WSSN Stories

Lexington, KY—University Press of Kentucky author Bernard LaFayette Jr., whose memoir In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma was released in paperback earlier this year, has been awarded the 2016 Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace. He is also co-editor of The Chicago Freedom Movement: Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights Activism in the North. The award is presented by theGandhi Development Trust. The GDT was founded in 2002 by Ela Gandhi, the social activist granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi. The Gandhi Development Trust’s mission is to promote a culture of peace, justice, non-violence, and ubuntu (human kindness); promoting Gandhian values of ahisma (non-violence), self-sufficiency, love, sarvodaya (good of all), compassion, and universality in order to reach their core vision of a peaceful, just, and non-violent world.

The Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace was established in 2003 to honor people who have surmounted religious and ethnic obstacles to promote democracy, peace, and justice through non-violent measures. GDT believes that the award should not merely be seen as an annual event, but rather a catalyst for initiating non-violence, ubuntu, and nation building under the influence of non-violent leaders. LaFayette was chosen as this year’s winner in recognition of his outstanding work towards the promotion of peace, reconciliation, and justice both locally and internationally in his capacity as a civil rights activist.

LaFayette’s memoir, In Peace and Freedom, recounts that career as an activist. He was a cofounder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a leader in the Nashville lunch counter sit-ins, a Freedom Rider, an associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and the national coordinator of the Poor People’s Campaign. At the age of twenty-two, he assumed the directorship of the Alabama Voter Registration Project in Selma—a city that had previously been removed from the organization’s list due to the dangers of operating there.

LaFayette was one of the primary organizers of the 1965 Selma voting rights movement and the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, and his memoir, written with Kathryn Lee Johnson, shares the inspiring story of his struggles there. When he arrived in 1963, Selma was a small, quiet, rural town. By 1965, it had made its mark in history and was nationally recognized as a battleground in the fight for racial equality and the site of one of the most important victories for social change in our nation.

The award was presented on November 7, 2016, in Durban, South Africa.

Dianna “Dee” Dela Cruz

By Lue Dowdy

The Queen of L.P. SEXY BBW Model – Dianna “Dee” Dela Cruz is WHAT IT DO! This Plus Size model has the coldest walk ever! She slay’s the audience and the runway every time.

She was born on December 27 in the Philippines as a little girl she always wanted to be a Nurse and a Fashion Model. Now doing both this DIVA is making a name for herself. Raised in Orange County, Dee recently moved to San Bernardino. Yep the IE! Graduating from Rancho Alamitos High school in Garden Grove, CA and receiving her AA degree in Nursing from Pacific College in 2006, she became a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Soon she will be taking classes to be a Physician Assistant Certified at Western University of Health Sciences. Can you say Brains & Beauty!

It was a struggle starting off her modeling career. Her busy schedule from nursing and taking care of her mom and dad financially really took a toll on her. Being turned away and told that she was ugly, short, and fat by so many agencies did not stop this beauty. Her dedication and determination to make it as a plus size model made her STRONG. Discovered by Timmy T of Fashion Overdose as a print model in 2006 to 2009 her modeling career began to take flight.

“I will work on helping young women out there to love and accept themselves and love every curve they have,” she stated.

She continues, “And I have a big heart from young girls and women who are being or got bullied because I was bullied when I was a young girl and being a young woman because of my weight.”

LUE Productions is happy and honored to have her as our 1st B.B.W. Queen. Dee is available for booking. The next time you need a host, speaker, or a diva to rock your runway please hit us up at (909) 567-1000 or email Lue.info@yahoo.com. Love the skin that you’re in BIG or SMALL! Until next week L’zzz!

