WSSN Stories

NATIONAL- The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) has announced the dates and locations of its 2017 Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) programs. SEEK, now in its 11th year, is the nation’s largest summer engineering program geared toward African-American pre-college students. The program is undergoing a large, three-year expansion funded by a $2-million grant from the National Science Foundation to NSBE and its project partners, Purdue University and Virginia Tech. SEEK, NSBE’s free, signature out-of-school-time program, will take place in June, July and August this year, at 15 sites in 14 cities across the U.S.

“The SEEK expansion will allow NSBE to make a resounding impact on the nation as we move toward our 10-year strategic goal,” said NSBE National Chair Matthew C. Nelson. NSBE is leading the concerted effort to graduate 10,000 African-American engineers with bachelor’s degrees annually by 2025, a nearly threefold increase over the 2014 total. “Thanks to our dedicated partners, we can expose many more black children to STEM careers, providing the U.S. more of the engineering talent it sorely needs while simultaneously strengthening African-American communities across the country.

SEEK participants engage in team-based, competitive engineering design activities and learn science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts, under the guidance of mentor-instructors, many of whom are collegiate members of NSBE. More than 18,000 students in grades 3–12, more than 20,000 parents and more than 2,800 mentors have participated in SEEK since its launch in Washington, D.C., in 2007. The engineering design activities for the children and teens are provided by SAE International (formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers) — NSBE’s curriculum partner in SEEK since 2007 — and by numerous other organizations. The program enjoys the support of a broad base of corporate, government and nonprofit partners.

NSBE Executive Director Karl W. Reid, Ed.D. is the principal investigator of the NSBE-Purdue-Virginia Tech project, which is titled “Strengthening the STEM Pipeline for Elementary School African Americans, Hispanics, and Girls by Scaling Up Summer Engineering Experiences.” The NSF grant will be used to expand the SEEK program to 31 sites and 27,000 African-American, Hispanic and female third through fifth graders across the U.S., by 2019. The project will measure: the effectiveness of SEEK in improving the students’ STEM-related skills, attitudes and knowledge; the relationship of those qualities to the students’ academic motivation; and the effect of organizational context factors on the students’ STEM experiences and outcomes.

“We look forward to the knowledge that will be gained from this project and to the positive results we will see for aspiring engineers,” said Dr. Reid.

A listing of the SEEK programs for 2017 follows. More information about SEEK is available at www.nsbe.org/seek.

2017 SUMMER ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS

Current Cities                                    Start Date                   End Date 
Ascension Parish, La.                         June 19                       July 7
Atlanta, Ga. (All-Female)                    June 12                       June 30
Birmingham, Ala.                                June 12                       June 30
Chicago, Ill.                                         July 17                        August 4
Detroit, Mich.                                       July 24                        August 11
Houston, Texas                                   June 12                       June 30
Jackson, Miss. (All-Female)                June 26                       July 14
Kansas City, Mo.                                 June 5                         June 23
Los Angeles, Calif.                              June 26                       July 14
New Orleans, La.                                June 12                       June 30
Oakland, Calif.                                    June 19                       July 7
Pittsburgh, Pa.                                    July 3                          July 21
Sacramento, Calif. (Twin Rivers)        June 19                       July 7                          
Sacramento, Calif. (Sac City)             July 17                         August 4
Saginaw, Mich.                                   July 24                         August 11
Washington, D.C.                                July 24                         August 11

Whether they are home, the office, or somewhere in between, McDonald’s customers in Southern California can now enjoy their favorite burgers, fries, beverages and desserts delivered right to them through UberEATS. Now McDelivery on UberEATS is available at more than 375 McDonald’s restaurants throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County and Riverside County.

“We are excited to bring a new level of convenience and personalization to our customers in Southern California with UberEATS” said Paul Tulaphorn, McDonald’s franchisee and association president of the local McDonald’s owner operators group. “Our customers have told us they enjoy experiencing McDonald’s in new ways, and this is just one more way for them to enjoy their favorite menu items.”

Customers can place McDonald’s orders on the UberEATS mobile app or on UberEATS.com, using the same account they use to take Uber rides and track their order, as an UberEATS delivery partner brings their meal directly to them. The full menu at participating McDonald’s restaurants will be available for delivery with the exception of soft serve cones. An UberEATS booking fee applies to each order.

“With UberEATS, you can get the food you want, where you want it, delivered at Uber speed. We’re thrilled to partner with McDonald’s to give fans in Southern California easy access to their McDonald’s favorites at the tap of a button,” said Allen Narcisse, General Manager of UberEATS Southern California. “People in Southern California search for McDonald’s in the UberEATS app almost daily, so we’re excited to expand our reach and deliver what they’ve been craving.”

