WSSN Stories

If Cannabis is Legal in California, Why are so Many Minority Businesses Considered Illegal?

By Aubry Stone, California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- One of the great advantages of Proposition 64 – the 2016 ballot initiative that legalized adult use cannabis – was the idea that it could start to address the disproportionately negative impact of marijuana arrests among communities of color. This disparity is well documented. Just a few years ago, the American Civil Liberties Union reported that African Americans were nearly four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites, even though use of the drug was roughly equal among both populations.

Prop 64 not only promised to reduce or expunge certain past convictions, it also presented employment opportunities in the newly legalized cannabis industry as a gateway to the middle class for many underserved communities.

As the head of a statewide organization that supports many minority-owned cannabis businesses, I know firsthand that communities of color are not seeing the promised opportunities of this new marketplace being realized.

 

What It Do with the LUE: Breast Cancer Survivor, Quaneisha La-Faye Beavers

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Breast Cancer Survivor, Quaneisha La-Faye Beavers is What It Do!

What up IE and everybody! As we all know October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Last year I did a call out for models. I was so moved when Quaneisha La-Faye Beavers reached out to me to be featured in my column. She currently resides in San Bernardino, California but was born and raised in Merced, California.

Not allowing her circumstances to get the best of her, she decided to take charge and bring awareness to younger women about the importance of regular checkups. Quaneisha linked up with photographer, David Silvermoon and made magic in the studio. She wanted to show the world that it’s okay and you’re not alone.

This beautiful woman is truly an inspiration. Education is vital not just for women, but for men as well. It’s important to get checkups regularly. Mammograms are needed to detect early signs of breast cancer. Mammograms can spot breast cancer before a lump can be felt. Please take care of your health and get tested.

Until next week L’s!

More about Queen Quaneisha La-Faye Beavers:

Her hobbies include camping with her children, horseback riding and event planning. She currently works in the Medical Field, and her measurements are a 38 bust, 40 waist and hip 40. You can follow her on Instagram @pumpkin_pie31.

“There is an Old Saying: The Main Thing is to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing.”

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— I want you to know that as followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be constantly aware that the devil is out to destroy us. Revelation tells us Satan has declared all-out war on God’s saints. [Revelation 12:12]. While many Christians slumber at this midnight hour, just as Jesus predicted, the devil is working ferociously, making preparation for war. He is keenly aware of the short time he has to accomplish his evil purposes, so he gives his eyes no rest. That’s why Peter gives us this warning: Be sober, be diligent, because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour [1 Peter 5:8].

Listen, the devil knows he has only a short time left to work on you, and he’s going to try everything he can to keep you from answering God’s call! The gospel of Luke tells us of a father who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus. Christ told the father, Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and seized him [Luke 9:41-42].

This young man was coming to Christ about to be set free, translated out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light. The devil saw he was about to lose another victim. So, in a rage, he threw the young man to the ground in one last, violent attack. He wanted to kill him and take his soul before Jesus could deliver him!

Satan will try to do the same thing to you today. The moment you move toward Christ, he’ll attempt one last devouring attack. But let me remind you: The instant you move toward Jesus, the devil is rendered helpless. He can’t stop anyone who’s headed to Christ! He couldn’t keep the demon-possessed young man from reaching Jesus.

You can be free today. You can say to Satan, when I finish reading this message, I’m going to be a free person. Jesus is my Savior and he’s going to deliver me. Yes, I tell you, if you want to send Hell into a panic…. Give your life to Jesus.  You see from the moment the devil hears that knock on the door of your heart, until the time you open and receive Christ, all of Hell goes into a panic! Go ahead and make Hell tremble! Line up with God’s Word and will for your life. Let the Anointing of Jesus go forth from within you. All of Hell will tremble. And you will never be quite the same again. Be like Peter, one day that rock of a man struck fear in Satan’s kingdom! Why want you strike fear in Satan’s kingdom and give your life to Christ today…..Whatcha say?

