WSSN Stories

Exquisite Conglomerate Communications LLC Announces New EPRN West Coast Operations Division President

Naomi K. Bonman

Naomi K. Bonman

LOS ANGELES, CA- Taking the Exquisite Podcast Radio Network to the next level will require demonstrations and leadership from a professional journalist that has been hosting her podcast radio network show “Purposely Awakened Radio” on EPRN. Ms. Naomi K. Bonman is a talented journalist and entrepreneur with an eye for design, ear for entertainment, and she’s committed to bringing insightful news to communities. Bonman is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University.

As President of West Coast Operations for the Exquisite Podcast Radio Network, division of Exquisite Conglomerate Communications LLC, Naomi will be in charge of ramping up the network show lineup along the West Coast. Currently there are 3 network shows that have been activated in California, and with Ms. Bonman’s direction EPRN will be looking to increase that number to more than 25 over the course of the next six to eight months.

The Exquisite Podcast Radio Network is looking to not only launch new shows in California, but they are also looking to reach audiences in Nevada, Washington, Oregon, as well as cities in western Canada. Ms. Bonman’s EPRN show “Purposely Awakened Radio” will be the flagship show for the Exquisite Podcast Radio Network on the West Coast.

EPRN is a unique podcast radio network that trains, develops, markets, and distributes content for aspiring podcasters and radio personalities. Since the 1st quarter of 2017, the network has taken off and can now be heard in more than 250 cities worldwide. Listeners can log onto the Exquisite Podcast Radio Network at www.eprn.us and listen to more than 20 shows with over 300 episodes of original content.

What It Do With The LUE: LadyMV and Royal Rose Winter Fashion Show

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By Lue Dowdy

LadyMV and RoyalRose Winter FASHION SHOW is WHAT IT DO. This Sunday, November 26, Lady MV is celebrating fun,  figured women during the month of November.

I’m calling all my fashionista’s who are looking for something fun to do after Turkey day. Yolanda Magnum and ‘NeNe’, CEO and Founder of LadyMV and RoyalRose Clothing, along with her entire team are ready to serve it up on the runway.

Beautiful models of all shapes and sizes from all over will be showcasing collections by talented fashion designers.

Lady MV Winter Fashion Show will consist of cocktails, networking, and special guest appearances from Love And Hip Hollywood stars Masika and Moniece and live performances.

Make sure you get your ticket for this EPIC EVENT. Please visit their facebook for more details. Until next week L’s!

Diana Ross’ Grandson Stole the Show During Her AMA Performance

Ross

By Rebecca Shapiro, Huffington Post

Another star was born Sunday night when Diana Ross turned her American Music Awards performance into a family affair.

The icon accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award surrounded by her family, and she even invited her grandchildren on stage to dance as she sang, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” during a stellar performance.

It didn’t take long for audience members at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and those sitting at home, to notice Ross’ grandson dancing his heart out.

Ross’ grandson also hugged the singer when she accepted her award, saying into the microphone, “I’m so proud of you!” He later closed out the awards show by taking another moment to tell his grandmother that he was proud of her, and to let the crowd know that he loved them too.

 

 

Buckle Up This Thanksgiving and Stay Safe Everytime

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- As millions of travelers flood the roads this Thanksgiving, the San Bernardino Police Department is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and law enforcement across the state to share an important lifesaving reminder: Buckle Up–Every Trip. Every Time. San Bernardino Police Department will be conducting driver safety operations throughout the Thanksgiving holiday season.

During the 2015 Thanksgiving weekend, 301 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, and 53 percent were not wearing seat belts at the time of the fatal crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  California accounted for 42 of those fatalities.  Nighttime proved even more deadly, with 57 percent of Thanksgiving weekend crashes occurring at night nationally.  Much like drunk driving, these deaths represent needless tragedies for families across America.  Many of these deaths could have been completely prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.

Year after year, families are devastated when news arrives that a loved one is killed on their way to Thanksgiving festivities. These stories are just unacceptable when over 50 percent of the deaths involve an unrestrained occupant.  Especially when it’s known that seat belt use is one of the simplest ways to stay safe while riding in a vehicle.

