WSSN Stories

By Naomi K. Bonman

In life we are always  trying to tap into our purpose and to find out what we were put on earth to accomplish. Timothy Jones, better known as TEACH, helps others to identify with their purpose through film and literature.

TEACH  is an award winning hip-hop artist, actor, producer, filmmaker and youth pastor.  He has recently been featured in the Press Enterprise, on Black Hollywood Live’s ‘Success is the New Black Series’, and Gospel Rhythms Radio for his latest documentary film “Discovering Destiny”  and he is inspiring everyone he speaks to.  

In his film, TEACH plays himself and tells his life story of being bullied which lead him to a path of gang affiliation to overcoming stereotypes and emerging into a successful entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.  He  is charismatic, creative, driven, humble, and easy on the eyes and people are falling in love with his story and genuine personality. 

Check out the interview below:

 Interview by Naomi K. Bonman

They say hard work pays off and that is definitely the case for Inland Empire resident Raheem Mitchell. Mitchell was recently cast in the Amazon Prime series, Finding Miles, where he plays Harold Jackson, a former top salesman in a brokerage firm who, through the actions of hos best friend, is now homeless.

Mitchell got his start in acting through Daz Patterson who taught him a lot about the entertainment industry in terms of acting, stage etiquette, and terminology. She also taught him how and when to audition for certain projects, scene study and professionalism.

“She has been my guide and mentor for a large part of my career,” Mitchell states.

You were recently cast in a Amazon Prime series. Can you tell us the name of the series and the role that you play in it?

The name of the series is Finding Miles. I play Harold Jackson, a former top salesman in a brokerage firm who, through the actions of his best friend, is now homeless.

How was the casting process for the film? How did you go about auditioning and hearing about he auditions? 

I subscribe to a casting service, LA Casting, where I submitted for the role and was asked to audition. The casting process varies from production to production. In this case, the producers and directors viewed my profile and acting reel on the LA Casting website and contacted me for an initial audition. I was then asked to return for a “call-back” and then for a  reading with other cast members.

You got your start with IE Filmmaker and playwright Daz Patterson. ,What are some of the things that you learned from her that has helped shape your career? 

Ms. Patterson has taught me a lot about the entertainment industry,  including Acting, Stage Etiquette and terminology, how (and when)  to audition for certain projects, scene study, professionalism, etc. She has been my guide and mentor for a large part of my career.

What other projects are you working on? 

I am working on several film and television projects , including the Warren G and Snoop story, the L.A. Southside Slayer  ID Channel true crime story, and the Rae Carruth (former NFL Player) true crime story. In addition, I continue to perform stand-up in various venues, such as the Ontario Improv, the world famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, the Mad House in San Diego,  and others.

What inspired you to get into show business? 

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh and performing to be the center of attention. It got me in trouble in school of course, but it has brought me to where I am now. My motto is “All I need is a stage!” And it can be a film, television, theater, or comedy club stage!

What is your advice to other rising Inland Empire actors that are trying to get their name out there, but feel that they have to be in L.A.? How can they create a buzz around their name in the Inland Empire? 

The entertainment business is not an easy one. If you are in  it solely for the money, you will face many disappointments. I am in it for the love of performing. The advise I can give to other IE actors who love to perform is to join websites, such as LA Casting and others, put your profile up, get professional headshots and start submitting for roles that fit you or that you want to try. Don’t give up if you don’t get the one role you want. Don’t turn down roles simply because they do not pay. These can be used to build up your resume.

The more experience you have the more you will be used. With the Internet, you don’t have to live in L.A., but you DO have to be available for auditions and filming whenever they may occur.  Filming can take place anywhere, so be ready to travel (drive) on a moment’s notice.  Some roles may only offer IMDb (Internet Movie Database) credit, but this is the go-to database for Directors and Producers to see what you’ve done. Don’t give up your dreams. It is not an easy life, but if this is what you love to do, it can be very rewarding.