And to those who are reading this- We must realize God has given us weapons to employ in the battle. We don’t have to stand by helplessly when our friends and loved ones are threatened or taken captive by the enemy. No, we are equipped to tear down the gates of Hell and bring them out. Jude tells us to “convince some who doubt; save some by snatching them out of the fire; on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” [Jude 22, 23, KJV]

Understand it is our job to do the snatching. Christ has shed His blood and He intercedes on our behalf incessantly. Our part is to pick up our weapons and go out against the powers of darkness and drive them off the land. Christ bought us with His own blood — we belong to Him. And so, by the same token, do all men. John said that Jesus “is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” [I John 2.2] No person is exempt from Christ’s work of salvation. What remains is for us to work with God — to fight the good fight that loosens Satan’s hold on lost men and women and compels them to come into the banquet hall.

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. [1 John 3:8]

Catch the Bus for Michelle Obama’s Book Tour, ‘Becoming’ in November

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA— Live Nation and the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, announced the fall 2018 dates for Michelle Obama’s live U.S. book tour events in support of her highly anticipated memoir, BECOMING.

Produced by Live Nation, the 10-city U.S. tour will kick off in Mrs. Obama’s home town of Chicago on Tuesday, November 13, and will feature intimate and honest conversations between Mrs. Obama and a selection of to-be-announced moderators, reflective of the extraordinary stories shared in the wide-ranging chapters of her deeply personal book.

Simultaneous to this announcement, Mrs. Obama released a video over her social media channels.

Attendees will hear firsthand Mrs. Obama’s intimate reflections on the experiences and events, both public and private, that have shaped her, from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her years spent at the most famous address in the world. Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America – the first African-American to serve in that role – she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world.

In candidly recounting moments from her own extraordinary journey, Mrs. Obama will also share life lessons learned and inspire people to become the very best version of themselves.

Michelle Obama and Live Nation will also be donating 10 percent of every show’s tickets to various organizations including, but not limited to, local charities, schools, and community groups in each city the tour visits. Those fans will receive free admission to the tour stop in their city.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public starting Friday, September 21 at 10 a.m. local time at BecomingMichelleObama.com. To ensure tickets get in to the hands of fans and not scalpers or bots, the tour will utilize Ticketmaster’s Verified FanÒ platform. Fans can register now through Tuesday, September 18 at 10 p.m. PT HERE for free access to the Ticketmaster Verified FanÒ pre-sale, which will allow registered fans to purchase tickets before the general public on Thursday, September 20 from 10 a.m. local time to 10 p.m. local time. A limited number of VIP meet and greet packages with former First Lady Michelle Obama will be available at Ticketmaster.com.

“I’ve spent the last year and a half reflecting on my story as deeply and honestly as I could, and now I’m thrilled to travel the country and do the same with readers this fall,” said Michelle Obama about her upcoming tour. “I hope that this tour will inspire others to reflect upon and share their own stories—all the joys and sorrows, all the scars and renewals—so that together, we can better recognize that each of us, in our own way, is in a constant process of becoming.”

“We are honored to be part of these special events with former First Lady Michelle Obama,” said Tara Traub, Senior Vice President of Live Nation Touring. “Hearing her share her story in person will be a memorable life experience for attendees of the Becoming tour and one that will help encourage people to find their own voice and pursue their dreams for a better future—for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

BECOMING will be released on November 13 in the U.S. and Canada by the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, as well as in 28 languages around the world. An audio edition of the book, read by Mrs. Obama, will be simultaneously issued in digital and physical formats by Penguin Random House Audio.

