WSSN Stories

Kevin Merida

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) congratulates member Kevin Merida on his appointment as editor of “The Undefeated,” ESPN’s website centering on the intersection of race, culture, and sports.

Merida will be a senior vice president and editor and oversee the content, the direction, and the strategic initiatives undertaken by the site. He joins “The Undefeated” from The Washington Post where he had been managing editor since February 2013 and on staff for 22 years. Upon his appointment at the Post, he became the paper’s first African-American managing editor.

“Kevin is an exceptional journalist who has worked his way up from reporter to editor covering a range of topics, from news of the day to national politics,” said NABJ President Sarah Glover. “Kevin is a transformative leader who has driven pointed editorial coverage of important news stories while balancing the need to create newsrooms that are nimble, flexible, adaptable, and creative. He has mentored talented journalists and helped them to create notable work.”

“Kevin is a remarkably accomplished journalist, editor and leader whom we have long admired and desired to join ‘The Undefeated,'” said Marie Donoghue, ESPN Executive Vice President for Global Strategy and Original Content.  “Today’s announcement represents a key step in the evolution of the site and ESPN’s commitment to this ambitious project.”

Before serving as managing editor Merida was the paper’s national editor.  Merida was named NABJ’s Journalist of the Year in 2000 in recognition of his storytelling abilities, his commitment to the craft of journalism, and his drive to be an industry influencer by encouraging others to raise the bar.

Merida a Washington, D.C.-area native graduated from Boston University with a degree in journalism. He is the co-author of the biography “Supreme Discomfort: The Divided Soul of Clarence Thomas” and co-author of the bestselling “Obama: The Historic Campaign in Photographs.” Merida who will remain in Washington, D.C., is married to author and former Post columnist Donna Britt with whom he has three sons. NABJ congratulates ESPN on this appointment and wishes Mr. Merida much success at ESPN.

An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation, and provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members worldwide. For additional information, please visit, www.nabj.org.

Members of National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) participated in a raffle from Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton at the NCBW 17th Biennial Conference in Long Beach, California. Winners received free accommodations at Embassy Suites by Hilton or Homewood Suites by Hilton as part of “Count on It,” a multicultural marking campaign focused on simplifying family reunion planning. All raffle participants were enrolled in Hilton HHonors, the free, award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s distinct hotel brands. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Hilton Worldwide’s Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton (NYSE: HLT) recently hosted a special breakfast event during the National Coalition of 100 Black Women(NCBW) 17th Biennial Conference in Long Beach, California.

The NCBW conference theme was “From Protest to Policy– Making Advocacy Count.” It engaged attendees with workshops and discussions on health, education, economic empowerment and civic engagement from experts in their fields.

Michele McNeill-Emery, National President of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., shares welcome remarks during the organization’s awards banquet held October 7-11 at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel, Long Beach, California. Also sharing the special moment are NCBW’s newly elected Third Vice President, Membership and Chapter Development, Paula J. Ward and Beverly P. Johnson, national board member. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Andrea Richardson, director of resorts and multicultural marketing for Hilton Worldwide, addressed more than 200 conference attendees Oct. 9. Richardson discussed “Count On It”, a multicultural marketing initiative from Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton designed to help make planning family reunions easy and stress-free, as well as Hilton’s commitment to embracing diversity and strengthening communities through public service.

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., National President, Michele McNeill-Emery, (front center) during the breakfast hosted by Hilton Homewood/Embassy Suites during the organization’s recent 17th Biennial Conference hosted at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel, Long Beach, California. Shown with her on the left is Hilton Worldwide director of resorts and multicultural marketing, Andrea Richardson. On her right, Lorraine Miller, Account Director, Burrell Communications. They are surrounded by members of the Coalition’s national board of directors. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Hilton Worldwide director of resorts and multicultural marketing, Andrea Richardson, delivered a compelling speech at a breakfast event at the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s 17th Biennial Conference on Oct.9. Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton sponsored the breakfast as part of “Count on It,” a multicultural marketing program designed to help make family reunions easy and stress-free for all participants. (Photo Credit: CaughtInTheMoment.com)

