WSSN Stories

Josephine and I have enjoyed our Westside Story Newspaper fellowship with our Inland Empire family and friends! We have raised our children with you as you have raised yours. Like many of you, we are not only happily blessed with grandchildren, but we also get to spend quality time with them. We realize and note the ugliness that society can sink into, but because of the natural beauty of the snow-capped mountains that describe the San Bernardino Valley, we are quick to remember that “God is in charge”!    We truly appreciate the time we have had, but we are still young enough to be very concerned about the future. Not just our, but that of you and your families’.  We will continue our quest of sharing the quest for excellence because the echoes that speak to our souls require it! Thank you for being who you are, and for letting us be who we are.

God bless you!

Wallace & Josephine Allen

Don’t Take Away the Ladder to Success for Aspiring Minority Small Business Owners

Dexter and Djenane Bartholomew own seven Golden Corral franchises, with five in Kentucky and two in New Jersey. The couple has been married for 17 years and sponsors several community youth organizations at their home in New Jersey. Djenane, who is a registered nurse, also volunteers at a mobile clinic each year on a trip to her native Haiti.

By Djenane Bartholomew

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“I found Him whom my soul loveth: I held Him, and would not let Him go” {Song of Solomon 3}…  I want you to know that “My Beloved is mine, and I am His…” A love I never dreamed possible… Oh Lord, my heart belongs to you alone! Take me now and let me be the bride who will bring you great joy. Cause me each day of my life to walk so closely to you that I will experience your intimacy which will begin to change me into your blessed image forever.…. Oh when I contemplate the rich love of Jesus I am drawn to Him like iron to the magnet… I tell you, to be loved by Jesus is literally an indescribable thing.  God demonstrating His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. I don’t know about you but this text ministers powerfully to my heart. If you want a visible definition of love, look at what God did for you in Christ…  If you really want to understand love, don’t listen to love songs, or people who throw the term love around… If you want to get to the depths of what it means to love and be loved, look to the cross of Christ. The cross is the ultimate expression of God’s incomprehensible love to us… For the cross is God’s way of saying, “I love you this much,” with His arms outstretched. His final words etched on a Roman cross. They are blood red. They scream to be heard… I tell you I have been captured by love…  A love that knows no limits, no bounds, and no end… Jesus… My Sweet Valentine!

You know there have been many definitions of love. There have been many people who have written books about love. There are songs about love. There are poems about love. There are discussions about love. But when you’ve said it all and you’ve read it all and you’ve sung it all, you just might wonder “What Love Got to Do with It,” because the things they talk about, sing about and write about really aren’t about love at all, but rather about affection, longing, goose-bumps types of emotional thrills. The love they talk about runs hot, it runs cold, and it runs lukewarm. It brings tears of joy, tears of depression, and screams of excitement and hollers of disappointment. The Bible however, addresses a “Greater Love” that uses an entirely different term than “philo.” That term is “Agape.” The difference, Agape is a love characterized by commitment.  If you believe in Jesus Christ, don’t think of His love for you merely in terms of the love He has for the world. Think of the love that takes captive and cleaves and unites and cherishes and defends. Think of a marriage covenant between you and God in which He has sworn by His Holiness to love you with a saving, cleansing, and glorifying love. Remember His Words in Psalm 89:34 that says, “I will not violate My covenant, or alter the word that went forth from My lips.” This is what we long for, and this is what we have by faith, an experience of being loved with a love that lasts, that is not fickle, or uncertain, or capricious, but durable, constant, and stable. Not, only, a love that is extensive, but that lasts over time, all time, but also a love that is intensive. We long to be loved radically, deeply, excessively, passionately. I tell you, My Beloved is mine and I am His! Oh may God give us the power to comprehend what is the height and depth and length and breadth, and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge that we might be filled with all the fullness of Him.

