WSSN Stories

YWE Founder Gwen Rodgers, Rev. Bronica Martindale-Taylor, Yolanda Markham, Sharon Ellis, and Dr. Margaret Hill.

By Angela M. Coggs

On Saturday, September 5, 2015 Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation hosted their 3^rd Annual Wellness event in the Henderson Auditorium at San Bernardino Community Hospital. The event began at 8am continental breakfast for all the attendees. The event, “Women Helping 2 Empower Women (W.H.E.W.)”, invited women to participate in a day focused on Sickle Cell Awareness and overall health. The idea was to highlight emotional, physical, and spiritual health. The event featured keynote speaker, Dr. Beverly Crockett, featured speaker, Farron Dozier, and the testimonials from Therese Adjivon, Carletta Loftin, and Janice Freeman-Neubel.

The event was kicked off by Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation founder, Gwen Rodgers’ warm welcome.  The call to action from Rodgers to become aware and vigilant about health and fitness was heard loud and clear thoroughout the day. Activities focused exercising the body beginning with Reverend Bronica Martindale- Taylor physical activity called, “The Harvest Dance.” Everyone was out of their seats and participated wholeheartedly.

Feature speaker Farron Dozier, a Sickle Cell Advocate and radio personality on WDC Radio Show, spoke passionately about living with sickle cell trait after learning he had Sickle Cell when he was 29 years old when was he a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army.  Dozier was discharged from the military because he was no longer physically fit for service. His youngest of three daughters (Deja Dozier) was also diagnosed with sickle cell at a young age.  His story reverberated with the audience as he spoke about the pain he endured growing up and it being dismissed as growing pains. He discussed his experience living with the disease known as, “The Silent Killer,” which primarily affects the African American population but has been known to affect other nationalities.

Dozier’s organization, “WHATZ DA COUNT,” and his campaign, “What’z in your Genes?” provides sickle cell trait awareness and to re-educate the community about the sickle cell trait and thalassemia trait.

After Dozier spoke about the importance of getting tested for Sickle Cell, over 30 attendees signed up and were tested by medical professionals from Community Hospital where a room was set up to draw blood. Attendees, speakers, vendors as well as YWE Board Members were tested and the results will be sent to them in the mail in the next few weeks. Another highlight of the day was the powerful testimonials.

Therese’ Adjivon is a young woman who is determined to change lives. She was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia at the young age of 3. Although she has struggled with obstacles in her life, her positive outlook was sensed by everyone on the room. She credited her mother for allowing her to be raised in her home and not in a hospital room. Despite the hurdles she has to endure she still finds time to be a mentor and coordinator for an organization called FOOCUS2 and also an advocate for patients that battle Sickle Cell and other rare disorders. Adjivon spoke with passion and her words resonated with the audience when she said, “Just because I have Sickle Cell doesn’t mean that it has me.”

Carletta Loftin began her testimonial with playing the beginning of Kirk Franklin’s song, “Declaration (This Is It!)”. She said that the words meant a lot to her. She started her testimonial by saying she was a mother of three but later indicated she was diagnosed with Bell Palsy/ Blood Disorder which prevented her from carrying her first two children to term. Her daughter Carrington is her little miracle baby. Her story of determination and survival was deeply felt by the attendees. Loftin words of purpose and encouragement touched the audience in such an uplifting manner that it inspired many to stand to their feet and shout. She is a fighter and is not willing to give in or give up on the fight.

When Janice Freeman-Neuble, a neo soul artist originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, stepped up to the podium to share her story she began to sing “I Won’t Complain.” Her voice was so strong and her vocals filled the room. The words alone evoked heartfelt emotions and she shed a few tears along with the audience. After gathering herself she simply stated, “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been sick.” She shared her life and her struggle. She recounted how doctors gave her mother six weeks to plan her funeral when she was a young child. “I have been struggling with Lupus since 2007, but I have had severe illnesses as far back as I can remember,” Neuble proclaimed. She was very young when she was diagnosed with a kidney infection and she had meningitis in the ninth grade. It has been a very long struggle for her but she counts her husband Dion, daughter Hannah, and stepson Dylan along with her strong spirituality as her strength as she takes each day at a time.

