WSSN Stories

NATIONAL- In a speech riddled with lies and half-truths distorting the performance of his administration, Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address to the nation.

In response, Black Lives Matter Global Network released the following statement:

“It’s no surprise that Donald Trump would double down on his racist, xenophobic, misogynist agenda in his first State of the Union address.

Trump’s first year in office has been marked by instability and policies reflective of its leader. Our people have been forced to endure travel bans. We’ve been stalked by ICE agents in public and in our homes. We’ve heard our countries called shitholes in the Oval office. Trump’s repeated attacks have forced millions to contend with possibly losing their healthcare, women in our cities and small towns have lost access to care, and millions of children lost coverage for more than three months.

This is Trump’s America.

Black people, immigrant and Indigenous people, the poor, women, our LGBTQ family, you name it, are the ones paying the biggest price. Surrounded by enablers bent on wiping out our existence, we’ve seen it all. We can no longer allow Trump’s dangerous policies to harm our families and our communities.

Our people are rising up. From Jemele Hill to Jay-Z to Colin Kaepernick, we will not give up our dignity without a fight. We will continue to show up and show out for restoring our communities, whether it’s ensuring our communities are free from police overreach and outright murder, to economic opportunity and justice in this capitalist system, to the fight to ensure our Black mothers get the care, time and space they need to survive childbirth.

Trump will not deter us from achieving the liberation our people deserve.”

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, extortioners, liars , lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, blasphemers, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, disobedient, arrogant, revilers. [1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 2 Timothy 3:1-5]. Don’t you know that the Day of the Lord is at hand?” [Joel 1:15; 2:1]. Wake up! Stir yourself and don’t be slothful. “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Walk properly, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. [Romans 13:11-14]. Be zealous and repent! [Revelation 3:19]. If you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. [Isaiah 1:20].

I tell you we are seeing the signs that will precede Christ’s return. We are experiencing the birth pangs that will come before Christ’s return. We are being shaken, as prophecy warned. And even though we don’t know the day or the hour, Jesus said we would know the season and we should be living as though His hand is on the door ready to come back. [Matthew 24:42-44.] Repent now while it is still day! For, “He said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” [Revelation 21: 6-8].  Don’t wait too late!

“Repent Now Every One of His Evil Ways and Evil Doing…” [Jeremiah 25:5].

“For the Kingdom of God is at Hand!” [Matthew 3:2].

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live…” [Deuteronomy 31: 19}

Stephanie E. Williams

By Stephanie Williams

They are Black! They Are Beautiful! And, they too have a dream!

The current tension over protecting the dreamers is merely an extension of an historical conflict between those in America who support the sentiments espoused on the base of the Statue of Liberty and those who want a country that fulfills the most egregious desire of White Supremacists, to purge the country of non-white residents on their road to fulfilling their vision of an all-White America.

Last week, the nation bore witness when the president dispelled all doubt about the racist ideology that undergirds the agenda of his white house. Trump allegedly demanded to know during a White House meeting on immigration, why he should accept immigrants from “shithole” (Black) countries like Haiti or Africa–I’m not sure if the president realizes Africa is not a country but a continent—rather than White countries like Norway. 

This was not the first time the president put his full racist attitude on display. The country saw it throughout the 2016 presidential campaign and again and again since he took office.

The president’s apparent attitude toward people of color is not only telling but also threatening to the hundreds of thousands of dreamers at risk of deportation since he ended DACA last September. Although the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked Trump’s efforts to stymie the DACA program last week, the ultimate fate of the dreamers remains uncertain.

Amid the discussions on the probable racist ideology permeating the white house and the president’s implementation of obvious racist immigration policies that have resulted to date, there are nearly 3.7 million Black immigrants who account for about 8.4 percent of all immigrants—many of them from the very countries the president recently disparaged.

According to a report by the Center for American Progress, among the largest groups of Black immigrants, 48 percent are from the Caribbean, 43 percent from various African countries, and 3.6 percent from South America. Black immigrants also make up 25 percent of at least five major metropolitan areas including Boston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, and Seattle.

