WSSN Stories

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- It’s coming back! LUE Productions 2nd Annual ‘Show it Off’ Youth Competition scheduled for October. We’re looking for talented youth to audition for FREE on Saturday, June 30 in San Bernardino at the Feldhym Library from 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. Our goal is to provide platforms for aspiring artists and quality shows for the community to enjoy.

If you know of a talented youth that can sing, dance, rap, recite poetry or spoken word, play in a band or any sort of unique gifts please send them our way. In order to participate you must reside in the Inland Empire and you must be 19 years if age or under.

Our team is looking to award the 1st place winner $500, the 2nd place winner with $100 and 3rd place winner will with $50 in cash along with trophies. All music or performances must be clean. If selected more details about the show will be given.

Get on the priority audition list by texting your name and contact number to (909) 567-1000 or emailing Lue.info@yahoo.com. Let’s keep positive events such as this going for our youth. Until next week L’s!

Los Angeles joins Chicago and Atlanta to host fitness-focused scholarship fundraiser

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- LOS ANGELES, CA- With successful 5K run fundraisers in place in Chicago and Atlanta, the Divine Nine 5K Race Series is pleased to announce its West Coast expansion with the addition of Los Angeles as the next location.

Launched in 2015 by fitness enthusiast Neecy Roney, the Divine Nine 5K Race set an early goal of bringing the community together for fitness, fellowship and fun.  The first event took place in Chicago in 2015 with 500 participants.  In 2016, the race expanded to Atlanta, where the inaugural race attracted nearly 600 participants.  Both events are organized in collaboration with the local National Pan-Hellenic Councils (NPHC) and raise funds for the Council’s scholarship and community programs.

Recognizing the Divine Nine 5K’s positive impact on the community, organizers made plans to strategically expand to other locations.  From a list of other major cities, Los Angeles was selected based on its location, strong NPHC council and the community’s interest in fitness and track record of supporting unique fundraising activities.

“We’re pleased to join the Divine Nine 5K family,” said Jacqueline Sparrow, President, Los Angeles NPHC.  “The event will provide a unique opportunity for NPHC- Los Angeles to bring the community together in the name of fitness and scholarship.” 

“Our expansion to Los Angeles confirms that the Divine Nine 5K Race Series is truly a national event.  With locations in the Midwest, South and now Southern California, we’re excited about the opportunity to grow the race series,” added Rooney.

At present, the NPHC-Los Angeles is reviewing possible locations for its inaugural Divine Nine 5K – Los Angeles.  The event is tentatively planned for October 2018.  Additional details will be announced later this month. 

The Atlanta and Chicago 5K races are planned for June 9th and June 16th, respectively.

For additional information about the Divine Nine 5K Race Series, please visit www.divinenine5k.com.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- You fool! There are no guarantees about tomorrow! [Luke 12:16-21.] Life is short and uncertain. Fragile! [Psalms 39:4; James 4:13-17]. Talking ‘bout; “Tomorrow you’ll serve God!” Making plans without taking into account your own mortality and God’s sovereignty. What is your life? A vapor that appears for a little while and then disappears…. [James 4:14]. The only time you have is right now! Whatcha mean tomorrow! CHOOSE whom you will serve! Today!

As Martin Luther King, Jr., once preached “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity… but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, “Too late.”

I tell you there are times in our life when we cannot afford to stay still; to not act on God’s will for our lives. That time is now. Scripture does not permit us to sit still, to wait for God to call to us a second time. Today is the day; this is the hour, the minute, when we say yes to God’s call to us to live. Now is the time. The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God has come near, repent and believe in the good news.

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow…’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.” “You do not know what will happen tomorrow.” [James 4:13-14a].  You don’t even know what will happen ten minutes from now, let alone tomorrow! Arrogantly assuming that you would wake up tomorrow; presuming things about an unknown future that you have no control of and no guarantees about! Whatcha mean Tomorrow!

I want you to know that there are three passages in the [Book of Proverbs] that warns us that we are not to wait too late about making our decision of commitment to Christ and to receive forgiveness for our sins. [Proverbs 1:24-28] is God’s invitation to man to respond to God’s offer of mercy and grace. These verses tell, in part, what will happen to man if he refuses God’s invitation. [Proverbs 27:1] presents to us the man who thinks he has many “tomorrows” to get right with God, but does not realize that, for him, there may not be another “tomorrow.” [Proverbs 29:1] presents a picture of an oxen who has a yoke put about its neck so that the master can lead it in the direction that he wants it to go. But the ox is rebellious and will not go in the right direction. The yoke rubs on the neck until a callous is formed and the animal becomes insensitive to the pulling of the reins by the master. The only thing to do now is to destroy the animal; to put it to death, for it is of no further use to the master. Rather than the ox being useful, it becomes a burden and a problem because of its rebellious nature.

