WSSN Stories

Loved ones and community members came out to support the family and legacy of William Henry Jacocks, also known as Ratibu, on Thursday, December 17 at New Hope Baptist Church in San Bernardino. (Photos by John Coleman).

By John Coleman

 SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Hundreds came out to pay tribute to the legacy and life lived of William Henry Jacocks, also known to some as Bill or Ratibu. Those that were present at the memorial included members and officials of the State, County, Regional, and Local offices. There were leaders of every walk of life from family to friends of Ratibu. The memorial service was held on Thursday, December 17 at New Hope Baptist Church in San Bernardino.

The memorial service reflected and paid tribute to prominent moments of Ratibu’s life and influence. He was a US Army infantryman, operator of a local ‘small business’, missionary promoting entrepreneurship among the community, and leader of the Inland Area Kwanza Group. He was a strong supporter and advocate of Kwanzaa Consciousness, civic engagement, including a leadership role in the Westside Action Group, and evidenced by the dozens of officials who stood to acknowledge his role in their success and of course his love for his family.

Rest in Peace, Ratibu.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Paul said: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life…” (1 Timothy 6:12). I don’t know what kind of fight you’ve been putting up in the past year, but the Spirit says you have been so overwhelmed at times that you’ve lost your fight. You’ve become a weak, passive soldier of the Cross – discouraged, wounded, and perplexed; but now it’s high time for you to get back up and fight the good fight of faith. I pray that this message from the Holy Spirit will put the fight back in you – that once more you’ll be fearless against the devil’s weapons.

You know when the prophet Hosea wanted to warn Israel about their cowardly spiritual condition, he reminded them of their father Jacob. The crux of his message was, “You’ve become weak, passive. And now the enemy is over-whelming you! You claim to be Jacob’s seed – but I want to show you how far you’ve strayed from his example. I want to show you how Jacob prevailed – how he had power with God!” He told the Israelites this about Jacob: “He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us;” (Hosea 12:3-4). Hosea’s message to them was very simple: “Here was a man greedy for God, hungry for everything God had for him!” Jacob came out of the womb in a fighting mood, greedy for the blessings of God! Yet it wasn’t the double portion of his father’s wealth that Jacob was after; it wasn’t the promise of the land. No, Jacob wanted something more. He wanted the blessings of God so he could be in the lineage of the Messiah! And he wanted the priestly blessing. This meant not only being priest of the clan – it also meant being able to bless others! [Genesis 27]

I want you to know that Jacob’s hand on Esau’s heel was a powerful statement! It said: “I will not be held by sin’s grip – I am more than a conqueror! I will lay hold of all that is of Satan and resist, fight, and be victorious! I want God’s hand on me!  I want His blessing at any cost.” I tell you Jacob had a made-up mind. He had determined that no one was going to stop him from receiving God’s blessings not even his own brother. I also want you to know that Satan has a plan of destruction for your life and he is not just going to lie down, roll over and let you be what God wants you to be. He is working over-time to distract you and to delay the fulfillment of your promises. He is working over-time to side-line you, to kill, steal and destroy your life [John 10:10]. You need to realize that there are Princes of Persia in the spiritual realm working to prevent you coming into the revelation and reality of your destiny. Therefore, you need to release spiritual warfare and pray. Scripture tells us that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but demonic powers and principalities. Know your authority and be vigilant about it.

In closing I want you to know that Jacob spent years fighting to get and keep the blessings of God; and that same desire ought to put the fight back in you. Throw off your passive, defeated countenance. Cast aside all feelings of defeat – and stand up and fight! Right now God is saying, “Come on, and fight!” – Because He loves you! He wants you to claim all His blessings. Rise up in faith and lay hold of His promises. Stand up and fight! You have His strength – use it! It is time that you tell the devil to Hell with you and take back what is your. Proclaim the victory that Jesus has already won for you on the cross. I tell you for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Those are the words of the preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. This is a time for new beginnings, a time to say goodbye to the past year and welcome the new. Don’t you go into another year bruised and battered!

By Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, Founder and President of Be Someone, Inc.

Several years ago I found myself at a crossroads in my life.  If not for a helping hand at just the right time, I might not be here to offer these words of advice and encouragement.  I definitely fit the description of an “at risk” youngster.

