WSSN Stories

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Consider the text God’s warning to anyone who’s “Playing Church!’ I ought to just finish right there with that one statement, for the text says it all. You can fool man, but you can’t fool God! Man is easy to fool because man’s assessment and evaluation of people is based on what man sees “outwardly,” but there is an “unseen eye” that sees all we do and an “unseen ear” that hears all we say. That unseen eye and that unseen ear belong to God, and God sees stuff and knows stuff about you that nobody else knows.

Tares are going to be found among the wheat. Goats will be found among the sheep, but the day will come when the Lord distinguishes between the wheat and tares, the goats and the sheep. In that day there will be no more hiding and masquerading as Christians. The question you must ask yourself is, “What will that day expose about me?” Are you playing Church?

People of God we need to “Stop Playing Church” and “Be the Church.” So many today put on their Sunday best, go to Sunday morning meetings, but have nothing; they are void inside of Christ. They are “Playing Church,” but “Aren’t the Church.” They look like good Church folks; they carry a Bible; they wear a cross, and sometimes they have on a robe, but they are not the real deal. It’s time that we realize that this is not a game, we must take Christ seriously. “Stop Playing Church!” Stop pretending to be living in obedience to God. Stop pretending to truly love God. “Stop Playing Church” the way little children play “house” or “doctor.” Stop Playing with God!

We have to wake up from our slumber and be about our Father’s business. {Galatians 6:7} “Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked) by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.” “For whatever a man sows, that shall he reap.” {1 Peter 4:17-18} For the time has arrived for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news, The Gospel of God?

I believe that Jesus is calling “His Church” to stand up, share the truth, and be a catalyst of change.  God made us for greatness, not pettiness.  God gave us the best and greatest gift of all, His son Jesus.  It’s time to “Stop Playing Church and Be the Church.”  It’s time to get serious about this thing because time is winding up. I don’t know when He’s coming, but this one thing I am sure of, it’s just a matter of time. “Stop Playing Church and Be the Church.”

Warnings are an act of grace. The clearer the warning, the more abounding in the grace of God. God acts graciously when he gives warnings, for by such warnings there is given the opportunity to repent and seek the grace of forgiveness and eternal life in the infinite loving act of God in giving His Only Son to be the propitiation for our sins. We need to take this to heart. If we do not listen and turn from our evil ways, and so suffer awful judgment, then it is not the grace and love of God that is lacking, but the fault of our unrepentant hearts which refuse to heed the revelation of God, and spurn His love. Let us believe God. Let us not deny the truth, but warn people to flee from the wrath to come. Let us make sure that we ourselves have repented and hidden ourselves in Christ alone, so availing ourselves of the one and only escape from God’s wrath, faith in Christ.

TORRANCE, CA — Grambling State University (GSU) awarded James Colon, vice president of African American Business Strategy at Toyota Motor Sales, Inc., an honorary doctorate degree at its 2014 Spring Commencement ceremony, Friday, May 9.  It is the most prestigious degree the historically black university offers.

Grambling recognized Colon for his commitment to diversity in the automobile industry and long-term support of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and the academic achievement of young African Americans. At Toyota, Colon is responsible for engaging Hispanic and African American businesses and media, and optimizing relationships with important external Hispanic and African American groups. Under his leadership, the automaker implemented the Toyota Green Initiative designed to educate and encourage students on HBCUs to live environmentally conscious lifestyles. Nearly 5,000 people have made the Promise Pledge to live green, and 28 HBCUs have participated in the Green Campus Contest.

“I am honored to have received this degree from one of the most respected and distinguished historically black colleges and universities in the nation,” Colon said.  “When an institution of higher education confers an honorary degree, it believes that the recipient reinforces its values, its mission. Grambling’s vision is to be a distinguished institution that produces accomplished graduates who go on to compete and succeed in a global market.  In short, Grambling believes in being the best and producing the best — to help the world be the best it can be.  I, along with Toyota, share in that mission every day and will continue to do so.”

Colon joins an elite group of African-American influencers and history makers who have received honorary doctorate degrees from Grambling, including: the late singer Whitney Houston; scholar/author Dr. Cornel West; and, Democratic political strategist and pundit Donna Brazile.