The president has also inferred that immigrants from countries like Norway are preferable. He never qualified that statement. However, if his preference is based on qualifications rather than race, we must assume he is unaware of the fact that Black immigrants have as high a rate of education and employment as any other group of immigrants.

For example, 29 percent of Black immigrants have a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 30 percent from White nations, and at least 29 percent have some college or an associates degree compared to only 19 percent from other countries.

Another area where the president is ill informed is in regard to employment. The reality is that at least 73 percent of Black immigrants sixteen years of age and older are employed, compared to 67 percent of all immigrants and only 64 percent of those born in America.

Currently, there are about 11,000 Black immigrants under DACA protection, although the Migration Policy Institute has estimated there are 36,000 African immigrants eligible for the deferred action.

There are those who believe African Americans should not sit idly by on the issue of immigration. Make your voices heard on this issue. Call your congressman, attend a rally, raise your voice in this discussion.

As the president and his supporters continue to push their racist agenda, minorities can not afford to sit silent. We have learned from history—to be silent is to be complicit. We must speak out before silence morphs from complicity to something more sinister. As history has also taught us—silence, equals death.

You can reach your U.S. representative by calling (202) 225-3121, and your U.S. senators at (202) 224-3121. Ask the operator to connect you to the individual office. To find out the name of your representative, enter your zip code here www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.

Stephanie E. Williams is an award winning investigative reporter, editor and activist who has contributed to several Inland Empire publications. Williams spent more than thirty years as a middle-manager in the telecommunications industry before retiring to pursue her passion as a reporter and non-fiction writer. Beyond writing, Williams’ personal interests include stone-carving, drumming and sculpting.

By Brian Presley

Young women and teen girls have always had it tough and the recent Hollywood scandals illustrate the types of problems women have had to face not only in entertainment, but in many other industries as well.  There is; however, a long-time activity that can help young women from becoming a victim and that’s babysitting.

Most people may dismiss babysitting as just a part-time job for a teen to make a few dollars but with the proper training and experience, a young woman can develop her confidence, a higher level of responsibility, leadership and life-skills that she will use for the rest of her life.  

Being a babysitter is more than just putting the kids in front of the television and then to bed.  A babysitter is responsible for the safety and well-being of another human being.  It looks simple because in most cases, nothing goes wrong.  The importance of having a properly trained babysitter is evident when something does go wrong.

There are hundreds of babysitting courses available across the country.  They teach how to properly handle, feed and change babies, how to deal with toddlers and many other situations that can pop up.  Many babysitting programs also offer emergency first-aid and CPR courses that could help save a kid’s life.  

Just like anti-bullying programs, all the speeches, skits and cheers that kids are exposed to are useless unless that person develops their confidence and has a high level of self-esteem.  In most cases, victims have the opposite.  The majority of people who complete a babysitting course and learn first-aid and CPR do develop a sense of empowerment.

Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency is empowering.  Knowing that you can help save someone’s life helps build confidence and although they may not realize it, learning first-aid and CPR also builds and develops their leadership abilities.  

A young woman with these skills is less likely to be a victim.

For parents, having someone watch their kids so that they can leave their home is like having a mini vacation.  For many others, a babysitter is needed so that they can go to work to earn money to pay their bills.  As long as there are kids, there will always be a need for babysitters. 

A few of the skills that being a babysitter can develop include:

Communication Skills:

It is extremely important that the babysitter is able to understand and communicate clearly with the adults as to what needs to be done when they are gone.  She must be able to ask questions before the adults leave and must also be able to explain to the parents if they are not able or comfortable with something they’ve been asked to do. 

It is also important for her to clearly explain any situations or events that have happened while they were gone.  It could be something as simple as an appliance not working or even noticing the kid developing a rash.  Parents need to know.  

