WSSN Stories

In recognition of Women’s History Month, Black PR Wire and Women Grow strong have teamed up to honor and recognize women who have made a profound impact in the lives of hundreds of people on a local, statewide, national and even global level. This special feature edition of Power Profiler takes a closer look into the lives of these incredible women and champions for change.  This week’s feature profiler is author, futurist, technology pioneer and speaker, Leesa Renee Hall.

Author of seven books, including the critically-acclaimed “Podcasting for Profit,” Leesa Renee Hall is a thought leader known for jump starting movements, such as an association for Blacks working in technology, an “unconference” for podcasters, and the very first multi-speaker virtual event focused on social media tactics. Leesa is also the owner of My Virtual Hive, a digital marketing agency.

Upon graduating with a liberal arts degree in history in 1997, there weren’t many job opportunities available. Leesa read that her options were teaching, law, or curation. Instead of pursuing those careers, Leesa pursued a Masters degree in history, while supplementing her income by freelancing for magazines. It was during that time her dream of publishing a magazine had been ignited. Two weeks after teaching herself HTML, Leesa launched her first website, an online magazine featuring Canadian female amateur athletes. She did not realize that teaching herself HTML would unlock a nearly two decade career in technology.

Leesa’s innate curiosity has afforded her the opportunity to gain success in her field. “I’m naturally curious,” she says. “This curiosity has helped me build a business by interviewing other experts. I ask questions, uncover their unique story, and then leverage these expert interviews into a variety of other formats, such as books, podcasts, and blog posts.”

Leesa also credits her success to “living on her tippy toes.” She makes decisions quickly and takes fast action. She admits in doing so, she has made a few mistakes and stepped on a few toes, but has since realized that it was in her nature to move quickly, make decisions fast, and implement rapidly. “My personal motto is, it’s better to have tried and failed, than not to have tried at all,” says Leesa.

What inspires Leesa to press on is how history records her actions. She wants to be an active participant in the stories told about her in the future. “One hundred years ago, a woman who looked like me was not allowed to read or write, says Leesa.” “Her voice is lost because history can only guess what she was thinking, feeling, or sensing. I owe it to my ancestors and to all who have gone before me to record my actions, my thoughts, and my feelings in as many different formats as possible.”

A native of Toronto, ON, Leesa Renee Hall is an author, futurist, technology pioneer, and speaker. She is known for her ability to spot tech trends, ignore fads, and galvanize people around an innovative idea to ignite growth and inspire change. Leesa’s tech tips have been featured in American Express OPEN, Globe & Mail, Choice, The Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Star, Profit, and Inc., along with television, radio and podcast appearances.

To connect with Leesa, and/or learn how to move fast on an innovative idea, visit leesareneehall.com/manifesto.

Jurupa Hills English teachers pose as venture capitalists as they listen to student groups pitch products they would like to have financed during the school’s inaugural “Sparta Tank” on March 14. Seventeen groups of Jurupa Hills sophomores created fictitious products to better understand the process real-life inventors go through when marketing a new product.

FONTANA, CA – Seventeen groups of Jurupa Hills High School sophomores recently pitched innovative products – from a Bluetooth-equipped backpack to jewelry that can detect if a drink has been spiked – during the school’s inaugural “Sparta Tank” competition, a classroom project modeled after the popular television program “Shark Tank.”

Facing a panel of Jurupa Hills English teachers posing as venture capitalists, students made formal presentations and answered questions, incorporating weeks of research and design that simulated the process real-life inventors go through when they are marketing a new product.

“Our students have big dreams and even bigger imaginations, but what they don’t realize is that there is a multitude of workplace documents that need to be attended to before you can ever approach an investor,” Jurupa Hills sophomore English teacher Wayland Peak said.

“’Sparta Tank’ is a fun way to make sense of the minutiae of business, while integrating technology, literacy and public speaking skills.”

In February, 500 10th-graders created fictitious products, researched and drafted business proposals – including a product description, budget, and brochure – to send to an existing company or individual. The proposals needed to identify consumer markets, distributors, the cost of manufacturing and the eventual selling price.