In addition to his responsibilities at Toyota, Colon serves on the boards of his alma mater, Manchester University in Indiana and Clark Atlanta University. He is a member of The United Negro College Fund Los Angeles Leadership Council.  He was also appointed to the board of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation two years ago, where he supports the organization’s mission by contributing to developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“Why don’t you practice what you preach?” Have you ever said those words? Maybe someone has said them to you. Hypocrites are people who pretend to be something they are not. They may say one thing and then do the opposite. They may act one way in a certain setting and then act another way in a different setting. It is very important that as Christians, we follow the example of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t matter where we are or who we are with. The words we speak and the things we do should always reflect our faith. Sometimes we are good at telling other people what they should do and how they should live, but we fail to follow our own instructions. We need to, as the saying goes, “walk the walk, not just talk the talk.”

Listen carefully to Jesus’ feelings that are boiling and roiling against the Pharisees in Matthew 23. “They preach but they do not practice.  They lay burdens on others shoulders but they do not lift a finger to help.  They do all their deeds to be seen by men.  They love the places of honor at feasts and greetings in the market places and being called rabbi.”

Then the gospel text switches from “they” to “you.” (Note that in both English and Greek, there is emphasis on the “you” in each of these statements.) Talk about being in your face. Talk about calling a spade a spade. Talk about boiling and roiling. A person can hear the “you” that drip with sarcastic indictment.  “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees for you shut the kingdom of heaven. You do not enter the kingdom and you prevent others from entering it. Woe to you Pharisees, you blind guides, you blind men.  Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you tithe on the trivia but you neglect the weightier issues of law, justice, mercy and faith. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for outwardly you appear beautiful but inwardly you are full of dead men’s bones.  You are the sons of those who have murdered the prophets. You serpents and brood of vipers how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?” 

If anyone was a religious fake, it was the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. They pretended to be genuinely religious but it was all a sham, a charade. It was a deceit, a deception. Like any good actor, they were all “make believe.” Jesus was deeply offended by the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a bunch of phonies who did not do what they preached. So it is with many people of faith: on the outside and the showy parts of their lives, they give a good performance of being a Christian, but it is all “a front.” Inside, their hearts are far from the love of God/Jesus and neighbor.  They talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk.

Why is it important to practice what we preach? The most basic reason is the integrity of our faith; we are the body of Christ for the world. We are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People should be attracted by the light of the way we live and the words we speak. Whether we like it or not, people are watching us and seeing how we respond to the ups and downs of everyday life. Children watch adults and then imitate what they see and repeat what they hear. Are our words and actions something we want repeated by our children? Our friends, neighbors, coworkers, family members, and classmates are watching us. What evidence do we offer of our profession of faith? Are our responses any different from those of persons who don’t profess to know Christ? Not only are nonbelievers watching us, but so are other Christians. Do our words and actions encourage and build up other Christians?

How do we practice what we preach? One way is to be careful about the words we speak. You can tell a lot about a person by the words they use. You can tell even more by the words they use when they are distressed, angry, or threatened. James tells us the tongue is very dangerous. It can set a great forest ablaze. We can tame all kinds of animals, but we cannot tame the tongue (James 3:3-6). People are listening to the words we speak. Do our words build people up or cut them down? Do our words bring peace and calm to a situation or do they add fuel to the fire? The words we speak should match the person we claim to be. If we profess that we are followers of Christ, then our words should be a reflection of that relationship.

We practice what we preach when we live our lives as reflections of the life of Christ. The way we act at work should be the same way we act at home, at church, around other Christians, in the supermarket, or waiting for a bus. When people see us, they should see a reflection of Christ. Can I tell you that, Jesus is pulling the masks off the hypocrites.  It is His job!   {Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, that thou mightiest be justified in thy sayings, and mightiest overcome when thou art judged.} And can I just add that if you are sincere in your walk with Jesus, don’t let hypocrites keep you from being the real thing.

As Christians, all glory, honor, and praise belong to Christ. We must check ourselves because pride sneaks up when we least expect it to wag its ugly head in our lives. We are but His servants sent into the world as salt and light, and as ambassadors of His kingdom. May He find us to be faithful, humble servants.   Greatness is not found in being served, but in serving others. Walk the talk!