It is also just as important for the babysitter to communicate with the kids as well.  Just barking orders won’t work but being confident in giving them directions will.  Kids will ideally be more cooperative if they feel like they can talk to her.  

Organizational Skills:

A reliable babysitter is organized, prepared and on time.  

Prior to the job, the babysitter must have everything they need for the time they are there.  That may include a change of clothes, a fully charged cell phone and a way to get there on time and a way to get home safely afterwards. 

The parents may also have a number of tasks for the babysitter to do while they’re gone so it’s important to be able to do them properly especially when it involves something important such as giving medication.  Being organized is important for a successful babysitter. 

Responsibility

For some teens, this is the first time that they are really in charge of something important.  

First and foremost, they are responsible for the safety of the kids.  The tasks assigned to them by the adults are not always suggestions and must be completed to the best of their abilities.   

The babysitter must also be responsible enough to tell the parents that they are not confident or even able to do something they are asked to do.  It’s important for the babysitter to be honest with the parents and to themselves about her abilities. 

The babysitter must also check on the kids regularly even after she puts them to bed and be there to help them if they get up in the middle of the night.  It may be boring to be sitting in front of the television but a responsible babysitter knows that they are always “on duty” even when the kids are asleep.  

Problem Solving

You hope that everything goes smoothly but as parents know, it’s not always the case.  Unexpected things happen and a babysitter must be able to adapt and solve problems as they come up. 

She must be able to understand the situation, come up with a solution, implement it and hope that the problem is resolved which may not always happen. 

Being able to find solutions to problems now may help her to solve larger issues in the future as an adult.   

Confidence

Confidence is a skill that is developed over time and as a babysitter, she must be responsible, be organized, solve problems and be able to communicate.   Having these skills and using them will help her to build confidence in herself and increase her self-esteem which will help her throughout her life.    

Not every decision she makes will work out and not every decision she makes may be the right one for her at that time but at least she was confident enough to make that decision.  Deciding about what is good for her will come with time, maturity and experience. 

Kids with confidence are less likely to be bullied and are more likely to succeed at what they do.  Young women who have developed a high level of self-esteem are less likely to become a victim of predators as well.  

There are many other skills that a babysitter can learn but the most important skills they can learn are the ones that will make them a better person as they get older so when you do hire a young woman to look after your kids, remember, you’re not just giving them a job to look after your kids, you’re also helping them to become better prepared for life.  

Brian Presley is a stay-at-home dad, former youth worker and leadership councilor and is currently the president of What To Do With The Kids®, the website that adults go to when they want to know what to do with their kids.  WTDWTK’s Sitter Advantage app is designed to help babysitters become better at their jobs while providing parents with the peace of mind of knowing that their kids are happy and safe when they’re not there.  Visit www.whattodowiththekids.com for more information or on social media at #WTDWTK. 

By Lue Dowdy

The Stage and the MIC is WHAT IT DO! With it being a new year LUE Productions artists Mack Pepperboy, Gwaap Fam and West Tantrum is ready to go ham on the stage. Each artist from the L.P. camp have been working diligently on their individual projects and their craft.

We’re excited to see them in their element on Saturday, February 3 in the city of Victorville at the Smokin’ Wagon Saloon. If you like rap and hip hop our Kings will not disappoint. Come out and support our movement if you’re available. Doors open at 6 p.m. If not please share it with others.

Follow our artists on all social media sites under @mackpepperboy @gwaapfam @westtantrum and @lueproductions, and please make sure you checkout the music. Now hug somebody and tell them you love them.

Until next week L’s!

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

I don’t know who I’m talking too, but God says, “NOW,” “TODAY,” “NOT TOMORROW!” Time is not on your side! 

