WSSN Stories

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—“Are ye yet without understanding [Matthew 15:16-20]? Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? Do you not know that if anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him? The temple of God is holy…. [1 Corinthians 3:16-17]. What an embarrassment to God and to the Church! What a disgrace to the Cross! Jesus Christ died not only for our soul and spirit, but also our body. Being involved in any act that defiles God’s temple attracts serious judgment of God. You better know that you know!

Justifying smoking Marijuana by saying, “but the “Doctor,” says it will cure my disease, and it do relieve my pain.” You dare not justify your unholiness or make excuses for it.  God commands, “Be ye holy!”What part of that do you not understand?And what happened to believing the Word of God that says, “By His Stripes You Are healed. Why want you just tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth; you like getting high! You like the way Marijuana makes you feel. Talking ‘bout, it relieve your pain! Naw, what it does is numb your brain which causes you to think it relieves your pain.  Killer Bud!Don’t you know as Solomon said; it is difficult enough in life to resist Satan and keep God’s commandments when one has all of their wits about them. How much more do you think it is when you are all “K.G.B?”

“I tell you the most blatant form of sorcery in the book of Revelation is the multi-BILLION dollar pharmaceutical-medical industry, which just happens to be one of the biggest frauds being perpetrated today. And maybe you never thought of this, but you should know that drug use opens you up to spiritual attacks. There are specific demonic spirits associated with liquor and marijuana and cocaine and heroin, and opium, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and any mixture of drugs, etc., and every time you use these substances, you could unknowingly be opening the doorway for these demonic spirits to come into your life. Leaving yourself wide open to demonic possession. How can God use you as a witness to others if you have no self-control, are setting a bad example to others, and are behaving just like the world? God’s Word tells us that for us to be used by God; we must be sober and avoid intoxicating substances. Substance abuse is dangerous and detrimental – physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.  Why want you pass instead of puff!

Take the steps to cleanse yourself of all filthiness of the flesh that you may present yourself without spot or wrinkle before Jesus when he comes in glory. He is coming soon!

By Marisol Beas | California Black Media

 (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)——Leo Hickman, the founder of Classy Hippie Tea Company, has been in business for seven years. Hickman said under the current economy “there is monetary value, even if you are losing” because Trump “just put in tax breaks for owners,” the American Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, that can be written off.

The American Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in December and will have some benefits to small business owners. The National Federation of Independent Business  says small business owners will be able to file as “pass through entities,” which allows owners to file and pay as an individual.

In addition, the NFIB says business owners can deduct up to 20 percent of claimable income. According to the NFIM, taxpayers will not have to file deductions to claim the deduction, “and may simultaneously claim this deduction and the standard deduction.” 

Hickman said he started his tea company after backpacking around the world. He noticed how all of the different cultures sat over tea and talked about the community, and how “from there at a community level you could activate and start changing the community.”

Hickman says that although the Trump economy is helping his business the system was “not built for us.” But he believes that African Americans are not “excluded, where [they] are included is in the programs as workers and the laborer” but that “you have to figure out a way to get access to get to the other side.”

Once you are there Hickman says, “There is going to be bigotry, racism, and hatred that will try to keep you where you are at… but you have to figure out how to bubble up.” Because Hickman says, “If you are going to be in this country you have to be about money.”

Hickman says there are no actual losses when you can write things off, “that’s why this side is set up for them, it was built for you to take a risk.” But Hickman says that African Americans need to “take the small risk of…thirty five dollars to get your business filed,” because if you don’t “we miss out on a couple hundred grand.” 

“You are creating your own economy… it comes down to how much effort you are going to put into educating yourself, and it opens up the world; that’s were freedom lies.”

Cheryl Brownlee, the CEO of CB Communications, started her small business 20 years ago. Now, under the Trump economy Brownlee said, “A lot of things [African American business owners] had the opportunity to be a part of before are changing” and those “opportunities are being taken away.”

Brownlee started her business 20 years ago in her living room as an idea, launching CB communications officially in 2000. CB Communications has partnered with organizations like The Black Advocates for State Services, Café De California, The International Black Women’s Policy Institute, and the California Black Expo.

“We started out…in Sacramento and now we are international,” Brownlee said, working in countries like “Belize, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and [now] Ghana.”

Brownlee and Hickman’s businesses are clear cases of success but perhaps anomalies in the Trump economy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics projects the growth rate of the Black labor force to be slower than the growth rate of the black population between 2018-2026. Furthermore, the overall labor force of Black Americans has been on the decline and is between 5.4 percent-10.1 percent in California.

Brownlee said, “I don’t think that when you are a small business. You have many resources” they are “limited.” The Guidant Financial Small Business Trends and Statistics show that 67 percent of small business owners face the lack of capital, marketing, and advertising efforts.

