WSSN Stories

By Naomi K. Bonman

In the music world, especially the Hip-Hop, Rap world, we don’t hear about too many female bosses running things. We hear about the Diddy’s, the Jay-Z’s, the Tyrese’s, and the list of top male bosses in the game goes on. But not too many can name or know of that many women bosses in the industry, so whenever I come across one or meet one, I have to salute and give them their props, and recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Toi.

Ms. Toi is back on the scene with her new album I Am A Warrior, brought to you by the production of Mr. Payback of Heat Makaz Production. This dynamic duo has brought together some of the West Coast Greatest emcees such as, “Original Gangsta” featuring E-40 or “Green Like That Green” featuring Ice Cube and Yuk Mouth, even “Don’t Call Me” featuring Lil’ Wayne and the great late Tupac Shakur. I Am A Warrior captures the raw essence of females in Hip-Hop like the first song called “Set It Off” featuring Yo-Yo, Suga T and Sylk E Fyne. This song makes you want to go see the movie again and again with this playing in the background. Other producers who gave great assistance on this incredible album are Mike from Starrlab Productions who did the title song, “I Am a Warrior” that bangs in the club and overseas giving you her hardcore edge through Ms. Toi’s lyrical delivery.

In addition to being an emcee, Ms. Toi is the CEO of G.O. Entertainment, LLC. In the video interview below, Ms. Toi chats on her upcoming projects, how she got started in the industry, and she introduces one of her artists on the label that is ready to take the industry to new heights!

Top left: Jackie Robinson, Courtesy of Hulton Archive Getty Images; Top right: Misty Copeland, Courtesy of Urban Romances, Inc; Bottom left: MERCY STREET’s Aurelia Johnson (Shalita Grant), Courtesy of Antony Platt/PBS; Bottom right: THE BLACK PANTHERS Eldridge Cleaver, Berkeley, Courtesy of Jeffrey Blankfort

PBS is highlighting the African-American experience through content on air on PBS member stations, online through the PBS Black Culture Connection and through a series of community conversations that will engage viewers in an exploration of African-American history and culture. In addition to documentaries airing in February featuring those who helped influence integration and inclusion, throughout 2016 PBS will also feature programs about moments in history that helped shape race relations today. Please visit PBS.org for more information.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Jesus said, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” [Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:15] What part of that do you not understand? Running around like a chicken with your head cut-off!  What’s wrong with you? You are threading on dangerous grounds! Make up your mind! God wants wholehearted dedication or nothing! I tell you, in our foolishness we prove what we treasure the most; delight in the most; and what we desire more than anything. We gather and gather but we become more and more foolish. Time out for foolishness!

Listen, God is NOT SLACK! We MUST understand that! He WILL PERFORM His good work, and WILL bring His Word to pass! And He says that He does not want ANY of us to perish, but that we should ALL come to REPENTANCE! “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise men, redeeming the time…” [Ephesians 5:16]. The good news for us is that God just didn’t let his people go into sin [2 Chronicles 36:15] He sent messenger after messenger, prophet after prophet, judge after judge, king after king—to warn them. And He is still sending warnings. Let him that has an ear hear what the Spirit is saying. Warning comes before destruction!

You know, I believe that our world has just about reached the limit of God’s mercy and forbearance. Man’s pride and arrogance, his greed and selfishness, his violence and brutality have reached a level which is intolerable. Surely, the end must come soon. God, of course, will not destroy this world without first warning us of the impending doom, which most of us will ignore the warnings, just as they did in Noah’s time. Noah preached to the people for 120 years, trying to warn them of what was going to happen, but none would listen. They mocked and ridiculed as he gave the warning that rain would fall to such an extent that the whole world would be flooded. They laughed and insulted as he constructed the ark which carried him and his family safely through the flood. The people would not believe Noah because it had never rained on the earth before. Rain was an utter impossibility, they said; and the people continued the evil and violence so detestable to God. I want you to know that the decisions you make in this life will have consequences later. I want you to know that the decisions you make in this life will affect not only you but others close to us.

One thing that Joshua wanted to make clear [Joshua 24] to the people of God; there was no room for compromise or divided loyalties!  The Israelites could serve the Lord or they could choose to serve the false gods of Mesopotamia or Canaan; but they couldn’t do both!  Joshua said to the people, “If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you.” Joshua’s message had come from a God who could see in their tents the various idols that they were already keeping in their possession; but in addition He could see into their hearts and know that they were “inclined” in another direction.  Thus they needed the call not only to choose, but a call to commit. Joshua urged them to declare their choice by making anew their covenant with God to serve Him only.  Joshua’s challenge is still a valid one [Joshua 24:14-28]. You need to make up your mind! Choose this day Whom you will serve! You say you want to go to heaven; but you want to live like the world. You can’t do both! Understand that continued faith in God would bring abundant blessings from Him; but rejection of God would bring all the harsh consequences of punishment God has already decreed (Matthew 25:46).

