Local

Summary and Photos by Jon Coleman

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Janet Goeske Foundation of Riverside held its 15th Annual Black History Program in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Legislation.  Sponsors included:  Fair Housing of Riverside County; Heart and Soul Line Dance; Riverside African American Historical Society; and the City of Riverside. In a dramatic performance, EMPOWER-U Productions presented the history of struggle that was necessary to bring about passage of that legislation.

Presented By WSSNEWS… Hosted By The IMPROVE Association… Produced By Empire Talks Back Radio

FOOD Directed By Jo-MaMa

Every Friday beginning Friday March 20, Friday Fish Fry (FFF) will be available for your nutritional and cultural fulfillment! Jo-MaMa (Co-Publisher Westside Story Newspaper, Josephine M. Allen) has earned her cooking reputation and will monitor the preparation of the fish, coleslaw, beans and rice, and dessert. You will not be overwhelmed with choices; however, you will be overwhelmed by taste!

The FFF Variety Show will be just as tasteful with high entertainment, which will consist of music, dance, spoken word, recognition awards, and much more.  The dinners will be available for order and pick-up beginning at 4:30 p.m to 9: 30 pm. every Friday. The stage show begins at 5:30  p.m. with family friendly acts until 7 p.m. After a short interlude, Grown-up entertainment will take the stage with “Empire Talks Back” Radio Host, Wallace Allen performing MC duties. If you want to perform call Wallace at (909) 384-8131.

Friday Fish Fry will be taped for web and TV broadcast. All attendees to the taping of the show are required to become members of the FFF Association, which is covered by your dinner purchase. You will become eligible for a variety of member benefits. FFF will be taking place at 777 Allen Street in San Bernardino.

Valley Star Community Services is pleased to invite the community to its first annual Black History Month presentations at three different schools in the San Bernardino Unified School District from February 25-27. This program is being offered as part of a contract with the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health to promote resiliency among African-American students and their families. Services are funded through the Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63).

Students will perform African dances in traditional attire that were choreographed by “Sista” Jewel Jackson, the choreographer for Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams and a professor at Cal Poly Pomona. Reverend Dennis Morgan Brown will perform an oratory of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Black Voice will have an African-American artifacts show as well.  The students will also share more about the inventors, educators and scientists that they have learned about.

The schedule for the program is: Wednesday February 25, at 2:30 p.m. at Del Rosa Elementary School, 3395 Mountain Ave, San Bernardino; Thursday, February 26, at 10:00 a.m. at Jones Elementary, 700 N. F Street, San Bernardino; and Friday February 27, at 9:30 a.m. at Hunts Elementary, 1342 Pumalo Street in San Bernardino.

“We look forward to continuing our great relationships with these schools, parents and students and rewarding them with a day of pride and recognition for their hard work,” said Wandalyn Lane, Program Manager of the Promoting Resiliency in African American Children (PRAAC) program.  PRAAC has served more than 500 youth in its first year. “This program is making a difference in kids’ lives.  I had one girl tell me that this program is making a big difference for Black kids like her younger brother and that she wished there was a program like this when she was in school.”

For more information about the Black History Month programs through PRAAC, call (909) 388-2222 or 711 for TTY users.  Valley Star is a program of Stars Behavioral Health Group:  www.starsinc.com

L/R Grade School: Mr. Kevin Hall (President), Devorlyn Celestine (Vice President), Robert Hawkins, , Jerimiah Ingram, Lanah Boyd, Lorelei Hartman, Lawson Bush (3rd Place), Morgan Hawkins, Jayla Ingram (1st Place ), Aisa Ingram, Asia Ingram (2nd Place), Twillea Evans-Carthen (Co-Chair), and Kevin Eastman (Co-Chair)

FONTANA, CA- On a beautiful sunny Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2015, high school scholars eloquently moved the crowd at Jurupa Hills High School, Fontana, CA with their thought on “major issues students face related to educational achievements in light of the staggering dropout rates among today’s students” at the 26th Annual Oratorical Contest sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Eta Nu Omega Chapter.  Mr. Kevin Eastman, Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Ms. Twillea Evans-Carthen, co-chaired this event and created a festive atmosphere by including Mr. Aaron Lash Jr. a Senior at California State University San Bernardino to inspire all through Spoken Word poetry and a pizza party as the participants awaited for the announcement of the awards.  Young scholars took part in this competition too ranging from 1^st through 8^th graders who were passionate with their response to “Why is education important to your future?”