The finalists presented their projects on March 14, with winners announced the following day. The winning project was KC’s Closets, an app that helps arrange outfits for the day using the clothes already in a person’s closet. The fashion assistant app was created by students Kaitlyn Dodgen and Cheyenne Vargas.

Honorable mentions went to Ripe and Ready, a tool that helps indicate whether fruits and vegetables are ready to eat; Anxiety Ridden, an app to help deal with anxiety; Easy Peasy, a battery-operated portable vacuum, and Elotero Man, an app that helps you locate nearby food stands.

“The ideas were tremendous and wildly creative,” Jurupa Hills English teacher Galen Shotts said. “This started as an exercise to better engage our students in the techniques of writing professionally, but they really took it to a higher level.”

Joseph Morales and Vanessa Ramos, creators of Ripe and Ready, dressed in matching lavender and black outfits, promoting a tiny gauge with a brush that could be used to determine if supermarket produce is edible.

Morales and Ramos used a PowerPoint presentation to show a timeline of product growth over a year’s time, demonstrated how healthy fruits and vegetables can benefit an entire community, and how advantageous the company would be for the city where the manufacturing takes place.

“It was challenging to think of a product that is not already on the market,” Morales said. “Vanessa and I worked as a team and used our imaginations to come up with an idea that would promote healthy living. It was fun because we never back down from a challenge.”

Winning projects received gift cards from local businesses. Jurupa Hills math teachers have already indicated they would like to collaborate on the next “Sparta Tank” assignment.

“Jurupa Hills teachers are continually looking for exciting and effective ways to engage their students in standards-based curriculum, projects that employ critical thinking and collaborative learning,” Jurupa Hills Principal Lorraine Trollinger said. “We are committed to ensuring our students will be college and career ready upon graduation.”

By Lue Dowdy

Keeping your head in tack is WHAT IT DO! They say when you look GOOD, you feel GOOD! Checkout, Miss Bre the stylist!

Currently apart of the All-Star Barber and Beauty team located right here in the IE, my girl slays those baby hairs and edges. Just joking, but not really! Being in the hair businesses for over 15 years, she specializes in healthy hair care for all hair types’ men, women and children. She’s participated in hairs shows throughout Southern Californian showcasing her talent.

Ensuring that her skills stay sharp, Bre attends workshops and seminars that keep her in the loop on all the latest’s styles, colors, cuts, and products, but I can honestly say that Bre is more than a beautician or stylist. Sitting down in her chair is therapeutic. Not only is she concerned about your outer look, she’s also concerned about the inner you. Now with a stylist like that you’re winning.

So please, if you’re ever in need of hairdo contact my girl at (909) 495-0209. Mention this article and receive a 5 percent discount on your first visit.

Until next week catch me right back here ‘How bout that’. L’z!

All-Star Barber and Beauty Salon is located at 4096 N. Sierra Way in San Bernardino (92407).

LOS ANGELES, CA- On March 9, 2017, Style Week Los Angeles showcased Winter 2017 collections from fashion designer Malan Breton. The show took place at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. 

(Photo credit: Kristina Dixon/11:One Visuals)

ONTARIO, CA- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter is proud to present its 2017 Debutante Candidates.  These eight “Nubian Pearls of Distinction” are all leaders in their schools and communities and represent the Inland Empire with grace, service and scholastic achievement.

Eta Nu Omega bi- annually sponsors a Debutante Cotillion program to provide opportunities to empower young women to be successful.  The process requires participation in workshops geared towards skill enhancement, confidence building and knowledge acquisition.

The Debutantes participate in service projects to develop their talents and skills by serving their communities and creating a real impact in the lives of others.  The Debutantes are also introduced to various enrichment activities by attending cultural events, college fairs, and by building lasting friendships with other young ladies.  The Debutante experience culminates with an elegant and memorable Debutante Cotillion Ball where the young ladies are introduced into society.