If you would allow me to make this very personal, love being the high point of everything, the fulfilling of the whole law and the number one ingredient in life {Romans chapter 13}.  I want you to know that God knew every flaw and weakness I would have and every mistake I would make when He called me into relationship with Himself. Nothing about me surprises Him. God knows and has always known everything about me. He knows what I will think, do and say every day for the rest of my life. He also knows how He will help me, teach me, correct me, encourage me, and give me grace for all my faults and failures. He is always for me and never against me, no matter what I do. God loves unconditionally, and that means He accepts us the way we are and then helps us to be all we can be. When you have someone who loves holding you, it doesn’t matter anymore what everyone else does or what the circumstances are or what the future holds. When you are in the arms of a loving God, when you have been consumed with His love, you share in His benefits. God’s love is beyond comprehension. Amazing, isn’t it? God knows us and still loves us. God knows that we are sinners, yet He forgives; we are diseased, yet He heals; we are in a pit, yet He pulls us out; we are ungrateful for His good gifts, yet He gives them anyway; and we deserve justice, yet He grants mercy. When God says I love you, He is saying that you matter to Him. You are a person of worth. You are valuable to Him. Regardless of what others think, in His eyes you are wonderful! God’s love touches every part of our life. Nothing – no calling or circumstance, no adversity or advancement, no pain or promotion, no status or station – escapes the brush strokes of God’s love. God’s love bleeds into every fabric and fiber of our lives. God has loved us with an everlasting love, and with loving-kindness He has drawn us. Indeed, we belong to Divine Love, and only God’s love is unfailing and always fully satisfying. In these last days, there has never been a time when we so desperately need to spend significant daily time contemplating the life of Jesus. “No greater love than this that a man would lay down his life for his friends” {John 15:13}. Oh, how He loves you and me! My Sweet Valentine! To the only wise God my Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen!

LUE Productions Indie Artists Showcase Showdown this Sunday at the Office Saloon in San Bernardino located at 123 North E. Street is WHAT IT DO! So, this Sunday several artists will be going head to head for a chance to open for the legend, SUGA FREE. The winner will not only receive a free performance slot but other awesome prizes. The competition will be judged by qualified individuals and hosted by the TWEET TWEET MAN himself, IE’s own, TheRealDirty Birdy.

The night will be action packed with dope performances starring musician NOFACE THE SHADOWMEN and featuring LUE Productions artists: Mack Pepperboy, Paul Douglas, Dunamis L1019, Dada Doe, Lowla Scott, Speaker Junkie ENT, and B.C. Group. There will also be special performances by Yung Muusik, Faulty, Yawnie Mami, RETRO 80z, Jet Tanner, Ms Beauty, and Money Ant.

Going Head to Head we have the following artists: KJ Jankiies, SoCal Street Team, Franklin Barnes, GWAAP Fam, AP The Great, Cali Stone, Natural Born, ID Mack, Michaelangelo Willis Newell, Jay Iverson, BigSpooke The Foe, and Dc Offxtop Jme. The venue will be packed, so early arrival is suggested. DJ Muda will be on the 1z and 2z all night, and there will be exclusive red carpet interviews provided by Onmymama.TV, The Nut House, and Rigorouse TV. Come have some fun with LUE Productions! Remember L’s Up!

Doors open at 8 p.m. and yes there will be drink Specials. For more information, please text (909) 495.0848 or (909) 496.2151. The judges will be Adam Sutton, a Surprise Guest, and DJ Muda.

(Photo by Michael Bezjian/WireImage)

Four talented and diverse fashion designers showcased their collections to a select group of celebrities and influencers during Grammy weekend

LOS ANGELES, CA- Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) presented Style Beat, its first-ever West Coast event during Grammy Awards weekend in Los Angeles.  The glamorous daytime affair took place on Friday, February 6th at a luxurious Beverly Hills estate.  HFR is a unique movement founded to increase diversity in fashion by producing events to educate, stimulate, and advance opportunities for emerging designers of color.  Collections by four talented and diverse fashion designers were showcased to a select group of 250 tastemakers.  The featured designers were the legendary L.A.-based designer Kevan Hall, custom menswear designer Waraire Boswell, and emerging designers, Joseph Bethune and “Project Runway” finalist Kimberly Goldson.