LOS ANGELES, CA- On Saturday, May 17, Inside Out Community Arts, a local non-profit, will be presenting ‘What’s On Our Minds, Spring 2014’, a showcase of six original plays written and performed by students from three middle schools, which consist of John Adams (LAUSD, South LA), Washington Irving (LAUSD, Glassell Park), and Whaley (CUSD, Compton). The performance is performed twice a year and is free to the public at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre located at 244 S. San Pedro Street in Los Angeles (90012). The show starts at 7 p.m., and suggested parking is locates at Joe’s at 350 East 2^nd Street (Los Angeles. 90012) for $5. To RSVP please contact RSVP@insideoutca.org.

The student plays will explore topics that include: Hypocrisy, Friendship, Popularity, Romance, Gangs and Finding Support to Make Your Dreams Come True.In a recent interview with an Inside Out student from Whaley Middle School in Compton, a student explained why he and his peers invested in writing a play on the topic of gangs, “There are a lot of issues with gangs, not just here but all over the United States.  There are drive-bys, gangs doing drugs and influencing kids to join them.”When asked what he would like to see change he responded, “No gangs.  Nothing of violence that would make us feel unsafe when we’re walking from home to school.”

Darryl R. Matthews Sr

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announced today the selection of Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. as the new Executive Director of the association, the largest organization of journalists of color worldwide. Matthews had been serving in the role in an interim capacity.

Most recently he served as the Executive Director of the National Medical Association, a national professional organization which represents the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians. He has also served as Executive Director for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and was the fraternity’s 32nd General President. Earlier in his career, Matthews was the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the National Association of Black Accountants, where he helped them achieve their most profitable years, coupled with remarkable growth.

Matthews is a highly respected, effective and successful senior association executive, with experience in federal government operations, association management and consulting.
“Darryl brings more than 30 years of diversified leadership experience in association and non-profit management” said NABJ president Bob Butler. “He is a proven leader in fundraising and grants management with a successful record of increasing an organization’s sponsorship base. He is well connected in the Washington, D.C area and has raised and administered millions of dollars in federal grants and contracts. ”

Members and partners will have an opportunity to formally meet Matthews at NABJ’s 39th Annual Convention & Career Fair, July 31- Aug. 3, 2014 in Boston.

“My vision is to ensure that through effective programs and events we will be the premier membership association of choice for black journalists pursuing excellence in their academic and professional lives,” said Matthews. “I very much look forward to working alongside our members to ensure that they have the tools and resources needed to maximize their potential and rapidly ascend as leaders in their career pursuits.”

Matthews received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Central Missouri.

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 more information, please visit www.nabj.org.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

I want you to know that when you step out of the old {man} and into the new {man} God will take you places and do amazing things in your life. I recently returned from Dubai and Ghana Africa, and I must tell you that it was very refreshing! Everything about Dubai made me feel like I had stepped onto a new planet when I arrived for my first visit. One of the most beautiful places in the world, and a place in my opinion where all the billionaires live. And yes, I joined the billionaire club! Dubai, it was nothing like anything I had experienced in America. In fact, nothing in America remotely prepared me for what I saw. It was grand!

However, on the other hand, it was the first time I ever felt what it was like to be a “stranger,” or even a “foreigner.” You will never know what that is like until you visit a foreign country and there see people who don’t look like you, talk like you, think like you, or live like you. They have a set of values you don’t share, speak a language you can’t understand, and eat food that seems strange to you. You pick up the paper and you can’t read it. You turn on the television and it doesn’t make sense. You’re standing on the sidewalk and you can’t communicate with anyone. I stood out so obviously that no one could have mistaken me for an Emirati. People kept looking at me as they walked by. It was an unnerving experience because I didn’t know any Arabic at all. In all my traveling over the years, I felt this most keenly on my first trip to Dubai.

In such a situation, no matter how friendly the people are, and people are naturally friendly and gracious, you never forget not even for one second that you are an outsider. That’s our condition. We are strangers in the world who have been scattered by God in many places. We are like seeds the wind has carried in all directions. It’s like we gather on Sunday, then we scatter for the rest of the week. For the most part, we are separated from each other. And we never see most of the other people except on Sundays. That’s okay because God has strategically planted us where we can do the most good.

Dubai, the experience was exuberant, the city was exquisite. It was picture-postcard! Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Ghana Africa: To describe a tour of Ghana as an eye-opener is an understatement, but to leave it out of a visit to Ghana is ignoring what life is truly like for a massive proportion of Black West Africans. I saw the best and brightest of the human spirit in the face of incredible poverty that most of us can’t comprehend. When you see the squatter camps, which is grossly overcrowded, your poverty grips back at home will soon be put into perspective.