I tell you, God is saying something very important to us. We are not just beast. We are people that He loved, died for, and wants to bring control and direction to our lives. God is saying to us, “Don’t wait too late. Come to Jesus while there is still time.” Wehave known yesterday –the past –and we are experiencing the present, but we have no certainties of tomorrow. To count on tomorrow is to neglect the duty of today!

Listen, “Tomorrow” is the devil’s greatest tool; “Now” is God’s greatest weapon to defeat the devil. Today and not tomorrow is “THE ACCEPTED TIME. “Now” is Mercy’s offer. “Now” is the invitation from God, reaching down from heaven. Tomorrow you may find the door shut. This is your urgent day. [Proverbs 29:1] I tell you, whatever it is that is keeping you away from the Lord, it isn’t worth the price you will have to pay to keep it! Throw it down and cast yourself on Jesus for salvation. The day of grace has its limits. Now is the time to do something. Tomorrow may be too late!

 “I gave you cleanness of teeth by sending you famine and drought so that you would turn back to Me –yet you have not returned to me.  I withheld rain from you so you would return –yet you have not returned to me. I sent blight and mildew and locust –yet you have not returned.” Your young men were killed in battle with a sword –yet you did not return to me. Because you will not return to me, prepare to meet your God. And meet Him without ever turning to Him in life on earth. Meet Him –Condemned. [Amos 4:6-12]

LOMA LINDA, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) were treated to an afternoon of books, arts and crafts at the annual “Spring Into Reading,” a patient diversionary event sponsored by the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild.

“This is part of the Loma Linda Guild’s mission to enhance the patient experience for our precious children at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital,” said Lynn Sleeth, president of the Loma Linda Guild.

On Monday, May 21, LLUCH patients and young children visiting the hospital were welcomed to the lobby level of the hospital where craft tables were set up alongside a library of books and a table of stuffed animals. Kids were able to take a book and stuffed animal of their choosing to keep.

Tables were strewn with all the supplies needed to make handprint spring lilies bouquets such as construction paper, pipe cleaner, pencils, crayon, ribbons and more.

Alejandra Leyva, 11, from Perris, enjoyed making a pink, white and red bouquet of flowers by tracing her handprint and following the instructions provided by the Guild.

Goodie bags of books and craft materials were taken up to the rooms of patients who were unable to make it down to the lobby for the event.

For more information on the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild, please visit lluch.org/guilds.

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- A win for the West is What it Do! “Welcome To The West” 1st Music Festival sponsored by 99.1 KGGI was a major success. Congratulations to Streetwise Entertainment and Cabana Life Entertainment for hosting this event here in the Inland Empire.

It was a packed house. People waited anxiously to see the show and headliner Nippsey Hussle. The evening was nonstop with performances from local talent and legends such as: Suga Free, Dogg Pound, The Outlawz, Mack 10 and The Eastsiderz.

It was amazing to see and vibe to artists I grew up on, but it didn’t stop there. The crowd got to see other artists turn up like: Mozzy, Slim 400, Teeflii, Mac Lucci and several others.

The headliner showed us just why he’s the headliner. Nippsey Hussle came out gassing. He performed his hit, “Last Time That I Checked” off his album Victory Lap, and the crowd just lost it.

All of the artists did an outstanding job. The media room was on. They treated us well. We were provided good food, snacks and drinks. It was almost like a reunion. I saw several media folks that I haven’t seen in a while. It was a fun and great night of music and networking.

I’d like to thank my plug for the media hookup and allowing me to be the only Inland Empire REP. Can’t wait till the next one. Do me a favor and hug a loved one today. L’s!

INGLEWOOD, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- U.S.VETS successfully kicked off Memorial Day weekend with a meaningful day of honor for the women and men that served our country. 

On Friday, May 25, U.S. VETS—the country’s largest non-profit provider of comprehensive services to homeless and at-risk Veterans—celebrated their 25th Anniversary with their rededication of the organization’s first established veteran’s facility. The site was, for the first time, officially dedicated as U.S. VETS—INGLEWOOD.