NHTSA estimates that proper seat belt use reduces the risk of fatal and serious injuries. In 2015, approximately 13,941 people survived crashes because they were buckled up.  If everyone had worn their seat belts that year, an additional 2,804 lives could have been saved.  NHTSA’s research also reveals that males are more likely to be unbuckled than females in a fatal crash, and that younger drivers are also at greater risk of being unbuckled.

San Bernardino PD’s goal for the ‘Buckle Up—Every Trip. Every Time.’ seat belt awareness campaign is to save lives.  This campaign reminds Thanksgiving travelers, and all drivers, about the importance of buckling up–every trip, every time.  Thanksgiving should be a happy time, not a tragic one.

Additionally, OTS statewide data reveals that of the 42 killed during the Thanksgiving weekend, 18 were alcohol involved deaths. While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, The San Bernardino Police Department supports the new effort from OTS that aims to drive awareness that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Prescription medications and marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest. 

Never drink and drive and whether you’re a passenger or the driver, riding long distances or short, buckle your seat belt.  Doing so ensures everyone arrives safely to their Thanksgiving destinations.  Remember: Buckle Up–Every Trip. Every Time.

Race in America: The Elephant in Everybody’s Room

Terrence Roberts, PhD, Keynote Speaker, Race & Racism, Redlands 1st United Methodist Church. (Photo credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)

Terrence Roberts, PhD, Keynote Speaker, Race & Racism, Redlands 1st United Methodist Church. (Photo credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer)

By John Coleman

REDLANDS, CA- United Methodist Church in Redlands led an interesting discussion on Race in America, which was held on Wednesday, November 8. Terrence Roberts led the discussion with a presentation about his early childhood years as a Black child growing up in America. He recalled being scarcely aware of the hurtful attitudes and behaviors of White people towards Black people. He felt safe within this home where he ran and played and enjoyed the joys that childhood had to offer. Early on as a child he was taught to be good, develop a strong internal sense of himself, and to get a good education.

However, outside of the home it was a different story. Roberts became aware of difficulties for Black people surviving in in a racist, legally structured system and in state like Mississippi or Arkansas, where laws are written by White people for enforcement on Blacks, such as the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision, known as “Separate but Equal,” while only a few men who wrote the U.S. Constitution were slave holders, all firmly believed in the superiority of European people over all others. This all began almost from the earliest years of the European invasions of the America more than 330 years ago.

Dr. Roberts proceeded to note post WWII changes in society that began to affect or address concepts of race or racism in the structure of life in America.

In his school years, Roberts began attending the public schools of Little Rock, Arkansas, which under Arkansas laws required Black students to attend public schools that were separate from, but failing to be equal to public schools attended by white students.  This situation was well recognized and sometimes contested by Black people in Arkansas.  White parents and their children were less aware, concerned, or opposed.

In 1954, The U.S. Supreme Court reversed the 1896 “Plessy v Fergusson”  (Separate But Equal) Decision, with the “Brown v. Topeka Board of Education” Decision & ruled that separation (segregation) was inherently unequal, and thus in violation of the US Constitution. White parents, students, school officials, community leaders, and white society-at-large were outraged and organized opposition efforts.

Black students in still segregated Arkansas public schools organized and attempted to enroll in Little Rock High School. Over 300 teen-agers volunteered to participate, but only nine (9) were selected.

Arkansas Governor, Orval Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the students from their attending LRHS, but U.S. President Eisenhower nationalized the Guard and ordered them & USArmy  soldiers to protect the students’ constitutional rights. A soldier was assigned to protect each student, day and night, but abuse and mistreatment continued all year.

Terrence Roberts, then 13-years-old, was among the selected students who became known as the “Little Rock Nine.”  They were confronted by hostile, and violent crowds before and after school all year and behind the scenes in-school hostility and abuse from white students also persisted. However, Roberts commended quiet support and aid from White heroes, students and teachers, who were targeted, threatened and abused if they appeared to encourage and/or support the “Little Rock Nine.”  He specially appreciated the white student who defying white hysteria shared her textbooks, notes, and other class materials with him after his were ripped from him and destroyed.