This year Eta Nu Omega is proud to present the following Nubian Pearls of Distinction: Miss Lauren Bennett is a junior at Vista Murrietta High School. Lauren is a student track athlete as well as a member of the student council.  Miss Kharizma Darden is a senior at Valley View High School where she plays basketball, and has received scholastic achievement and leadership awards.  Miss Celeste Gaynair is a senior at Sultana High School in Hesperia where she is on the Honor Roll and has been recognized by the National Honor Society for academic excellence.  Miss Ariella Houston of Redlands where she is a senior at Citrus Valley High School. Ariella is a Girl Scout Cadet and received the award of excellence from the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders.  Miss Kennedy Hutton is a senior at Oak Hills High School, in Oak Hills where she is a student leader and scholar.  Miss Genesis Jones is a senior at Victress Bower School in Norco where she has been student of the month and is a Kiwanis Award recipient.  Miss Amani Moxley is a junior at Valley View High School where she plays Varsity basketball and is in the AVID program.  Miss Jericka Roshell is a senior at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside where she has served as captain of the track, basketball, and cross country teams. 

Eta Nu Omega is the San Bernardino/Riverside Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first Greek Letter organization for college educated African American Women founded at Howard University in 1908.  For over 50 years, Eta Nu Omega has been engaged in service to the community through various programs geared to support families, foster academic success fir young people, and impact communities through service.  The Cotillion will be held on March 25, 2017 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. 

By Lou Coleman

This message is a warning from God’s Word for everyone to repent of their sins and begin to live godly lives in the light of the scriptures and to begin to seek God with great intensity, honesty, sincerity and urgency.  We are living in the end times, facing war, world conflict and distress and are awaiting the second coming of Jesus in the Rapture. Jesus warned the final Church Age with these words, “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodicea’s write; These things saith the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth…..[Revelation 3:14-17].

Now you can deny the fact that Jesus is coming soon if you want too, but you can’t change the truth of it. Jesus is coming, and He is coming soon. And when He comes, it will be with “sudden destruction” [2Thessalonians]. He will come when people are saying “Peace and safety!”  I tell you this world is preparing itself for the fulfillment of God’s prophecies. The signs are everywhere…Only the spiritually blind will refuse to see what is as plain as day.  The Bible says, “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles  7:14) I beg you, don’t take it lightly; your eternity is at stake. Jesus says, “Come now, and let us reason together: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool”. [Isaiah 1:18]. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteousness 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 55:7].

This is a call for you to believe the Bible. Jesus says that He is the only way of salvation, [John 14:6]. Jesus says that there is a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun, [John 14:1-3; John 3:18]. Jesus coming again is a promise that is as sure as the sun coming up in the morning and setting in the evening. I don’t know where a message such as this finds you today. If you have never trusted Jesus as you Savior and you would like to be saved, I invite you to give your life to Him today and be saved. If you are saved, but the Lord has shown you that you are not ready for Him to return, there’s no better time than right now. If He has spoken to you on any level, don’t delay…. What will this “Day” mean for you, when the Lord comes “as a thief in the night”?  Will it be a day of destruction or a day of delight?  May God help you to understand—and to act.

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near,” [Revelation 1:3, see also 22:7].

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, that you and your descendants may live.” [Deuteronomy 30:19]

END TIME SIGNS … (Daniel 12:4) (Zechariah 12:3) (Matthew 13:25-30) (Matthew 24:6-14,24) (Luke 21:25-26). (1 Thessalonians 5:3) (1Timothy 4:3-4) (2 Timothy 3:1-5) (2 Timothy 4:4) (2 Peter 2:1-3) (2 Peter 3:3-6)

By Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry

Last week, while attending a Careers Day at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School in San Bernardino, I was asked by a young female probation officer, ”How did you get a school named after you?”  I replied, ”Good question because I, too, have wondered.”

Many individuals think I am too fervent  about Black History, however, I firmly believe that it was Black History that placed me in San Bernardino impacting hundreds of thousands of lives along my journey. Perhaps it is because those teachers in all-Black Merrill High School, Pine Bluff, Arkansas told me to learn the contents of ragged, used books brought to our school from across town and one day I would rise above the inequities and insults we had to endure in that segregated society. Henry Elementary School in San Bernardino has stacks of new books for the youthful scholars. They use brand new books to live up to their slogan, ”I am smart, I am intelligent, I am full of greatness.”