As a partner, Verizon Wireless was able to help HFR’s Founder and CEO Brandice Henderson- Daniel pursue her passion through technology and bring Style Beat to life, which was co-hosted by actress/entrepreneur/model/TV personality Vanessa Simmons (styled by Shop Le Look) and recording artist/actor Quincy.  Attendees were able to take part in Verizon’s 360 Glam Cam to share their fashion and style. There was also a special one-on-one conversation with Kevan Hall discussing his career and influences.  The event culminated with the poolside runway fashion show featuring designs by Hall, Boswell, Bethune and Goldson.  Celebrity and influencer guests included Vanessa Williams, Tamala Jones, Melissa De Sousa, Michael Jai White, Gillian Waters, Cedric Sanders, Gloria Govan, Laura Govan, AJ Johnson, VaShawn Mitchell, Malina Moye, Kwame Boateng, Kofi Siriboe, Davidson Frere, V Bozeman, Kay Cola, Ugo Mozie, Daver Campbell and Harriette Cole, among others.  Guests were treated to a complimentary beauty bar, gifting, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and much more.

“Style Beat could not have happened without the generous support from Prudential and Verizon Wireless.  Because of them, we were able to show four incredible designers, all of whom I’m thankful for their participation.  I am still blown away by the amazing welcome we received in Los Angeles and we look forward to presenting more events here in the near future,” said Brandice Henderson-Daniel, Founder/CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row.

About Harlem’s Fashion Row 

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) is an influential arts and entertainment organization that engages audiences and aligns brand partners with emerging multicultural designers.  HFR’s mission is to discover and showcase rising talent of color through a platform of national events and customized multi-platform programs.  HFR has gained corporate support from companies such as AOL, Target Stores, Iman Cosmetics, Smartwater, Dark & Lovely, and BET. Harlem’s Fashion Row has also been covered by Women’s Wear Daily, NY Daily News, Fashionista, New York Time Out, and Jones Magazine, as well as, “That’s So New York”, The Cut, NY Racked, Black Enterprise, and Centric.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.  As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 108.2 million retail customers, including 102.1 million retail postpaid customers.  Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

By Sylvia Mathews Burwell, HHS Secretary

Black History Month is an important time to reflect on the legacy of the African American leaders, thinkers, creators and philosophers who have made this country what it is today. From Harriet Tubman to President Obama, our black heritage is a story of courage, persistence, and indomitable strength.

Yet, despite the incredible progress that the African American community has made toward equality, these accomplishments must also remind us of how far we have to go.

Disparities still linger, and that’s especially true when it comes to health care:

• African Americans have the lowest life expectancy of any other race in this country.
• They are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and 40 percent more likely to have high blood pressure.
• African American women are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer – even though they are 10 percent less likely to be diagnosed with it.
• And the statistic that impacts all of that: African-Americans are more likely to be uninsured than white Americans.

These health inequalities impact our nation’s potential – from access to education to the stability of families and communities.

But we now have a chance to close these gaps.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 7.8 million African Americans with private insurance from both inside and outside the Marketplace now have access to expanded preventive services with no cost-sharing. That includes screenings for cancer, pap smears and mammograms, well-child visits, and flu shots.

As of June 2014, 1.7 million African Americans (ages 18-64) gained private or public health insurance coverage during the initial open enrollment period. That’s a 6.8 percentage point drop in the uninsured rate over that time.

These changes are helping people all over this country get the care they need. These changes mean a doctor can find a cancerous lump with enough time to intervene. They mean a mom will learn how to manage her diabetes before it threatens her life. They mean that a dad will be able to afford the prescription that keeps his blood pressure in check. And they are helping families sleep a little easier at night, knowing a sickness or an accident won’t wipe out their life savings.

If you or someone you know needs health insurance, now is the time to act! The Open Enrollment deadline is February 15, and there is less than a week left to sign up.