BECOMING: AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH MICHELLE OBAMA DATES:

  • Los Angeles, CA-The Forum Saturday, November 17th
  • Washington, DC Capital One Arena Saturday, November 24th
  • Boston, MA TD Garden, Thursday, November 29
  • Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center Saturday, December 1
  • Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center Tuesday, December 11
  • Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena Thursday, December 13
  • Denver, CO Pepsi Center Arena Friday, December 14
  • San Jose, CA SAP Center Monday, December 17
  • Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

What It Do with the LUE: Couples in the Industry

Husband and wife duo of Ultimate West, Eazy and Queen Vee

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Couples in the industry is What It Do! These days I’m seeing more couples putting it down together in the music industry. How awesome it is to be able to be married to the one you love while building an empire!

This week I am happy to feature my friends Hip-Hop Group Ultimate West. I just love how they work so well together. The music that they bring to the game is refreshing. Please learn more about this Hip-Hop couple below.

Ultimate West consist of members Eazy and Queen Vee. Eazy is from San Bernardino, California and Queen Vee is from West Covina, California.

Eazy is an artist, producer, featured DJ and owner of Ultimate West Entertainment for the group. Queen Vee is an artist, owner of Exqusite Moments Photobooth, graphic designer and owner of Ultimate West Entertainment.

They formed 2013 and since have performed in different states and cities in California, Nevada, New York and Baja, California (Mexico). The duo puts out great Techno and Hip Hop that all ages can dance to. It does not have any explicit content.

When the duo hits the stage, it really excites people. They have opened up and met several celebrities throughout their music career.

“Its’ all about being different from other artists and groups,” the dup states. “Before we perform on stage, we always praise our God in front of everybody. We had made a promise to God and to ourselves that we will be humble to our families, friends, fans and supporters.”

Google Ultimate West Entertainment and all of their social media handles will come up. They thank our God for all his blessings that he has given to them!

For business inquires, contact them at (424) 281-9817 or email them at ultimatewestent.01@gmail.com.

Bottomline: Mom said, ”If I catch you in a lie, I can only wonder how many I have missed you in…”

Publisher’s Commentary By Wallace J. Allen IV

Judge Kavanaugh’s schoolmates have declared that while in high school he was drunk enough to puke his guts several times with witnesses… Judge Kavanaugh says he does not remember being drunk as stated. He has additionally stated that he did not attempt to forcefully disrobe Dr. Ford at a party while they were both drunk.  The judge has indicated that he was never drunk while in high school. However, Judge Kavanaugh and his classmates have exposed their affection for wild drinking parties in their yearbook, casual and income generating writings and in recent conversations… Enough has been said about their drunken conduct to suggest that someone is lying… Either the judge when he says he did not get drunk at all, or his classmates when they say that he did. If all of the classmates are lying, we need to know!  If the judge is lying, is he qualified to sit on the highest court in the land?…

What if the judge is lying? At this point that seems to be a serious possibility!  I think that the drunken acts of high school students should not be held against them for life… However, lying about  things that seriously affect and effect other people is extremely serious, especially if the lying one is being considered for a lifetime job that depends on that person’s honesty as well as their passion for the law and their compassion for the good of our country!  

There needs to be an independent investigation of each of the charges of sexual abuse regarding Judge Kavanaugh. The endorsement of Judge Kavanaugh by President Donald P-Grabbing Trump adds to my concern!

 

Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation Presents ‘Tragedies to Triumph’

6th Annual Women’s Wellness Conference was a success!

By Angela M. Coggs

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— On Saturday, September 8, Young Women Empowerment Foundation (YWE) hosted their sixth Annual Women’s Wellness Conference at San Bernardino Community Hospital in the Henderson Auditorium located at 1805 Western Avenue in San Bernardino from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. YWE invited family, friends, faith-based organizations, students and community supporters to their augural event that focused on emotional and physical health and wellness. It was a free event for women in the Inland Empire, although there were several men in attendance.

1. Gwen Rodgers (YWE Founder and CEO) and Eloise Gómez Reyes (California’s 47th Assembly District)

This year’s theme was Tragedies to Triumph. It refers to recovery and resiliency. When horrific things happen, how a person responds can make a difference in the rest of one’s life. During the wellness conference attendees learned how some individuals triumphed in the face of unspeakable tragedies. Another component of the event was acknowledging the importance of self-care.

