WSSN Stories

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— God says… Don’t do it!! …  Don’t do it!! … Don’t do it!!… But naw, what do we do? Not only do we do what the Lord tells us not to do, we do it thinking no one will never know…. Oh, how wrong we are! For [Numbers 32:23 and Isaiah 59:12] say, “Be sure your sins will find you out.” [Luke 12:2] says, “For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.” [Proverb 15:3] proclaims, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” I ask you, if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape?

Consider scriptural illustrations of sin finding out men.  Cain tried to hide the murder of Abel in a field and deceive God about it [Genesis 4:3-15].  Lot compromised with sin in order to “provide for his family” [Genesis 13:10-13; 19:14, 30-38]. Abraham took Hagar as a second wife, which caused much trouble [Genesis 16:1-6; 21:9-14]. Isaac and Rebekah let Esau marry worldly girls, which caused grief [Genesis 26:34-35; 28:1-9]. Dinah went to play with the world’s girls and lost her virginity and boyfriend [Genesis 34:1-31].  Joseph’s brethren deceived their father about Joseph’s plight [Genesis 37:18-35; 42:21-22].  Judah considered the use of an apparent prostitute an innocent thing [Genesis 38:12-26]. Korah criticized Moses for his office, but God heard and buried him alive. [Numbers 16:1-35] Achan hid his stolen goods of Jericho from the sight of everyone and Israel stoned him [Joshua 7]. Adoni-Bezek mutilated prisoners, so Israel mutilated him before his death [Judges 1:4-8].  Eli’s sons abused God’s worship, but they died young together [I Samuel 2:12-17; 4:17]… and the illustrations go on, and on, and on. Look, be not deceived, what’s done in the dark shall come to the light! You cannot cheat or compromise on God’s religion and His commandments and get away with it. God will not be mocked … neither in this life nor in eternity.

As Paul wrote to the Ephesians; “I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking… For I have not shunned declaring unto you all the counsel of God…” [Acts 20:27, 31] Repent and begin to live Godly lives in the light of the scriptures and to begin to seek God with great intensity, honesty, sincerity and urgency.

The Bible says, “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” [2 Chronicles 7:14]. ”

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18]. ”

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteousness man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon”. [Isaiah 55:7].

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the loss of founder Vince Sanders, who died on October 10 in Longwood, Florida, according to his wife Joyce Sanders. He was 83.

A true NABJ love story, Vince and Joyce were married for 37 years after being introduced by NABJ Founder Paul Brock.

NABJ Founder Joe Davidson remembers Sanders fondly: “Vince had a big smile, a warm personality and a deep, booming voice God made for radio. Plus, he was handsome enough for television. His death, and that of Les Payne earlier this year, reminds us of how quickly we are losing founders.”

A 2005 inductee into the NABJ Hall of Fame, Sanders was a veteran of the broadcast industry having spent nearly 40 years on the job.  He began his career as an on-air talent for WBEE-AM in Chicago in 1958.

“NABJ is deeply saddened by the loss of NABJ Founder Vince Sanders,” said NABJ President Sarah Glover. “He was a very talented journalist who rose from the ranks as a talk show host, then reporter/anchor to vice president of a broadcast network. He had keen business skills and a love for humor as a comic and actor in his own right.”

In the early 1960s, Sanders hosted a popular call-in radio talk show, Opinion and for almost a decade he hosted high profile African American newsmakers and other celebrities. Sanders also hosted a call-in talk show and a quiz contest at WCIU-TV in Chicago, where he was also a regular contributor to A Black’s View of the News. In 1971, he was an anchor/reporter for WMAQ-TV, the NBC station in Chicago.

His success led him to an opportunity in New York City, where he eventually became the Vice President of Broadcast Operations at the National Black Network (NBN), which was the nation’s first black-owned and operated radio news network. He was also Vice President and General Manager of WWRL-AM, NBN’s radio station in the Big Apple.

“Vince was a great guy and a legendary radio personality and executive at a time when radio was a powerful voice of news and information for African Americans,” said NABJ Founder and Past President DeWayne Wickham.