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Well Mama always said, “A hard head makes a soft-behind.” You made a decision and now you must accept its consequences. Stop your crying! You went and found out that what they said was true….“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and will cost you far more than you want to pay.” Sinful choices… severe consequences! God’s message is simple. If you do not lay down your idols and repent of your sin, He has no other choice than to allow you to be consumed (perish) with those He directs His judgment towards; spiritually as well as physically. Listen, there is a time of divine ultimatum when we must make a decision to remain in our sin or repent and follow God in holiness and purity. The angels in Genesis 19:15 “hastened” Lot to get his family together and get out. Time was up! Yet in verse sixteen, Lot lingered (question, hesitate, was reluctant) He may, as many of us, still think we have plenty of time. But Romans 13: 11-14 says, “This is all the more urgent, for you to know how late it is; time is running out!” Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Paul challenges his readers to “Understand the present time.” Do you know what time it is? It’s time to wake up! Why? Because salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The long night is fading away, the sun is peeking over the eastern horizon, and Jesus is coming soon!

I want you to know that in Genesis chapter 13 a division occurred between the herdsman Abraham and Lot. Abraham took Lot to the mountain top to see all the lands round about them. He told Lot, “You choose your direction. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right.”Abraham had a mission to accomplish. He was looking for a city whose builder and maker was God. He had to separate himself from those who had not put their whole heart into the journey. As Lot surveyed the territory, he was drawn to the Jordan valley for his sheep, yet pitched his tent toward Sodom. He describes this as “the valley of the Lord” yet it was full of slime pits, homosexuality, violence, murder and every sin imaginable. Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom because his heart was there and it would soon cost him dearly. He was saved, but because his heart was not fully surrendered to the Lord he sacrificed his sons, daughters, daughters-in-law and his wife to Sodom. He entered into an incestuous relationship with his two remaining daughters that produced the heads of two pagans, God hating tribes. What a testimony! But Lot was not too different than many in the church of today. Some have an attitude of so-what if I sin, this is a time of grace. God doesn’t judge sin the same way as He did in the Old Testament. I want you to know that the truth in both the Old and New Testaments will ring in our ears throughout eternity. The wages of sin is death! Get your heart out of Sodom! God is drawing a line in these last days. Those who refuse to heed the warnings will, like Lot, probably sacrifice the things that mean the most to them. Maybe their own soul as well. As the judgment of the Lord increases on our country and persecution towards the Church intensifies, those who are not fully persuaded like Abraham will not make it. They will not believe that a loving God would cut them off. Some believe that all their shouting, praising, dancing and tongue talking somehow pacify a holy God as they continue to compromise with the god of this world. Wrong!

In Luke 17:31-32, Jesus tells us that when he returns we must be ready and willing to forsake everything or we will miss Him. He confirms it with, “Remember Lot’s wife.” Although she accepted the mercy of the Lord to save her life, her heart remained in Sodom. She was told, “Don’t look back.” When she did she was turned into a pillar of salt. God is drawing a line in His Body in preparation for His return. On one side of the line will be those who have forsaken everything in order to follow Him. On the other side of the line are those who will not take the warning seriously. They will no doubt perish. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance 2Peter 3:9. The Bible makes it very clear: Backsliding is an evil, bitter thing – and it has awful consequences! “Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee…” Jeremiah 2:19.   For every action there is a reaction, and for every choice there is a consequence.  May the examples of such men like Lot and David…Teach us the importance of making Wise Choices!

(L. Ofelia Gallegos, Francine Gatewood, Celeste Clemons, Lori McCarver, Brenda Daniels)

By Naomi Riggins

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Westside Christian Center Church, located at 785 N. Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino is the home of Westside Kinship Support Services. Many grandparents, and other relatives are providing care to children who are unable to live with their birth parents. When situations arise and a child can no longer safely reside with their birth parent/legal guardian, Children and Family Services (CFS) first looks for those who are familiar to the child to provide care.  Relatives and family are usually known to a child and by providing a safe and nurturing environment, can often help ease the trauma of separating from a birth parent.

