WSSN Stories

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Please do not let that be your portion. “Could’ve, would’ve, Should’ve!” I am writing to warn you against the very real danger of procrastination, meaning deciding later on to accept Christ as your Savior. In the Bible, Paul writes, For God says, “… Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:2]. Don’t be like Lot. Lot lingered…When it was Time for Decisive Action. Lot lingered…When Heavenly Messengers Were Urging Him to Go. Lot lingered…When Judgment was Imminent. Stop Lingering.  Neither time, nor death, nor judgment linger. Decide for Christ before it is too late. For [Isaiah 55:6] says, “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” Procrastination can cost you your soul in the end [2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2].

Listen, none of us can say with certainty, when it is our time.  In [James 4:14] the Scripture says, “…What is your life?  It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”  Again, in [Proverbs 27:1] “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Those two scriptures alone should motivate you to seek God.  I tell you, time is of essence. The time to act is now!

You know when Paul reasoned with Felix “of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” [Acts 24:25.] So far as the Bible records and early history go, Felix never called for Paul. Felix is suffering the torments of Hell, not because he wanted to go there, but because he waited for “a convenient season.” I want you to know that the Bible says that when it comes to some things, we should never delay. Delay in making a response. This is the most dangerous type of procrastination. Life is short, and we do not know what will happen tomorrow [James 4:13-14]. The Bible urges us to get right with God today. Jesus could return at any time; we do not know when [Luke 12:40]. But Jesus illustrated the importance of being prepared for His coming in [Matthew 25:1-13]. In this parable, ten virgins await the arrival of the bridegroom and the commencement of the wedding feast. Five of the virgins were prepared for his arrival; five did not attempt to prepare until it was too late, and they were left behind. Jesus calls the unprepared virgins “foolish.” I tell you in the matter of our spiritual life, we dare not procrastinate.

Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. Behold, I am coming quickly…

For the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still, he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” [Revelation 22]

Jesus told the Sardians to do five things to overcome. “Wake up!” Jesus says. “Wake up! Be alert! Open your eyes wide! Slap yourself awake!” If you are to survive you must get out today. Tomorrow may be too late. Wake up and do it now! Jesus says and strengthen the things which remain which were about to die. Remember what you have received and determine to keep it! Repent while there is still time to overcome. If you do not, Jesus says, “If therefore you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you. “Now is the Appointed Time!” He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [Revelation 22:20-21]

By Keith Magee

Keith Magee

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- The election of Donald Trump embodies White supremacy theology that is hostile toward non-whites Black — in particular Black men. He began spurring flames of discord, as the driving force of the birther movement, and also called Mexicans rapists and targeted Muslims with a travel ban. These are underpinnings of the hate of the Ku Klux Klan and a deeply seeded Evangelical apocalyptic theology of a Holy Race War. It is a fact that White evangelicals voted at a rate of 81 percent for Trump.

As someone who attended Vacation Bible School, in the conservative bayou of Louisiana, one of the first songs I remember was “Yes, Jesus Love Me”. Winan United Methodist Church was the place where a White, blonde hair, and blued-eyed Christ was introduced to me as the Savior of the world. This Christ and his church was a place of safety from our personal sins, the social ills on the outside, yet assuredly as place of his love.

The fact that, in 1915, a UMC minister, William J. Simmons, played a major role in the new charter of the KKK, was either unknown or accepted by many. Simmons’ first public order was consecrating their Christian morality by setting a fire to the old rugged cross atop of Stone Mountain, Georgia. And yet there is an idea of racial hierarchy, embedded into religious teachings, that has been a part of our culture for over 400 years.

While confined within the chattels of slavery, religion was an outlet that gave hope in this faith of a suffering servant. The idea was that suffering with him might make it possible to reign with him in eternity. His blood shed, on the cross, was the horror of death and yet the beauty of a saving grace for all. However, it is the same symbol of the cross that is burned, as a form of intimidation, to remind Black people that even this White Savior can’t save them from the venom of White hate.

It seems that daily, throughout America, another Black life is suffocated to death at the hands of someone, in a blue uniform, who is protected by the government. Recently, the death of Botham Jean of Dallas has created a deeper level of anger and outrage. Now it is being communicated that not only are Blacks in danger while driving, standing on a street corner, and in their back yard. But, there is no safe place – even in the sanctuary of their own home.

While Muslim mothers and children have been caged like animals. And, in the last 48 hours, Jews are being reminded of the never-ending antisemitism through the loss of 11 lives during a baby naming ceremony.