Sanders enjoyed an eclectic career that included theatrical performances, appearing in productions for several main-line companies. Sanders traveled with the American Negro Opera Guild and Richard B. Harrison Players in the 1960s. It was both his journalism and theatrical experiences that motivated him to write two books: Can’t Get HERE from THERE and That’s Not Funny!  Can’t Get HERE from THERE is ^based on Sander’s role in the development of NBN. That’s Not Funny!  is a story from the vantage point of Sanders’ management of the nation’s first black and white stand-up comedy team, Tim and Tom.

NABJ Founder Norma Adams Wade remembered Sanders as “a voice that was invented for broadcasting and a personality of confidence and manhood.”

He retired and moved back home to the Orlando-area in 1997. Sanders is survived by his wife Joyce, seven children, 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are private.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— EBONY magazine, the authentic perspective on the African-American community, has announced its annual EBONY Power 100 List, celebrating those whose work and heroism continue to inspire and influence society. For more than 30 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 past year has been an epic period of accomplishment and triumph for the African-American community. Black Panther became a cultural phenomenon that swept the globe, becoming the biggest-grossing movie directed by a Black filmmaker; social activist Tarana Burke continued to represent #MeToo movement as a global icon for victims of sexual harassment throughout the world; and several African-American lawmakers across the country made history, among them London Breed, the first Black female LGBT mayor.

The 2018 EBONY Power 100 List recognizes the most influential and inspiring from the African-American community in the following eight categories: “Community Crusaders,” “Disruptors,” “Entertainment & Arts,” “Entrepreneurs,” “Innovators,” “MVPs,” “Power Players” and the coveted “Women Up.”  The complete EBONY Power 100 List for this year can be viewed here — https://www.ebony.com/power100-2018

“We are delighted to announce this year’s coveted EBONY Power 100 List of exemplary honorees,” says EBONY Media Operations CEO Michael Gibson. “Each year, we select the most outstanding individuals and prolific leaders who represent today’s African-American community and excellence in their respective fields. Over the past year we have witnessed pioneers from Hollywood, professional athletes from numerous sports, politicians and lawmakers throughout the country, business leaders from close-knit neighborhoods and heroic community activists all emerge as trailblazers and firebrands, each of whom who has made a significant impact on a national or international scale. In 2020, we will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of EBONY magazine, and we look forward to this year’s pre-cursor of what will be a momentous occasion. I would like to congratulate all our 2018 Power 100 honorees.”

Former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama lead the Entertainment & Arts category, with a focus on Mrs. Obama’s book tour for her new memoir, Becoming. Barry Jenkins, director of the Academy Award-winningMoonlight and the upcoming film If Beale Street Could Talk, is also being honored in the Entertainment & Arts category for his achievements in the film industry. Tony Award-winning actor Billy Porter is another Entertainment & Arts honoree for his role in the television series Pose. Other notables being honored in the Entertainment & Arts category include the cast of Black Panther, and rappers Cardi B, Drake and Travis Scott. Athletes being honored in the MVPs category include Houston Rockets guard James Harden, Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry and professional WWE wrestler Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil.

2018 EBONY Power 100 List also includes politicians and lawmakers who made the news over the past year. These include Stacey Abrams, the first Black Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee (honored in The Disruptors category); Andrew Gillum, Mayor of Tallahassee and the first Black candidate for governor of Florida (honored in Disruptors category); Keisha Lance Bottoms, the second Black female mayor of Atlanta (honored in the Women Up category); and London Breed, the first Black female LGBT mayor of San Francisco (also honored in the Women Up category).

Other honorees run the gamut of industry, community activism and more. Tarana Burke needs no introduction as an African-American civil rights activist from The Bronx who achieved global acclaim after starting the #MeToo movement. Tarana will be recognized in the Community Crusaders category. Rosalind Brewer will be recognized in the Women Up category as the first African-American woman to the hold the position as Group President and Chief Operating Officerat Starbucks. Stacey D. Stewart, President, March of Dimes, will be recognized in the Disruptors category as the first African-American female president to lead the charitable organization. Junior Flip Kids, recognized in the Entrepreneurs category, is a company made up of six schoolchildren aged 7 to 13 years old, who met with Oprah Winfrey before starting their business to transform distressed properties into renovated single-family homes in Washington D.C, and Maryland. Cheryl “Action” Jackson will be recognized in the Community Crusaders category for Minnie’s Pantry, an organization that has provided over 6 million meals to families in need.