As an actor, what do you feel is missing in the inland Empire, also what are some of the strengths that you see that the IE has in terms of show business? 

The IE is sorely lacking in “tools” for the entertainment business. Specifically,  things such as acting classes, classes in the various performing arts (i.e., acting in commercials, stage production, set-building, film editing, etc.) that are readily available in the big cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, etc. If it wasn’t for Ms. Daz Patterson, I would not have been able to channel my natural talent into a working talent without having to take expensive acting classes and going back and forth to Los Angeles. Daz puts up stage productions which offer the community the opportunity to experience performances, and up and coming actors to hone their craft. The community also needs to support their talent – attend stageplays and performances. The strengths that the IE has in terms of show business is the talent. There are countless talented actors, singers, writers, etc. who have the will power and talent to go far, but don’t have the necessary tools to work with.  

Follow Raheem:

www.raheemiscomedy.com

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

For those who are familiar with the pageant world, you may know that the young women who compete and win the crowns are all for giving back and contributing to their communities in major ways. Amber Johnson, Mrs. Highland Plus America, is not only representing her County of San Bernardino, but she also represents all women of color and is a shining example of millennials achieving greatness.

“What inspired me to get involved with the pageant was to help my city,” Johnson explains. “That was the biggest thing for me. It wasn’t really the pageant; it was more about having the platform to represent my city, my county, and to really help [the] community out because I don’t see a lot of people out there helping to build San Bernardino and that is what I wanted to do.”

Johnson just completed the Ronald McDonald Walk For Kids event on Sunday, April 2 which was held in Ontario. She is also an advocate on animal cruelty where she will be doing an animal walk on May 20 to raise awareness around the affects surrounding cruelty against animals. In addition to her youth and animal efforts, she is a regular volunteer at the Helping Hands Food Pantry.

To view more of what Amber Johnson is involved in watch the interview below:

By Lue Dowdy

EveryThangNycce Entertainment is WHAT IT DO! I’ve encountered so many talented individuals located right here in the Inland Empire over the years. Recently I came in contact with Nycce Blingsly, an amazing guy that possesses several talents.

Welcome to the world of Nycce where no dream is too big! EveryThangNycce was created by Nycce Blingsly. The company was started to help promote Nycce’s comedy skits. One day Nycce came up with the brilliant idea of filming local artists and events and things took off from there. Now you can catch him filming local concerts, award shows, comedy events, music videos, and much more.

Nycce, whose real name is Kyru Gatlin, is the comedic brains and face of the EveryThangNycce Entertainment. He changed his name to Nycce because he felt it described him more accurately. I totally agree! His personality is a breath of fresh air. He has acted in over one hundred of his own comedy videos, which can be seen on Facebook and YouTube. In the last few months, he’s taken his comedy to SNAPCHAT, where you can see him playing pranks on friends and enjoying life.

So the next time you need an event recorded or just need a laugh, look for EveryThangNycce! In his words, ”Everythang I do Is NYCCE!” Until next week I.E. PEACE & LOVE! L’zzz!

By Lou Coleman

“Now the end has come upon you, and I will send My anger against you, says the Lord; I will judge you according to your ways, and I will repay you for all your evil. My eye will not spare you, nor will I have pity; But I will repay your ways, and your abominations will be in your midst; Then you shall know that I AM the LORD!” [Ezekiel 7:3-4].  Whatever wicked things you said and did would now be received back on you. “For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” [Galatians 6:7-10]. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Listen, I AM not a man that I should lie. You will reap what you have sown! I am not blind or deaf. I see everything. It is only because of My great mercy that you have not been destroyed already. But make no mistake about it; you will reap what you have sown!  [Judges 1:1-3:6].