The use of religion to stoke racial strife and violence is prevalent in our societies. This past August 2018, while meeting with Evangelical Christian leaders, Donald Trump told them that there would be “violence” if Republicans lost their majority in Congress, as a result of November’s mid-term elections. He told them to take to their pulpit to tell their followers that this is a referendum on him, their religion and freedom of speech. The same religion that teaches love thy neighbor, don’t steal, cheat or commit adultery, is seemingly using white-out to affirm this American president. The adulterer, one who pays for sex and speaks freely about being able to walk down 5th Avenue and shoot someone, is touted as the one to save and make America great again.

The duality of religion and vulnerability was something I Iearned a long time ago from my father who was a lover of dogs. As he would sit out back on a stump, he would give me world wisdoms. He often told me that “if you keep kicking a dog, he will bite back.” The preaching of “whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also”, seemed to apply only to those seen as less than human while these White Christians raged injustice and violence against our communities and leaders. Just over 50 years ago the KKK offered a $100,000 bounty for the assassination of the non-violent Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., resulting in the cowardly shooting of James Earl Ray.

The snuffing out of his life led to anger and biting back with people taking to the streets in over 125 riots in American cities and around the world. This isn’t 1968 when impassioned response for a revolution, from was Pittsburgh to Paris to Prague, happening with protest in the streets. It would appear that this indignation of these Whites is ushering Jesus’ sign of the end, “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” The word nation is translated from ‘ethnos’ which is the root of ethnicity.

It is clear that the White House is being led by an Imperial Wizard and king, the GOP is serving as his Klexter (outer-guard), and his latest US Supreme Court Associate Justice is his Klarogo (sergeant-at- arms). By invoking an evangelical theology and using the Bible to justify their cruel actions, while also trying to subjugate Black people under that same God, there appears to be no recourse but to go to war.

A war for the soul of the country is the true meaning of a righteous doctrine. This hatred under the guise of religious teachings can no longer be met with patience, peace talks or Twitter protests. And, if there’s resistance in it being met with preaching the gospel of Jesus’ love to a Christian sect who apparently welcome the KKK’s, “So I’ll cherish the bright fiery cross, till from duties at last I lay down, then burn over me a bright fiery cross, the day I’m laid in the ground.”

Nor can we have any hope that this President, who just affirmed to his Texas supporters that he’s a proud nationalist and believes that if the synagogue had an armed guard there would have been a different outcome. The only thing that he can do is continue to spark and ignite more flames of discord and hatred.

It calls to question: Do we have to accept that non-White Christians, along with White Christians, who don’t believe this rhetoric, won’t be able to enter paradise through the same pearly gates? Possibly there’s a backdoor for the rest, on a lower level, because of an unequal salvation? Or perchance there’s a difference in how Jesus loves me verses them?

It is obviously that this sect of Christians has completely forgotten the Jew, from Nazareth, who came to fulfill the law through the good news of love. It was his belief, and that of his father, Yahweh, that his death would save the entire world, regardless of difference – through his selfless act and message of love. It is that love that most dominates all of our hearts and theologies, so that we can have peace on earth.

Dr. Keith Magee is a public intellectual, theologian, and social justice scholar. He is Senior Fellow in Culture and Justice, University College London and serves in leadership, The Berachah Church, Boston, MA and The Tab Church, London, England. For more information visit www.4justicesake.org or follow him at @keithlmagee.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Keith Wade Dedeaux was born August 21, 1951, in Pasadena, California. He was the youngest of six children born to Carl and Vitelsia Dedeaux.  Keith began school in Pasadena attending Grover Cleveland School.  His father constructed a home for the family in Good Hope, California and the family moved from Pasadena in 1960.  Keith attended Perris Elementary School.  He also attended Perris Junior High School and Perris High School where he enjoyed playing the drums and participated in band and running track.  It was through these activities that he made lifelong friendships with Carl Collins and the late Willie Collins.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

After high school, following in the trade of his father, Keith completed his apprenticeship as an equipment operator in the Operating Engineers, Local 12 in 1979.  He had a tremendous work ethic operating large earth grader for several housing tracts, commercial, industrial and institutional projects.  Until health issues deterred him from labor, he worked as a crane operator on 40-ton and 90-ton cranes for Hill Crane Rental in Bloomington, California.  He enjoyed pointing out buildings and projects he had worked on throughout Southern California.