Whoever you are, you have heard the Gospel many, many times in the past, and you’ve been spoken to by the Holy Spirit, but you have not heeded the warnings.” I beg you today, please, do not trifle with your soul’s salvation, “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” [James 4:14].  The Urgency of Today [Proverbs 29:1]. The Insistence of God – [Proverbs 1: 24-28]. Know that “TODAY” may be the very last time you may be exposed to the Gospel of the grace of God. Don’t blow it! “NOW,” “TODAY,” repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Savior. For the Bible declares, “Behold, “NOW” is the acceptable time; behold, “NOW” is the day of salvation.” “NOW” is Mercy’s offer. “NOW” is the invitation from God, reaching down from Heaven. Know that the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. [2 Peter 3:9]. “TOMORROW” you may find the door shut. “TOMORROW” may be too late. NOW, NOW, NOW! Repent of your sins, and be forgiven.

You know three passages in the [Book of Proverbs- 1:24-28; 27:1; 29:1] warns us that we are not to wait too late about making our decision of commitment to trust Christ as our Savior and Lord and to receive forgiveness for our sins. Don’t take a chance and think that you will have time to get saved or repent later on in life. For Hell is filling up fast with people who thought that they would repent later on in their life. Some of them, like you, had heard the Gospel: were convicted by the Holy Spirit and Word of God; and had expected to get saved “SOMEDAY.” Unfortunately, for them, their “SOMEDAY” never came. Case in point, Governor Felix, who in [Acts 24: 24-25], was privileged to hear the Gospel, and was so convicted of his need for a Savior that he actually “trembled” but what did he do? He procrastinated, he put it off. He told the Apostle Paul, “Go thy way; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Well, his convenient season never came. His tomorrow never arrived. He died, lost; his chance had come and gone. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent… [Acts 17:30]. Please, be reconciled to God “NOW” before it’s too late!

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that “I have set before you life and death…; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him for He is your life and the length of your days… [Deuteronomy 30:19-20].  

Kamala Harris

On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee announced that Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will replace former Senator Franken as members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

Senators Harris and Booker will be the second and third African American Senators to join the committee, following former Senator Carol Moseley Braun, according to the Senate Historical Office.  

The Senate Judiciary Committee has an oversight role over the of the Department of Justice and the agencies under the Department’s jurisdiction, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as components of the Department of Homeland Security. The committee considers legislation that

Cory Booker

touches on a variety of issues, from immigration to criminal justice, to intellectual property. Senate Judiciary Committee members play a key role in considering Supreme Court nominations, appellate court nominations, and district court nominations.

The following is a statement by Spencer Overton, President of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

“The appointment of Senator Harris and Booker to the Senate Judiciary Committee is another important step in the movement to create a more representative Senate and will have a meaningful impact on how policy is considered. Senators Harris and Booker are thoughtful and passionate advocates for Americans and will have an impact on this important committee.” 

Click here for the Joint Center’s full statement and key resources.  

Aubry Stone, president of California Black Chamber of Commerce, Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) Chair of CLBC, Alice Huffman, President of CA State NAACP

By Manny Otiko, California Black Media

The California Legislative Black Caucus hosted Donna Brazile, a national political figure, at its Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast held Thursday, January 11, to kick off a host of statewide marches, breakfasts and community events commemorating the life and legacy of MLK.

Brazile, two-time former chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and chair of former Vice President Al Gore’s presidential campaign, addressed more than 200 attendees in a speech that was layered with spirituals reflections and peppered with humor. She is also the author of the new tell-all book “Hacks,” which detailed her experience running the DNC under the hacking attack of the Russians during the 2016 election between then-candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Brazile also stressed the importance of working to realize the dream and challenging people to stir the pot.

Brazil spoke candidly about her role in lobbying to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a national holiday.

According to Brazile, King’s message of hope and racial tolerance is still relevant today.

“He (King) taught us to rise above hate,” she said.

She urged Americans not to look at the MLK holiday as just another day off, but a way to get involved. Brazile also challenged more African-American women to run for political office, especially at the local level.

“Because that’s where the action is,” she said.

Assemblymember Chris Holden, CLBC chair, also spoke at the event.  