I want you to know that God does not invite us to serve Him “Someday;” the operative word in His invitation is “Today.” I tell you; sometimes we need to be challenged to make a choice!  Sometimes we need to be challenged to make the right choice!  Sometimes we need to be challenged to see the consequences of our choices!  But sometimes we need to be challenged to make the choice now!  Will you make it now?

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life so that you and your descendants might live.” [Deuteronomy 30:19].

VICTORVILLE, CA- On January 7, recording artist Justified and his Men of Faith in Action rallied up the fathers in the High Desert and had an awesome “Dinner with Dad” event at the Hometown Buffet in Victorville. Several families came out and made a powerful statement for Fatherhood, displaying the power of a father at the dinner table with his children. The promotion of the event definitely grabbed the attention of the community and also brought out the Superintendent of the Victor Valley Unified School District Dr. Ron Williams.

Thanks to the Community Action Partnership (CAP), during the dinner Justified and his team distributed toys and activity books to all the children in attendance. The smiles on the children’s faces was more than worth all the effort that went in to putting an event of this magnitude together. On top of the free giveaways all the children ate for FREE, thanks to Terry Boykins, CEO and Founder of Street Positive.

The Hometown Buffet has agreed to give the first Thursday of every month in 2016 to Justified and Men of Faith in Action to host “Dinner with Dad.” The next “Dinner with Dad” Event will be February 4 at the Victorville Hometown Buffet located at 14689 Valley Center Drive in Victorville.

CASTING CALL IS WHAT IT DO WITH THE LUE!!! LUE Productions is looking for 10 models to be a part of the first Inland Empire “BIG, BEAUTIFUL, WOMEN – BBW Fashion Show and Model Competition.” Ladies, this is YOUR OPPORTUNITY to rip the runway and show what you got in front of modeling agents seeking models.

We’re looking for you! So here’s what’s required: Plus Size/Full Figured/BBW, No Experience Needed and Must be over 18. The crowning model will receive a prize package worth over $2000, including $500 in cash and a one day workshop. The competition will consist of four categories in which each model will have to capture the theme and wow our panel of highly qualified judges.

The actual event is to be held Saturday, June 11 in the city of San Bernardino. Registration is $50 to enter the competition. All information regarding the event can be located on the LUE Productions Facebook page

LUE Productions is always about giving back to its community. This event will highlight the need to focus on the health and well-being of young women. Gwen Rogers, founder of Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE), will be our keynote event speaker. A percentage from each ticket sold will be donated to YWE.

You can also become a vendor or a sponsor for the low rate of $50; all logos will be added to promotional materials.

For more information text (909) 567-1000 or contact Deeveatva Foy at (909) 556-7637 or Freddie Washington at (714) 833-3196.

Until next week L’z and San Bernardino Strong!

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“That was then but this is now, I’m starting all over again. I need a miracle in my life today, ‘Cause I’m tired of walking in the same old way…” [Lyrics Shirley Caesar – Starting All Over Again]

I wonder is there anyone who has been in a situation in which you really wanted something to work out but it didn’t. You felt like if you just had a second chance, you could make it work. I wonder am I talking to anybody today. When you look back over your life, at some of the situations that you have been involved in and some of the choices that you have made, you think, if only I had a second chance. If only I had a second chance, I wouldn’t have married who I married. If only I had a second chance, I wouldn’t have moved where I moved. If only I had a second chance, what might have been? The fact is we all fail. We do things we regret. We say things we deplore. And we hurt people we love. Even the Apostle Paul was no stranger to failure. He said in [Romans 7:15] “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” I tell you; sometimes we are on our “A” game, and other times we fail. Reminding us in our human state how imperfect we are. Yet, because of the LORD’S loving kindnesses, His compassions never fail; they are new every morning… [Lamentations 3:22-23]

I want you to know that today God is giving you another chance to get your life right with Him. The Bible is full of people who received not only second chances, but third and fourth chances: Peter, Jonah, Mark, Samson, David, and others. All trophies of God’s Grace… I tell you, my list of “if only” moans could go on at length, but the common denominator of all the incidents is that when we are given a second chance, we need to make sure that we do not squander the precious opportunity. We have to come to realize that we cause tomorrow’s “if only” regrets by today’s neglects. I tell you, God is willing and able to give us a second, a third, a fourth, and a fifth chance; but we need to soberly reflect on the caveats that accompany these plaintive requests.

As the apostle Peter issued a stern warning in [Luke 19] when you ask for a second chance, you need to commit yourself soberly to following through by truly repenting and changing the outcome to a positive, godly result.” In other words, when you cry out, “If I only had a second chance… “Make sure the sentence ends, “. . . I would not squander it!” Know that if you deliberately keep on sinning after you have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Think about it, if anyone who rejected the Law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses, how much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?  I tell you, it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

You see, Jesus made it clear that the gift of another day is not to be taken lightly.  Take the gift of another day and don’t squander it. You know David, Jonah and Peter, were three great men of God, yet imperfect like you and me, and they had to hit rock bottom before the scales came off their eyes, and they saw clearly. God wants to bring victory in your life, but you have to make the conscience choice and decision to follow after Him. I am enormously grateful for an opportunity to start all over again… What about you?