Westside Kinship Support Services (WKSS) was created to ensure that caregivers who open their heart and their home will never feel alone and helpless. Our program provides a place where caregivers can receive a wealth of resources, training and support. Kinship’s focus is to strengthen and develop viable support systems for the caregiver which helps to promote a stable home for the lives in their care. WKSS offers weekly (morning and evening) support groups—Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am; and Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm. WKSS also offers fun and educational activities for youth and independent living skills for teens.

Caregivers often have special needs linked to age, poverty, poor health, social isolation, and inadequate access to information and services. As with most social services programs, our program receives limited funding. . With state tax dollars constantly in short supply, the pressure for cuts is always immediate and pressing. As a result, we endeavor to solicit funding each year from community partners. It is vital that the child welfare community becomes more aware of, and helps support, kinship families outside of the formal child welfare system. Child welfare policy makers and administrators can use information from this report to learn more about the demographic characteristics of kinship caregivers, as well as what services and supports they find most necessary and helpful. Instituting policies and programs that provide basic, front-end support could help prevent caregivers and kinchildren from approaching crisis.

If you provide 24/7 care for a relative child, there are benefits that you may be eligible to receive.  Caregivers that are living in San Bernardino and surrounding areas (Colton, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda, Yucaipa and other areas) are encouraged to apply. Give them a call today at the Westside Kinship Support Services Office (909) 889-5757 or contact them through their Website:www.westsidechristiancenter.net or you may access additional information about Kinship at www.cakinship.org.

Enrique Medina

By Lou Coleman

If you are looking for a mechanic, whether it is electrical or repairs for your car or truck, then look no further. Enrique Medina is his name.  He is a very humble man who is honest, very reasonable, and gets the job done in a very timely manner. Call him up and tell him what you need. He will do it for you, and don’t forget to mention that you read about him in the Westside Story Newspaper. His telephone number is (909) 202-3512.

By Keith McCarter

I attended the ICUC forum on October 6, 2015 for the San Bernardino City Council candidates.  I was shocked at some of their answers concerning the various topics.  Let us take for instance the topic of homelessness.    One of the candidates actually said, he would pay the police to round them up and send them to another city.  This answer reeked of insensitivity.

Others said it should not be the cities responsibility.  They suggested that it is a State and Federal problem.  I can understand their rationale with this answer, even though this answer is a bit short sided.

I must say that I was particularly impressed with Mr. Damon Alexander’s answer.  It was very simple.  He suggested to do what other cities have done.  Combine the services of the different social services departments, local, state and federal.  Then we provide the services the homeless needs and help them get back on their feet again.  I COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS CAME FROM THE MOUTH OF A REPUBLICAN.  But I was completely fascinated with the simplicity of his answer.

In actuality, many of the bigger cities have done this.  Also, Los Angeles city has just begun to combine these services as well.  One of the major problems with providing services to people is that the people do not know how to access the available services. By lowering this barrier, Mr. Alexander suggests that the homelessness situation will be minimized if we follow the lead of the larger cities.

One last point I would like to mention.  Politicians usually boast about what they have done to help other people.  I was fortunate enough to speak with a few members from Damon Alexander’s camp.  I was informed and witnessed him arranging an event to feed the homeless last Saturday on October 3^rd.

So when a question arose about homelessness, he did not boast about him using his time, money and energy to feed the homeless at the park during the previous Saturday.  He simply gave a professional answer to a serious concern of the city.  Is this humbleness?  I do not know what it is, but it is very refreshing to witness a candidate taking so much of their person to help alleviate the social impact of a dire concern without trying to use it for political gain.  If elected this Damon Alexander will be a breath of fresh air to the City Council of San Bernardino.

Yolanda Adams will performing on the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour at this weekend’s Taste of Soul.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Southern California McDonald’s is bringing hope, inspiration and fellowship to the 10^th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival by presenting the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage. In addition to the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, local gospel talent from Los Angeles and the Inland Empire will be hitting the stage to kick off the day. Taste of Soul attendees can expect to hear uplifting music from Donald Jones and the Los Angeles Mass Choir, Brent Jones with the KJLH Radio Free Performance Choir, the West Angeles Choir and Holman Quartet.

“We are overjoyed to present the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, in partnership with the Taste of Soul organization, to the community,” said Clay Paschen III, McDonald’s owner/operator and president of the McDonald’s Operators’ Association of Southern California (MOASC). “Bringing local talent to the stage is a show of commitment to the communities we serve across Southern California. The local gospel talent is icing on top of what is already slated to be an amazing event.”