1st Place: Khari Bush, Sr. Carter High School

This annual speech contest provides the opportunity for students grades first through twelfth to have a platform to enhance their public speaking skills, promote self-confidence, educational enrichment, and to further facilitate character building in a safe environment. This contest was developed under “The Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest, and uses the International Toastmasters Guidelines.”

Winners for the following categories were: Group 1 (1^st through 5^th) 1^st Place – Jayla Ingram; 2^nd Place – Asia Ingram and 3^rd Place – Lawson Bush. Group 2 (6^th through 8^th) 1^st Place – Emma Jean Gilliam, 2^nd Place – Kiana Martinez, 3^rd Place – Isaiah Keaton.  Group 3 (9^th through 12^th) 1^st Place – Khari Bush, 2^nd Place – Brandon Watts, 3^rd Place – Kevin Jackson.

L/R Middle School and High School: Mr. Kevin Hall (President), Devorlyn Celestine (Vice President), Kiana Martinez (2nd Place MS), Khari Bush (1st Place HS), Brandon Watts (2nd Place HS), Justine Lee, Emma Jean Gilliam (1st Place MS), Kevin Jackson (3rd Place HS), Taya Ingram, Kelechi Okoro, Kamilah McMillon, Isaiah Keaton (3rd Place MS), Twillea Evans-Carthen (Co-Chair), and Kevin Eastman (Co-Chair)

By Nia Turner Moreno 

Where are you currently living at?

San Bernardino County, CA

Growing up did you ever think that you would play for the NBA?

Yes, that was my main goal in life. As a kid I used to dream of playing for the Chicago Bulls. I used to dream I was Michael Jordan when I was younger. And my dream came true because I actually was able to play with him when I joined the Chicago Bulls.

How old where you when you started playing basketball?

When I first picked up a ball and started playing I was 4 years old. I was going to Oregon State for 2 years, and I got drafted at 20 years old.

What did you like most about playing for the NBA and what did you like least?

There was really nothing that I liked least about playing for the NBA. Dreams come true so for me being in the NBA was an accomplishment

Do you still play basketball in your free time?

No, I don’t play, but I’m a basketball trainer for the Inland Empire. I train kids at Etiwanda High School and Fontana High School and middle schools in San Bernardino County. I’m also a mentor for nine Elementary Schools.

What have you been doing since you retired?

I’m a role model in our community and I have personal relationships with young boys and girls. There’s a lot of kids out there that need a good mentor. I’m a mentor for a lot in the San Bernardino community, especially the youth that are going off to college. I do my best to be there for them. Growing up in the environment I lived in, I didn’t have any good role models or guides to help me, so I pretty much just had to find my own way. I want these kids to have some kind of help; someone to set a good example for them.

Do you have any other hobbies beside basketball?

I fish when I have free time and I love spending time with my family and being a father to my five kids, 4 girls 1 boy. I’m busy most of the time, so it’s nice to spend time with them. Family is a very important part in my life.

Is “Basketball Legende” still an ongoing program for the youth?

That’s the name of my program for the kids in the community. Legende is Legends in French. I played overseas in France and I like to incorporate my professional basketball background into the things I do now. A part of the things I do in the program is basketball training and I talk to the kids about keeping up good grades, as well because that’s a big part of playing basketball.

What would you say to the youth or anyone that is striving to reach their goals?

I tell all the kids that “dreams do come true it all starts with yourself”. Work hard, the harder you believe in your goal, whatever your goal is it can come true. What I tell my kids is if you want to be a doctor, find the best doctor there is and apply that to yourself. If you want to be a basketball player find the best basketball player there is and apply that to yourself.  Whatever it is that person did to make it where they’re at, apply it to the qualities that you already have. You have to put your goals first. Life is like a merry go round you’re up, you’re down; you’re not always going to be happy but you just have to believe in your goals if that’s what you want. There are other programs out there to help young kids, but if I can also help them that’s what I’m going to do. Kids are our future so I do my best to help out.

Is there anything else that I might have left out that you would like for people to know about you?

I’m a mentor. I’m a trainer. I’m a life coach. I speak for D.A.R.E programs, high schools, middle schools and elementary schools. I consider myself a disciple; I’m one of God’ called people.