“Her voice, which permeated the air, echoed her life experience. Every melodious word was an expression of pain and appreciation, of struggle and triumph of frustration and confidence,” Kimberly Garret said of Freeman-Neuble. “She reminded us all that God’s mercy and goodness is sufficient. Her strength brought me to tears.” At a glance, prayer circles were seen throughout the room. It was defiantly an emotional event, but it was also a safe place to be vulnerable and let go.

Dr. Margaret Hill, San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education Vice President, was present and also participated in the fitness activities of the day. When Harriette Coggs- Stuckey, Founder/Director of Heart and Soul Line Dance, invited the participants to learn a dance/exercise she choreographed, Dr. Hill was on the floor with everyone else. Several routine were taught and practiced by the group and everyone appeared to enjoy themselves. “I enjoy workshops where there’s something for everyone. Seeing the young and the mature on the same dance floor at the same time was phenomenal. I guess it’s called building age cultures,” said Hill when asked her perception of the day’s event.

A Step Ahead Entertainment demonstrated a Chicago Steppin’ dance routine choreographed to Janet Jackson’s new song, “No Sleeep”, that was exceptional. The men and women looked radiant in their all white outfits.  Afterwards the dancers gave step-by-step instructions to the audience and many of them took to the dance floor and tried the dance moves. Everyone involved had a really good time.

Just Move Consulting Director and Lead Trainer, Author, Health and Fitness Specialist, Erin Young, invited a few audience members to come to the front of the auditorium to practice a few exercises that she demonstrated. She explained that one does not have to go to the gym in order to work out and be fit. Audience members asked questions and participated in the activity. Using a medicine ball, resistance bands, and chair she taught the group effective and useful.

Keynote speaker Dr. Beverly Crockett

Keynote speaker, Dr. Beverly Scott, author of, “Just Run the Race- You Are a Champion,” closed the event with a motivational speech about running your race, fighting your personal battles, surviving challenges, and being champions. She shared her personal struggles and showed how this disease (Sickle Cell) affects everyone including her as she shared about a family member who struggles with this disease and how they elects to deal with it. She encouraged and uplifted those in attendance by saying that no matter what someone goes through, we can beat the odds and come out victorious.

Overall, the event was a success. Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation raised the bar when it comes to wellness events in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire. Attendee Sharon Ellis stated that “the event was well organized, time conscious, informative and a lot of fun.” The community event was inspirational, a worthwhile cause focused on fitness for the mind body, and soul, which provided a day of awareness, soul searching, and unity. “I was pleased with the integrity of the group of women sponsoring the event. This was my first time at a Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation event and health awareness clinic in San Bernardino. I was a vendor at the event but I was also able to participate in the informational and physical fitness sections of the day,” said vendor Garbrille Stuart, from 1 Pound at a Time. “I appreciate YWE for the opportunity to allow me to showcase my organization and learn the importance of health, wellness, and the importance of getting screened for Sickle Cell.  YWE did a fantastic job. I commend them for their leadership and professionalism. I was grateful and moved by all the speakers for sharing their knowledge.”

“I am excited about what the YWE’s Board is doing to promote wellness for women in San Bernardino. None of this could happen without the continuous support from the community and our sponsors, such as Dignity, Edison International, and Kaiser Permanente,” said Gwen Rodgers, Founder of Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation. “W.H.E.W. was a powerful event and there are more to come. I’m also looking forward to Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation’s 10 year anniversary, “Night of Elegance” Fundraiser in January. Stay tuned and like the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation Facebook page.”

Ms. Kim-Evette Anthony and Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Lou Coleman and Pastor Robert L. Fairley, D. Minister of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Talking about being blessed to be among The Who’s who in the Inland Empire, it was indeed a privilege for me to be in such awesome company; thanks to my dear friend Ms. Frances Grice. It was a fantastic evening mingling with inspiring and influential leaders. The music by J. Bokins was relaxing; the food was delicious; the atmosphere was inviting and the rest is history. If you missed it, you would not want to miss it next year; it was exquisite! The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation Committee did a splendid job. Special thanks to Ms. Margaret Hill, you are appreciated!