Captain Mark Wood Jr.

By Naomi Riggins

Captain Mark Wood Jr. of Lakeside played his way through New Year’s Eve 2015/16 for Lynn Paul’s 50^th Birthday Bash. The birthday was held at the newly renovated Elks Lodge located at 1073 Mt Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. To book your next event at the Elks Lodge call (909) 258-0254 and ask for Lynn.

The legendary band repertoire of feel-good fusion of soul/disco and funk transported us back to 1980’s when Lakeside was at their height of their game. As the intro to “Fantastic Voyage” came through the speakers it seemed to flick a switch which electrified the crowd into high gear. Mark Wood Jr. and Lakeside was definitely “All the way live”!

For more information on how to book Lakeside, please go to lakesidecaptnmarkwood.com.

What It Do Inland Empire. It’s the first article of 2016. Let me just say thank you Lord for allowing me to make it. Now moving on I’m totally excited about this year and all its new opportunities we have for Indie Artist.

On Friday, January 22 in Santa Monica at the Dragon Fly Night Club, LUE Productions will be involved in the UNTIY JAM sponsored by Involved Records.  We have rapper Knoc Turn’ AL and sexy R&B singer Marques Houston starring and our very own Gwaap Fam opening up. The event will be a blast as we celebrate UNITY.

LUE Productions is always about being positive within the community and giving back. We have performance slots available for artists wanting to perform. Please contact us at via Facebook under “LUE Productions” or text (909) 567-1000. The same applies for tickets. Until next week folks L’s. San Bernardino Strong!

About LUE Productions: 

LUE PRODUCTIONS is an entertainment/management/production company established in 2005 with the mission of offering a safe and productive environment for artists of all ages to display their talents. Based out of the Inland Empire, we pride ourselves in bringing forth unique and entertaining shows. Specializing in Community, Corporate, and Private Events, we are strongly focused on the ARTS, the YOUTH, and the COMMUNITY. We work hard in our community and spend time giving back.

Please help us by checking out our page on FACEBOOK and clicking the like button. We hope you share with your family and friends! Thank you!- LUCRETIA DOWDY, CEO and Founder.

Donations in support of our efforts is appreciated and can be made via PayPal at
Lue.info@yahoo.com or (909) 567-1000.

Publisher’s Commentary   By Wallace J. Allen

Less than fourteen percent of San Bernardino’s eligible voters bothered to vote in the past November elections. Elections that selected five City Council Members who will make the major policy decisions to lead the city out of bankruptcy!

Sixth Ward voters get a chance for a ‘do over’! They will get a second opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice. There is a special run-off election scheduled for Tuesday February 2. The special election will decide the occupant of the 6^th Ward Seat.  In the November’ general election, only 3 of every 20 people registered to vote in San Bernardino’s 6^th ward, did so.

Is it correct to assume that the other seventeen people who didn’t vote don’t really care who is “in charge” in City Hall? Or maybe they just trust the judgment of the three who decided to vote.

Anyone that holds elected position for a constituency that votes at a less than fifteen percent rate knows the people they represent “don’t really give a hoot”! How the elected official responds to that fact is a demonstration of their integrity… But we have to admit, it is probably difficult to drive a hard negotiation for your constituency when the elected official that is being negotiated with knows that the people that you are representing, “don’t really give a hoot”!

A Sixth Ward Candidates Forum & Debate is scheduled for 6 PM Monday January 11. Sixth Ward voters can see, hear and question the two wonderful women who are candidates for the right to represent the Sixth Ward.  The Forum is at the Ingrahm Community center, 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue.

If you are eligible to be a voter, you should care about the condition of your streets and street lights, about garbage and blight, about fire protection and police services, about parks and activities for children and senior citizens. You should care about business and job development! The list goes on and so does government that probably doesn’t serve you, but it appears that 17 out of 20 of you “don’t really give a hoot”! There is too much at stake to not vote!

“You will probably lose more by not voting than you gain by voting. It is kind of like treading water, you don’t get far doing it, but you can lose everything if you don’t! “- Wha-Lee.

Natalie Cole

By Billy Gee

Like millions of others, I was shocked to learn of the demise of vocalist par excellence, Natalie Cole.  She was close to the heart of many Baby Boomers, like myself, who not only thrilled at the sound of her mellifluous voice, but who also associate her with her legendary father Nat “King” Cole.  I had the privilege of meeting her when she spoke at the commencement exercise for the Berkley College of Music when I graduated in 1995.  She shook my hand and smiled as she congratulated me.  Her smile was the kind that could melt your heart from across the street.  The experience was truly “unforgettable.”  (Pun intended.)

Even if you never had the occasion to meet her in person, chances are that you felt that she was someone that you knew personally.  Each fabulous note she sang would find its way to your heart–to the depth of your being, as was the case with her inimitable dad.

Natalie may be gone, but rest assured that she will never be forgotten; for I know she will live on in the hearts of admirers the world over who knew and loved her through her music.  Rest in peace, “Sweetie.”