African American small businesses exist in California but a majority of them are not certified in the State, Brownlee stated. “The small business administration …[found] that there is ten thousand African American businesses in the state of California.”

Brownlee said the Black Chamber of Commerce is making efforts to find the business owners to help them get registered. Brownlee said this is important because this gives African American business owners the “opportunity to be on the list, so when individuals are looking for businesses they can be contracted.”

Under the Trump economy, Brownlee says, it is “big businesses [who take] contracts and if they want to work with small business they may work with small women owned businesses, not African American women, just to meet that check box.” According to the Public Law Research Institute this check box is the federal preferences in public employment, contracting, and education based on ethnicity to eradicate discrimination. “In business, the mindset is the same… racism is becoming blatantly more open” Brownlee said.

“It’s really hard” for small minority businesses, there has to be “organizations advocating on your behalf, to show the value” of African American businesses Brownlee said.

African American businesses need more access to education and tools, Brownlee stated. We need to have “more partnerships” within the African American community.

African American business owners “have to be more conscious, more aware, because we are not going to survive in this administration or any administration really going forward, unless we really understand what business is.”

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Fifty student leaders with the Sierra Club’s youth chapter gathered outside the Nestle Bottling Facility in Cabazon, CA today to protest the company’s privatization of public water resources. They awarded Nestle with a “#1 Water Thief Award” in a mock recognition ceremony, noting that the company has been diverting water from national forests using an expired permit.

“Nestle doesn’t have a right to claim that this water is theirs to profit off of. Water should be a human right, not something that international corporations can exploit from our communities,” said Sam Rodriguez, youth leader with the Sierra Student Coalition from San Bernardino.

Nestle has withdrawn 62.6 million gallons of water per year for the past 68 years for bottling, all from public sources. While California remains in a historic drought and local residents face mandatory water restrictions, Nestle continues to divert publicly-owned resources. Sierra Club youth activists cited corporate privatization and climate change as factors that have exacerbated ongoing water shortages in California and around the world.

“Nestle is taking water from our communities and then trying to sell it back to us for profit, while also worsening environmental degradation with plastic water bottles and packaging, and a pipeline that goes through the forest,” said Erika Ruiz, San Bernardino resident and youth leader with the Sierra Student Coalition. “It’s a danger to our generation’s future and an insult to our communities.”

More information and petition language at sc.org/Nestle

Live video and photos at facebook.com/SierraStudent

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Your favorite BBW Contestant is What It Do! Cast your vote for your favorite selfie! LUE PRODUCTIONS 2018 BBW/Plus Size Model Competition is almost here.

As a part of the competition, each contestant took a selfie wearing a white t-shirt or tank top. The selfie with the most votes by Friday, August 24 at 5 p.m. will be our online selfie winner and will be recognized at the competition on the Red Carpet, Sunday, August 26 at 5 p.m.

As of right now, Jasmine Hall contestant number 8 is taking the lead with 654 votes with contestant number 4 Casandra Greer right behind her with 624 votes.

You can vote for your favorite by visiting our event page on Facebook. Please don’t miss this entertaining and exciting event happening right here in the beautiful City of San Bernardino, my hometown.

Tickets can be purchased now by texting (909) 567-1000 or inboxing LUE PRODUCTIONS. The evening will bring awareness to domestic violence. Break the silence! Please Report Abuse. Until next week L’s!

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—“Because warning comes before destruction and you have been warned, says the Lord!” 

I want you to know that when Noah and Lot warned their respective people of God’s coming judgment and destruction, the people would not listen. Instead they treated Noah and Lot as “extremists.” Then the destruction that did come found the people unprepared.  As in the days of Noah and Lot, the soon return of the Lord will be a snare unto the people who do not heed the warning and give their lives to Christ. [Luke 17:26-30]. I tell you, this world is hearing and seeing the last warning message from God. [Joel 3:14]. PLEASE HEED GOD’S – FINAL WARNING AND CALL OF MERCY!

You see, throughout the Bible God has always given mankind a chance to repent. He would send a warning through one of His messengers. God is still sending warnings. “He, who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.”

I want you to know that in [Revelation 7] God suddenly holds up the plagues of the Day of the Lord, UNTIL certain events happen — the sealing of the 144,000 and the emergence of the Laodicean Church. He has held events back before. Yet he says that, when HIS time comes, he will make a speedy work in the end time and cut his work short.

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 — even at the doors. Yet of the day and hour [verse 36] 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 question is, has ANYTHING changed in that warning? And the answer is, absolutely NOT! If anything, we should be able to SEE how much CLOSER we are to these things being fulfilled, and fulfilled SUDDENLY at ANY time!

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 Word of God.

“… 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!”

Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among you. [Jeremiah 6: 18].

 The Trumpet is sounding……who will hear?

