WSSN Stories

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- There is only one week left of 2018, which means every gym is about to be packed for the first quarter of 2019. After the first quarter of the year people fall off and disregard any fitness resolution that they had on New Year’s Eve. However, we need to keep that adrenaline pumping.        

Female bodybuilder and fitness guru, Danielle Willis, is the true epitome of whatever you put your mind to can be achieve through persistence and consistentency. I was inspired Ms. Willis’ latest achievements in the fitness arena this past year that I had to chat with her. Her story is purposeful and inspiring to all, young and “seasoned”.

Listen to the interview below:

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Thank You Lord! As we stand on the brink of a New Year it is a good time to reflect on the year that is ending and look forward into the year that is soon to begin. A New Year filled with new possibilities and opportunities. Twelve new months, 52 new weeks, 365 new days, 8,760 new hours, 525,000 new minutes and 31,536,000 new seconds… every one of which is God’s gift to us. So as David encourages us in [Psalm 145] yes, we should take the time to look back on our lives and reflect on the goodness of God. We are encouraged to praise God for his greatness, his compassion, and his faithfulness; and to thank God for his many gifts throughout our lives. Because as Curtis Mayfield sang, [Diamond in the Back] “Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac, diamond in the back, sunroof top, diggin’ the scene, with a gangsta lean, gangsta whitewalls, TV antennas in the back… you may not have a car at all, but remember brothers and sisters, you can still stand tall, just be thankful for what you got.” Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Look back on this past year, and trace the hand of God who provided you with everything you needed. Think about God’s powerful acts. Remember, meditate and consider all that God has done [Psalm 77:11-12]. Remember your redemption, and let your lips ring with words of Praise and Thanksgiving.

It is also a good time for you to take inventory of your walk with the Lord. You should take a very close look at where you are in your relationship with Him. You need to examine yourself and see where you have been, where you are and where the Lord wants you to be. The benefit of keeping God in mind is that it keeps our hearts grateful, appropriately humble, and delighted in our God for His goodness to us. Take some time to write out what God has done for you. Let it be an exercise in remembering His goodness and grace in your life! Because taking time to remember what God has done over a whole year is sweet for our souls.

As I reflect back, I think about a man who was separated from friends, unjustly accused, and brutally treated—the man was the Apostle Paul—a man who had learned the meaning of true thanksgiving, even in the midst of great adversity. Earlier, when he had been imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote, “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” [Ephesians 5:19-20].

 I tell you, there’s so much to be thankful for:  Spiritual things — if you didn’t have anything else but Jesus, you would have enough to praise God for all eternity. Simple things — you should be thankful for your families, health, food, and even a glass of water. Thank God for the simple things. Sorrowful things — you can even be thankful for the heartaches, the pains, and the sufferings, because as [Romans 8:28] says, “…All things work together for good…”

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good [1 Chronicles 16:34], and His love is eternal, and His faithfulness endures to all generation.” [Psalms 100:4-5].

Prayer

Lord, we praise you for your goodness and faithfulness in this past year. Help us to count our blessings and to be assured of your love. In Jesus, Amen.

By Lou Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Making Moves in the rap game is What It Do! Rapper Young Miller Da Don is making sure that that world knows about his music and his movement.

When on social Media, I see this artist consistently networking, performing and promoting; all important ingredients when it comes to staying relevant in the music industry. Though the original No Limit soldiers are no longer on the front lines, the second generation of troops are still holding down the fort.

Raised in the ranks of one of Hip-Hop’s most powerful clans, Douglas Michael Miller (a.k.a. Young Miller Da Don) is now taking the family business to higher heights. The 27-year-old Cousin of Master P, Young Miller says that growing up with the No Limit Records CEO (Master P) taught him how to survive and be a winner in the entertainment business.

After being robbed at gunpoint in his hometown, his mother decided New Orleans wasn’t the place for him. Leaving the Calliope Projects at age 12, Don went to live with his uncle Master P, who’s also his mentor. Master P showed Don the ropes which gave him an awareness about the ins and outs of the industry. It was a difficult adjustment for Don due to the language barrier and new school, but he survived.