Article and Photos By John Coleman

RIVERSIDE, CA- In 1965/66, Riverside was the first largest school district in the US to voluntarily integrate their schools and to go forward despite, weeks later, the arson burning of its Lowell Elementary School. The 2015 Riverside Black History Parade and Expo will, in part, celebrate the 50th anniversary of that decision and the part it continues to play in Riverside’s becoming a ‘world class city’.

Dignitaries who participated in the 2015 Black History and Culture Parade included:   Rusty Bailey, Mayor;    Sergio Diaz, Police Chief;    Michael Moore, Fire Chief;   David Hansen, Supt, RUSD;     Stan Sniff, Sheriff;     Richard Roth, State Senator;     Jose Medina, Member, State Legislative Assembly.

Other Parade participants included:  community leaders, educators, business owners, ministers and members of their churches,   college and youth groups,   community service and activity programs,   NAACP,   Tuskegee Airmen,   Prince Hall Masons and Shriners,   car clubs and their prize auto collections, and many other people who march with their organizations to have fun.

There has to be recognition for those crowd pleasers that have their own ‘groupies’ who follow them whenever they parade, these include   The Ex-Plosive Drill and Drum Squad;

The Black Diamond Step Team; Black Diamond Cheer and Dance Team; and of course the San Bernardino Westside Steppers Drill and Drum Team.

Craig Goodwin, Wanda Scruggs, & Jeanie Gaines were announcers at the viewing stand, across from the historical County Court House.

By Wallace J. Allen

The soul is without matter and cannot be touched physically. Where soul exists, it extends beyond life and lingers through multi generations.  For some unspoken but widely accepted reason, Black folks are identified as the tangible truth that soul exists. Soul brother, soul sister, soul music and soul food are examples of that application! Soul is a code word for “the Black Experience”.

WSSNews identifies and identifies with the “Black Experience” as it occurs in the inland Empire. The Black Experience will always include the memory of its era of Kings and Queens, as well as the tragedy of “The Middle Passage”. The glory of fighting for and building this great nation while enslaved by hate and handcuffed by ignorance. Electing a President only to see his effectiveness ridiculed by racism. All are elements of the Black Experience.

The ‘Quest for Excellence” is also an element of the “Black Experience”.  One of our angel poetesses, Mya Angelo, captures the essence of that quest with her piece titled, “Still, We Rise”. Regardless of the pain delivered by those against us, history evidences not only survival ‘still we rise’, but demonstrates that we also thrive. Regardless of circumstance the “Black Experience” still provides excellence.

Westside Story Newspaper acknowledges the community’s struggle, but it seeks to encourage and celebrate its excellence. Your support in the form of a financial gift or kind words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated and wisely used to “Share The Quest For Excellence”!  You can mail to 577 North “D” Street, San Bernardino Ca. 92401. You can go to wssnews.com and click on the “DONATION” Button. You can email your encouraging words to walleniv@yahoo.com. Your critique is also encouraged and welcomed. I realize that excellence is our goal not our status!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is pleased to announce the 2015 Miss Black San Bernardino Pageant; an annual event held to celebrate young black women ages 16 to 20 years who are enrolled in school, engaged in community service and working to achieve academic excellence.

The goal of the pageant is to recognize and promote young women in the community that will be tomorrow’s leaders. The objective is to educate, train and encourage young women to represent the African-American community in a manner consistent with responsibility, ethics, motivation and integrity.

Miss Black San Bernardino Scholarship Pageant 2015 being held on February 21, 2015 at the San Bernardino Elks Lodge located at 2055 Elks Drive in San Bernardino  from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information or to buy tickets, please visit www.sbbcfoundation.com/events/miss-black-san-bernardino-2015.

Award-winning filmmaker, Malcolm D. Lee (Best Man; Best Man Holiday), partners with McDonald’s and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) for McDonald’s “Lovin'” Video Competition (PRNewsFoto/McDonald’s USA, LLC)

OAK BROOK, IL-  McDonald’s USA and the American Black Film Festival are joining forces to launch the McDonald’s Lovin’ Video Competition. To complement the new “Lovin” campaign, up-and-coming filmmakers are challenged to create one 90-second film that brings to life McDonald’s philosophy that, “A little more lovin’ can change a lot.”