The featured speakers included Spring Eatmon, Nina Torres, Tina Darling, Patricia A. Gonzales (Natural Health Educator) and Wendy Whitmore (LMFT/ Clinical Life Coach/CEO Truth Healing Evolution Counseling). The diverse group of speakers provided the perfect combination of knowledge and resiliency. They represented the most effective group of women who could deliver their message with compassion and decorum. Each speaker allowed time for questions at the end of their segments and they did not disappoint.

2. Speaker Spring Eatmon and Gwen Rodgers (YWE Founder and CEO)

Vickie Lee and Madeline Freeman performed an emotional and riveting dialogue that centered on a real-to-life situation regarding health issues and grief and loss. Lee’s performance brought many of the attendees to tears because so many resonated with her familiar story. It took the engaged audience into a deep and personal look inside a medical issue that is preventable yet so many of us ignore the warning signs.

“Their stories were so impactful. Sadly, I’ve experience both,” exclaimed one of the attendees at the conference.

It was an eventful and interactive conference. The women in attendance had the opportunity to participate in interactive demonstrations and hear life changing testimonials from other women about self-care, tragedies, and triumphs.

3. Attendee Tamika Casey and Dr. Margaret Hill, San Bernardino City Unified School District Board Member

In addition to providing useful self-care and wellness information at the conference, the attendees was also invited to get physical during the live line dance demonstrations by Heart and Soul’s Linda Gibbs. The line dance demonstrations has been a huge success for the past three years and this year was no different. Gibbs energetic personality match her energetic performance. Everyone participated in the dancing segment and enjoyed the heart pumping activity.

The event was sponsored by San Bernardino Community Hospital and Kaiser Permanente. Special acknowledgement to The San Bernardino Symphony for donating several sets of tickets to the eager audience and Crown Wigs & Beauty Supply for donating several big gift baskets filled with hair accessories and products for raffle prizes. Nebu & Co. raffled off a beautiful wig to an excited and thankful attendee. Additionally, gift cards and the beautiful centerpieces from each table were also given out as raffle prizes.

There were several vendors at the event that provided samples, information, as well as products for purchase, as the attendees visited the booths thought out the conference. The vendors included:

  • Shalikah Skeete- Mindful Complexions
  • Dorothy Jarmon- Artistic Flow (jewelry and clothing)
  • Ipyani Lockert- Motivational Realizations/ Mama’s Tea Cakes
  • County of San Bernardino Workforce and Employment
  • Ceara Holloway- Riverside/San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc.
  • Staci Leak- Nebu & Co.  
  • Valley Star Counseling Services
  • William Long – Option House San Bernardino
  • Brenda Sutton- Paparazzi Jewelry/ Sutton Insurance Services

YWE serves to strengthen the character of young women of high school age in the San Bernardino City region of the Inland Empire in Southern California. Young Women’s Empowerment was founded by CEO Gwendolyn Dowdy- Rodgers. The mission of our program is to empower these young women to achieve at their highest potential, particularly in education, and to instill in them a commitment to return to their community as leaders and mentors.

The Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) is dedicated to strengthening the self-esteem, character, integrity and capacity of young women ages 12-21 so that they may achieve their highest potential. YWE accomplishes its purpose through strategic partnerships with other organizations. YWE is guided by ethics and principles which exhibit respect for cultural diversity.

“I Tell You…There Is A Danger in Missing the Message!”

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— As unpopular as it may be, it behooves us to take heed to the message. You see, despite the fact that the people mocked Jeremiah and God because it seemed that Jeremiah brought nothing but God’s sad news of condemnation. This sad news was the truth. Jeremiah may have been tempted to leave out the parts that would turn his audience against him, would sound too harsh, or would make him sound like a traitor. But by God’s command, he was not to delete parts of God’s message to suit himself, his audience, or the circumstances in which he found himself. [Jeremiah 26:2]. I tell you, there is a danger in missing the message!