Having penned his own poetry and rhymes since age 10, Young Miller reunited in L.A. with his cousins, including Master P’s son ‘Lil Romeo’; under P’s tutelage, they formed a rap group called ‘ Rich Boyz’.

Independently releasing their only LP, “Young Ballers”—“The Hood Been Good to Us”, in 2005 the group toured briefly and even appeared on 106 & Park. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina hit that same year and halted promotional plans for the group. With the band now disbanded, Young Miller is determined to make his mark as a solo MC. Don – “I will succeed by keeping my family morals and values first.” Catch my reviews of talented artists like Don Miller right here. Until Next week L’z!

By Billy Gee

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- Well, music fans, we’ve just lost another music icon.  On Thursday the 13th of December, the voice of Ms. Nancy Wilson – undisputedly, one of the most mellifluous voices most of us have ever heard – was silenced by her transition from this life, just as the Moon made its transit through Pisces, the sign under which she was born.

I must say, Nancy’s demise was personal for me.  Her sultry voice was so much an integral part of me – so much a part of the musical landscape of my life – that I honestly can’t recall the first time I heard her singing.  I think it might’ve happened around 1962 as a result of my listening to her debut album (‘Remember those?), Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley.  Hearing her sultry voice would cause my pubescent hormones to run wild!  I often would feel as though she was singing to me!  I must’ve dreamed about her dozens of times, growing up in Atlanta and just beginning to learn how to play the piano, myself.  Her recordings of masterpieces like “Guess Who I Saw Today,” “The Grass Is Greener,” “How Glad I Am,” and “When I Look In Your Eyes,” quickly became firmly embedded in my teenage heart, mind, and soul, where they remain until this very day.

Somewhere around my senior year in high school I was fortunate enough to hear Nancy in a live concert at the old Atlanta Municipal Auditorium (where thousands of Atlanta youngsters marched to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” at their high school commencement exercise).  Some things you experience in life you never forget, and that was one such occasion for this enthusiastic listener.  Providing instrumental accompaniment to Nancy’s impeccable vocal stylings was trombonist Si Zentner’s big band, so for all of an hour-and-a-half or so yours truly was as close to heaven as he’d ever been.  What stands out in my mind most about that evening is the fact that throughout the entire performance my heart was beating faster than the top speed of the ’67 Chevy Camaro I was pushing back then could run.  I couldn’t have been more excited if Nancy had been sitting in my lap, nibbling on my ear and unbuttoning my shirt!

With that somewhat graphic description of my reaction to an incredibly talented female song stylist, I give you “the Fancy Miss Nancy!” 

Nancy Wilson Biography – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Wilson_(jazz_singer)

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Oh, I know I’m right about it because [John 12:43] says, “For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”

Listen, “If you seek the approval of any man, you cannot please God!” [Galatians 1:10]. As Christians, our chief concern should be to gain God’s approval. We should not seek the approval of men, even of our family and friends, but of God Himself.  I tell you, the same misplaced desire for approval is why Jeremiah rebuked Israel: “Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water” [Jeremiah 2:12–13]. Craving human approval is a cistern that cannot hold water. Why chase the approval of man?  There is a tyranny and bondage in living for man’s approval.  “Instead of living in bondage, craving the approval of everyone around us, the Bible calls us to live for the approval of God.

I tell you, we need to be like Jesus – he got his validation from God – he pressed on despite the lack of approval from others.  Besides, the Scriptures call us again and again not to live for the expectations of man, but for the satisfaction of God. Tell me, can anything compare to having the smile of God’s approval? Having God’s approval is the only thing worth living for. Let’s be motivated by seeking approval – but not the approval of men or the approval of our culture – but the approval of God. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. [1 Thessalonians 2:4].

May we intentionally seek God, his will and his pleasure above all others, and may God continually minister his truths to us – Amen.

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  [Colossians 1:9-10]

By Mic Flex

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— To push the Black dollar agenda, we need to start with the “consumer staple products”. Staples include companies that produce items such as food, beverages and non-durable household and personal products, also food or pharmaceuticals.