Honorees are recognized each year at the EBONY Power 100 Gala, presented by Nationwide. The event will take place this year Nov. 30 in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton. During the gala, the prestigious EBONY Power 100 Award recipients will be recognized for their contributions to business and industry.

“Nationwide is pleased to once again partner with Ebony magazine to honor and celebrate this year’s distinguished Ebony Power 100 honorees,” says Nationwide Chief Administrative Officer Gale V. King. “Congratulations to these men and women for leading extraordinary lives — for making a difference in their chosen fields – and being a force for good. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and contributions at the November gala.”

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Fighting for LIFE is WHAT It Do! Don’t be afraid! Visiting the doctors can be exhausting at times, especially when it comes to certain types of test and examinations.

I know the equipment in which is used to conduct mammograms can be intimidating. Walking into that cold room and being ordered to place your breast down on the glass plate is a little freighting. All things go through your head as you hear the radiologist say, “Don’t breathe, snapping photo now.”

I won’t lie, yes, it can be a little uncomfortable. The radiologist must ensure that the photos show the entire breast or else you’ll have to redo the process all over again. Just knowing that my beautiful grandmother, Leona Williams passed away due to breast cancer is motivation for me to get checked regularly.

My grandmother died at an early age. Back in those days’ technology wasn’t as savvy as it is now. I want to let those that may have been recently diagnosed or in remission that you’re not alone. Stay strong in your fight!

Early Detection of cancer is very important. Although mammography is the most accurate method for early detection, not all cancers are found that way. A thorough breast examination includes mammograms, examination by your physician and self-examinations on a consistent basis.

Please take care of your health and get tested. This has been my contribution to breast cancer awareness month. I truly hope it encourages somebody. Until next week L’s!

 

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— “How good it is to give thanks to you, O Lord! To sing praises to your name, O Most High! To proclaim your loving kindness every morning, and your faithfulness every night…” [Psalm 92:1-5].

I extend to each of you today an invitation. It is an invitation to cultivate gratefulness as your basic attitude toward life. It is an invitation to cultivate gratefulness as the very ground of your being. To be grateful is to recognize, acknowledge, and accept that we are a recipient of a gift – life.

You should be thankful for your families, health, food, and even a glass of water. Thank God for the simple things. You can even be thankful for the heartaches, the pains, and the suffering. [Romans 8:28] says, “All things work together for good…” That is, the thing itself is not good, but it is God Who is working all things together for good.

Do you want to live on the highest level of life? Cultivate the attitude of gratitude always and in all things I don’t care how bad, difficult, dark, or mysterious things get; take the ultimate step of faith and say, “God, You’re greater than this, and I thank You.”

Thankful people are happy people. “Well,” you say, “if I had something to be thankful for, I’d be happy.” You have missed the point! You do have something to be thankful for. You have life. You have Christ. If you didn’t have anything else but Jesus, you would have enough to praise God for all eternity.

You may say, “But my circumstances are not good.” The apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote this, yet he was rejoicing in the Lord. Gratefulness turned his prison to a palace, but ungratefulness can turn your palace to a prison. I’m telling you, the attitude of gratitude will change your life.

You’re not just simply to be thankful one day a year. One day is not long enough to thank God for all that He’s given you. His blessings come daily. [Psalm 68:19] says, “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits…” Every day God has brand new blessings for you, and every day ought to find you thanking God. Every prayer that you pray ought be salted with thanks.

In everything give thanks. Not in some things, but in all things. Everything, every area of life is to be the subject of thanksgiving. There’s so much to be thankful for! Anything good that you have has come from God. You didn’t get it by luck, ingenuity, hard work, wit, or wisdom. It is proper to thank God for it.

Understand, living with gratitude is not a human way to live, not a natural way to live – it’s supernatural. And this kind of thankfulness only comes out of a vital relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit is the substance of it, the source of it, and the strength of it. We are to be filled with the Spirit, and we are to be giving thanks. And that’s the only way we can do it!