Just to name a few of the who’s who that were in attendance included: Pastor Robert L. Fairley, D. Min- New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; Ms. Kim-Evette Anthony – Urban Philanthropy Institute – Humanitarian of the Year; Mr. David Clark– Am I My Brother’s Keeper – Yes I Am!; Ms. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers – Newly Appointed San Bernardino School Board; Rikkie Van Johnson – Mayor Pro Temp, City of San Bernardino; Ms. Genevieve Echols, President of San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation; Ms. Kathryn Ervin – California State University San Bernardino; Mr. Terrance Stone – Young Visionaries Youth Academy; Rev. Arnelia F. Carpenter – Assoc. Minister – New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; Ms. Desiree McKenzie – SBBCF 2015 Miss Black San Bernardino; Mr. Troy Ingram, 1^st Vice President – Black Rose Co-Chairperson; Juanita H. Scott; Carter High School Junior ROTC; Chief Joseph Paulino; Officer Marcus Pesquera; Chino Fire Foundation; Kathryn Ervin; John Coleman; and the list goes on, and on, and on.

Westside Story Newspaper congratulates ALL recipients!

Lou Coleman and community photographer John Coleman

Margret Hill and Lou Coleman

Rafael Rawls and Lou Coleman

Lou Coleman (Left) and Ms. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers (right)

Lou Coleman and Mr. David Clark

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

I want you to know that, that is the explicit meaning of the words of Jesus in [Matthew 7:21-23] “…Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity…”  I tell you multitude of people who expect to go to Heaven will go to Hell. Thousands of “good” people, “moral” people, church members, teachers, prophets, apostles, priests and preachers will find themselves lost when they expected to be saved; condemned when they expected approval; cast out of Heaven when they expected to be received into eternal bliss. They are professors without possession. They are church members, perhaps, but not Christians. They are reformed but not reborn. They have lamps but no oil. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. Dangerous Deception!  Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.” [Jeremiah 14:14] [Matthew 24:24]. This is precisely the nature of deception Paul referred to in [2Cor. 11:13-15] “You put up with it easily enough. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.”  I tell you their end will be what their actions deserve.

Take Heed…. Do not be deceived… Spend time studying God’s Word; know and understand what it says. Remember what God said in [Hosea 4:6] “My people perish for lack of knowledge. That’s why [Proverbs 4:5] encourages us to, “Get wisdom and get understanding… for we cannot rely on just listening to sermons and teachings from Bible teachers and pastors.  We must let the Scriptures speak to us directly; and the only way to do that is to study them for ourselves. Listen don’t take my word for anything… don’t believe anything I say… “Test everything.” Check it out for yourself and see if it aligns with what the Bible teaches [1John 4:1] [1Thess 5:19-22] because as Jesus drew near to the end of the Sermon on the Mount, He took the time to remind us of the seriousness of our salvation. He wanted all who heard Him to be sure that they were genuinely converted. See the Bible clearly warns that in the last days strange doctrines will come forth – introducing another Jesus, another Spirit, another Gospel [Matt. 24:4-5] [2 Tim. 3:1-5] [1Thess 2:9-10]. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves [Matt 7:15].

It is my prayer that you will allow the Spirit of God to speak to your hearts today. It may be that there is some reading this that has never been truly saved. Perhaps this is the day when you will meet Jesus as your Savior. Maybe there are those who think they are saved, but in truth, you’re not. I am praying that God will speak to your heart today! Perhaps there are those who know you have never been converted. There is no better time than right now to get that taken care of….  If what you believe to be true turned out not to be true, wouldn’t you like to know about it?  Do Not Be Deceived… Give all you have to get true knowledge.

Mark Allen Felton

LONG BEACH, CA- The Pepperdine University Black Alumni Council (BAC) will host the 3^rd annual “BAC SOUND INVESTMENT BENEFIT CONCERT” scholarship concert on Saturday, October 3.  The event will take place at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach (700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The goal of the event is to raise scholarship funds for African American students at the five schools of Pepperdine University.