Let’s start with toothpaste, toilet paper and laundry detergent; these are type of items that we use on a daily basis. “To think Chinese” is to get such items price points down to compete at a reasonable rate.

To market these “CSP’s” to the Black community would be to structure a habit of buying a “pre-packed CSP” on a monthly basis based on family size “at a reasonable rate”. To the producers of products, how much pieces of items would you need to sell to get the price points that at what is required? Therefore, this would be a movement that would have to be on a global scale in order for our economy to thrive.

We have all these “CSP’s” available online through various web hosting’s, but we have to see it in the physical form. By that I mean our products must be available at the local swap meets the inland malls, anywhere that a Black person seems fit to open up an establishment they should have access to all these products.

By Lou Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Beautiful Art is What It Do! Maurice Howard is an emerging artist whose unique style of works we can expect to see more of in local and national art ventures.

Howard was born in Waco, Texas and raised in Southern California. When he was three years old, his family relocated to France where his father served in the military. After a few years in Europe, they returned to the United States. At the age of 19, Howard became inspired to paint.

He attended several independent art schools and later enrolled into Cal State Fullerton University where he majored in fine art studies.

After completing college, he was hired by Hanna-Barbera Production Studio as an “in-between” in the animation department. Following his employment at Hanna-Barbera, he worked as a technician in a dental office in Pasadena, California.

Inspired by Salvador Dali, McEscher and African-American graphic artist and painter Charles White, most of Howard’s work is in the realist and surrealist styles. Using a mixture of pencil, acrylic and oil, he creates rich images and stunning abstracts that are exceptionally unique, such that, once you view them for a period of time, a mysterious image is revealed under his continuous layers of lines and curves.

In 1982, Howard was commissioned by the City of Hollywood to create a mural. His popular image of the “Melrose Clown,” was not only seen in the community, but viewed in two major films, “The Last Dragon” and “Rhythm of The Night.”

As an emerging artist, Maurice credits renowned artist Charles Bibbs for his success today.

“Charles Bibbs has been my source of inspiration and motivation and I’m privileged to have this opportunity to work with an artist of his caliber.”

Maurice’s work has been well received at the following art venues: The Essence Artist Market in New Orleans, “The Artwalk at the Plaza,” Los Angeles, The Masks-UnMasked Exhibition, Riverside, and other local art venues.

For more info contact (951) 310-2176

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— If you know the difference between right and wrong, then you know what you need todo to please the Lord. No matter what others do, you know what you have to do.God makes this personal; the Bible says, “And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” [Galatians 6:9]. Doing right is not an option in theChristian life. James says, “Anyone, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. [James 4:17]. That means doing the right thing even when it doesn’t make sense. That means doing the right thing regardless of consequences. That means doing the right thing when everybody else is doing the wrong thing.Yeah, we live in a society today that wants us to conform: Conform to what they want and the way they want to live, but I want you to know today that we are called to be different. We are not called to fit in, but rather to stand out. [Romans 12:2] tells us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”.

I don’t know about you, but there’s something in my spirit that resonates with people who live by their convictions. There is something in my spirit that resonates with people who is willing to stand and say, No! I’m attracted to people who have that kind of courage and conviction. There is something magnificent about integrity, something beautiful and powerful. I am not talking about being perfect, because that is not going to happen. But character does matter, it matters a lot.

That is why I love me some Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They had a set of pre-determined convictions that they were not willing to compromise. The Word of God had become their moral compass.[Exodus 20]. They said, we’re not bending. They said we’ve made up our minds.We’re not going to be pressured, bribed, manipulated, or coerced. We’ve drawing a line in the sand and we are willing to even pay the ultimate price of losing our lives because we are so convinced of these convictions are from God. I tell you, there is something magnificent about integrity, something beautiful and powerful.  You can no longer go along with the crowd. Remember, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. [Matthew 12:36-37].

Choose today to be different.