I was an inner-city tough guy.  That was my life, my culture.  It defined me.  I wasn’t worried about my future.  Future? Ha!  My future was today, tonight.  Tomorrow was never a sure thing.

So what happened?  How did I escape?  Why am I now preaching against the life that once looked so “cool”?  For this column, let’s just say a very special teacher saw something in me that I didn’t even see.  He taught me the game of chess and with that simple act, he saved my life.  I owe him so much and one way I’m paying him back is by living every day to save other young people who are in trouble or potentially stand to make poor decisions.

We are surrounded by so much pain and heartache.  You can’t turn on the news without being faced with a litany of domestic violence, carjacking, robberies, and kidnappings.  Violence is something that has always plagued this world. It is so important to learn that hostility gains you nothing in life. Peaceful compromises are the way to solve your dilemmas. Why is the world so angry? Perhaps we will never know the answer to that.

Using the game of chess, I founded an organization several years ago based upon a simple premise:  Be someone, not something. Your actions speak louder than your words, and that is often forgotten. There is no reason in this world why two people cannot sit down with a game of chess or something similar and use their mind power to put hostility and sore feelings behind them. Use creativity and your mind in a unique way to solve your differences. Violence gets you nowhere but behind bars.

Taking someone else’s life is one of the most unholy sins a person can commit. Consider what that family has to go through and what yours will go through knowing that you did this. Did you see the recent story in Chicago?  A beautiful young lady who had recently performed at President Obama’s inauguration in Washington was shot and killed by gang members firing weapons indiscriminately.  Think of the pain and heartbreak.

Remember this simple statement, “Brains before bullets, think it out, don’t shoot it out!”  I teach this and my students are hearing me but I need to reach more young people than those I’m able to meet in my classes.

Everyday lives are taken for no reason at all or for something menial. No matter what it is, a gun is never the answer to solving your problems.

I have dedicated my life to teaching young people that they can succeed.  They can make the right choices that will lead them places they have only dreamed of going if someone can reach them.  I believe God gave me that ability and capability.

This is my message to young people:  Learn how to take charge of your life.  I want to help you do that. I have guided and mentored many young people who others have given up on.  I offer a calm voice and a steady hand that has weathered numerous tests.

I believe every child has the potential to succeed.  That’s what guides my presentations and my classes.  Take my instruction and use it constructively in your everyday life to become that upstanding citizen that you desire to be. Be a success, not a casualty. You can be productive in life, you can go places, and you do have support to help you get there.

So many young people forget that life is beautiful and if your chance to take advantage of all it has to offer is taken away either by your own hand or another’s; you will live with many regrets. Let’s have more successes and challenge your mind, put the guns away!

Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson was an at-risk young person growing up in Birmingham, AL, when a teacher taught him the game of chess demonstrating to him that for every move – either on the game board or in the game of life – there are consequences.  It changed his life.  He went on to become an Alabama State Trooper and later founded Be Someone, Inc., an organization devoted to teaching young people there are consequences for their actions and that they can choose to succeed in life.  He not only teaches classes but delivers motivational speeches around the country. Please invite international speaker Orrin Checkmate Hudson to energize your next event by visiting www.besomeone.org.

Bernice Celeste

What up my I.E. peeps and everybody! Singing Sensation Bernice Celeste is What It Do with the LUE this week. When it comes to raw talent, this young lady has it hands down. I was mesmerized the first time I heard Bernice sing and play. You can’t help but to fall in love with her angelic voice. So here’s more on my girl. Enjoy!

Bernice Celeste is a 21 year old singer/songwriter born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. At the age of 10 her family relocated to the States where they lived in New Mexico, Texas, and South Carolina. Along the way her passion for singing grew immensely that the time came when she asked her parents to relocate back to Los Angeles in order to pursue her dream. As an independent artist, Bernice is progressing to be the next big solo artist in the industry. The songs she writes about are either life experiences or events witnessed throughout her life. Bernice first started singing at age 7; throughout her school years she was involved in choir. She began playing the guitar at age 14 which she self-taught and at a later time she took guitar lessons. By taking lessons, it helped her to write her own lyrics.