When you look at the people of Israel, you see the consequences of disobedience. Most of the Israelites died in the desert. They did not take My words to heart. I want you to know that disobedience always leads to misfortune. The first King of Israel faced disastrous consequences because he failed to obey God. The hardening of his heart and his casual attitude to the sin of partial obedience caused him to be rejected as King. He lost his kingdom and eventually lost his life. Saul, who was among the prophets prophesying, anointed King of Israel and head and shoulders above his brothers turned away from God. Pride came into his heart and God rejected him. I want you to know that disobedience walks hand in hand with consequences. I also what you to know that disobedience has massive implication because oftentimes the person who breaks God’s laws is not the only one who ends up paying the price. Therefore, the choice that you make can affect people around you either directly or indirectly in a big way.

 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. [Galatians 6:76]. A man reaps what he sows.” Despite everything that sin has to offer, the deceptive pleasures that you may experience are not worth the price that you have to pay eventually. But you seem to think that you can go on and on in unrepented sin without the chastisement of God, but that is not so. [[Deuteronomy 11:28] [Deuteronomy 28:15-68] [Jeremiah 35: 14-19] [Isaiah 42:24-25]. [1Samuel 12:15]. [Jeremiah 12:17] [Hebrews 2:1-4].

If you have disobeyed the Lord in some area of your life, repent and confess your sin now. God is so good, so merciful and so compassionate, the Scripture says: “It is not the will of Him that any should perish [2 Peter 3:8-1].   God will forgive you and blot your sins if only you would repent and confess your sins. Today is the day of salvation, you are not promised tomorrow.

“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]

Sherri Bryant

Sherri Bryant is a Christian recording artist, composer, and worship leader who is called to “Usher in the presence of God” and “minister healing to the body of Christ” in order “to empower them to live an Effective Life for God’s glory.”  “We don’t go around preaching about ourselves; we preach Christ Jesus, the Lord.  All we say about ourselves is that we are your servants because of what Jesus has done for us.” (2 Corinthians 4:5 NLT).

As a Christian artist, when Sherri sings she sings with great passion and conviction.  And if you ask her how she is able to sing with such power and authority, she’ll tell you it’s because she is “communicating the heart of God to the people…”

Her newly released single, “You Are Greater,” was written after she emerged out of a very difficult circumstance in her life.  “I was frightened and felt alone… just like some of you.  I needed more than religious clichés and ‘advice’ from well meaning friends.  I needed a Word from the Word.  Wrapped in melody, this song tracks my journey from fear to faith.  I did get the victory but more importantly I got the realization that no matter how large my mountain our God is greater.”

Please visit www.soundsofsunrise-entertainment.com to listen to “You Are Greater”.

By Lue Dowdy

BLACK MAGIC – IS WHAT IT DO! Renowned actress and icon Vivica A. Fox is catching the attention of all, especially the ladies with her new reality show titled ‘Vivica’s Black Magic’ along with her all Male Review TOUR. Sorry fellas but this one’s for my ladies!

Last week I attended Vivica’s Fox’s ‘Black Magic’ Male Review show live in the city of Riverside. The event was held at Sevilla’s Night Club and it was off the hook. I mean women of all ethnicities and from all over came to see what the chocolate fuss was all about. I was able to sit in V.I.P. with my girls directly on stage. Now ladies, you know I acted a fool.

When the men first came out in their all white sailor suits, the crowd went absolutely nuts. Stripping down to their shiny undies, you were able to see exactly how blessed each dancer was. Let’s just say I was jealous of every lady that had a man that night. It’s situations like that, which make me regret being single. SIKE!

Keeping the women fired up, actor Darrin Dewitt Henson had his hands full. Darrin is best known for his role in the hit movie ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Stomp the Yard’. He did a wonderful job hosting. The review featured White Chocolate and Heat, two of the most popular dancers on the show. Dollar bills saturated the stage and the floor.

Vivica’s roll in the movie “Chocolate City” landed the actress the gig for ‘Black Magic’. The main goal of the show is to gain permeant residency in Las Vegas. Recent controversy stirred up on the show when her partner bailed after Vivica stated she wanted no gays on the show; however, it looks like they made up and all is well in the world of ‘BLACK MAGIC’. Until next week L’z!