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.[Proverbs 10:9]

Decide today that it’s over now. No more following the crowd. No more doing as the crowd do. You have been called to be set apart. Believers in Christ have been called to live this unique life and different lifestyle. Distinct, separate, not the same, out of the ordinary, unusual.  Christ was distinct, separate, out of the ordinary, and he called his followers to be like him. Any man or woman who accomplishes anything worthwhile must have the courage to live differently because they are marching to a different drummer and are not afraid to be out of step. I tell you, you can no longer go along with the crowd!

ByNaomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— In today’s day and age, when youth tend to deter off in the wrong direction, it is often times because they lack mentorship. People, and especially our youth, need that mentor to show them what they can achieve no matter what circumstances they may come from. Eugene Weems, founder of Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace (VG4VP) has been called to be that mentor. He started VG4VP in 2013 to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies to all people affected by disaster across the country and to help reduce the effects of crime, gang activity, and recidivism by positively impacting the lives of at-risk youth and troubled adults.

“We strive to provide relief to those who are in need of necessities, counseling or guidance,” Weem explains. “VG4VP also assists single parents in an effort to ensure their children a successful future”

VG4VP is accomplishing it’s mission by implementing a set of strategies and tactics designed to bring gang members out of the bondage of the gangsta’ lifestyle and mentality. 

“This is not an ego-driven call for a contest. I simply want to show the tools that VibrantGreen for Vibrant Peace has developed, and I want to offer them for your use.They work, they are effective, and they create change,” Weem stated.I was able to sit and down and chat with Weem where he discussed his inspiration behind starting VG4VP, future events that the organization is doing and a few other things that he has in the works.

Hollywood’s elite join invited guests to honor today’s heroes shaping society

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- LOSANGELES, CA— Some of Hollywood’s biggest names from film and televisionjoined more than 600 guests to celebrate today’s community champions andindustry titans from across the country at the annual EBONY Power 100Gala, presented by Nationwide, at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles onFriday, November 30.

The annual EBONY Power 100List recognizes the most influential and inspiring individuals from abroad spectrum of industry genres, across eight categories: CommunityCrusaders, Disruptors, Entertainment & Arts, Entrepreneurs, Innovators,MVPs, Power Players and the coveted Women Up category. Hundreds of guests descended on Beverly Hills for the EBONY Power 100 Gala, honoring those recognized in each category, for the star-studded spectacle attended by the who’s who in sports, entertainment, business, philanthropy, politics and social activism—hosted by internationally acclaimed actor and comedian ChrisTucker. Guests were encouraged to share their experience using #EBONYPower100.

Before the start ofthe gala, the world’s media lined a jam-packed red carpet, eagerly awaiting thearrival of some of today’s biggest names. A hand-picked selection of EBONYPower 100 industry honorees rubbed shoulders with acclaimed Hollywood celebritiesduring the red carpet arrivals ceremony, while dozens of guests registered fortheir table seating. Notable celebrities and high-profile personalities whoattended the gala, some of whom adorned the red carpet in effervescent gownsand bold tuxedos, included DavidOyelowo(Selma), Kat Graham (Vampire Diaries), Ne-Yo (singer), Chris Tucker (actor/comedian),Susan Kelechi Watson (This Is Us), Melanie Liburd (This Is Us), Bianca Lawson and KofiSiriboe (Queen Sugar)Dyllón Burnside,Hailie Sahar,Indya Moore and Steven Canals (Pose),Debra Lee (former CEO of BET), Ethiopia Habtemariam (Motown president), J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Sugar Ray Leonard (legendary boxer), Cedric Yarborough (actor), Ernie Hudson (actor), Cari Champion (ESPN), Mayor Andrew Gillum (Tallahassee, Florida), Mayor London Breed (San Francisco) and Mayor Stephen Benjamin (Columbia, South Carolina), Saweetie (singer), Hayley Law (actress), Marque Richardson (Dear White People), Israel Houghton (singer) and Adrienne Houghton (TV personality) Mehgan James (actress), Don Benjamin(model/musician), Amin Joseph (actor), Eva Marcille (actress/model), Deborah Ayorinde (actress), Courtney Kemp (co-creator, Power), and Symone Sanders (CNN), among others. Celebrity couplesin attendance included YolandaAdams (gospel singer), whoattended on the arm of honoree TitusO’Neil(WWE star), and CynthiaBailey (actress/model) joinedbeau Mike Hill (Fox Sports).