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set beore you life and death, blessing anf cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live…” [Deuteronomy 30:19].

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA —- Band of Vices Art Gallery is thrilled to announce Process and Materials, the new solo exhibition by artist Sharon Louise Barnes. Featuring over a dozen new abstract sculptures and multimedia works on canvas, the salvaged objects that comprise this new body of work become Barnes’ vehicle to explore the subjects of marginalization, social class and willpower, while the process of creating them connects her to her heritage as an African American. Process and Materials will be on view from July 6 to August 4, 2018, with an Opening Reception on July 6 from 6pm to 9pm. Barnes will hold an Artist Talk at the gallery on July 28, 2018 at 4 p.m.

Process and materials are essential elements of any artists’ practice, whether that be painting on canvas or creating sculpture. Over the course of her creative career, which has included everything from music to visual art, Barnes has turned the creation of her sculptures into an alchemical practice that allows her to find hope and transformation in the struggle to work with rough and salvaged materials.

“By using industrial materials that might normally be held in a laborer’s hands, as well as an array of discarded materials that can be found on city streets, my abstract works are both conceptual and aesthetic,” explains Barnes. “They look outward into society, opening dialogs about marginalization, about how we determine value, and the potency of change. They also speak to my African American heritage where people built something from very little or nothing, and demonstrated the power to transform one’s condition through the exercise of will.”

The recurring motif of cloud and tree-like formations made of interwoven strips of roofing paper appears in suspended sculpture pieces like “She Wove Constellations Through Her Dreadlocks” and “Humming in the Night.” “Viewpoints: A Verité” juxtapose found photo transfers with abstract acrylic and mixed media backgrounds. The visceral works are a coalescence of passions she’s been exploring as an artist for almost two decades.

“On this creative path, nothing has been more remarkable in my memory than when my fifth grade teacher gave me the tools of perspective drawing to create the illusion of reality, or when my African American Art History professor, renowned artist Dr. Samella Lewis, exposed me to the visual artists of the Black Arts Movement,” says Barnes. “These instances truly changed my life because they brought me to understand both the sheer magic of art and its unrestrained power to communicate.”

Band of Vices is located at 5376 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016.

OPENING RECEPTION

July 6, 2018 | 6pm – 9pm

ARTIST TALK

July 28, 2018 | 4pm

ON VIEW

July 6, 2018 – August 4, 2018

BAND OF VICES

5376 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016

About Sharon Barnes

Sharon Barnes is an American artist of African American and Cape Verdean descent, who has been exhibiting professionally since the turn of the millennium.

Barnes was inspired to create visual art as a young college student by her art history professor, Dr. Samella Lewis, who introduced her to the artists of the Black Arts Movement. In addition to her art studies, Ms. Barnes earned a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in video and film. Her work has been exhibited in major cities of the United States and in the Republic of Panama, including the California African American Museum, Los Angeles Municipal Gallery at Barnsdall, Aqua Art Miama and the Arco Chato in Panama.

About Band of Vices

Band of Vices Art Gallery, one of the leading spaces in the emerging West Adams arts district, was founded in 2015 by professional actor and art curator Terrell Tilford. His first gallery, Tilford Art Group (1999-2010) was originally in Mid-City, Los Angeles. Tilford rebranded the gallery as Band of Vices to concentrate programming on emerging and mid-career artists whose work gives voice to the voiceless. Recognizing the importance of cultivating future leaders, curators, artists, and civic patrons, Band of Vices has partnered with the Los Angeles Promise Funds’ LA Promise Charter School of South Central Los Angeles to ensure that every young scholar and instructing leader has the opportunity to be exposed to the full diversity of the international art world.  

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Several notable celebrities, community leaders and entertainers descended on the city of New Orleans once again to attend the 15th Annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards, held today at the Ritz Carlton, New Orleans. They were joined by attendees from across that nation who converged to recognize this year’s recipients of the distinguished awards, including popular Political Commentator Symone Sanders, renown actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, Black Girls CODE CEO Kimberly Bryant and next generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator Monique Vann-Brown. Additionally, college philanthropist Tishauna Wilson was recognized alongside this lineup to receive a $10,000 McDonald’s HBCU Forward Scholarship, facilitated by Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

McDonald’s 365Black Awards take place annually to honor outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community. The program launched in 2003 as an extension of the company’s 365Black platform, created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year-round. Held in conjunction with ESSENCE Festival™ presented by Coca-Cola®, the event was hosted by actress Essence Atkins.

R&B singer Dave Hollister gave a dynamic performance during the awards. Presenters included actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery, actor Larenz Tate, actress Bresha Webb, media personality Tai Beauchamp and McDonald’s Owner/Operator Tanya Holliday. Award-winning gospel artists Fred Hammond and JJ Hairston also made appearances.