By Naomi K. Bonman

Talk about an afternoon of empowerment! On Saturday, March 25, Adrienne Braxton, host of “Braxton’s Back” radio show that broadcasts on StudioW Buzz, hosted the 2017 Queens of Radio brunch at her private residence in San Bernardino. The brunch was well attended with women that flew in from the Midwest and East Coast to support the cause. There are plans in the works to make this an annual event due to the overwhelming response of ladies that wanted to attend but couldn’t. 

“I am personally so overwhelmed with joy of the support to those who came out and to those who wanted to attend the 2017 Queens Brunch,” Andrinne Braxton stated. “What was supposed to be at my dining room table, grew into my heart exploding.”

The purpose of the Queens of Radio Brunch, as well as the radios shows “Ladies Night” and “Braxtons Back”, is to bring encouragement, enlightenment, and recognition to Inland Empire Legends, Queens, and Princesses that have a testimony and a story that has shaped them to getting them to the place where they are today. 

The Queens of Radio are simply dynamic women who have received the opportunity to share their gifts and testimonies on a platform provided to them by William A. Brown. William is the CEO and Founder of StudioW Buzz.

The afternoon started off with queens coming in with their summer hats that matched their summer dresses and heels as they networked with one another and introduced themselves to someone new with an selfie/usie ice breaker challenge. Brunch and mimosas were then served followed by motivational speaker, singer, and monologue presentation by The Diamond Girls. 

To listen to the shows, download the app from the Apple or Google App Store under ‘IMG 2 StudioW’. You can also visit the official website at www.studiow.buzz. 

By McKenzie Jackson/California Black Media

With March being Women’s History Month, California Black Media and Los Angeles Focus collaborated to feature the work of Los Angeles based first ladies that focus on health outreach ministries and their communities.

During a gathering, 13 preachers’ wives from predominately African-American

Los Angeles-area churches discussed fashion, what it means to be a church leader, and other topics pertaining to being the first lady. Many said it was important for them to have a leadership role in tackling health challenges that exist in their congregations because they want church goers to be free of ailments like cancer, diabetes, and mental health calamities.

Southern St. Paul Church First Lady Rinnata Thompson said church folks lift themselves spiritually, but sometimes forget to take care of their bodies

“The Bible says that our bodies are the temple of the God,” she said, “and that doesn’t mean just spiritually. That means if we are walking around tired, sick, may fall out with a stroke that we can’t give God our best because our body is not at its best.”

Regina Taylor, a first lady of Park Windsor Baptist Church, said helping congregation members lead healthier lifestyles begins with food choices. She said her church members are always eager to let her know about their dining decisions.

“They say, ‘First Lady, I have a salad’ or ‘First Lady I’m eating healthier,’” said Taylor, who established a health ministry at Park Windsor three years ago. “When different groups within the church have events, we try to serve healthy food.”

Unhealthy eating habits are one of the many wellness issues that plague the African-American community. CDC numbers reveal that Black Americans have a high propensity for obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and the American Heart Association says African-Americans are more at risk of being afflicted by heart disease or stroke than any other race.

In California, 6.9 percent of African-Americans do not have health insurance, per 2015 numbers from Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange. Also, as of last June, Blacks have the lowest enrollment numbers of any race in Medi-Cal or health plan coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

The leading church ladies at the L.A. Focus event said they combat health problems and the low amount of health coverage plaguing their pews with health ministry work.

Holman United Methodist Church First Lady Judi Wortham-Sauls said her church’s health ministry has a diabetes awareness group, exercise classes and organizes blood pressure and other screenings. A sodium awareness program began at the church on Monday. Wortham-Sauls also said she and her husband, Rev. Kelvin Sauls, try to lead by example.

“My husband and I are very serious about our own health,” she said. “We are both on weight reduction programs. Our own personal health awareness makes us want to bring it to the congregation.”