Delivery is just one way that McDonald’s is enhancing the customer experience through added convenience. McDonald’s of Southern California is innovating its customer experience by making interior and exterior improvements to their restaurants, which include a more modern design, digital menu boards, table service and self-serve kiosks. Southern California customers can also enjoy a range of balanced menu items that fit their lifestyle, including the Egg White & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bowl, and smoothies and parfaits made with nonfat vanilla Chobani® Greek Yogurt.

This week, The Home Depot® held the winners’ ceremony to announce the 2017 Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program recipients. This year, nine HBCUs were awarded a total of $360,000 to use towards funding sustainable campus improvement projects of their choosing. To date, the program has awarded more than $1.8 million dollars in grant money to HBCUs. In 2017 alone, 72 HBCUs participated in the voting phase of the program.

Hill Harper/Home Depot Retool. Photography by Christopher Aluka Berry for Ben Rose Photography.

The nine winning schools were selected by a combination of cumulative online voting scores, along with grant proposals that were submitted by the schools and judged by a panel of distinguished judges which included: actor Laz Alonso, Howard University alumni and television & film star; Commissioner Gregory Moore, Esq., Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC); Mr. Michael Tabb, managing partner, Red Rock Global; Dr. Ivory A. Toldson, president and CEO of the Quality Education for Minorities Network; and Mr. Jermaine Luke, store manager, The Home Depot. The ceremony also welcomed author and NAACP award winning actor Hill Harper and special guest Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed to the Home Depot Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

“The Home Depot is very excited about the continued growth we’ve seen year to year with The Retool Your School Grant Program,” says Melissa Brown, senior marketing manager at The Home Depot. “We always anticipate the overwhelming excitement of the program from the participating schools, but we are most excited about the long-lasting contribution that this program is making to our nation’s treasured Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

Established in 2010, The Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program strives to give back to our nation’s HBCUs what they have so generously given to the communities that they are a part of. A strong foundation, renewed purpose and distinctive character are just a few of those contributions. The nine winning schools will begin their sustainable projects in the summer of 2017.

The 2017 Home Depot RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL Winners

AWARD                                     CLUSTER 1                               CLUSTER 2                               CLUSTER 3

Within each cluster, there are three winners vying for one $50,000, one $40,000 and one $30,000 grant. Clusters were based on school population size:

• Cluster 1: Student enrollment of 4,000 or more
• Cluster 2: Student enrollment of 3,999–1,201
• Cluster 3 Student enrollment with 1,200 students or less

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,281 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2016, The Home Depot had sales of $94.6 billion and earnings of $8.0 billion. The Company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Home Depot Retool. Photography by Christopher Aluka Berry for Ben Rose Photography.

For more information on The Home Depot Retool Your School Grant Program, visit www.retoolyourschool.com.

By Lue Dowdy

Rap artist M16 TheGreat is WHAT IT DO! Cash On Demand Music Group made it happen. Based out of the Inland Empire this newly formed music group is already turning heads and opening ears. I was able to attend an album release party held by the group which featured the release of their talented artist, ‘M16 TheGreat’ new album “LET DA STREETZ KNOW”.

The event took place in the city of Pomona at the‘M16 TheGreat’ and ‘Cash On Demand Music Group’. The night consisted of live performances by artists, Jay Iverson, YL$NMT, and Swazie, along with music provided by ‘DJ Muda’. I was able to conduct interviews and ask guest their view of the project.

The album contains hits such as, “January 28^th”, “Where You From”, “Drippin”, “Pray for Me”, and more. Just by listening you can tell that M16 TheGreat put his all into it. Funny story, I met M16 two years ago in Dallas, Texas. Both of us were on our way to SXSW which is one of the largest film and music conferences in the world. I saw the hustle, the drive, and ambition in his eyes then and I still see it.

Make sure you follow this dude on all social media sites. Download the album ‘LET DA STREETZ KNOW’. You won’t be disappointed. Until next week Lz!

Below is our quick survey:

Supporters of a state bill requiring staffing improvements at dialysis clinics say that poor working conditions create a safety risk for the thousands of Californians being treated for end-stage kidney failure.

SB 349, the Dialysis Patient Safety Act, would mandate annual inspections of dialysis clinics. Current law requires inspections every six years; by comparison, nursing homes in California must be inspected every year, and hospitals every two years.

If enacted, owners of dialysis clinics would also be required to adhere to new staff-to-patient ratios designed to ensure that workers have at least 45 minutes to prepare stations between patients.