The benefit concert will be headlined by the multi-faceted and award-winning saxophonist Mark Allen Felton. A Chicago native, Felton began paving his musical pathway at the tender age of 11. He was inspired by such great artists as Grover Washington, Jr. and Earth, Wind and Fire, and continued honing his talent throughout high school and college. Felton has written several hundreds of songs including the theme song for the nationally syndicated radio show Radioscope. His musical career has spanned more than 20 years – playing around the country and throughout the world, including Japan, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Felton has shared the stage with many accomplished artists including: Al Jarreau, Oleta Adams, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Kenny G., Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz, Billy Preston, Marcus Miller, Lalah Hathaway, and Jeffrey Osbourne, to name a few.

Groove Theory

Entertainment will also include performances by jazz band The Groove Alliance (TGA), featuring Sheri Whitten (lead vocals); Fleming Robinson (lead vocals and guitar); Robert “B-Bow” Abraham (drums and vocals); Reginald Varnado (keyboard and vocals); Martineau “Mott” Perkins (saxophone and vocals); and Ollie Elder, Jr. (bass). TGA was formed in 2001 by bassist Ollie Elder, Jr., as “Base Six.” His vision for the band was to perform instrumental smooth jazz using the saxophone, piano, and bass as lead voices. Responding to demands of Rhythm and Blues (R&B) dance tunes, the band recruited songbird Sheri Whitten and became known as TGA. To date the band delivers high quality R&B music. Their sound is a combination of jazz, pop, and reggae.

In addition to enjoying the awesome sounds of Felton and TGA, attendees will have the opportunity to dance, mix and mingle, while supporting a great cause.  Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website at http://bit.ly/2015soundinvestment

Naimah S. Allen

By Deborah Ealy

‘Our Children Sing’ is an annual program held in San Bernardino, CA on or around September 11^th of each year. This event was founded by the late Alice F. Page, community leader, entrepreneur, and “peace major,” in September 2002.   The “Our Children Sing’ program allows a venue for many of the talented youth in our schools, churches, and gang-riddled communities to come together in peace to celebrate one another without the fear of violence. In this world of grown-up wars, national rivalries, and teen and young adult gang violence, Alice believed that we should start our peace outreach by reaching out to our children while they are still young and impressionable and teach them how to work, play, fellowship, perform, and communicate with one another without resorting to violence.

After the devastating events of 9/11, Alice felt that she could no longer sit idly by without doing something, anything, to help in the fight against violence and in the push towards peace.  She began her fight by reaching out to numerous public officials and people of influence in the city and state in an effort to bring about a National Day of Peace which would be observed annually on September 11;  just one day of peace when there would be no guns, no violence, and no fighting.

Alice worked tirelessly to bring about peace and non-violence one step at a time, starting here in her own backyard. She measured her own success not by her own wealth or comfort, but by the lives she touched on a daily basis.  Like the heroes of 911 she knew that she needed to do something to make the world a better place.  She chose to put her words, her beliefs, her dreams into action and stepped forward with a plan to promote peace.

The ‘Our Children Sing’ program is coordinated by Vicki Lee, Homeless Liaison for San Bernardino City Unified School District. The event will be held at Norman F. Feldhym Library, 555 West 6^th Street in San Bernardino on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 3 p.m. The recipient of The Alice F. Page Award will be Beverly Earl  from Catholic Charities,  and special recognition will be given to The late Frances Montano from Ballet Folklorico who was faithful until she passed away.

This year’s  participants include James Ramos supervisor 3^rd District, Fajamora Fox, , Naimah S. Allen,  Kya Gary, Pacific Cultural Club, Malichi Compton, Gloria Chavez and The Ballet Forklorico Cultural Group; New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Children’s Choir Cathedral of Praise International Ministries Dance Team; Arroyo Valley High school Marching Hawks, and San Bernardino High School  Air Force Junior ROTC. They are not performing just to showcase their talents. They are not just dancing because their parents or friends are watching. They will not be just supporting another community event. No: they dance, they perform, they sing for peace.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

You want somebody to pacify you; you want somebody to tell you what you want to hear; you want somebody to agree with you. Well, it’s not going to happen… forget about it! You must know that your ways are not pleasing to the Lord! I want you to know that God has entrusted me with His ministry where there are No Corner-Cuts, No Pacifying, and No Round-About Way; and I take what God has entrusted to me very seriously. I am thankful that He has chosen to trust a wretch like me to tell it. Understand I am not writing to attack any Christians; on the contrary, I am writing to wake you up if you’re sleeping in this dark hour 1Cor 15:34 so if you get offended by truth, that could only mean one thing; you need to examine yourself as the Apostle Paul stated in 2Corinthians 13:5.