Early in the reign of Jehoiakim/son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the Lord. “This is what the Lord says: Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen, and each will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done. Say to them, “This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again [though you have not listen], then I will make your house like Shiloh and your city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth…” Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. [Jeremiah 26:1-6; 13]

I tell you God is still merciful and patient, and will always give warning to His people before He performs His mighty acts. Know that the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. [2 Peter 3:3-5]… God is not slack! We must under that! He will perform His good work, and will bring His word to pass! And He says that He does not want any of us to perish, but that we should all come to repentance! God’s Word is full of warning for His people, if we will only heed.

In [Matthew 24:32-35] Jesus said that when we see world events now occurring, we are to know that this end is very near. Yet of the day and hour we cannot know. Yet when it strikes it will strike suddenly, unexpectedly, like a trap that springs shut on a hapless rat without warning. So the message today for God’s people and nations, is to Wake up! Be reminded and become aware of these things which will soon affect every single one of us! Time will not just “continue on” the way it has, so says the Bible. But before all this happens, and even as it begins to happen, God is faithful, and His Word says that someone will see [Ezekiel 33:3] the sword coming upon the land, and this someone is commanded to give warning or indeed lose his own life also!

Listen, God invited Noah and his family aboard the ark with the words, “Enter the ark.” [Genesis 7:1]. That’s His invitation to you today. God has not yet closed the door of salvation. At the end of the Bible, after warning of the judgment to come, God’s final appeal is, “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost” [Revelation 22:17]. But lest you put it off, the Bible goes on in the next to the last verse to warn, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly” [Revelation 22:20].

 I tell you, Jesus is coming to judge the earth; He invites you to come aboard before He comes to close the door. Come to Christ now! A call of mercy before judgment!  Jesus said in [Genesis 6], “My spirit shall not always strive with man…. Will you heed the warning?

“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eight person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly.” [2 Peter 2:4-6] do you see what the Lord is telling us here. It is a warning to us that we should not follow in their footsteps by practicing the same sins, Otherwise, we will be destroyed too when Jesus returns. “I tell you… There is a Danger in Missing the Message!”

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…..” [Deuteronomy 30:19]

The Pan African Film Festival Is Accepting Submissions

Official deadline extended to September 30, 2018

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-LOS ANGELES, CA—- The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), the largest and most prestigious Black film festival in the US, is accepting film submissions – narratives, documentaries, features, shorts, live action and animation. The Official Submission deadline has been extended to September 30, 2018. Enter today at www.paff.org/festivals/paff-la/submissions/ or on Film Freeway.

Now in its 27th year, The Pan African Film Festival will be held February 7 to February 18, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. As always, it will be an amazing showcase of more than 170 films made by and/or about people of African descent, from the U.S., Africa and its Diaspora. PAFF also includes informative panel discussions, workshops, special screenings, guest speakers, red carpets and other festivities.

PAFF has served as a launchpad for some of today’s most successful and relevant filmmakers. Directors Malcolm Lee, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Ava Duvernay had early films in the festival. Actors David Oyelowo and Nate Parker have been actively involved. “Think Like a Man” and Bill Duke’s “Dark Girls” premiered at PAFF. Celebrity sightings are not unusual at PAFF.

At the February 2018 festival, PAFF hosted a special preview screening of “Black Panther.” Its star, Chadwick Boseman, also stopped in at PAFF.

“PAFF is the film festival for serious filmmakers who are passionate about telling their stories,” says PAFF co-founder and Executive Director Ayuko Babu. “PAFF opens doors and connects you to the heart of Hollywood. There is no other festival on earth like the Pan African Film Festival,” he said.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has designated PAFF as an official qualifying film festival for live action and animation short films.