The national Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour artists performing on the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, presented by McDonald’s, will include: Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, Tasha Page-Lockhart and DeWayne Woods. The event will be hosted by Lonnie Hunter and comedian Small Fire.

In addition, local talent that will grace the stage will include: Brent Jones with the KJLH Radio Free Performance Choir, Taylor and the Los Angeles Mass Choir, Karen Wiggins and the Inland Empire Explosion Choir, Jubilant Voices, Holman Quartet, Linda Broadous Miles, Episcopal Chorale, Ward African Methodist Episcopal Choir, Kevin Henderson, Jay Frazier/G-Rap, Echoes of Praise, Jackie Gouche and Joe Douglas.

“Extending the Taste of Soul Family Festival to include the Inland Empire is another special part of this partnership,” said Reggie Webb, McDonald’s owner/operator. “We are working with Pastor Mannie Brodie and Principles of Faith Christian Center to provide transportation for any community members who want to experience Taste of Soul and McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour for themselves.”

Transportation to Taste of Soul is available on a first come, first serve basis. The bus will depart from Webb Family Enterprises located at 3155 Sedona Court, Ontario, CA 91764. Those interested can secure a ticket for transportation by calling Ratibu Jacocks of Westside Action Group at (909) 820-4406.

McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is an extension of the brand’s 365Black platform, an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. To learn more about the tour and the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com. For more information on local gospel acts gracing the stage and details, follow @McDonalds_SoCal on Twitter and join the conversation at #365BlackGospel.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Pretentious people: Ugh…  Always want to be seen to show out; can’t function unless they stand out. Always got to be on the program; can’t serve in the background. Always got to be about them.  Then want to have the audacity to get mad when you say something.  Listen, Jesus warned against this type of hypocrisy in Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. You know in the parable Matt 13:26 no one noticed the problem until the wheat began to reproduce, forming heads prior to the harvest. I want you to know that the key difference between wheat and weeds is not in what they do, but in what they are? Who am I talking too? Because pretentious people, act saved but are active sinners. How can you hold a position in God’s houses (the church) and yet the devil runs rapid in your own house? Paul says in Acts 17:22-23…..You need a word that is revelatory and relevant.   Real people don’t come to church to be confused. Real people come to church to get a practical word and to come to understand what they don’t’ understand. I want you to know that the days of coming to church and not understanding the Word is over. Why sit in church just to die on the vine? This thing is personal.

Everything we are is because of God. Get over yourself! It’s not about you! Phil 2:3 says, “don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble…” Attitude is everything.  As 1Peter 5:6 says, “… humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.”  I bet your Pastor would just assume you not tell anyone where you went to church! It brings a reproach upon every saint of God who does try to live for Jesus.  Yet, I thank God that there is a place of repentance for those of us who are guilty of the backward look today. If you are just pretending to be saved, please be aware that you are not fooling the Lord! He knows your heart and will judge you. This was condemned by Jesus in Luke 9:62. This trend in the church today, professing Christians that want to dress, act, walk and talk like the world. People who say they know Jesus, but act like the unsaved around them. What you are doing is playing around with sin and treating sin too lightly! My friend, sin is a deceiver, it is a killer and it is dangerous! It must be dealt with early and radically. Do not let it get a foothold in your life, but root it out, whatever the cost or the pain, Eph. 4:27; Matt. 5:27-30.

Until we meet again…  Jesus’ last public message before He dies on the cross.  It is stunning…a scathing denunciation of false religion and hypocrisy.  Jesus is speaking to three groups of people…  a multitude; the disciples and the scribes and Pharisees. Talk about name calling, Jesus holds nothing back!  Bold and courageous, He calls them fools, snakes, vipers, blind guides, and 7 different times He calls them hypocrites.  They are wearing masks, and He pulls them off.  They come to church appearing to be one thing, but at home they are entirely different.  They are religious play actors.  Jesus demanded sincerity and reality.  I want you to know that you may walk in sin for years, but one day judgment will surely come. One day, time will run out! There will be no more opportunities and no more calls to repentance, Gen. 6:3. There will be nothing but judgment swift and sure! I challenge you to flee the wrath of God! There is but one shelter for the soul, Romans 5:6-9… Get Over Yourself! It’s not about you!