The event hosted political dignitaries and notable special guests such as Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA District 43), Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr., Akilah Templeton, Executive Director, U.S. VETS—Inglewood and Stephen J. Peck (President/CEO, U.S. VETS). Additionally, the day included a commemorative ceremony, open-to-the-public community resource fair, live music, special appearance by the Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders, and the inaugural performance of the U.S. VETS-Inglewood InterService Veteran Color Guard. 

Executive Director Akilah Templeton—an Inglewood native, and long-time mental health advocate, who helms U.S.VETS—INGLEWOOD, one of the country’s largest residential sites for homeless veterans, stated that “our collective service and commitment to our veterans will continue, as we have for 25 years, until every last veteran is moved off of our streets and into the proud future they deserve.”

“U.S. VETS is an extremely important organization that is dedicated to ensuring a better quality of life for homeless and at-risk veterans here in Inglewood and across the country. I am so pleased to join with them once again to celebrate 25 years of distinguished service, and I look forward to continuing our long and strong partnership of providing housing assistance and services to veterans in our community,” said U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

“On behalf of the City of Inglewood, I am honored to pay tribute to all of the veterans, past, and present, who protect the freedoms and way of life we cherish in America.  Inglewood salutes you,” stated Mayor James T. Butts Jr.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Thus saith the Lord, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish!” [Luke13:3]. Loud and clear, Jesus declares: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish!” It is a call for radical inward change toward God and man.  None is excluded! All need repentance! And the need is urgent! Jesus, the Son of God, is warning us of the judgment to come, and offering escape if we will repent. If we will not repent, Jesus has one word for us, “Woe, to you” [Matthew 11:21].

You know, God said to the prophet Ezekiel, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore, hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me” [Ezekiel 3:17]. This demand of Jesus to repent goes to all the nations. It comes to you, whoever you are and wherever you are. This is the demand of Jesus to every soul: Repent! Be changed deep within. Do not sit idle and wait for His wrath. The hour is urgent! Return to the Lord with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning; and rend your hearts. Do not delay your decision. Do not think about this message overnight. Immediate action is required! Repent Now; and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” [Acts 3:19]. For “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” [2 Corinthians 6:2].

 I implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” [2 Corinthians 5:20]. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ [2 Corinthians 5:10]. Ezekiel said, “Repent and turn from your transgressions” [Ezek. 18:30].  John the Baptist said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” [Matt. 3:2]. Jesus said “Repent and believe in the gospel” [Mark 1:15].  Peter said “Repent and be baptized” [Acts 2:38].  Joel calls for deep and thorough repentance [Joel 2:13–17]. The Old Testament thunders, “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin” [Ezekiel 18:30]. The New Testament vigorously exhorts men and women to repent. “Repent … and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,” said the Apostle Peter [Acts 3:19]. The Apostle Paul said, “Now [God] commands all men everywhere to repent” [Acts 17:30]. The Bible commands it, your wickedness demands it, justice requires it, Christ preached it and God expects it.

The signpost reads, “Stop! Look! Listen! Danger ahead!” The Spirit of God, your conscience and your better judgment all join to warn, “Detour! Change! You’re on the wrong road!” God is waving the red flag. His patience is coming to an end. Do not take God’s patience for granted or think lightly of it. Will you repent now? Will you receive Him as your Savior? Christ demands an immediate and unquestioning response. Not an answer, but an action. Not a saying, but a doing. Christ’s call is clear and simple. “Follow Me,” he says. Be changed forever. Not just made a better person, but made new.

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous 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 55:6-7]

The prophet had the duty to deliver the sobering message: Unless the citizens of Israel and Judah acknowledged their sins, turned from them, repented and began again to obey God’s law, they would die in their sins. Regardless of how individuals responded to the warning, if they heard the message, the prophet had done his job and was no longer responsible. Only if the prophet did not deliver the admonition would he be judged along with the wicked. [Ezekiel 3:18-19].

You have been warned to repent, in advance of God’s judgment to come, through this article. It is now your move.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:That thou mayest love the Lordthy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lordsware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them [Deuteronomy 30:15-20].

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- LUE on Empire Talks with Radio Host Wallace Allen is What it Do!

I.E. catch ya’ girl on Sunday, May 27 live on Empire Talks Back with Mr. Wallace Allen as we promote our 2nd Annual 2018 BBW and Plus Size Model Competition. Make sure you tune in as I’ll be bringing a few of our beautiful contestants along and the featured act Gwaap Fam.