In March 1982, Keith joined Park Avenue Baptist Church and was baptized by Rev. L.B. Moss.   He was a member of the Voices in Christ Young Adult Choir and delighted in serving as an usher.  He also assisted David Ross with the planning of the parking lot at the church property on Martin Luther King Boulevard.

He married Barbara Collins in September 1982 and lovingly took on the duties of father to Sadiki Nezart.  Even though he worked many long hours, leaving for work during the wee hours of the morning, he made time to attend football and basketball practices and games for Sadiki from Riverside Junior Tackle and through college at Northridge University.  His involvement only began again with the arrival of Vitelsia to complete the family.  She was involved in a few sports until she found her passion in dance.  Keith then became a back-stage dad, moving props and sometimes even dancing a step or two to stretch breaks while dancers made costume changes.  Watching Vitelsia perform on stage has been the highlight of his life.

Keith leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Barbara; children, Sadiki (Maria) and Vitelsia; grandchildren, Derek, Aliah, Auset and Shakira; brothers, Carl of Los Angeles, CA, Ralph (Nancy) of Rio Rancho, NM, Rudy (Judy) Santa Maria, CA and Gerald (Helene) Riverside, CA; sister, Audrey of Los Angeles, CA; in-laws, Cecelia Collins of Riverside, CA, Joseph Hester (Jacklyn) of Riverside, CA, Carl Collins, San Jacinto, CA, Sharon Collins of Lithonia GA, Christopher Collins (Brenda) of Victorville, Linda Collins of Moreno Valley CA and Eric Collins (Celia) of Chino, CA; aunts, Barbara Keel of Los Angeles, CA and Pearl Haggins of Pasadena, CA; godchildren, Charles Grays III and Ashton Grays; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— I love a strong, beautiful and powerful Black woman on the move and honey, Mrs. Coffee Brown, is just that.

Coffee Brown is a major key in the entertainment industry and has branded herself as a well-known booking agent. She is a published model who mentors young models in the industry on how to create, grow and brand their modeling careers.

Before growing her brand, Coffee worked as a popular exotic dancer/model in Los Angeles nightlife and now she is the CEO of Coffee Brown Entertainment and Dynasty Pole Fitness.

She has been credited in numerous fashion shows and projects including HBO’s “Insecure” and has her own reality talk show called “But Coffee 1st”. Coffee credits her entertainment background training to Hollywood High School Performing Arts where she studied dance, acting and singing. She continued training at numerous pole/dance studios which include: Millennium Dance Complex, Edge Performing Arts and Evolve pole studio.

Coffee is a student currently studying for her degree in business marketing and financial services and is a licensed financial advisor working on becoming a broker and has achieved high accolades in her industry while pursuing her passion helping and giving back to the community.

In her spare time, she loves reading self-development books, enjoys photography, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Now ya’ know what it do, so please catch me next week. L’s!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- Election results are updated as often as new data is received from county elections offices after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Many ballots are not counted on Election Day; county elections officials plan to complete their work by December 7, 2018.

Click here to view results

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen IV

My number one recommendation is that you vote…  Either vote early, vote by mail or go to your polling place on November 6^th and pick up and fill in your ballot! I am willing to tell you how I am going to vote on State issues, and being that “Politics is Local”, I am willing to live with your decisions and deal with our local elected officials and staff at our regular meetings… Councils, boards, commissions, etc…

Regarding the eleven propositions that are on our state wide ballot; Prop 1; Prop 2, Prop 3, and Prop 4 are bonds… I vote Yes! They allow the State to Borrow money for these projects today and pay back with interest in the future. If you vote yes, be prepared to “follow the money” and how it is really spent! If you vote against them, we prolong the problem with no immediate replacement solution. However it goes those of us who are compassionate will always find ways to help others. And you can be sure that there are people who will need it!

Prop 5 allows a homeowner tax break for senior citizens… I vote Yes! I am a senior citizen homeowner!

Prop 6 repeals the recent gas tax and vehicle registration fee… I vote No! The tax costs me money and thus I am looking at a non-gas-burning –vehicle, and maybe you should too.  Plus our roads need help which means, “follow the money”!

Prop 7 saves daylight… I vote No! Whatever you do is fine with me, I am not a morning person!

Prop 8 reflects the ongoing war between health-care and profits… And in this case the unions are pushing for what they regard as their share. I vote No! Your vote will not end the war.  Only when we decide which is more important, profit or people, will that be solved.  Hint, people can create profit, profit cannot create people!