TV personality and model Cynthia Bailey brought her large social media following along to the event, posting live from the ceremony. Other celebrity attendees included actor Lance Gross, award-winning talk show host, Loni Love and R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn, among others.

 “It was a privilege to witness and take part in the celebration of our outstanding female honorees. Their accomplishments reflect the tenets of our 365Black platform,” said Kenny Mitchell, McDonald’s U.S. Vice President of Brand Marketing & Content. “Our 15 year-long partnership with ESSENCE and continuation of the 365Black Awards affirms our commitment to celebrating everyday people who are doing extraordinary things to positively move Black Forward.”

Those who were unable to attend the ceremony can follow @365Black on Twitter for commentary on the awards and join the conversation on all social platforms using #365BlackAwards.

To view more photos, please click here. 

JT Turner

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Laughter in the High Desert is What it Do! Actor and Comedian J.T. Turner is a true talent!

I had the pleasure of meeting J.T. while supporting another comic friend at a show. From the moment he walked on stage, I was cracking up and so was the audience. His set up and delivery seems so effortless.

J.T. has opened up for some of the greats such as: Steve Harvey, Joe Torry, Tommy Davison, Renaldo Ray, Shang, G-Thang and many more. Having hosting skills, he’s hosted for 112, Boys II Men, E-40 and Chris Brown concerts, as well as community, corporate and private events.

Comedian J.T. Turner has the comedy game on lock in the High Desert. Every Thursday and Friday you can relax at the Green Tree in Victorville and get your comic fill with him as your host and other talented comics on the line-up. All the comics have either been on BET’s Comic View, Comedy Central and have performed at the IMPROV, Laugh Factory, Ice House and several other popular venues.

This year he will serve as LUE Productions event host on Sunday, August 26 for their Annual BBW/Plus Size Model Competition bringing awareness to domestic violence. This comedian’s star is rising higher and higher. His TV credits include: “Laughs” on the FOX Network and the movie “Cheaper to Keep Her” (2017).  Follow him!

Catch me next week L’s!

Photo Credit: Earl Gibson

By Barbara James

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— On Monday, July 2, we laid to rest Joseph Jackson, the patriarch and former manager of one the most talented and legendary families of all times, the Jackson’s. His controversial legacy by some, shall remain interfused with his epithet being “an extremely harsh disciplinarian, womanizer and also perhaps engaging with mercenary motives.”  Whether these statements are true or false, the facts that can be unanimously agreed upon is the legendary Joe Jackson successfully raised and produced one of the most prominently talented musical families throughout history. 

Janet Jackson lovingly stated prior to the funeral services, “Joseph, my incredible Father, drove us all to be the best that we can be and for that I am truly grateful.”

I had many red carpet moments with Joseph Jackson throughout the years, and they will remain as fond memories for our entire staff. Mr. Jackson, (though he insisted upon being called Joe), was always an extremely jovial, flamboyant and humorous individual throughout each interview. His eyes would instantly light up when asked questions regarding his children and grandchildren. Joseph Jackson embraced the ‘Black Media’ with candor and endearment, always reminding us that only we, can tell the true stories of our families and communities in which we live and strive daily. Jackson entertained us with sharing his most cherished thoughts and sentiments each time we met. 

Saturday, March 24, would probably be one of the last Red Carpet events for the 89 year old music icon. Joseph Jackson graced the 2018 Stellar Awards Red Carpet at the Orleans Casino in Las Vegas speaking with HDIV News Editor, Barbara James. Jackson was filled with excitement and humor as always when Barbara James asked,

“Why did you choose to attend one of the greatest gospel music events this evening?” Mr. Jackson smiling profusely replied, “I love gospel music. “

“It is the music that I grew up with and have thoroughly enjoyed over and above all music.” He further commented, “The Gospel Stellar Awards is the only event that you will leave, not feeling the same way that you came.”

“It is one of the most inspiring musical events ever.”

He then proceeded to give her a strong embrace, as he continued towards the backdrop for perhaps one of his last photo opportunities.  

LaToya Jackson delivered a loving tribute to him. “I will always love you!” “You gave us strength, you made us one of the most famous families in the world. I am extremely appreciative of that, I will never forget our moments together and how you told me how much you cared.” 

Michael Jackson credited his father with making sure his children weren’t cheated by industry vultures, and noted that unlike some child stars, his parents didn’t take their children’s money to enrich themselves.

“I’d say we’re among a fortunate few artists who walked away from a childhood in the business with anything substantial — money, real estate, other investments. My father set all these up for us,” Jackson wrote in his 1988 autobiography. “But still I don’t know him, and that’s sad for a son who hungers to understand his own father. He’s still a mystery to me and may always be one.”

Joe Jackson has been buried in the same Southern California cemetery as his late son Michael. He was laid to rest on Monday in a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.