More about DEE DELA CRUZ:

• Model for Plush cat Club and Big on Batik 2008 to 2010 2013 Rock your curvy style model (1st Asian Plus size Runway Model)
• 2014 Model for Dede Allure ( 1st Asian Plus Size Runway Model)
• 2014 1st Asian Plus Size Runway Model to walk for LAstyle fasion Week ( 1st plus size models to walk that runaway ever) we made history!
• 2014 Walk for New York Fashion Week
• 2nd Runner for Miss Plus Top Model 2015 Competition.
• Ms. Anaheim Plus America 2015. She helped out with low income senior for free nurse wellness checkup, and assisted with Children’s Hospital of Orange County & Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.
• 2015 signed to Maverick Artist Agency for Fit Modeling!
• 3rd Runner up for Ms. California Plus America 2015!
• Miss Congeniality – Plus America 2015!
• Miss Rock your Curve 2016!
• 2016 Lue Productions 1st Big Beautiful Woman Queen!
• 2016 guest speaker for young women empowerment For Diabetes Awareness and got awarded by City of San Bernardino, Mayor, Congressman, State Assembly and Senate!

By Lou Coleman

He will ensnare you and destroy your soul [1Peter 5:8] Make no mistake about it! The Devil does not want you to sell out to God. He wants you to sell out to him. And he will give you every reason in the world to justify the things he wants you to do. Then when you have followed him and are out of God’s will and in trouble, he will discard you like a piece of trash and leave you to rot in your sins! He will chew you up and spit you out! You better know that you know! You see [2 Corinthians 2:11] tells us that Satan desires to gain an “advantage” over us and to do this he will use every trick in the book to get us to follow him into failure. Be careful! For [1 Peter 5:8] tells us that the devil wants us. He wants our family. He wants our testimony. He wants our church. If you have it and it’s from the Lord, he wants it, and to get it, he will do anything! “Don’t Compromise with the Devil!” If you do he will get you into such a shape that the Lord cannot bless and use you at all! If you don’t believe me just read about David, the sweet singer of Israel, the man after God’s own heart, what the devil can do to your life. You follow the devil and you, like David might find yourself in a place of prayer begging God just to restore the joy of your heart and life [Psalms. 51:12].

I tell you I wonder: Just what did the devil tell David to get him to sleep with Bathsheba? Just what did the devil tell Cain to get him to kill Abel? Just what did the devil tell Judas to get him to betray Jesus? I wonder: just what has the devil told you? Because sadly, there are many in the church today that live a compromised life. Being too friendly with the enemy! You cannot walk with God and hold hands with the Devil. You better read the story of Lot. Lot started out with Abram and like him enjoyed the blessings of God, but, he exchanged what Abram could offer for what the world could offer and in the end he lost out! You know Jesus said in [Matthew 6:24] 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. I wonder: Which direction is your tent pitched – toward Bethel [God’s house] or towards Sodom [The world]?

I tell you it is crucial that you take the steps that are necessary to defeat the devil and walk in victory. You do not have to roll over and play dead while the devil molds you to his will. You need to be like Jesus, who when He was tempted turned to the Word of God and confronted Satan with the truth of the Book and caused the devil to have to flee from His presence. General Rule: “Do Not Give the Devil a Foothold” [Ephesians 4:26-27] To Hell with Satan!

By Lou Coleman

I tell you David said sometimes you just got to encourage yourself. Just look back over your life, yesterday, last week, last month, last year, five years ago, you will discover that you have already gone through enough stuff that should have caused you to lose your mind; but you are still standing. There are others who have gone through less than you went through and committed suicide. Given up on life! But you made it through. Still Standing! Although you’ve been lied on, talked about, criticized, misunderstood, mistreated, you are still standing. Hurt, wounded, knocked down, sick spells, buried loved ones, had to say goodbye to acquaintances, left alone, heartbroken… and you are still standing.  Even though the pain hurts, even though your heart is still healing, even though you still have some tender spots, and your memory is still playing tricks on you… you are still standing. Who am I talking too? May not have as much money as you ought to have, may not have as many friends as you think you deserve, but one thing you can say, “I’m still here.”  And by being here that says one thing, you still have a chance.  You still have an opportunity to reach goals that you have not reached. You still have a chance to get closer to God, and let him use you. Hurt but still standing; Misunderstood but still standing. Almost lost your life but survived the attack, still standing. What the devil meant for evil God turned into good. “They said you wouldn’t make it. They said [you] wouldn’t be, here today. They said [you’ll] never amount to anything…But [you’re] still holding on. Holding on to God’s [unchanging hand] [Lyrics Luther Barnes] though the road has been rough and the goings been mighty tough…” You are still standing!