Late submissions are accepted but incur increased fees. Avoid the higher fees and take advantage of the extended deadline. Submit now at www.paff.org/festivals/paff-la/submissions/

The Late Submission deadline is now Oct. 1 – Oct. 15. Extended Late Submission deadline is Oct. 16 – Nov. 5. For submissions after Nov. 5, please contact submissions@paff.org.

 

Temptations…’Ain’t Too Proud to Beg’ (Life and Times of The Temptations)

Tina Knowles (mother of artist Beyoncé Knowles) chats with
HDIV News Editor Barbara James

By B. James/L. Traiger, HDIV News

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- HIGH DESERT, CA—-‘Ain’t to Proud to Beg’..A powerful and immersive musical experience that is visually stimulating with the cast stepping and harmonizing to the amazing Motown beats. The entire audience is their stage and you are seated in their neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. A seamless flow of memorable soulful music and artistic style will leave you feeling nostalgic–all night long. Therefore, sit back and enjoy a taste of Motown music! 

Aint Too Proud to Beg, My Girl, Heard it through the Grapevine, Just my imagination, The way you do the things you do, I wish it would rain, Get Ready, I’m gonna make you love me, Cloud Nine, Ball of Confusion, I Can’t Get Next to you- All these iconic songs, and more were performed, and many got full on sweaty soul stirring, stunning vocals, and fantastically choreographed production numbers that kept the show moving and the audience dancing in their seats. 

HDIV News Editor Barbara James with Otis Williams-Temptations

Derrick (Otis Williams), starts with the back story and the rise of the most successful crossover R&B group in history, with Derrick (Otis) seamlessly pivoting between fourth wall narrator and being himself in the story as it unfolds. Of course the story weaves through the Temps rise to the top and also interweaves the African American experience in the 60s including violence against the group as they were touring the deep south and their bus being shot at by the KKK, also the racial unrest in Detroit.  Also narrating their experience of the shocking murder of Dr King, singing ‘Oh How I Wish that it Would Rain’. The storyline highlighted their desire to speak up in the late 60s through their songs, while often clashing with their mentor and record producer Berry Gordy. Gordy often expressed that music and politics should be separated.

Motown CEO Barry Gordy with actress
Debbie Allen

The Temptations were among the first black crossover artists to make it big on white Top 40 radio stations and on television, playing “American Bandstand” and “The Ed Sullivan Show” in the early 1960s – along with girl group mega-act The Supremes (and, yes, we hear “Baby Love”..an astounding rendition of the Supremes memorable top tunes ). The Vietnam War, too, gets riveting  emotional promotion with just the brief number “War.”

Keeping all this song and dance production moving is the impeccable cast led by Derrick Baskin as Temptations patriarch Otis Williams. James Harkness plays baritone and choreographer Paul Williams, whose tragic story plays out in the second act. Jawan Jackson as deep-voiced bass Melvin “Blue” Franklin, plays the peacemaker of the group. As Eddie Kendricks, Jeremy Pope lends his energetic falsetto singing style to the role. Ephraim Sykes, a former Ailey II dancer, gives

Musical artist John Legend attends opening night

David Ruffin, the early standout lead, plenty of flashy dance moves, including James Brown-like jazz splits, and a egotistical attitude. The group is clad in sharply tailored suits and ensembles filled with the vibrant colors, sequins and shiny sharkskin fabrics that made the 1960s and ‘70s such a definitive fashion era. The clothes, in this case, did make the men: image was essential, noted Berry Gordy (Jahi Kearse), who insisted they always appear as clean-cut gentlemen.

Huge kudos to the remarkable orchestra who played on point and played every Motown hit impeccably.

‘Ain’t Too Proud’, reaches for and succeeds in attaining the artistic excellence and entertainment levels of many outstanding musical stage productions. Don’t miss this superb performance playing at the Ahmanson Theatre until September 30, 2018. Visit www.Ahmansontheater.net/events for tickets.