Truth is supposed to challenge the status quo and disturb the complacent. Truth is supposed to upset the pretentions of the hypocritical. What a crybaby!  Gird your loins. Be strong in the Lord. Allow me to declare the whole counsel of God letting the chips fall where they may. This is a call that tells the truth and offends the untruthful. It is a call that is sharper than a two-edged sword and just as dangerous. It is one that lays it on the line day after day without regard to what it does to the security as deem by man. The Apostle Paul who “got” this, said, “If I should please men, I would not please God.” Galatians 1:10.  In Psalm 94:16 God asked the question, “Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” We all have to choose; I choose to please God rather than man. “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” Galatians 4:16 Jesus told you Himself in Matthew 10:34 “Think not that I come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a Sword. For I came to seat a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in-law”… but my bag… I thought you knew that. Even Romans 9:33 refers to Christ as a “stumbling block” and a “Rock of offence.”

I want you to know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has always offended the wicked!  True Biblical love NEVER allows for sinful compromise.  If the truth is offensive to the unsaved wicked world and to backslidden Christians, and you just happen to fall into one of those category… Uh-oh…. Understand that the purpose of gospel teaching is to save those who believe Mark 16:15-16; 1Corinthians 1:21. I tell you we must develop a “love for truth.” It is the Rock that will withstand the forces of Hell and deception. We must be willing to receive gospel teaching without taking offense at it! Matt. 11:6

To Preachers and teachers: God’s directives on preaching the truth… Preach truth regardless of how or whether it is received – 2 Tim. 4:2. Do not be silenced by mockery, threats or consequences – Jer. 20:7-11; Amos 7:11-13; Ezek. 2:5-7.  Know that until Christ returns you are responsible to stand against the evils of our day Psalm 94:16. Yeah the truth will make people angry because truth demands an answer; but the truth will also cause others to come to God in repentance. To Hearers: Meekly receive truth and obey it – James 1:21-22; Acts 2:36, 37-38, 41.

May God grant that the truth spoken in love and received in love heal our hearts, lead us to repentance, free us from bitterness, and unite the body of Christ…. No more lies, no more pretenses. Tell your neighbor the truth. Ephesians 4:15; 22-25… 2Corinthians 4:2

Demetra Coulter

This week WHAT IT DO WITH THE LUE is professionalism and Teamwork. I always talk about the Indie artists. I never talk about what goes into making or promoting the Indie Artists. Everyone whether they know it or not, needs a team in order to succeed at anything. This idea of being independent or a one man show is a joke. I mean even Jesus had a team according to the Bible. So, with that being said, I’d like to introduce you to a very special lady, Demetra Coulter, Public Relations Officer for LUE Productions and many more.

Demetra Coulter is a consultant with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Arts in Public Relations, both from California Baptist University in Riverside, California. She is also the creator of “So What Am I Saying?”. She also helps people to develop a message, ranging from public speaking to physical appearances and teaches them how to deliver it to the right audience. From God given talents, education, and years of experience, Demetra has gained the wisdom and knowledge to help others by using common sense approaches. She is on a mission to help change the world by offering everyday advice and solutions for everyday situations.

In addition to the aforementioned accomplishments and attributes, she has worked with organizations including the NAACP Youth and College Division of Riverside California, the Campaign of Donovan Saadiq, Black Penny Press, Lue Productions and a whole host of other individuals. Her articles can be read at http://deecoulter.wix.com/so-what-am-i-saying. Currently, she is in the process of developing a YouTube channel with her 22-year-old daughter DeAnah that focuses on being fashionably frugal among other aspects. Stay tuned!

For your communications and public relations needs, she can be contacted at (951) 809-3848 or deecoulter@gmail.com. Make sure you check my girl out, she’s about that LIFE. L’zzzz!