[P.S.] Being grateful does not protect us from rejection, pain, or sorrow; it doesn’t protect us from any of that. But if we are able to incorporate gratitude into our basic attitude toward life and make it a part of the ground of our being, it gives us another way of responding to what is taking place.

I tell you, what a wonderful way to start the day and invite gratitude in!

 

 

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- After a 4-year hiatus, R&B vocalist, Raheem Davaughn is back. For those that need a memory refresher, Mr. Davaughn first emerged on the music scene with his debut album, The Love Experience in 2005, which reached No. 46 on the US Billboard 200 album chart. From that album, Raheem released the singles, “Guess Who Loves You” and “You”.

Three years later, Raheem Devaughn released his second album, Love Behind the Melody which featured the hit singles, “Woman” and “Customer”. “Woman” led to Davaughn being nominated for ‘Best Male R&B Vocal Performance’ at the 2008 Grammy Awards.

His third album The Love & War MasterPeace was released in 2010. A Place Called Love Land, his fourth album, was released in 2013. In 2015, he had released his fifth album, Love Sex Passion.

Today, October 19, Devaughn’s sixth studio album, Decade of a Love King, has been released. Leading up this day, I interviewed Raheem Devaughn where he chatted on his latest EP, as well as what he has been up to.

To listen to the interview, click here

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Breast Cancer Survivors Johnnie Fountain and Cindy Cotter is What it Do! It gives me pleasure to be able to feature such strong, brave and beautiful women.

Johnnie Fountain, the fighter, currently resides in the city of San Jacinto. She works as a Social Worker Supervisor Practitioner. This Queen kept it moving and never stopped. Giving back and working in her community gives her pleasure because she loves working with people. Her hobbies consist of reading and working in the ministry.

Cindy Cotter is a single mother and esteemed professor at Cal State San Bernardino. She has been there for over 20 years and is a fighter and a survivor. She valiantly fought against Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, through intense chemo and radiation. She was able to beat the disease and has been surviving and thriving for over 10 years. She enjoys karate, gardening, working with animals, being active in the United Methodist church and spending time with her kids and grandkids.

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!

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Come dressed in your nines or at least dress to impress on Saturday, November, 3, for the premiere of Gospel Recording Artist Sherri Bryant’s video, “It’s My Time”. The premiere will be taking place at the classic and renowned Barnsdell Gallery Theater located at 4800 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles.

It will definitely be a classy affair, so come photo op ready! Comedian John Hill will also be in the building to keep the guest entertained and the night flowing as the evening’s MC. Tickets for this event are just $10 and can be purchased via PayPal to sherribryant6@gmail.com, Cashapp to $sherribryant or itsmytime2018.eventbrite.com.

We also got to chat with Ms. Sherri where she explained the inspiration behind the video and what to except the night of the premiere.

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— I Give Myself Away, so You can use me ….Here I am, here I stand… Lord, my life is in Your hands… Lord, I’m longing to see Your desires revealed in me… Take my heart; take my life, as a living sacrifice. All my dreams, all my plans… Lord, I place them in your hands.  I give myself away… Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that, You’re my God, You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.  I Give Myself Away…” [William McDowell]

When we recognize what God has done for us through his Son Jesus Christ, THE ONLY RESPONSE is to give ourselves completely to Him. Where would we be without God’s love and forgiveness? Where would we be without God’s presence in our lives? We have all sinned and deserve God’s judgment. God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. Jesus, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve… I ask you; What shall we render to the LORD for all His benefits towards us?

I urge you; Paul said, in view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove, what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  [Romans 12:1].

What shall we render to the LORD for all His goodness toward us?

We should lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. We should fulfill our vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. We should sacrifice a thanksgiving offering to Him…. [Psalms 116:12-19].

This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.

“For thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” [Mark 12:30].

Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for Your Great Grace towards me. You love me with an everlasting love. You look beyond my faults, failures and flaws, and you choose to use me anyway; by Your grace, for Your glory. So I give myself over to You. I hold NOTHING BACK! I give You all of me. Everything I give to You. There is no area of my life that is off-limits to You. I refuse to keep things from you any longer. I refuse to hold back certain things, like I used to. There was a time when I was not completely committed to You, but that time is over. I die to me. I decrease that You may increase in me. I minimize me, that You may maximize Yourself IN and THROUGH ME. I withhold nothing from you and I declare You will withhold nothing from me! I give myself completely to You and You give yourself completely to me. I draw near to You and You draw near to me. I humble myself and You exalt me. I lay before Your feet and You lift me up! I offer myself as a living sacrifice before You, and You open doors for me in this season that no man can shut. You also shut doors for me that no man can open. I give myself to you on a greater level and You pour out Your grace on me on a greater level. In this season I will experience Your Grace like never before, because You want to bless me and I WITHHOLD NOTHING from You! I declare this by faith. In Jesus name. Amen.

“All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now. All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine. All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me. All to Jesus I surrender, now I feel the sacred flame. Oh, the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name!” [I Surrender All – Israel Houghton].

“I Surrender All to You, Everything I Give to You… Withholding Nothing, Withholding Nothing…” [William McDowell]

By Aubry Stone, California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- African Americans usually vote overwhelmingly for the Democratic Party, but that doesn’t mean they are always in line with Democratic state issues. Findings from a recent poll of 1,200 African American voters conducted by Evitarus, a public opinion research firm released new data that shares insight into black voters in California.

The California African American Policy Priorities Survey (CAPPS) poll was commissioned by the African American Voter Registration, Education and Participation (AAVREP) Project. The group’s mission is to increase African American and urban voter registration, education, and civic participation.

The survey questioned people via cell phone, landline, and the Internet. However, 82 percent of the responders completed their answers online.

According to the survey, 65 percent of African Americans are in favor of Proposition 10, a measure that supports affordable housing. However, a third of black voters were in favor of repealing the gas tax. This law was passed by Gov. Jerry Brown and opposed by Republicans. Republicans also support Proposition 6, which would repeal the gas tax.

In the gubernatorial race, African Americans favored Democrat Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Newsom has made affordable housing one of the central issues of his campaign.

“We’re experiencing a housing affordability crisis, driven by a simple economic argument,” said Newsom, according to his campaign website. “California is leading the national recovery, but it’s producing far more jobs than homes. Providing adequate housing is fundamental to growing the state’s economy.”

The survey showed that 34 percent of black voters had a very favorable view of Newsom, while only 5 percent of them had a very favorable view of Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox. Cox is in favor of repealing the gas tax.  He also says that California’s many taxes make the state unaffordable for working families.

“California’s sky-high sales taxes, vehicle license fees, and the highest gasoline taxes in the nation are a major reason so many families just can’t make ends meet anymore.  These high fees are a major reason California now has the highest poverty rate in the nation.  The most urgent need right now is to repeal the new vehicle license and gas tax increases,” said Cox, according to his campaign website.

According to the poll, African Americans followed a familiar pattern on national issues. The survey showed that about 84 percent of black voters had an unfavorable view of President Donald Trump. This is not surprising since he criticized former NFL player Colin Kaepernick and other players who knelt in protest of police violence. Trump also called African nations “sh*thole countries.”

The survey showed that 53 percent of black voters said opposing the Trump administration’s agenda was a high priority. African-American voters listed public education, eliminating racial profiling and holding law enforcement agencies accountable and expanding access to mental health as more important issues.

According to Shakari Byerly, managing partner, and lead researcher, the survey findings will prove useful to politicians vying for the African American vote.

“One of the strongest findings from the survey is the high level of support for Proposition 10, which is aimed at increasing the amount of affordable housing, by giving cities and counties the authority to expand rent control. Affordable housing is a top priority for black voters, so it is not surprising to see such high levels of support. However, recent research conducted by PPIC suggests that support for the measure is lagging among voters overall,” she said.

Byerly also said, “Black voters will likely determine the margin of victory in key ballot measure propositions and congressional campaigns throughout California. It is therefore imperative that we understand the policy priorities and preferences of this important constituency. Candidates and ballot measure campaigns seeking to win this November ignore the black vote at their own peril.”