Perhaps it is because schools were closed for Black children four months of the school year in the rural areas, forcing parents to send their children to live ”in town” to get a nine months education. Great sacrifices had to be made and we learned how to survive.

Perhaps it is the work ethic ingrained in us as we toiled in the cotton fields realizing that one must work for everything one gets. Nothing was free.  Perhaps it is the realization that no man is an island, and we were taught to be our brother’s keeper. Perhaps it is because Booker T. Washington said “Put down your bucket where you are”, that I founded the PAL Center in San Bernardino to provide education and vocational training in the communities where the people reside. The PAL Center has operated continuously since 1985.

Perhaps it is because our predecessors toiled from sunup to sundown, and beyond, that Lawrence Hampton, Tammy Amis, and I worked numerous nights to rush a proposal to the dock of the post office to be postmarked just before the midnight deadline. Because of these efforts to obtain grants, thousands of individuals have benefited.

Perhaps it is because Sojourner Truth said, ”Ain’t I a woman?”, and demanded respect, that I was taught to sing James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift every voice and sing… Let us march on ‘til victory is won”.  We marched in Fontana when the Ku Klux Klan said we could not march and honor Dr. Martin Luther King.

Perhaps it is because we were taught to roll up our sleeves, get busy, and fulfill a need that exists. Hence, the PAL Center has not only provided high school diploma, GED, and English as a second language certificates, but also programs for youth training and employment, adult employment preparation, welfare reform training, homeless youth shelters, gang and drug intervention and prevention, childcare, college preparation programs, and numerous other community-based services. Roses to Alonzo Thompson, and numerous others who pioneered these community-based efforts.

As we celebrate women’s contributions to history, I salute Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and other women who paved the way for me to contribute to history in San Bernardino.

As the first African-American to be Tenured, Full Professor, and Professor Emeritus in the College of Education, California State University San Bernardino, I stand on the shoulders of Dr. W.E. B. Du Bois, Dr. Mary MacLeod Bethune, my mother, Mrs. Alma  Dalton Gates, numerous other educators, and empowered individuals in various other fields of endeavor.

Roses to the Precinct Reporter, Black Voice, Westside Story, San Bernardino American News, San Bernardino SUN, and other newspapers and columnists who supported our efforts to harvest the Arkansas values from the California soil.

Why does a school carry my name?  I continue to ponder the blessing , and I am most grateful to those who had any part of giving me roses while I can smell them.

By Lue Dowdy

The Hip-Hop Shop featuring Joesph Reed, Melanie Cesarez, Camryn Stanfield, and Troy Wilbert is WHAT IT DO! Just recently Edwin Johnson, founder and CEO of Chords Youth Enrichment Program, along with youth from San Bernardino High School and the CHORDS Program came together to produce a new school song for San Bernardino High School.  A video was shot at the school and has already received 1,000 shares and 55,000 views.

Not being afraid to walk away from tradition, they decided to change it up by adding Hip-Hop and Rap. Let me tell you, the youth were not playing when it came to those barzzz on the mic. We live in an urban community which is saturated with Rap, R&B, And Hip-Hop, so kudos to Joesph Reed, Melanie Cesarez, Camryn Stanfield, Troy Wilbert, and the entire team that worked on the project. Make sure to check out the video on YouTube. Please support our YOUTH & MUSIC!

Until next week L’z!

About The HIP HOP SHOP & Edwin Johnson:

Edwin Johnson has been working in the social service field with children and families for the past 16 years. His expertise consists of behavior modification, counseling support, family stabilization and management. He oversees groups such as anger management, domestic violence, substance abuse, gang awareness training, cognitive behavioral therapy, (Thinking for a Change) to inmates and parolees. He’s supervised inmates, parolee’s youth and their families providing them with the tools and support needed to be successful and stabilized upon reentering society.