What up Inland Empire! What it do with the LUE this week, is the WINGS! In this industry I get a chance to meet many talented independent artists. A lot of them have similar stories and similar goals. I’d like to introduce the man himself, Justified Smith.

Justified Smith is one of the most prolific writers of our time. He has recorded and printed more than 6 independent albums over the last nine years and has reportedly moved thousands of units in the music game. Over his career he’s shared tracks with West Coast veterans E-40, Kokane, Spice 1, Bad Azz, Above the Law, and many other independent artists. Respected mostly for his passion to hustle and the heart to sell his own music out of the trunk, Justified is definitely an underground icon.

This talented artist is a jack of all trades. Not only is Mr. Smith a talented rap artist but a business owner, show host of “CALI LIVE”, CEO of “Justified” and “G.I.2.G Entertainment”, but most of all a loving and caring single father of two beautiful little girls and one handsome son. He goes hard for his family on a daily basis to ensure their provided for. You can always catch Mr. Smith doing good work within his community and beyond. His organization M.O.F.I.A. which stands for “Men Of Faith In Action”, puts on several events throughout the year blessing the folks with needed household products and materials. I can respect that all day long!

Follow the wings and please support Justified Smith. His music is available everywhere digital downloads are sold. For bookings please contact email Justfiedmuisc@net.com. Until next time l’zzz! Justified’s latest song titles include “Man On A Mission” and “Follow The Wings” featuring Suga Free Message.

By Naomi K. Bonman

To commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I recently interviewed the author of “A Survivors Celebration of Life Beyond Domestic Violence”, which is written by Tahirah Ogletree.

Olgletree is an African-American actress, print model, author, filmmaker and advocate for domestic violence. Originally from Cleveland, Tahirah moved to Phoenix, Arizona to pursue her passion for film and acting. Over the years, she has been featured as a commercial print model in nationwide magazines and catalogs, starred in Internet commercials, and landed a role in a 2008 SIS TV Production. In 2011, she was rated as America’s top-aspiring African American woman, and was featured on the prestigious cover of the Blow, Hair & Fashion magazine. In 2012, Tahirah established her own film company, O’Tahirah Films, LLC. She wrote, produced and starred in two short films, Battered But not Broken and Phoenix Finest in Blue. In “Battered But Not Broken,” Tahirah played a battered woman who finds the strength to take back her life from the deadly grips of her abuser. Tahirah wrote “Battered But not Broken” to raise awareness on domestic violence and how rapidly it’s becoming an epidemic in so many households across America.

A Survivors Celebration of Life Beyond Domestic Violence is dedicated to every victim and survivor of domestic violence with the purpose of empowering, inspiring, educating, and helping to save and change lives. It is intended as a celebration of the beauty that all survivors have within, and is a reminder to everyone that there is life beyond the deadly grips of domestic violence. This empowering coffee table book is filled with inspiring quotes, tips on how to detect the early warning signs of domestic violence, tear-jerking testimonials from survivors around the world, Tahirah’s own autobiography, and a list of domestic violence hotlines with 24/7 access to highly trained advocates for immediate support.

In conjunction with her book release, Tahirah’s clothing line debuted with the launch of two t-shirt designs. The first derives from her original art pieces called “ Power Beyond the Fist.” The striking image translates two powerful messages. On one hand, it’s a collection of 52 inspiring phrases that help domestic violence victims understand they can overcome through faith in God, encouragement, forgiveness and a great support system. On the other, it sends the message to males that real men don’t hit women. “The Nubian” shirt hits the positive message home to victims and survivors that there is no excuse in settling for a life that’s less than one is capable of living; that there is true purpose in life beyond domestic violence. It is necessary to rise above and become the best version of oneself. When worn, these high-quality shirts act as strong messages to society, supporting the theory that we can break the silence of domestic violence.

To listen to the audio interview, please visit http://bit.ly/1JAuQCr. For more information on the book and how you can get it, visit otahirah.com.