“We must always remember the rich history that surrounds MLK Day and reflect on how much work still remains to fulfill Dr. King’s dream,” said Holden. “In a national environment where divisive rallies and demonstrations are on the rise, it’s critical for African Americans to unite and stand against hatred bigotry.”

The breakfast also recognized a variety of statewide civil rights activists as “Unsung Heroes.”

“This year’s ‘Unsung Heroes’ are pillars in the Black community,” said Holden. “They continue the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their voices and actions.”

This year’s Unsung Heroes were:

• Pamela Thornton, an advocate for fair land use operations. 
• Joe and Ruthie Hopkins, owners/publishers of Pasadena Journal, a newspaper that serves the African American community in the San Gabriel Valley. 
• Joseph Benjamin Hardwick, senior pastor of Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
• Kenya Fagbemi, program director for the Center for Community Health & Well Being. 
• Tyree Boyd-Pates, history curator and program manager for the African American Museum. 
• Jimmie Woods Gray, the first person of color elected as chairperson of the LA County Democratic Central Committee.
• Arnold Perkins, chair of Alameda County Juvenile Justice Commission and the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Community Advisory Board. 
• Dr. John E. Warren, a lifelong public servant, and publisher of the San Diego Voice and Viewpoint, a publication that works to keep the African American community in San Diego informed.   
• Robert C. Farrell, a retired Los Angeles city councilman and lifelong public service mentor.
• Karen Earl, CEO of Jenesse Center Inc. The oldest domestic violence intervention and prevention program in South Los Angeles and recognized as the first shelter founded by African American women who are themselves survivors of domestic violence. 
• Pleshette Robertson, CEO, and founder of Sac Cultural Hub, a Sacramento print and digital media company keeping Northern California urban communities informed with news, events and entertainment.

Holden added that the CLBC was pleased about working with Gov. Jerry Brown on legislation in 2017 such as the transportation bill, and looked forward to further collaboration this year.

Model Kareisha Phillips (Photo Credit: Jack Houser Esau Abraham Marquez)

By Lue Dowdy

This month’s beauty, Kareisha Phillips is WHAT It Do! Kareisha Phillips was born in Pomona, California and currently resides in Rancho Cucamonga. She enjoys modeling, volunteering with children and reading. She works as a Nurse Assistant. Her measurements are: Bust 36B, waist 34 and hips 38. You can follow Kareisha on Instagram at Kareisha_p.

Calling all models all shapes, sizes and ethnicities! Want to be featured in the Westside Story Newspaper in my column ‘WHAT IT DO WITH LUE’ as the model of the month? Well here’s your chance. Lue Productions will be selecting one beauty once a month. For consideration please send full body shoot, contact number to LUE PRODUCTIONS on Facebook. If selected, you’ll be notified immediately along with a few questions. GOOD LUCK! Looking for my Beauty of the month for the following months of March, April, May, June and July.

SACRAMENTO, CA- The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) celebrated its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day breakfast “Black Voices: Reclaiming Our Influence” in Sacramento. The commemorative event featured veteran Democratic Political Strategist Donna Brazile as the Keynote Speaker, with additional remarks from CLBC Chair Chris Holden, Senate pro Tempore Kevin de Leon, and members of the CLBC.

“We must always remember the rich history that surrounds MLK Day and reflect on how much work still remains to fulfill Dr. King’s dream,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “In a National environment where divisive rallies and demonstrations are on the rise, it’s critical for African Americans to unite and stand against hatred bigotry.”

Donna Brazile, former Chair of the Democratic National Committee delivered a dynamic keynote addressing the importance of unity, activism, and voter engagement within the current political climate. During the program, California Legislative Black Caucus Members recognized civil rights pioneers in their districts as 2018’s “Unsung Heroes.” The honorees included journalists, academics, social workers, activists and community leaders.

“This year’s ‘Unsung Heroes’ are pillars in the Black community” said Assemblymember Chris Holden, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. “They continue the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their voices and actions.”