Prop 9 was disqualified by the courts!

Prop 10 gets rid of existing state restrictions on rent control leaving Cities and Counties to do as they please.  I vote Yes! If we don’t like what they do we can vote them out!

Prop 11 solves a problem that does not exist… I vote No!

Prop 12 is expensive for food producers, but I have been told that the less trauma in the lives of animals that are raised for food, the better the taste!  I vote Yes!

By Lou Yeboah

… Because you haven’t received what you want. Trust God! For in Matthew 6:25-27 He says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” The keynote is DO NOT WORRY because He already knows your need.

I want you to know that it angered God so much that the Israelites complained in the desert after all the miracles that He performed to get them out of Egypt to the point that He allowed the trip to be much longer than it needed to be… “Take another lap, God said…. See if you can get this right.” Again and again they complained until God said: “Just die in the wilderness – a whole generation in the wilderness.” That is how serious God took complaining.

I tell you, complaining to others or having a bitter heart towards God about not having received what you want does not help the situation. Stop it already! And take the counsel that David took for his own soul– “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from You. For You alone is my rock and my salvation; my fortress, I will not be shaken…” Murmur not, repine not, but wait upon God.

Yes, there are many times we find ourselves in situations that we just don’t understand. But I tell you, it is in these times that we are called upon to exercise our faith and just TRUST in the LORD.  I know that it’s not always easy for us to give our cares to God and trust Him completely, but when life presents itself with ever-changing variables; we’ve got to realize that we serve a God who is stationary in His Goodness. Consider “The Source,” God, and stop stressing yourself out – losing sleep, being weary, anxious, worried, depressed and sad. Trust God! He is forever faithful and true.

“Faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen…”  [Hebrews 11:1]

By Naomi K. Bonman

Dr. Joe Johnson

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Take this. You dream of working at “X” company with X” person who is known to the best in the industry. However, when you finally land that dream role you are still not fulfilled. Yes, you may make great money, but you still fill empty. This is because you are not living out your purpose.

This is what Dr. Joe Johnson, speaker and peak performance coach, teaches his cliental. He shows them how to tap into their purpose and how to live a purposeful life.

“Purpose is that feeling. It just feels right,” Dr. Joe Johnson explains.

Dr. Johnson was born in Milwaukee, WI but has lived in several places during his childhood including Hawaii and New York. He considers Milwaukee, AKA: “The Mil” his hometown because of the family ties. He understands the meaning of struggle but has lived with a mentality instilled in him by his mother,” I can do and be anything I want in life”.

Johnson learned the value of education from both parents but as he began his love for sports at an early age, his focus with competing on the football field and basketball court caused him to develop a “who cares” attitude toward his education. Growing up in the inner-city of Milwaukee allowed for Johnson to almost fall victim to what many young males were doing in his neighborhood.

Sports was his key out of a city where many Black and Hispanic males were often victims of gang violence and self destruction. Johnson soon learned the power of competing in the classroom, the same way he competed in sports. With his new found attitude and focus, he began to excel academically after being accepted into a Master’s program. Johnson soon founded to love learning and realized his purpose was transforming the lives of individuals and the culture of organizations allowing through speaking, training, and peak performance coaching.

As a proud graduate of Milwaukee Bay View high school, Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University, and a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Florida, over 20 years of experience working with individuals and organizations, and is ready to take on the world!

Now that you guys know a little about Dr. Joe Johnson, tune into the interview below where he chatted on purpose!

To listen to the interview, please click here

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Talking about an urban event drippin’ with talent, this is it! A few local entities came together to make one entity that focuses on the performing arts. We want you to tap in with us Sunday, November 4, as we launch out first event in the city of Riverside/Moreno Valley at Club Status starting at 7 p.m.

The event will showcase funny comics the first half hosted by Comedian Brett As Is and rap artists the second half hosted by KG X DEE Drizzle. We have door prizes, giveaways and more for those in attendance. Early arrival is strongly suggested. Below explains more about the movement.

Who: The Collectives – likeminded entities banning together for the sake of achievement surrounding the performing arts. (Legendary Entertainment/LUE Productions/Grim Reality/Future Pioneer Enterprises).

What: I.E. Culture Fest

Why: The I.E. Culture FEST was created for artists of diverse backgrounds to showcase their artistry on different platforms while networking.