Parents lost their jobs.  They and many others in the Black community suffered injury and other loss. Many others who carried the de-segregation campaign across America, like the “Little Rock Nine,” were teenage youth and their parents.

Governor Faubus cancelled all Arkansas high schools for the 1958-59 school year.

Terrence Roberts’ family moved to California where he completed high school,  earned a BA from Cal State University, LA; a Masters in Social Work from USC, and his  PhD from Southern Illinois University.   (This “Boy”  really ‘got’ his education!)

Rap Artist T.I. Leaves Remarkable Performance at 2017 SoCal Harvest Cup

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Hip-Hop artist T.I.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The SoCal Harvest Cup kicked off on Saturday, November 11 at the National Orange Show Events Center, in San Bernardino. The event was presented by THC Design and Brass Knuckles.

From booths offering free dabs and samples at every corner to all the different activations and seminars, there was something for every type of cannabis consumer. As guests entered through the gates, they were welcomed with bags of bud to fulfil their cannabis appetites.

Magical Butters Top Cannabis Chef competition kicked off at 1:30 p.m. with chefs duking it out in the preliminary rounds of competition. The art of trimming was also on display at the THC Design booth, along with Shards of excellence.

High Times’ Senior Cultivation Editor Danny Danko hosted his “Free Weed” cultivation seminar followed by several music acts that hot the stage, which kicked off with Berner. Following him included: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, who truly brought the funk; Naughty By Nature who packed in the crowd; Lil Dickey; and T.I. who closed out the night by bringing down the house.

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What It Do With the LUE: Bringing Awareness to Violence

concert

By Lue Dowdy

Bringing awareness about violence through music is WHAT IT DO! Violence is everywhere. You see it when you turn on the television and when you walk or drive through certain neighborhoods. So why does it have to be in the schools? School should be one of the safest places for our youth. They should be worried about graduating or who they should ask out to prom. Our youth should not have to worry about SAFETY while learning.

Shout out to R&B artist, Yung Muusik, for having a heart to help our youth by putting on a concert in the City of Adelanto. The focus is to bring people together and this is an all age event. feel free to bring out your family for a day of fun and MUSIC. Edwin Johnson of Chord Youth Enrichment Program will be the guest speaker of the evening. The concert will feature performances by local artist such as: Gaim Ov3r, Yung Muusik, Jada J., Princess Anyia, and more.

There will be activities and free giveaways for families. The concert will take place on Saturday, November 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of the Lord Baptist Church located at 17911 Permain Street in Adelanto. Let’s do our best to spread love and not hate.

Until next week L’z!

Time For Change Foundation’s Founder, Kim Carter, Recognized in Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 List

Kim bio pic

Kim Carter

The EBONY Power 100 is compiled by the editors of EBONY magazine. Each selection is considered a leader in his or her field. Over the past year, these individuals have had a positive impact on the African-American community. They are game changers in their respective fields and have consistently challenged the status quo. The Star-Studded list of other honorees includes people like Oprah Winfrey, R & B legend Rihanna and U.S. Senator Kamala Harris to name a few. Kim Carter is being honored as one of the “Community Crusaders” reflecting a collective of liberators and leaders who affirm the lives of the misrepresented, no matter race, gender or creed. Through philanthropic efforts and activism, these honorees galvanize and nurture our communities with the mission of ensuring liberty and justice for all.

Kim Carter founded the Time for Change Foundation in 2002, helping homeless women and children reach self-sufficiency. Today, she is a powerful leader transforming the lives of those impacted by poverty and incarceration. Kim’s innovation created a plethora of evidence-based program models, including 2 shelters, 13 permanent supportive housing units and developing her first affordable housing project, The Phoenix Square.   Today, the organization’s impact and model is being replicated in 2 different states and the Bay Area.