Aspiring filmmakers nationwide are encouraged to enter their best, original submissions by 11:59 p.m. Eastern March 24, 2015, for their chance to win the grand prize and earn accolades from film industry leaders. Three finalists will be selected to attend the 19^th annual American Black Film Festival in New York City, June 11 -14 and have an exclusive opportunity to be mentored by critically-acclaimed film director Malcolm D. Lee (Best Man; Best Man Holiday), who will provide the finalists with invaluable film industry tips and advice.

The top three short films will premiere at the highly-anticipated festival and will be judged by a panel of industry experts. Each submission will be critiqued on creativity, implementation of concept and quality. In the end, only one finalist will take home the grand prize — a film equipment package valued at $2,500 and an opportunity to have their film featured on prominent websites, including McDonald’s 365Black.com and other media entities. More information about the competition can be found atwww.abff.com.

“We are excited to partner with McDonald’s USA on this most unique digital video contest,” said Jeff Friday, American Black Film Festival founder and chief executive officer. “The ABFF is committed to supporting emerging artists and providing trailblazing opportunities for them to gain exposure and visibility in the film and television industry.”

“I’m honored to mentor our next generation of aspiring filmmakers through ‘Lovin’ Video Competition’,” said Malcolm D. Lee.  “Many have mentored and guided me along my journey to make an impact in film, and it’s important for all of us to do our part to bring the next generation up.”

McDonald’s newest campaign reignites the spirit of “i’m lovin’ it” and will inspire everything the brand does moving forward. By focusing on the lovin’ people show each other every day, the campaign provides an opportunity to celebrate and bring more lovin’ to customers.

“McDonald’s is excited to embark on this initiative with ABFF and the filmmakers of the future from the communities we serve,” said Kristen Wells, External Communications Manager, McDonald’s USA. “We hope that the idea of sharing love throughout our communities will motivate and inspire the filmmakers as they work tirelessly to make their dreams a reality.”

The Lovin’ Video Competition and ABFF’s vision to promote diversity in the film and television industry align with McDonald’s 365Black platform — an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round.

McDonald’s encourages those who live out lovin’ in their lives each day to follow @365Black on Twitter and join the conversation using #365LovinFilm. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com.

To learn more about the American Black Film Festival and the Lovin’ Video Competition, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram.

Agape and Grace – Marriage God’s Way

He looked across the garden. His breath short, palms sweating, mind racing; is this the one? As the sun shines upon her face reflecting the perfecting of beauty she approaches him. They gaze into each other’s eyes, as doves look upon their love, never again to turn their gaze. Then he speaks, “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called women because she was taken out of a man.” God’s plan for marriage was in scripted in the hearts of Adam and Eve as they displayed the pureness of God’s perfect plan; two hearts becoming one. The holiness of these unions with the approval of God and under an open Heaven, took place on Saturday, February 7 at Shandin Hills Golf Club where they all committed to live their lives God’s way by putting a ring on it, officiated by Minister Trey Sims.

Each couple desired a wedding of their own in order to unite themselves and children together, but couldn’t do on their own, whether it was financial issues, family or fear, the day never came until God spoke to the Visionary of Tribe of Judah World Outreach {Angela Slaughter}, and instructed the ministry to give all the couples a wedding. When the news reached the couples they were speechless, surprised and overwhelmed with less than three months to plan. So the preparation, counseling and planning begun. As the big day quickly approached, some of the original couples decided to wait while others joined in. Even two days before the wedding, one last couple was added. There was music, laughter, tears and lots of love! This was more than a one day celebration it was the beginning of the couple’s marriage and family ministry in the story of “Agape and Grace – Marriage God’s Way!

Westside Story Newspaper would like to congratulate all of the couples.  As we all know true love begins well before the wedding day, and the efforts of marriage and of love continue well beyond the ceremony’s end. A brief moment in time, a beautiful memory and the stroke of the pen are all that is required to create the legal bond of marriage, but it takes a lifetime of love, commitment, and compromise to make marriage durable and every lasting. Today you declared your commitment to each other before family and friends; your yesterdays were the path to this moment. Now may you continue your journey toward a future of togetherness, building each day in strength and unity. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you always need one another, not to fill emptiness, but to help each other know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another… Live well – Love fully!

-Lou Coleman