I tell you when you can persevere through something that should have killed you, and still remain standing; when you can go through crises, and still remain standing; when you can weather the storm and still remain standing; Ah…. Perseverance, preserved, kept in the fire, not kept from the fire… Had to cry yourself to sleep, but you’re still standing. I want you to know that the purpose of this message is to encourage you to know that these can be your words of victory as you face whatever comes your way this week, that at the end you can say, “I’m still standing!” Understanding that you have to go through some things to get to where God wants you to be; betrayal, denial, crucifixion – you’ve got to go through it to get new life.

Let me tell you something, in spite of the issues that came my way, I knew that I had enough in me to withstand it all. And when you know that beyond a reasonable doubt you have what you need inside of you, there is a certain confidence that calms your nerves which is why you don’t have to panic and get hysterical. Why should you crumble under the pressure? When the Word says to you, “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” So go ahead and declare that you were built for this. You were built to handle whatever life throws your way. Knowing that the devil tried this before, but the last storm that you came through left you with praise. A praise that the devil couldn’t shake, because it was deep in the Rock. Joy that the devil could take, because it was deep in the Rock. Power that the devil couldn’t defeat, because it was deep in the Rock. And when you’re built on the Rock, Hell can’t move you. Water can’t drown you. Hallelujah! Can I get a witness?

By Lou Coleman

It can be very difficult to work with a Scorpio as a co-worker. Ain’t that right Mr. Allen? LOL… The Scorpio needs to be in charge professionally and does better in those jobs that will allow them flexibility and freedom to be in control. I’m talking about Naomi “The Marketer” Riggins; Lou Coleman, “The Whatever”, Naomi “The Editor” Bonman, and Lucretia “Ain’t No Stopping Me” Dowdy, strong, commanding, intense, passionate and zealous. Driven, dedicated and loyal. Ambitious and security-loving Scorpio women independent and determined individuals. We will only strive to reach high goals, and we will let nothing get in our way of accomplishing these goals. We will do whatever is necessary to meet goals and don’t care whose feet we must step on in order to accomplish those goals. Watch out now!   Even though we as one celebrate our birthday’s this month, we want to send a shout out to all who are November born. Happy Birthday to You! Now as we go and cut the cake be good to yourselves and one another….Leaving the stage singing….Happy Birthday to Us! Happy Birthday!

By Lue Dowdy

What up IEeeeeeeeeeee! Well feeding those in need is what it DO in a real way! LUE Productions, along with several other community organizations, artists, and community members that come together every year to deliver hot meals to the homeless in downtown San Bernardino are getting together again. Giving back is such a rewarding feeling. Mobilize with us to feed over 400 individuals in the Inland Empire.

Last year we made 477 hot meals and passed out socks, sleeping bags and more. This year we’re doing it bigger and better. Please join in!!!

Items that are still needed include: Rolls, Corn, Dressing Mix, Gravy packages, Cranberry Sauce and Cakes and Pies.

Drop off Days for food donations are Friday, November 18th at Starbucks in Colton located at1181 S Mount Vernon Avenue in Colton at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. We must have ALL Turkey’s donated by this date in order to get it our cooks; and on November 20 located at 254 Carousel Mall in San Bernardino from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, please call (909) 567-1000 or email Lue.info@yahoo.com.

Publisher’s Commentary By Wallace Allen IV

Today, and every new day presents an opportunity to choose to attempt to go forward or to quit or possibly do something in between. The President Elect, Donald Trump, said things that some will find encouraging. He will rebuild the inner city and African American Community, build bridges and highways and create jobs, and he has not at this writing, mentioned building a wall!