As a policy fellow, she learned how to navigate the political system and influence policy and laws to advance her cause. Using her past experiences with incarceration and homelessness as the fuel to drive her passion, she has excelled as a notable leader. Through her Center for Housing Advancement & Motivational Projects LLC she does consulting and motivational speaking across the country.   Many call Kim the “Real Deal” because she is a powerful voice for change with dynamic skills that propel others to stand up and take action.

The Ebony Power 100 list features men and women who are truly making a difference in their communities and the world through their work, talent and influence,” says Nationwide Chief Administrative Officer Gale King. “Nationwide congratulates this year’s distinguished honorees and looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments and contributions at this year’s gala.

“My purpose is to do what seems impossible, like ending homelessness and developing leaders from  those that are most impacted by negative social conditions,” says Kim Carter. “Harriet Tubman didn’t quit when she found freedom, she went on to free thousands of slaves… that’s my SHERO!”

Exclusive Interview: ‘True Worshipper’ Sherri Bryant Chats on Her Ministry, New Album

sherry-b-7969 - cropped 1By Naomi K. Bonman

In this day of age, the phrase “Unapologetically Me” has been heard over and over; however, it is a true testament to being unashamed of who you are. This is how I would describe Christian recording artist, Sherri Bryant. She is unapologetically bold and unashamed in her worship and passion in praising God. Her boldness in her ministry has helped others worldwide to tap into their purpose and calling in Jesus Christ.

Sherri has released three projects since she has been in her ministry of music. Her first project, “I Found the One,” demonstrates her ability to capture melodies of heaven through her unique vocal arrangements and expressive lyrics. Her second cd, “Made II Praise,” is a collection of contemporary praise and worship that radiates with the passion and energy that flow from Sherri during a live performance, and her latest project which just released this year, “True Worship” also is a collection of contemporary songs, but they are also very testimonial to the struggles that Bryant went through on her life’s journey to her destiny. “You Are Greater” is just one of the songs that captures her testimony from fear to faith and helps the listener to understand that no matter how high their mountain our God is Greater.

Sherri is currently the worship leader at Water of Life in Fontana, California, and in addition to that she travels all over the world ministering her gift of music and winning souls to Christ. She recently traveled to The Congo of Africa where she ministered to a crowd of over 140,000!

In a recent interview that Sherri shared with the Westside Story Newspaper, she explained her experience of being in Africa, as well as what inspired her to take her gift of music to the heights of where it is now. 

Katja Bentrah’s Watu Wote (All of Us) Takes Home The Gold Student Academy Award

Director Katja Bentrah and Producer Tobian Rosen’s award-winning film Watu Wote (All of us), is based on a true story and has won over thirty-five film festival awards, including the Gold Student Academy Award. The film stars Adelyne Wairimu, Barkhad Abdirahman (Captain Phillips), Fasal Ahrmed (Captain Phillips) and Abdiwali Farrah (Fishing Without Nets).

For a decade, Kenya has been targeted by terrorist attacks of the Al-Shaaab. An atmosphere of anxiety and mistrust between Muslims and Christians is growing. Until in December 2015, Muslim bus passengers showed that solidarity can prevail.

Katja Bentrah started her career as a theatre tailor, but fell in love with filmmaking when she studied acting in Vienna. Her first short films (Babydoll, No one pukes in Heaven & Tilda) have been playing successfully at many international festivals. During her master studies at Hamburg Media School, she directed Where have you been, Secrecies and Watu Wote.

Producer Tobias Rosen was brought up in South Africa. After returning to Germany he worked as an actor at theater and for film, before he joined the producing masterclass of the Hamburg Media School. He supervised the graduation movie Child of Fire as director and producer as well as the historical drama Valentina. Rosen also produced the shorts Secrecies, At the End and Watu Wote.

Just a handful of this must-see films awards include; Best Narrative short at Brooklyn Film Festival, Best Short Film at the Oscar qualifying Bermuda International Film Festival, Best Short & Best Production at the German Newcomer Awards First Steps, the winner of the San Sebastian International Human Rights Film Festival and the Gold Student Academy Award, which qualifies it to be considered for a live action short film Oscar.