Dialysis treatment involves the draining and filtering of blood to remove toxins. The blood is then returned to the patient. Blood infections from contaminated equipment are among the dangers if clinic workers do not have time to adequately clean their stations.

The bill’s advocates say dialysis clinic staffing is an important issue in communities of color, citing statistics that kidney failure and dialysis-related infections are higher among African Americans and Latinos.

“Patients are being rushed through the treatment process,” says Joan Allen, a government relations advocate for Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW). “Some patients leave the clinic still bleeding, making them vulnerable to infection. Caregivers need enough time to clean and sanitize the chair … The bill is needed because without enough transition time and enough staff, you can’t treat patients safely.”

Allen spoke at a media forum about the bill on May 4. Dialysis clinic workers are currently trying to organize to join SEIU-UHW because the two companies that dominate the state’s treatment industry – DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care – have been unresponsive to staff concerns, says Megallan Handford, a dialysis nurse from Riverside County.

Handford says he has been required to work with as many as 24 patients at one time.

“It’s all about profits,” he says. “Company policies and procedures set us up to fail … When you bring up issues, you will be targeted and you will be fired. The industry does not want us to have a voice.”

A dialysis patient at the forum – Vince Gonzales of Pomona – says he saw a fellow patient die at a clinic while he was being treated.

“I wondered, ‘Can I be next?’” he says. “The other day, I walked into a dialysis center that had 16 patients and one nurse. To me, this is a wake-up call.”

Gonzales’ son, Emanuel, told reporters he decided to become a dialysis nurse after seeing the dedication some dialysis nurses showed to his father, and wanting to “give back” to other patients.

Diverse patients at the forum also called for staff increases. Brenda Grant of Oakland recounted one experience.

“After the treatment, the nurse told me, ‘Brenda, we need this chair,’” she says. “I felt a little weak but I had to get up and go.”

Cristina Castro, a patient from Sacramento, says her treatment has also been compromised because staff have been overstretched and have had to rush her in and out.

“I support the bill because clinics don’t have enough staff,” she said.

A coalition of dialysis treatment companies oppose the bill, which has passed through two of the committees required to qualify for a full state senate vote. The companies contend that increased costs associated with the measure could force clinic closures throughout the state and reductions in appointment slots.

Some clinics located in communities of color might have to close if the bill is passed, unless the federal government provides more funding for dialysis treatment, according to Dr. Randall Maxey, a provider of kidney treatment in Los Angeles and an owner of clinics in Puerto Rico. Currently, 562 clinics provide dialysis for California’s 63,000 patients.

“This legislation appears to be good, but as practitioner, I know we are heavily regulated,” he says. “We need a better system.”

Cass Gualvez, the organizing director for SEIU-UHW, says evidence doesn’t support the concern that the legislation would trigger reductions in clinic operations. She says eight other states with minimum clinic staffing standards have not had declines in treatment centers.

“[California] dialysis treatment companies made $3 billion in profit in 2015,” Gualvez says. “So there is enough money for more staff.”

Krystal Yvonne (Photo Credit Naomi K. Bonman)

By Lue Dowdy

A night of fashion, music, and bringing awareness to DIABETES is WHAT IT DO! What a turn out this past Sunday; the house was packed! The event was hosted by singer, rapper, and comedian, Lorie Moore. This crazy lady had me and the entire room in stiches. She most definitely kept the audience engaged with her classy ratchetness, as she calls it. The beautiful, Dr. Tracy Lynn spoke about her experiences as a diabetic and how important it is to get tested and the headliner of the night, Annette Royale performed a few sons off her “Hurt Wins” album where she captivated the audience with her amazing vocals.

The evening continued with live performances provided by Inland Empire Rap Artist Young Stress, R-n-B Singer Sophia Mojo, Female Emcee S. Hollywood, and Christian Rappers The Turn up Bros. Featured Designers consisted of Trisha Sherman specializing in custom made items, Mrs. J and Fancy Nancy specializing in jewelry, Angie Escobar designer from Riverside showcasing her fall collection, and Morgan of Fontana with Strictly Designs. All the models slayed the runway. I have to give love to my girls, models Krystal Yvonne, Ayanna Eubank and Brittnay Shearz for participating in a worthy cause.

The vibe was dope! I love when an event starts and ends on time. The venue was beautifully decorated in classic black and white with sounds provided by DJ B Right. You can tell that everyone enjoyed the show. A classy affair indeed! Major shout out to Tata Hollins, Jamal pmp Park, and the entire production team. Looking forward to the next one!