Faithful Central Bible Church First Lady Togetta Ulmer said she puts an emphasis on physical activity. She tells members to exercise at least 20 minutes a day and eat in moderation.  Ulmer said on May 20 she and Faithful Central members are going to bring workout mats to the church and instructors will teach them meditation, exercise, and healthy eating.

“Just because you are skinny doesn’t mean you are healthy,” Ulmer said.

Thompson, a co-chair of a first ladies health initiative in Los Angeles, organized a project on March 26, that focused on health professionals from various wellness groups on over 30 church campuses across Los Angeles. The vendors conducted vision screenings, HIV/AIDS screenings, dental checks and other health evaluations for church and community members.

“We just want to tie the spiritual and physical together,” she said. “These screening are free for those in the community.”

“The Historical” Weller Street Baptist Church First Lady Kera Tullos said one Sunday a special offering was held at her church to raise funds for breast cancer patient that needed to pay for a mammogram.

“I’m just trying to provide beneficial things to people,” the first lady said. “It means a lot because people’s lives matter.”

Since the Medicaid program (called “Medi-Cal” in California) expanded its eligibility criteria for enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014, more than 13 million low-income Californians have gained access to healthcare according to the California Budget & Policy Center.

Wortham-Sauls said access to healthcare is needed now more than ever in the Black community because African Americans historically not done what is needed to take care of themselves health-wise.

“So, now we need to get it correct,” she said. “Our struggle with diabetes and hypertension. We see people dropping dead on a regular basis. There is no reason to lose anybody if there is help out there.”

By Lou Coleman

Now you may be wondering just who am I talking to? Well I’m talking to you if you are defying God by being disobedient to His laws and commands. You uncircumcised Philistine! Child of Satan! Going around boasting, “It’s my prerogative … I don’t need permission… Make my own decisions. I can do what I wanna do…” [Lyrics – Bobby Brown]. You fool! Your life is in God’s hands and hangs by a thread of sovereign grace. Don’t get it twisted! Your life; a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” [James 4:14]. It is a sad day and clear evidence of the apostasy. Defying God!  What a shame!  God gave His only begotten Son to die for us miserable wretches… “Yet, we spit in His face by rejecting Him. “The God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified.”[Daniel 5:23] You arrogant, vain, ungrateful and selfish Philistine. [Romans 1:21].

Why do you disobey God? Why do you openly defy God? Why do you show contempt in the face of His warnings? The short answer is sin and human weakness. Yet, you feel compelled to dig deeper. What are you thinking? Let me remind you that when God told Adam not to eat from the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and bad He also spelled out a penalty should they choose to disobey: death to the offender. You got that? Death to the offender! Think of what the creation of this simple rule must have meant for all of God’s heavenly sons. For it showed for the first time what God’s sentence would be for those who willingly chose to rebel against Him… returning to nonexistence. When Lucifer, your daddy, had so much as the thought of, “I will not serve,” he was immediately cast out of Heaven and into Hell. God is all-powerful and formed the universe with a thought [Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Genesis 1]. He is perfectly good and cannot sin nor lie [Psalm 32:19; Psalm 145:9; Titus 1:2]. Moreover, he can bring terrible destruction upon man with a word [Psalm 18:7-15; Lamentations 1:8, 9]. I tell you God cannot tolerate disobedience, and he has made this abundantly clear. God’s people suffered at the hands of the Edomites and God completely destroyed them [Obadiah]. God said that Egypt and their allies would suffer, and it happened [Ezekiel 30]. God said that Ammon would cease to exist as a nation and it came true [Ezekiel 25:1-7]. The Philistines suffered the wrath of God and ceased to exist [Ezekiel 15:15-17]. God promised, on more than one occasion, the destruction of Jerusalem as a result of Israel’s disobedience, and it always happened exactly as prophesied. I tell you we may not always clearly understand God’s laws, but out of humility, we should accept and follow them.  He is GOD! 

“But if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15].

I remind you, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24].

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” [Deut. 30:19]