HealthCare.gov—or the 24/7 call center at 1-800-318-2596—has more choices this year and that means more competition. We’ve worked hard to make the consumer experience simpler, faster, and more intuitive. And financial help is available…in fact the majority of people —87% to be exact – who selected 2015 plans through HealthCare.gov got financial assistance to help lower the cost of their premiums.

During this Open Enrollment, we have the opportunity to help our friends and neighbors get the coverage and care they need. Help us spread the word about affordable, quality coverage at HealthCare.gov.

This Sunday EMPIRE TALKS BACK Radio will cover

“Covered California’s” effort to recruit Affordable Care Act sign-ups before the February 15th deadline…

In-studio interviews with Dumas Martin & members of his “Idea Club” discussing their business ventures…

National Save Our Sons Night | 2-6-15

ATLANTA, GA- On Friday, February 6, 2015, the first annual NATIONALSAVE OUR SONS NIGHT (NSOSN) will take place across the country.  On this evening, various partners from faith-based, national and local nonprofits, and individual community members are hosting events to encourage and facilitate fathers spending more quality time with their sons. Currently there are 111 organizations in 62 cities registered to participate in support of the effort and facilitating activities to engage fathers/men and sons/boys.

“I am both humbled and excited that so many organizations from around the country have stepped up to the plate,” says Kenneth Braswell, Executive Director of Fathers Incorporated and founder of the campaign. “It is important that we set a new social image of black men and boys; one that shows them as loving, engaged and accountable.”

The campaign is supported by both Chris Broussard (ESPN Commentor) and Fred Hammond (Award Winning Gospel Artist) serving as national spokespersons. “So much of our work has been supported by both of these men of integrity. Their understanding of the need of America’s fathers and sons and those in the Black community more specifically has been demonstrated in how Fathers Incorporated has witnessed their own engagement in the lives of their children and community.”

Fathers Incorporated (FI), a not-for-profit organization, serves as a leader in the promotion of Responsible Fatherhood and Mentoring.  Its international, national, and local focus raises awareness about, and combats the impact of father absence. Fathers Incorporated works to change the current societal and cultural definition of family to include fathers.

For more information on National Save Ours Sons Night and to see a complete listing of both our partners and events, visit www.saveoursonsnight.com To learn more about Fathers Incorporated, please visit www.fathersincorporated.com .

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Really … You sound just like the people in the Book of Haggai. Selfish; self-centered.  They were only thinking about themselves, building their own houses and planting their crops, and not taking time to build the house of the Lord. Well I want you to know that they found trouble (Haggai 1:6). The Lord was making it known why they were in the condition they were in: sowing much, and bringing little in; eating, but not having enough; drinking, but not filled; clothed, but not warm, having a paycheck but no money! Their need was not being met… “Utterly meaningless, says the Teacher” {Ecclesiastes 1:2}.  Perhaps I should remind you of what Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seemeth right to a man, but in the end thereof it leads to death.” Don’t be a fool! Remember the parable of the rich man. He said I’ll build me a barn to house all of my things. This man didn’t take time to consider his ways and make sure his soul was right with God. When he got his bigger barns finished, the Lord said, this night your soul is required of you… Are you sure you want to do your own thang? I wouldn’t want to be one who is carried away wanting to do my own thing and not putting God first. It can only mean disaster. You know many of the “things” written in the Bible are examples, both positive and negative, from which we are able to learn how we are or are not to behave and think before God. A lot of those examples are of selfish people who illustrate the characteristics and consequences having an improper attitude toward self. Cain {Genesis 4.)  Ahab (1King 21}… David {2 Samuel 11} …James and John {Matt 20}… the Older Brother of the Prodigal {Luke 15}…just to name a few.