Until next week L’z!’

By Naomi K. Bonman

The days just go by too quick that it is easy to forget holidays, such as Mother’s Day which just seemed to creep up on us. Some like to take their mothers out to lunch or dinner, while others enjoy gift giving. If you still need to get your mom a something this Sunday, we put together a list of things that she would love.

A bucket bag of woven straw is low key enough for a day at the beach, or can be dressed up to add playfulness to a more formal look. You can get her the ‘Small Straw Bucket Bag’ by Caterina Bertini, for $78 at Bloomingdale’s.

Charming Charlie is also a one-stop shop for the all needs of a fashionable woman! There you can pick mom up an outfit, a piece of jewelry to go with it, and don’t forget to top it off with a nice handbag! The best thing about Charming Charlie is that everything is color coded by section making it easy to find what you’re looking for.

If your mom or wife is into home decorating, Home Goods is perfect to find nice wall décor; bath, kitchen, and bedroom appliances and accessories; and much more.

Lastly. If you rather do it yourself, you can always go to Hobby Lobby or Michaels where you will find jewelry kits, scrapbooks to put in your best memories with mom in, and more artsy stuff for the creative individual.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey has joined with Codeblack Entertainment and TVOne to support and highlight bold, new African American voices in film, with its Real to Reel contest. Participating filmmakers across the country will have a chance to win $10,000 and a VIP trip to Miami Beach to screen their short film for an exclusive audience, alongside writer, producer and award-winning actor, Omari Hardwick.

“Real to Reel is a rare opportunity for new filmmakers to screen their work for industry insiders,” said Omari Hardwick. “As a writer and actor who owns a production company, I am personally excited to collaborate with Gentleman Jack on such necessary recognition of Black talent behind the camera.”

The short film entries submitted online for the national competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts, and will be based on the following criteria: screenwriting, production quality and entertainment value. Real to Reel will also feature a seven-city tour, with local film screening events to showcase the works of additional aspiring African American filmmakers.

On Friday, April 28, Los Angeles held their local screening which featured films by Donovan Vim Crony, “Noise Gate”; Terrisha Kearse, “The Mia Countdown”, and Angela McCrae, “#WhereIsBeauty.” Other screenings include Chicago on May 11, New York on May 20, Atlanta on June 4, Houston on June 8, and the finale in Miami which is to be determined.

The Gentleman Jack Real to Reel contest is only open to individuals who have created, directed and/or written a film (in which they own the rights). Entrants must be 21 years old or older at the time of submission. Entries close on May, 21 2017 at 11:59pm. For more information on the program, contest submissions, Official Rules and local screening events, visit GentlemanJackFilm.com.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!” [Rev. 8:13].  Repent while there is still time! “Come out of her, lest you share in her sins, and receive of her plagues.” [Rev.18:4]. “For He swore by him who lives forever and, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be NO MORE DELAY!” [Rev.10:6]. Turn away from your sin and turn to God NOW. Desire to have nothing to do with sin! “…God is not wishing that [you] should perish, but that [you] should reach repentance.” [2Petr 3:9] I tell you, I can think of only one thing worse than going to Hell, and that will be going to Hell with Heaven on your mind! You see the Bible gives us several vivid examples of this phenomenon.  Judas Iscariot – He kissed the gates of Heaven and went to Hell – [Matt. 26:49; Acts 1:25].  Felix – He looked into salvation, but he wanted to wait to a more convenient time – [Acts 24:25]. Herod Agrippa – He stepped up to the very door of Heaven and turned away – [Acts 26:28]. Festus – He heard the claims of the Gospel and called them the ravings of a mad man – [Acts 26:24].

I want you to know that Lot had been told destruction would come in the morning, but he was lingering. God’s message to Lot was, “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed,” [Genesis 19:17]. He was to detach himself from everything in his former life and flee. “Understand the present time.”The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber; because salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”[Roman 13:11]. Maybe I need to remind you of what God said Hell was like:  Unquenchable Fire – [Mark 9:43; Luke 16:24].  Memory and remorse – [Parable of Rich man].  Intense, unsatisfied thirst – [Luke 16:24-25]. Misery and pain – [Luke 16:24-26; Rev. 14:10-11] Frustration and anger – [Luke. 13:28; Matt. 24:51]. Eternal separation [Rev. 21:8] In Hell, God’s fury will be unleashed!  I tell you if for nothing else, this ought to make you want to be saved! [2Corinthians 6:2] says, “Right now is the acceptable time…”  “…therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:14-15].

“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” [Deuteronomy 30:19].