Her unique sound is that of a mixture of Pop/Acoustic. Growing up her music influences were given by her parents and grandparents who listen to music like R&B, Oldies, Motown, Beatles, Classic Rock and 80’s Pop. During her middle and high school years she was influenced by Alternative Rock, Folk and what was popular on the top 40’s. For the last 6 years she has been performing throughout the Los Angeles, Orange and Inland Empire counties. She has also performed in venues like The Cinespace, The Roxy, The House of Blues, Aqua Lounge and The Pomona Fox Theater Lounge. She had the pleasure of singing the National Anthem for the Inland Empire 66ers Minor League baseball that is in her hometown.

Bernice has performed at community events and foundations from The Britticares for the CHLA foundation, to one’s that deal with cancer awareness, battered woman, and underprivileged young girls, to feeding the homeless in her own community. Bernice has featured as a special guest on several internet radio stations including, The 3 Guys Rant, David Alcarez Talent show, CGD Live Radio, The Heart Of, and Monivision Live. She recently was contacted and is having her new single, “Falling Fast” in rotation at the Coyote Radio which is one of the biggest internet radios in Southern California and country!

You can catch her performing live for the kids Tuesday, December 22 at Ribs located at 2360 Sterling Avenue in San Bernardino at 2 p.m. for LUE Productions and Drac Entertainments special event, “THE GIFT of GIVING”. Keep an eye out for this up and coming artist you won’t regret it!! Until next week – SAN BERNARDINO STRONG & L’z!

Penny Li

By Penny Li, ??

My condolences go out to the victims’ family of the December 2, 2015 horrific incident.  I am from China and I have come to San Bernardino for two weeks for the purposes of requesting for the City of San Bernardino to Re-instate the Sister City program for China.  This trip was planned much before the horrific incident.

The December 2 act of cowardice could not deter our motivation to build a bridge between our two cultures.  We propose for the city to reinstate the Sister City Program for China, allow international exchange participants to volunteer for the city of San Bernardino to help share the language and culture, and for San Bernardino to support the newly created International Business Expo, which has been initiated by Keith McCarter of McCarter University for the purposes of encouraging cooperation between our Chinese company participants and your local businesses.

I and a few of my colleagues will be speaking at the December 21 city council meeting to request for the city to place these items on the agenda.  These plans were submitted to the city far before December 2 and we believe that now, more than ever, is a good time for the city to consider making positive international connections to create positive international programs to enhance the future prospect of success for the companies and citizenry here within.

We wish to invite all members of the public to come listen to our short presentation and feel free to offer your support of our plans and project.  Lastly, unlike many other proposed programs, this program will not cost the city one red cent, but it has the potential of bringing elevated profits to the city directly, indirectly and to its businesses.  We will appreciate your support and again, we wish to offer our condolences to the victims of December 2.

Ratibu

Obituary Written By Carl Dameron

Ratibu Shadidi (William Henry Jacocks) joined his ancestors on Thursday evening, December 10 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana.  Ratibu is survived by his wife, Wilmer Amina Carter of nearly 35 years.  They were joined as one in 1984 and reaffirmed their marriage in 1994.

Jacocks is remembered for his vision and passion, which will continue through his wife Amina, his children, Anye Imani; Malaika Jacocks Dameron (Kamau); Jamala Shaw (Rubani) and eight grandchildren:  Tariki (Shani), Daima (Shiane), Amina 2 (Darian), Shaila, Akiba (Tayah), Halisi (Darius) Nia, and Miadi (Braelynn).  His brother, James; sisters: Jean, Catherine, Odessa and many other loving relatives.

Ratibu was the co-owner of Elegant Floors and Creative Businesses Services with Amina. Ratibu was also an entrepreneur, author, lobbyist and political consultant. He is a published author of “Incidents, Struggles, and Devine Intervention: Memoirs of Ratibu Jacocks.”

Ratibu was also a community activist, Sunday School Teacher for more than 30 years; Chair, Inland Area Kwanzaa Group; Treasurer, Westside Action Group; Distinguished Toastmaster; Life Member – National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; Longtime Travelers Aid Volunteer, Ontario Airport; Member – Black History Parade Committee; Member – Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee; Black Student Union Advisor  at Bloomington High School; attended the 1995 Million Man March; Tumanini Teacher at San Bernardino Valley College and coordinated Saturday Morning Speakers – a youth speaking club.

