agencies, SBPU will be recognized for making a difference in the community. 

SBPU has been devoted to making a difference in the lives of the residence in the City. You are invited to come out and see what’s going on in your city and be a part of the solution. Let us join together in unity and solitary; let’s not just talk about it but be about it.

 “It’s going to take the whole village to turn our community around.  SBPU is here to help make a difference in our community by providing “Healing, Change and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino. Good things are coming out of San Bernardino,” Young said.

Please preregister by phone, email or visit www.sbpastorsunited.org. To volunteer call (909) 353-7977.