“This year’s EBONYPower 100 Gala was the most memorable to-date,” says EBONY Media OperationsCEO Michael Gibson. “This year wehonored the most eclectic group of outstanding individuals and prolific leaderswho represent excellence in their respective fields. The excitement on the redcarpet, leading up to the electrifying atmosphere in the ballroom reflected thetremendous attendance we had by Hollywood, professional athletes, politiciansand business leaders, not to mention the heroic community activists, all ofwhom have made a significant impact on our lives. I would like to thank each ofour 2018 Power 100 honorees, as well as our sponsors and readers for makingthis year’s event such a success.”

Following the introduction of actor ChrisTucker as the evening’s host, opening remarks were given by EBONY Media Operations Chairman Emeritus Linda Johnson Rice. Angela Bretz from Nationwide proceeded to introduce a heartfelt video about the legacy of EBONY Power 100. EBONY Media OperationsChairman and CEO MichaelGibson presented the inaugural EBONY Chairman’sAward to former BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee for her contribution to the broadcast industry. Susan Kelechi Watson and Melanie Liburd, actors from the hit TV show “This Is Us,” presented the honorees in the Women Up category, the first for the night, after which Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam proudly introduced the first label performance by JAMES DAVIS that struck a musical chord with the capacity crowd, who enjoyed their first dinner course while listening to the soul-rock fusion tracks performed by the three siblings.

The evening progressed with highly anticipated presentations of the remaining honorees in each of the eight categories that form the EBONY Power 100 List. GatheringSpot’s Ryan Wilson and TKPetersen presented the honorees video for the Disruptors category; Senior Vice President,Retirement Plans Distribution at Nationwide EricStevenson presented the honorees video for the CommunityCrusaders category; actor and comedian J.B. Smoove presented the honorees video for the Entrepreneurs category; Managing Director of LaborRelations & Legal Strategy for United Airlines Jessica Kimbrough presented the honorees video for theInnovators category; Vice Chairman of Ebony MediaOperations Willard Jackson presented the honorees video for the MVPs category; Lexus Advertising Manager Bruce Hines presented the honorees video for the Entertainment and Arts category, and EBONY Media OperationsChairman and CEO Michael Gibson returned to the stage to present the honorees video for the Power Players category. Linda Johnson Rice made a second appearance on stage to give a warm welcome speech for Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam, who was presented with the prestigious EBONYIcon Award to commemorate the label’s diverse and historic artistry.

Motown RecordsGeneral Manager Marc Byers appeared on stage to give an introduction to recording artist Ne-Yo, who graced the stage in a purple suit, complete with a foot brace that didn’t seem to hinder his exhilarating and unexpected four-track performance of his most popular tracks, including the hit single “Time of Our Lives.” The acclaimed artist was seen to weave among the seated gala guests, who stood and danced alongside his unrehearsed personal encounter. Following Chris Tucker’s closing remarks, guests made their way to the Nationwide Lounge to enjoy after-hours cocktails and classic beats by DJClark Kent. Chris Tucker was seen to be in a celebratory mood in theTerrace Room, while singing aloud to classic Motown tracks, as guests and celebrities alike danced with each other into the early hours. 

In celebration of those whose work and heroism continue to inspire and influence society, the publication announced its 2018 EBONY Power 100 List in October. For more than30 years, the EBONY Power 100 List has been curated by the editors of EBONY magazine and its staff, and is determined by the work, accomplishments and influential reach of each of the honorees. The complete 2018 EBONY Power 100List can be viewed by visiting www.ebony.com/power100-2018.

The EBONY Power 100Gala was hosted by EBONYFoundation and benefited theSickle Cell Disease Association of America. Learn more about sickle cell disease and donate by texting “EBONY” to 91011 and using #SCDHOPEWINS. Follow#EBONYPower100 on Instagram and Facebook.