Ratibu is predeceased by his Parents, James Alfred and Annie Mae Jacocks. The services are at new Hope Missionary Baptist Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday December 17.  New Hope is located at 1575 west 17th Street in San Bernardino.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Wilmer Amina Carter Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 332, Rialto CA 92377.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Don’t get it twisted!  Don’t fool yourself and don’t be fooled. Unless your house is built by wisdom and established by understanding, your house is not a home. [Proverbs 24:3] And just so that we are on the same page, I want you to know that I’m not talking about your physical house, I’m talking about your spiritual house. You see in [Matthew 7:24–27] Jesus tells a parable that compares and contrasts two builders: one wise and one foolish. One man built his house on the sand while the other built his house on the Rock. In this context, building on the sand speaks of people who hear the Gospel, but instead of believing the Gospel and coming to faith in Jesus, they believe they can build their lives on the shifting sands of human philosophy, wisdom, opinion, and religious achievement. They are driven by outward, religious appearances and faith in themselves, rather than faith in Jesus. People who build their house on the sand hear the Gospel and believe its general message, but they choose to follow God on their own terms. To them, His Word is open to interpretation. If He commands them to do something they will obey if they choose to. If they don’t like it they won’t do it. People who build their house on the sand they build the house of their lives on self-will, self-fulfillment, self-sufficiency, self-satisfaction, and self-righteousness. Theirs is a works based religion that has the appearance of being right but that lacks the power to save the soul. As [2 Timothy 3:5] says, “Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof…” People who build their house on the sand believe they can pray a prayer, sign a card, join a church, and all will be well. People who build their house on the sand can turn it on and off like flipping a switch. They can be in today and out tomorrow.

But then while one man built his house on the sand, the other dug deep. He dug until he reached the bedrock and built his house on the Rock. The Rock does not move. It is unchanging and stable. Building on the Rock speaks of people who hear the Gospel and believe it to the point that they build their lives on it. People who build their house on the Rock understand that Jesus alone has the power to save their souls. People who build their house on the Rock hear God’s Word and they conforms their lives to it. People who build their house on the Rock, they hear the truth about Jesus and they believe it. They embrace it. They yield to it. The message changes their lives. What God tells them to do in His Word, they do. What God warns them not to do, they avoid. They pay any price, walk any path, and do anything the Lord tells them to do. They love Him, honor Him, and obey Him. I’m talking about people who build their house on the Rock.

I want you to know that the parable tells us that the rain came, the flood followed, and the wind of destruction blew. This image is not just about some storm in life. This is the image of judgment. In the end both houses were subjected to a terrible storm of judgment. One house stood, the other was totally destroyed. The house that was built on the sand could not face the withering judgment of God, and it collapsed. Jesus said, “And great was the fall of it.” This means that the house was utterly destroyed. There was nothing left to show for the life lived within it. Everything was destroyed and swept away as if it had never existed. But as far as the house that was built on the Rock. It experienced the same storm. The rain, the flood and the wind “beat upon” the house. This house was battered, but it stood against the storm that was thrown against it. This house was shaken, but it did not fall. It stood on a firm foundation, and it weathered the storm. I want you to know that there is a storm coming; a day of judgment; a day when every person will face God.  I ask you, how is your foundation? If you haven’t built your house on the Rock, today is today. What is your life; but a vapor that appears for a while, and then disappear. Establish your firm foundation today!

Terence Larae McGee

Terence Larae McGee went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at the age of 50.   Terence was born to Betty Jean Johnson and Harrell McGee on January 11, 1965 in San Bernardino, California.  Terence graduated from Cajon High School in 1983 and was a third generation member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino where he served on many ministries over the years, which included Evangelism, Men’s Choir and Layman.  Terence had a strong, bold faith in the Lord and he shared the goodness of Jesus Christ with those who crossed his path.  Terence believed his life’s purpose was to be the love and protection of family and he spent countless years serving up spiritual encouragement weekly to those who are sick and in long-term care centers.