However, many people are disappointed and possibly afraid of the Trump Presidency. I suggest that depending on government action is risky business even when you feel good about who is elected. Life is surely stressful if you feel disrespected by them. I suggest that the election of Donald Trump can and must become a good thing, and to assure our community’s success, we must play our “Trump” card!

Economic issues confronting our community require that concerned and talented community members visualize and effect plans that acknowledge our resources. Demonstrating respect for our resources and potential is a big but very achievable step. Consider that our churches deposit a estimated $500,000,000 per Monday. That deposit is not being levered. Additionally, our trillion dollar annual buying- power is promptly diluted by our propensity to immediately spend it outside of our community. Correcting that bad habit will change things very quickly. Circulating money is how a community grows itself. There can be safety and security in numbers. A community that successfully utilizes its member resources will find that others outside their community will respect that accomplishment and want to work with them also. Whether the President Elect is somehow able to do something for us or not, controlling our resources can be more beneficial than any government program.    

That a group of people can spend a trillion dollars a year and not be economically viable is a demonstration of inappropriate behavior. The fact is, behavior is something that can be corrected. In the ‘games of life’ we know that doing the unexpected, the unusual, can lead to triumph. Our community will find economic triumph by doing the unexpected, the unusual. Focusing on levering our resources and ‘vesting our money in developing our community’ is indeed, an unexpected change and definitely appropriate behavior!

In this game of economics, changing from a random, suicidal spending attitude to a focused buying/spending strategy is in effect, “playing our Trump card”!

By Naomi K. Bonman

Despite the harsh reality of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, there is still a little praise to cheer about. California showed up and showed out in electing the state’s first new U.S. Senator in 24 years. State Atty. General Kamala Harris has become the first black politician in history to represent California in the Senate. This the start that we need in turning over the House of Representatives and Senate from the Republicans. Not only is Harris the states first new U.S. Senator in years, but she is only the second black woman ever to be selected to the Senate since 1999. 

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the Harris-Sanchez Senate race was the first major test of California’s “top-two” primary system, an experiment in democracy that California voters approved in 2010 in an effort to reduce the highly partisan influence of the Democratic and Republican parties and give independents and moderates more clout in the political process. 

Like many Californians, I voted for Harris, and not just because she was a Black woman but because I believed in and loved her vision that she has for not only for the our state but for the Nation. I admired her speeches and I feel a little comfort knowing that she will be representing us in the Senate. Even after the news of our 45th President selection, she gave us even more comfort and perseverance through her words. 

“Our ideals are at stake right now, and we all have to fight for who we are,” she said in a speech far more somber than most victory addresses. “I believe this is that moment in time for our country, where we are collectively being required to look in the mirror, and with furrowed brow, we are asking a question: Who are we? In California, I believe the answer is a good one: We are a great country.”

The country has survived horrible presidents in the past and this one is no different. We can still preserve and achieve our greatness. Let’s not let fear hinder us, but to push us further into achieving what we need to achieve. 

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“Though the storms keep on raging in my life, and sometimes it’s hard to tell my night from day, still that hope that lies within is reassured, as I keep my eyes upon the distant shore; I know He’ll lead me safely to that blessed place He has prepared. But if the storms don’t cease, and if the wind keeps on blowing, my soul has been anchored in the Lord. [My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord.” Lyrics, by Douglas Miller]

Regardless of the storm that tosses your life and mine, if we have the same confidence that Paul had in his relationship to the Lord, then we can have faith in His promise to be with us always – [Matthews 28:20; Hebrews 13:5 Psalm 23:4]. What an encouragement it is to know that we will never face an instant of life on our own. Every step, every valley, every mountain will be graced by God’s presence. [Psalms 23:6] – Goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. I tell you just having a word from God is enough to anchor us and give us blessed assurance. Why? Because God is as good as His Word [Romans 4:21] His promises are steadfast and true [Roman 3:4; Hebrew 6:18]. Promises of….. Brighter Days – [Psalms 30:5] Deliverance – [Psalms 34:19] Everything is for our Good – [Romans 8:18; 28;32] Divine Grace – [2 Corinthians. 12:9] Ultimate Glory – [Revelations. 21:4] promises based in and on His Word. So go ahead and claim the promises of God as an anchor for your soul as you sail the seas of life. You see if ever there was a time when we need to heed Paul’s warning not to be “…tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” [Ephesians 4: 14] it is today. Because what we all need if we are to withstand the spiritual winds, which are howling about us, is a real sense of stability. We need spiritual mooring. We need something solid and firm to hold on to. 