Get your tickets online now for IE’s Culture FEST
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-culture-fest-tickets-51480549710?aff=efbevent

Until next week L’s!

Danielle Lilley

By. Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- Citrus Valley High School senior, Danielle Lilley, recently received the MVP for the Citrus Belt League for volleyball where she plays the position of Outside Hitter.

Lilley’s journey in volleyball began at the age of 10-years old when a family friend suggested that she try a volleyball camp at California State University of San Bernardino. Prior to volleyball, Lilley had tried gymnastics, swimming and tennis.

Many Black children do not play volleyball because of the cost of club competition training and travel. It can be quite expensive costing up to $5,000 per season in California. However, with a payment plan and much sacrifice, Lilley’s parents made it happen, and the sacrifice and hard work has paid off!

Danielle has played for Rancho Valley Volleyball Club (RVVC) for 7 years. Her RVVC club teams have qualified for and competed in the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships for the past 4 years. In 2017, her team won the Gold Medal in the 16 American Division. They were honored by the San Bernardino mayor and city council.

“Danielle’s mother and I are very proud of her. She’s always been a good girl. I think with all of kids, we’re really just blessed thus far with how they have turned out,” Myron Lilley, Danielle’s father, stated. “We give all glory to God for having favor with them. She took two official college visits and kind of fell in love with Texas Southern, and for us we felt okay with Texas Southern because we used to live in Texas and we used to live around the Houston area. I also have family there; my wife has family there and we have close friends that are like family, so we felt that it could be the right situation for her and that in case of an emergency they can check in on her.”

At Citrus Valley, she has played on the varsity team all four years and has been recognized with all league and all Inland Area selections for the past two years. This year as a team captain, Danielle led her team (21-5 overall and 8-2 in CBL) and the Citrus Belt League in kills in spite of playing in fewer sets than any other scoring leader. Danielle scored 321 kills in only 56 sets for an average of 5.7 kills per set and a 40 percent kill percentage. 

She made the top 10 in CBL in 3 other categories: hitting percentage, service aces, and digs. Danielle scored a career best 30 kills vs Murrieta Mesa in pre-league competition.

I recently interviewed Ms. Lilley, where she chatted on her plans for after high school and her inspirations in getting into volleyball.

You recently received the MVP title. What was your initial reaction to that?

It was one of my goals that I have set this season and I really wanted to work hard and earn it. I was able to and I was over the moon excited about it.

What was the journey like in claiming the MVP title?

It was interesting because the way I found out was that my mom sent it to me. She was the first person to show me. I was really surprised. I was trying to calm down because I was in class when she texted it to me.

There are not very many African Americans in volleyball, so what inspired you to get into the sport?

I started playing when I was ten, so I’ve been playing for about seven years now. At first, I didn’t love it right away. I liked it and I enjoyed it, but the love came later as I built friendships and got better, and of course it always helps when you’re doing well and you’re good at something. I just became good at it and I found the love for it.

How do you balance you academics and your sports?

It can be very difficult; it’s not easy! My parents have always taught me how to get ahead of my school work and to get things done early so that I don’t fall behind. They showed me how to be proactive because it is hard to catch up when you fall behind.

What are your plans for after high school?

I just recently committed to play volleyball at Texas Southern University in Houston. I got back from my first visit about three weeks ago and while I was there, I loved it! I am also a music major which is a prodigious major at the school. So that is like a hand and hand thing, volleyball and my passion for music.

What some of your hobbies outside of music and volleyball?

I’m in two different bands at school: the symphonic band and the wind ensemble. That’s mainly what I do. I am also really involved in my church.

What do you have planned as you wrap up your senior year?

My band at school always has concerts for each semester and seasons. We have a Christmas concert coming up, followed up with a festival where we perform in front of judges and get a rating and following that is the spring concert. As far as volleyball, my club team is about to start practicing in a couple of weeks. We also have a lot of tournaments and qualifiers where we travel out of state where we play to qualify for the national tournament which will be held in Dallas, Texas this year.

What is for advice for our youth, especially our Black youth, who may be passionate or into a particular sport that may not be highly recognized in the community? How can they stay motivated to keep pushing forward?

My advice is to not be afraid to be different. I know on the court there are not that many African Americans, but that is something that you should take and be inspired by to be one of the few out there. If you’re not one of the few or one of the only ones on the team, then just be that one person that stands out. Don’t let not seeing other Black people out there stop you from doing what you want to do.