Street Motivation

By Lou Coleman

ANAHEIM CA- Have you ever attended an event that was great, so great that you keep telling your friends? Well on Saturday, August 29 I attended “The Bank Sale” which was held in Anaheim, California and it was fun and amazing! The fashion show was off the chain and none other than Inland Empire’s own, Miss Krystal Yvonne, represented. Did she own the runway? Oh yes she did! She was all that! Not only did Miss Krystal Yvonne represent, but Street Motivation Magazine and Total Kontrol Organization was in the house. Shout out to Lady Sharon and Mr. Alonzo. I tell you ain’t no party without the Inland Empire! Amazing Experience, Incredibly Engaging! If God says the same, hope to see you there next year!

Model Krystal Yvonne

Vendor

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Michael Jackson sang …. “It’s close to midnight and something evil’s lurking in the dark. Under the moonlight you see a sight that almost stops your heart. You try to scream, but terror takes the sound before you make it. You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes. You’re paralyzed’ cause this is THRILLER, thriller night, and no one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike you. You’re fighting for your life inside a killer; you hear the door slam and realize there’s nowhere left to run. You feel the cold hand and wonder if you’ll ever see the sun. You close your eyes and hope that this is just your imagination; but all the while you hear a creature creepin’ up behind; you’re outta time; cause this is thriller, thriller night. There ain’t no second chance against the thing with forty eyes. There’s no escapin’ the jaws of the alien this time; this is the end of your life; cause this is thriller, thriller night. They’re out to get you; there’s demons closing in on every side; they will possess you unless you change the number on your dial…the evil of the THRILLER…” I want you to know that you cannot shy away from the fact that Hell is a very real truth. Matter of fact, its’ been said that Hell is truth seen too late! If you don’t believe it, just ask the man in Luke 16:19-31 who died and woke up in the fires and torments of Hell.

Listen… Sometimes we say things because it’s right, not because we want to. Sometimes we say things that are hard because they need to be said, not because we like saying them. This is one of those times. I hate talking about Hell. But there’s a saying that says, “Friends don’t let friends go to Hell,” and because I consider you my friend; I want you to know that if you do not embrace Jesus; if you do not take your life with God seriously, you are on a very dangerous path that leads to Hell. Your consideration of the terrors of Hell may be one of the most important things you can do in this life. Ezekiel 33:4 says, “Then he who hears the sound of the trumpet, and does not take warning and a sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head.” Why should you be so concerned about Hell? There are several reasons why it is profitable to do so: hearing about the terrors of Hell may shock your conscience and awaken you out of your false security. Hearing about Hell may help to deter you from committing sin. Hearing about the terrors of Hell may help to awaken those among you who may think they are saved because they believe in Christ or the facts of the gospel, but who are not really saved and are on their way to Hell, but don’t know it. This aspect of Hell alone should cause you to cry out in repentance. Don’t be so arrogant as to think that you can bear the wrath of God poured out in full measure upon you. If you believe that, you are more than a fool. The terrors of Hell cause the devils to tremble. Do not delude yourself! Repent of all your sins and turn to Jesus and surrender to Him as Lord. I tell you it is better to view Hell now, while you are living, and be terrified by it, than to have to endure Hell forever when you die. Flee from sin! Flee from living for self!

This is your wake up call and your opportunity to do something about it. All opportunity to repent ends at death. I want you to know that it will be no one’s fault but your own if you deliberately seal your own doom; because it isn’t easy to go to Hell. Before you get there you must climb over the church, the Bible, gospel sermons, your conscience, your better judgment, the Holy Spirit, and all the providences of God. Then finally you must climb over Calvary and trample Jesus under your foot. In Hell, you’ll remember that you did all of this. Please don’t go to Hell! Hell is forever! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation {2 Corinthians 6:2}. Don’t let pride or denominational background or your so-called, “Christian heritage,” or your good deeds send you to Hell. Don’t let them! Don’t live in doubt about where you’re going when you die.

“See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. “Deuteronomy 30:15-20…

Speech Thomas

“I applaud Ice Cube, Gary F Gray & Dr. Dre because they know how to tell a great story! The accurate portrayal of a Hip Hop producer’s heart…. wanting to make something special…well done. The vicious sharks that swim in music industry waters…greatly exposed. The acting, promotion and soundtrack… superb! In a country where excellence in black film on the big screen isn’t seen enough, it’s proudly exhibited here.