I don’t know about you, but I still believe that God is Sovereign! This just means that He is in absolute control of everything that happens in life. He is a Sovereign Lord – [Isaiah 45:7]. Listen to the testimony of James concerning this sovereign Lord – [James 1:17]. “If I didn’t know God was on His throne I would not want to live in this world another second, but as long as I know He orders the storms – [Mark 6:45-50] I can weather them. He knows what is best and that is all He sends into your life and mine [Romans 8:28]. So the best thing we can do when the storms rage about us is run to Him for refuge and cling to Him until the storm passes” [Psalms. 57:1; Isaiah 25:4].

I want you to know that I’ve faced more storms than I care to recount, but my anchor of faith holds. God rides the storms with me as Jesus did with the disciples [Matthew 8:23]. Storms of change, tragedy, disillusionment, depression, financial meltdown, loss, and turmoil come, but I’m at peace because -the anchor- holds. It’s secured to an immovable Rock who knows all, controls all, sees all and loves me unconditionally. My ship may bruise and the winds tear the sails. It may even rub up against a few rocks, but I’ll never be blown beyond God’s perimeter or sink beneath His reach. Nor will you. So when storms test your anchor, remember it’s anchored to an all powerful unchangeable God. Let me say I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.”That is the kind of confidence that will let you shout in the devil’s face, even while the storm still rages, [Job 1:20-21]. So as we go through life’s storms, may we always have this song in our hearts. Let the winds blow. Let the waves surge. Let the questions fly. Let the threats come. Let the world speed on.  We have an anchor! We have a hope! We have stability here and now and eternity guaranteed in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love. “My soul’s been anchored in the Lord!”

Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program and White House Partner to Launch Historic Program to Improve the Hollywood Pipeline

Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program and the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities launch HBCUs in L.A. Internship Program. Hosted by SAG-AFTRA on Friday, November 4.

SAG-AFTRA is honored to host the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP) and the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHI-HBCU) to showcase the talented young men and women produced by our nation’s HBCUs with the launch of this historic internship program.

The first program of its kind to take on Hollywood’s pipeline problem, the HBCUs in L.A. Internship Program inaugural class will include White House HBCU All-Star students and a select group of the best, brightest and diverse student leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation.

Launching in the Summer of 2017, the program will provide students with an immersive, real world work experience designed to supplement their academic curriculum and prepare them for careers in the entertainment, media and communications industries. The internship program stems from many of President Obama’s initiatives, such as A Call to Arts and My Brother’s Keeper, which aim to engage and mentor the next generation regardless of who they are or where they come from.

Special guests will include Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Deputy Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, Acting Executive Director White House Initiative on HBCU’s; David White, National Executive Director, SAG-AFTRA; and Stacy Milner, founder of the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program and author of Leveraging UP! The Key to Launching Your Entertainment Career; Federal officials; HBCU Presidents and Community Leaders; and other special guests.

The event will take place at SAG-AFTRA Plaza, James Cagney Boardroom – Lobby Level, located at 5757 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. Parking will be validated. The event will start at 6 p.m. and will resume until 9 p.m.

Please email Alexandra Tashman at alexandra.tashman@sagaftra.org to RSVP. As space is limited, only CONFIRMED media will be able to attend. For more information please contact: Pamela Greenwalt, SAG-AFTRA Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at (323) 549-6872 or pamela.greenwalt@sagaftra.org.