Terence is survived by his daughters Colibri McGee and Satyn Bailey; his grandson, Titan Bailey; his Father John Funderburk; his brother Courtney McGee and wife Cheryl McGee and their children Tyne McGee, Patrick St. Louis, Courtney McGee Jr., and Kestin McGee; his sister Regina Winston and husband Delbert Winston and their daughter Faith Winston; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be held at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at 1575 W. 17^th Street in San Bernardino on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 10 a.m.  Repast will also be held at New Hope Church immediately following interment.  Harrison-Ross Mortuary will be assisting the family.

For more information, please contact New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at (909) 887-2526.

By Keith McCarte

I have traveled around the world to at least 27 different countries.  I have actually lived in 4 different countries for extended periods of time.  I must say, that since before December 2, 2015, San Bernardino has had the highest per capita number of people who loved and cared for their community than any other place I have been.   A close second is Basel, Switzerland where most people speak at least four languages.  In Basil, they learn and study the language of culture.  Whereas here in San Bernardino we live, eat and breathe culture on a daily basis.

With this cultural aspect comes several groups of people who feel very strongly about how to better their community.  We have battled issues such as homelessness, education, employment and economic bolstering during a sagging global economy.  Even though each sect of the community has varying opinions as to how to better our community, each group is intensely motivated to make our community better as a whole and they do so by having a common respect for parallel or opposing opinions.

This is the reason I rank the citizens of San Bernardino number one when it comes to love and care for their community.

Now we have been saddled with a calamity of the first order-the horrific shooting incident of December 2, 2015.  San Bernardino has not been weakened.  On the contrary, we have become stronger and will continue to become even stronger.

We continue to love and care for our community but now we do so with one voice.  Now our voice resonates beyond city boundaries.  It now resonates nationally and internationally.  The whole world is watching and we have stepped up to the plate to become leaders as a city and as a community.  We have shown the world a good example of having love and respect for each other, love and respect for the victims and love and respect for our country.  Have you noticed that our leaders and the citizens within has focused on expressing love and condolences, opposed to the alternative?  We are no longer, Black, White, Latino, African American, Mexican or Asian.  We are San Bernadinians.  We are no longer conservative or liberal, we are San Bernardinians first and foremost.

Out of respect for the victims who have lost their lives, were injured or traumatized we must hold dear to our core values and continue to speak these values to the world as one voice.  We will speak as San Bernardinians.  We must become even closer to our neighbors and friends.  This closeness is not for the purpose of spying on their lives but for the purposes of showing our love and support to each other in times of need.  Let us continue to set good examples in our everyday lives.  Remember…we are San Bernardinians and we speak as one voice.

Yawnie

Yawnie, Yawnie, Yawnie is What It Do with the LUE this week. When I think of the word multitask, the artist Yawnie comes to mind. I met this talented lady a year ago at an event and had to book her immediately for one of my own. The energy that she gives during her sets is absolutely refreshing. When Yawnie steps to the MIC the crowd defiantly goes hype.

Kenya Jasnae Garrett, known as Ywanie, knew at a young age she wanted her name in lights. Born in Lynwood, California but now an Inland Empire resident, Yawnie is making a name for herself in the music game. Releasing her first album back in 2012 under the label MEDICI/Interscope Records, Yawnie was inspired by artists such as Keyshia Cole, Eminem, and Trina. By studying them, she was able to develop her own unique sound. She has been performing all over Southern California with big names in the industry. I truly admire her drive and ambition to make it to the top.

Being a rapper isn’t the only thing on Yawnie’s list. Her skills range from hosting, to photography, to acting, writing, DJing, and event coordination. Yep, she does it all! So please do me a favor and check this talent artist out. Catch her live on Thursday, December 10 in Santa Ana at Jaspers Bar and Grill. Prepare yourself for the thrill. You can locate her music on Facebook, Reverbnation, and Soundcloud under “Yawni Mami”. Her songs “Respect My Gangsta”, “Made A Star”, and “It’s a Celebration”, go hard!

Please follow LUE Productions on Twitter and Facebook for more reviews. Until next week peeps, stay STRONG & L’z!