Listen, Haggai message was simple. It was a message of priority: Put first things first. His message was blunt. He pulled no punches and wasted no words. Haggai said stop making excuses, cease being selfish! God sought to warn the people to heed His words. Twice Haggai instructed the people, ‘consider your ways (1:5, 7). Which they did not. Therefore they were rebuked of the Lord because they were selfish and self-centered; letting the house of God lie waste, while every man ran to his own house. They had pushed God out of the center and because of that they suffered in every area. I tell you we too will get a rebuke from the Lord when we don’t do things God’s way. We really should take time to consider our ways. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want God to call for a drought for me as he did for the Jews. He called for a drought upon the land, the mountains, the corn, the new wine, the oil, and upon that which the ground would bring forth. Upon men, upon cattle, and upon all the labor of the hands. The Lord did that. Why? Because of a stiff-necked, selfish, self-centered people. He caused the heaven to be stayed from dew and the earth to be stayed from her fruit (verse 10). All because they wanted to do things their way and not God’s way. God is letting us know just what can happen to us if we refuse to do things His way. He knows how to get our attention. He knows how to deal with us that we might know we’re not doing it the way He wants us to do it. With this strong indictment and devastating predicament, the people realized they had caused their own calamites. The people were ready to evaluate their situation. Yes, we must put aside the things we desire, put aside our self-centered ways, and put the work of the Lord first. The psalmist declared: “I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to your testimonies” (Ps 119:59). Here in Haggai God shows us what happened to His people, and He lets us know why it happened. They didn’t see the need to build the house of God. I tell you we should be building up the house of God, working together to further the kingdom of God. Going out to minister to souls and bringing them into the church, where they can hear the Word of the Lord being preached and get saved, if they haven’t already given their hearts to the Lord.

Out of God’s love and mercy, He sends His prophets and preaches to remind us of His faithfulness – and in turn, to remind us as His people to be faithful and obedient as well. He has given us His Word to sound the alarm. Not only did God warn them, but He also offered promises through His servant Haggai to motivate them to follow Him. Don’t you know that if your priorities are not in order, your life will not be in order? If your priorities are not right, you won’t be right. Listen, you don’t have to pray about what your number one priority in life ought to be. You don’t have to think about it. You don’t have to discuss it. You don’t have to look for it. You just have to do it. Because Jesus has already told us what our first priority ought to be, “seek ye first the kingdom of God.”  Jesus wants the first moments of everyday. Jesus wants the first day of every week. Jesus wants the first part of every paycheck. He wants to be first… Put “Self” to Death {Galatians 2:20}. I tell you, the kingdom of God ought to be the obsession of your life. We are not free to do as we please. We belong to God {Ezekiel 18:4}. Our lives belong to the Lord {Romans 14:7-8} and we live for the will of God {1Peter 4:1-2}. For the whole duty of man is to serve God {Ecclesiastes 12:13}. It’s not about you, but God… Stop being selfish and accept God’s prerogative as a great comfort to your soul. Cease striving, let go, relax and know that He is God. He will be exalted among the nations. He will be exalted in the earth, and He will be exalted in your life. Look to him and be saved. It’s Not Your Prerogative…. It’s God’s Prerogative!

Troy D. Taylor

It’s a beautiful day in the I.E., and I’m glad about it! It’s ya’ girl the crazy one, Miss LUE coming at you with ‘What it Do’! Sometimes it’s hard to select whom to feature in my column due to all the talent everywhere. This week’s selection was a no brainer. I would like to introduce a hardworking man that goes by the name of Troy D. Taylor.

Troy D. Taylor is a rational and impartial individual who enjoys intellectual pursuits and prizes independence is undoubtedly designed to be an entrepreneur. Troy D. Taylor, aka DjCahoots, is a California native that is a self-taught drummer. He has spent the last ten years producing music. After successfully going through and completing an accelerated academic program, Troy proudly served his country and emerged as a leader. His all-inclusive media arts and entertainment company, Rigorous Grind, is the invention of his analytic mind.

Rigorous Grind strategically responds to all of the industry needs through comprehensive service offerings. Troy Taylor’s life experiences has made him incredibly comfortable with hard work and high standards; he is a confident and knowledgeable pioneer in a demanding and competitive market. Please check him out on Facebook under Troy D. Taylor and the awesome services he provides.

Well that’s it that’s all! Until next week ONE LOVE!