But from the perspective of the ancestors, they got some explaining to do. Centuries of struggle by our men, women and children who were thoroughly desolate with only one hope. The hope that through their perseverance, future generations would have it better than they did. Many died for that very reason.
That’s the African-American legacy.

It was just two weeks ago, we all were discussing how soiled America still is from the horrors of slavery and the following systematic racism.

Blacks for hundreds of years purposely portrayed in every advertisement, news article, play, TV show and movie as dangerous, vile, uncaring, simple, roguish brutes, with intelligence a tad higher than a monkey. Year after year, decade after decade, century after century… And here we are today – as white trigger happy cops shoot blacks. It doesn’t matter if they’re unarmed, cuz in the minds of so many, blacks are always armed with centuries of dangerous propaganda. And a lie can run around the world twice before truth can get her shoes on!

And in comes Hollywood pushing yet ANOTHER movie with that same ole narrative… “Straight Outta Compton!” With the convenient subtitle – “The worlds most dangerous group.”

Is that literal or it’s figurative? None of them came from the most dangerous of street life but Easy E. right? I often hear that they’re dangerous because of Cube’s defiant lyrics & fierce determination to speak “truth” to power. Ummm, that sounds honorable.

But I’m sure I can come up with a few more suggestions more appropriate than NWA. The Black Panthers for instance might be better suited for such an honor. With fierce determination they defied an entire system at risk of their very lives! They REALLY fought for justice and most paid the ultimate price. An epic bio pic that shows how these brave young men and women organized change for all races and genders, showing true devotion mixed with legal prowess… that’s a film suggestion! And can I get a witness that NWA’s “F** the Police” is only the prevailing anti-police brutality anthem BECAUSE the music industry championed it. It didn’t take the FBI long at all to see that NWA was ultimately a harmless group because their other songs & political savvy was thoroughly misguided and non-directional. As opposed to the earlier & less popular “F** the Pigs” that the Black Panthers often shouted as they persevered through police harassment as actual freedom fighters, not as drug dealers and pretend thugs. Historically there were activists that started as thugs but TRANSFORMED into purposeful revolutionaries.

I’ve heard some say, the title “most dangerous” is as far as MUSICAL groups are concerned…. Ummm wouldn’t PUBLIC ENEMY better fit that definition? But see a movie like that would simply be too dangerous, it might cause people to do more than ooo and aaah over the financial success of a music producer & rapper who made nice movies and headphones. It might cause REAL change.

NWA may be the most dangerous, but not because they fought against a racist and oppressive system… but because they were effective ambassadors of that very system! I like to call it white supremacy on wax! Who else could have done such a great job at spreading the age old message that blacks are morally sub-human? Many things white supremacists say about blacks is what NWA confirms in their most popular songs. And yes, in 2015 Twitter is going nuts praising the film and much of the hiphop world is bowing down to NWA as heroes in the genre. But I applaud a good number of blacks that “don’t believe the hype”!

Bio pics about rap artists are few and far between, but take notice to WHICH rap movies Hollywood green lights for major motion picture release? And have you ever thought about WHY these particular movies?

Biggie’s Notorious, Eminem’s 8 Mile, 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying and NWA’s Straight Outta Compton! Most of which come straight outta Jimmy Iovine’s & Dre’s storehouse of thuggery, and celebrate the “American Dream” thru gritty accounts of drug deals, crack addicted communities, strip clubs, friends that deceive each other and gun battles gone wrong. And then the inevitable transformation from rags to riches. As they live happily ever after (in their death though). Oh yeah, Biggie was about right, that if you’re black…you’re nobody til somebody kills you!

To quote Public Enemy… “Burn Hollywood Burn!” They’re pretty much about money and judging by this past weekends ticket sales… THEY’RE WINNING! Stay tuned for a Tupac, Ice T and whomever else da cap fits bio pic for us all to swoon over!

Feed us our illusions, Hollywood has no skin in the game, it’s just money to them. But don’t we as blacks literally have skin in the game?

It’s our SKIN that signals brainwashed cops to pull us over just because we didn’t use a turn signal. Or blow our brains out for trying to start our car while being questioned. Or get choked to death, spines snapped, or just walking home wearing a hoodie.