Call in and chat with us (909) 792-5222 (KCAA). You can listen to the show on 102.3 FM, 1050 AM and 106.5 FM.

Until next week L’s!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- EBONY magazine releases its June issue, showcasing Danai Gurira on the cover. In the accompanying exclusive interview, EBONY sits down with the award-winning actress for an intimate conversation in which Gurira dishes on her climb in Hollywood, her activism and paying it forward.

“I feel called. … I feel like everything I do, everything—the blessings that I’ve received—are not necessarily for me. They’re for me to sturdy up my shoulders for other girls to stand on like I stand on other people’s shoulders,” says Gurira.

The June issue also features a celebration of Black music and a very special ’90s hip-hop beauty retrospective. In addition, readers will learn about Letoya Luckett’s new destiny; GOOD Music’s leading lady, Teyana Taylor, dishes on her beauty tips; and we offer suggestions for the best swimsuits and Father’s Day gifts, with our exclusive gift guide.

“The June issue of EBONY is one to get very excited about. Music has always played—and continues to play—an integral role in Black culture. We hope this edition will deliver a robust celebration of music and get everyone involved,” says Linda Johnson Rice, CEO of EBONY Media Operations. “The June issue also aims to celebrate Black fathers and fatherhood. We take a deep dive into honoring the male role models in all of our lives through heart-touching stories and ideas for purchasing the man in your life the perfect gift for Father’s Day.”

Get the June 2018 digital edition of EBONY via Texture, Google Play, Apple iTunes and Kindle May 17 and on newsstands May 24.  For more with Gurira and behind-the-scenes content, be sure to visit ebony.com/InsideEbony.

Executive Director, Akliah Templeton, Chats with WSS News on the vision and mission of the U.S. Vets Program

By Naomi K. Bonman

Executive Director of U.S. Vets Inglewood, Akliah Templeton

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Memorial Day is on Monday, May 28 and to commemorate it, the U.S. Vets organization will be celebrating its 25^thAnniversary by honoring the veterans who have served for our country. The celebration will take place on Friday, May 25 at U.S. Vets-Inglewood located at 733 S. Hindry Avenue in Inglewood.

U.S. Vets is the nation’s largest non-profit provider of direct services to homeless and at-risk veterans. The organization currently has 20 residential sites and 9 service centers across the country, as well as national homeless prevention programs. U.S. Vets provides housing, counseling and career development services to help veterans and families successfully transition to civilian life.

WSS News recently caught up with the executive director of U.S. Vets, Akilah Templeton where she chatted on her overall mission and vision for the organization.

Check out the interview below:

As executive director, what is your vision for the future of U.S. Vets?

Ultimately, it is imperative that my vision aligns with the collective vision of the organization’s leadership.  My Vision for U.S.VETS Inglewood involves a commitment to ensuring excellence in service delivery, continued growth and more collaboration with those who are concerned with improving the quality of life for our nation’s heroes. This means using evidence-based interventions to address the challenges faced by veterans. It includes expanding programs and services to reach more veterans and veteran families. It requires coalition building so that we are part of a community-wide response to solving a set of complex problems.

I am certain that as an organization, we cannot do this alone. Veteran homelessness is a humanitarian issue. It is an issue that shouldn’t exist.  When we talk about expanding housing programs, we have to involve the community. The community must make the connection between the sacrifices made by these brave men and women and the freedoms we enjoy as a result.

For those who are unfamiliar what id U.S. Vets and what does the organization do?

Simply put, U.S.VETS rebuilds lives. Every service we provide, every bed we fill and every meal we serve in some way contributes to helping a veteran gain stability. Services include transitional housing and now permanent housing in some areas, help with re-integration into the labor force,  targeted case management, therapy, substance use treatment, social activities, help with strengthening independent living skills, family services, legal services and assistance with finding a permanent place to call home. U.S.VETS is the largest non-profit provider of veteran specific housing, employment and case management services in the country.

How can veterans who aren’t apart of the organization become involved?

Veterans who are seeking services can contact their nearest U.S.VETS location for more information. The Inglewood site is located at 733 S. Hindry Ave. in Inglewood. We accept walk-ins. You can also reach us by phone at 310-348-7600.  

Veteran’s wanting to offer support or simply get involved can find us at usvetsinc.org for information on donating and volunteering.

What other upcoming events does the organization have?

We are looking forward to our first annual celebrity basketball game in August. We hope to raise funds to cover gaps in existing programs and to expand service delivery.