Mr. Edwin has worked in institutions, crises homes for youth, group homes and as a community partner assisting families with resources for their youth. Having the ability to connect with the individuals he serves is crucial. His approach is strength based which allows him to meet the individual where they are and build off strengths they may not know existed.

In 2012 Mr. Edwin founded his own nonprofit titled “CHORDS Enrichment Youth Program” for youth in the city of San Bernardino which continues to serve at risk teen and their families.

EBONY, the preeminent media brand for African-Americans, continues its commitment to recognizing excellence and achievements of amazing Black women, who are not only changing the game, but also writing new rules in the fields of science, politics, entertainment, fashion and sports.

In the first of an ongoing series, this year, the magazine opted to honor 100 exemplary champions of #BlackGirlMagic of past and present including: tennis superstar Serena Williams, entertainment icon Beyonce,  award-winning writer Maya Angelou, visual artist LaToya Ruby Frazier, Nobel Prize Laureate Toni Morrison, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and civil rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams

Contributors to this collector’s item range from Natalie Baszile, the celebrated author of the book-turned-OWN television show, Queen Sugar to scientist Danielle N. Lee who highlights Hidden Figures‘ inspiration and beyond in a riveting chapter on Black female achievements in STEM. Cover to cover, this is an inspiring must-read, particularly during Women’s History Month.

“Black women have so often been denigrated and pushed aside, despite our clear ability to excel, for being part of two marginalized groups,” says EBONY’s Editor-in-Chief Kyra Kyles who sets the stage for this instant keepsake with a letter about how sistas make the world go ’round.  “It’s such a joy to be able to celebrate over 100 inspirational ladies across all walks of life, leveraging the unique vantage point our magazine offers as curator of the culture.  These beautiful exclusive images and moving words from top writers will ensure that anyone who reads this will be filled with pride for what we have achieved and are poised to achieve in the future.”

Ladies First, the second special issue that EBONY has released this  year, follows a very successful commemorative edition “Hail to the Chief: Saluting Eight Years of Excellence. heralding the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama and his historic administration.

For more information, and to see a special Women’s History video tribute, visit EBONY.com.  Follow the issue on social via #EbonyLadiesFirst

AT&T Presents an Exclusive Fireside Chat with the Best-selling Author and Self-made Digital Media Maven Luvvie

DALLAS, TX– Best-selling author and digital strategist Luvvie Ajayi joins AT&T* at the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit in Phoenix March 9-12. Best known for her popular blog Awesomely Luvvie, Ajayi will take part in a special dose of “real talk” Friday night. She’ll discuss her compelling journey and the power of sisterhood and digital connections.

We will host an invitation-only “Seat at the Table with Luvvie” for top influential attendees at the Summit. All attendees are invited to join a fireside chat with Luvvie under the Arizona open sky.

Ajayi will open up about her first best-seller “I’M JUDGING YOU: The Do-Better Manual.” The book chronicles her path and lessons she learned about the power of women along the way. She will also talk about how she used a “mean digital game” to build her own personal brand.

“I’ve lost count of the many women who pushed me to do my best, opened doors for me, mentored me or simply had an encouraging word,” Ajayi said. “Much of it came through social media and digital connections. So, it makes sense for me to sync with AT&T to open a dialogue with some of corporate America’s most powerful women of color about this very topic.”

The fireside chat with Luvvie will start at 9 p.m. MT Friday, March 10. But attendees won’t have to wait until then for the fun. Earlier that day, there will be a panel featuring AT&T Chief Storyteller and Director of Social Media Joy Hays and other digital movers and shakers.

Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Cynt Marshall will introduce Luvvie at the fireside chat. Black Enterprise named Marshall to the Black Enterprise Most Powerful Women in Business list. The list calls out the highest-ranking and most influential black women executives in the nation.

Conference goers can also enjoy the AT&T Power Lounge. They can kick back, charge devices and learn the latest about AT&T offerings, including the new DIRECTV NOW streaming video service.

The Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit will take place at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa-Palm Court.

Find out more about the Summit and other content curated for the black community at thebridge.att.net.