BUT SOMEBODY BLACK KEEPS PROUDLY DELIVERING THESE MOVIES TO HOLLYWOOD.

There’s gotta be a point where we WEIGH the pains we feel from years of being mis-represented against the joy we feel seeing another black thug soliloquy on the big screen! The pain lasts for years, the joy last 2 and a half hours. You do the math.

There’s gotta be a breaking point when we make a critical decision. Directionless expression or real freedom? I know, I know… no one screams when Scorsese does a gangster film, why pick on rappers? Because Jewish people aren’t making these movies WHILE simultaneously getting shot down in the streets by their own kind, arrested in astronomical rates and their rappers literally getting assassinated like they were in a Middle East war zone!

When is enough… ENOUGH!?

Consciousness didn’t start with NWA, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly”, nor ?#?blacklivesmatter?.

It’s been in full effect since slavery and we must keep our eyes on the prize to reach the finish line!
On the big screen, these rappers are portrayed as bigger than life heroes and even somehow “freedom fighters”! But TRUE heroes like Julian Bond, Garvey, Harriet & Parks deserve a bio pic, because they served US all! But would we support it?

It NEVER was enough to have a conscious song or two on an otherwise “white supremacist” gangsta record. It’s not enough to have things “go in cycles”… (people say that to me all the time about music)
It’s about standing on the shoulders of those that stood before us until we get out from the ditch that hides our humanity!

Our values are so backwards that fathers, mothers, educators, intellectuals & activists don’t fill today’s memes and murals. Instead it’s Tupac, Biggie, NWA and maybe a Jay-Z. The murals you see painted in the ghettos, (I’ve even seen em in the outskirts of Africa!) Memes of these rappers floating around on the Internet and interviews at the end of albums with their “prophetic” words. 3D holograms of them in front of wooing crowds. Supposed martyrs packaged and shrink wrapped in a CD. “Heroes” of the people – celebrated, applauded, jailed and assassinated, with a level of admiration that you’d think they died because of political resistance or activism, but no. It’s simply a petty beef or a record executive hungry for more money.

We have so lost our way, that we celebrate their temporary success – in lieu of our own lasting success.

Behind the riches of every Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Easy E. or Suge Knight are quiet little Jewish & White guys in polo shirts that are even richer than them.

They play golf and listen to Bach while they count their money. Meanwhile we wallow in these decadent, century old stereotypical, blaxploitation flicks and albums, their kids fly in private jets and vacation in Belize. Our kids suffer just walking to school.

Yes, Straight Outta Compton is very good and yes, these men have immense talent, but Italian mafioso refused to sell crack to their own communities. They insisted on separating their families from their illegal business.

We sell this “crack music” to our little kids and we infest the whole world with it!
It is NOT just entertainment. We are getting killed in real life. We influence Africa, South America and everywhere there’s poor people that need inspiration. It has never been simple entertainment and it has far out reached the block…. it’s racist propaganda. And it hurts the soul of humanity!

And by the way ITS NOT HONEST, it’s not what we see in the hood. It’s an embellishment of it, it’s “reality” on steroids, it’s someones story on performance enhancers! And the things that destroy these communities has become a Satanic virus, packaged and shipped out to every other community to infect those that were previously healthy.

That’s my problem with NWA – not the music (it’s brilliant) NWA endorsed the worse traits of the hood, promoted these traits and to justify their lust for fame they revised their purpose claiming it’s a noble freedom of speech movement.

And many have bought that revisionist history, poured it in our glasses & ummm that kool aid taste sweet! White supremacy is happy, blacks got our thug heroes and the world keeps on turning.
So, sit and eat your popcorn, sip a Coke, enjoy a well-deserved break from lifes stress.
I know I did. I also know I made Ice Cube, Dr. Dre Gary Gray and a host of white dudes a bit richer! I’m alright with that. May God bless em.

But even as I’m entertained by the film, I know that unless we change our dynamics and moral infrastructure as black people, WE really are the entertainment. The silly blacks that can’t realize the difference between an Arnold Schwarzenegger fiction and a propaganda missile aimed at the very demise of our freedom, dignity and culture.

GIL scott was right….The revolution will not be televised it will be screened in a theater near you.
Two thumbs up.”

-Speech Thomas