I’ ve learned that we as Americans, living in the greatest country in the world, can save innocent lives raged by malaria, poverty, homelessness and diseases by being a blessing to others. But, sad to say, we have abandoned the teachings of Jesus; we have abandoned the fundamental concern for the people who are less fortunate. But there are things that are required of us.

USA for Africa, “We Are the World,” written by Lionel Richie and the great late Michael Jackson says, “There comes a time when we must heed a certain call, when the world must come together as one, there are people dying, and it’s time to lend a hand to life, the greatest gift of all.  We can’t go on pretending day by day, that someone, will soon make a change, we are all a part of God’s great big family, and the truth, you know, love is all we need.”

Perhaps one of the more thought-provoking questions in the Bible is that one asked by Cain : “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9)  This is a question we would do well to ask ourselves today….  Are we our brother’s keeper?  Do we have a responsibility to watch out for and care for one another?  {When one turns to the New Testament, it becomes clear that the answer is in the affirmative}.  In fact, there are many passages which emphasize…Our responsibilities to one another.  We are to “Love One Another” As commanded by Jesus –As taught by Paul – As instructed by Peter – and as stressed by John.

How are we to express such love? We are to “receive one another”; we are to “edify another”; we are to “serve one another”; we are to “bear one another’s burdens”; we are to be “forgiving one another”; we are to be “submitting to one another”; we are to “exhort one another”; we are to “consider one another”; we are to be “hospitable to one another.”  {In light of such “one another” passages, is there any doubt that we are to be our brother’s keeper?} But how well are we doing? Do we even consider them? Are we even aware of whom they are? Are we ignorant of their problems? Are we willing to bear their burdens?So as to help them overcome and become stronger; or do we rather not be bothered?

How we answer such questions may reveal how well or poorly we are fulfilling our responsibility to be our brother’s keeper; Living up to the one responsibility we have that includes all others: to love one another as Christ loved us.

If we have failed to be our brother’s keeper, we need to… Repent of our lack of concern, our inactivity, or whatever has hindered us; Confess our shortcomings in this area to God; Resolveto apply with zeal these “one another” passages!

For the question, “Am I my brother’s or sister’s keeper?” drives to the heart of our relationship to international problems, conflicts or disasters such as in Africa. It drives to the heart of our response to the problems of homelessness, and poverty in our own community. Do we do something, or do we stay uninvolved?  The question, “Am I my brother’s or sister’s keeper?” drives to the heart of our relationship to others in need. What is our relationship to the people around us? Are we our brother’s and sister’s keeper, or are we not.

We have been blessed to become the blessing, even in the tiniest ways. You and I can make that kind of difference. We really can! But God never forces his people to give. In fact, the Bible said that it is a requirement for us to give. The thing is God wants us to learn how to be generous by heart. How about we open our eyes and our hearts TODAY, and look for even the smallest way we can become the gift? Because what may seem small to you, might just change everything for them.

Understand an essential part of God’s purpose in so richly blessing us – He wants us to be a blessing to others. We are on this journey to bring life transforming change to us as individual followers of Jesus Christ and as His church.  Whoever God sends across our path. We are to be a “blessing people.” That’s our job – to bless people. That’s where the trail of blessing takes us.

From Abraham – “I will bless you… you will be a blessing… all nations will be blessed through you.”  What this phrase tells us is that the blessing is not about Abraham and Sarah: it is about those with whom they are to share the blessing; those to whom they are to pass the blessing; those for whom they are to be catalysts of blessing. We are blessed to be a blessing.

“I have come to the realization that in the grand scheme of things, it’s not about me!  How can we complain when others are in much worst conditions than we find ourselves in?  We can no longer walk past those in need, because we are called to make a difference.  To be effective servants for God, we must put things into perspective and be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of another.  We must have a burning desire to help others to the fullest extent of our being.

We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  But what good is salt that no longer seasons, preserves, or purifies?  What good is light that no longer emanates, illuminates, and reveals?  God does not extend his generosity to us with the intent that we would hoard blessings for our sole benefit.  As we are conduits and not repositories for God’s blessings, we must be determined to direct God’s blessings bestowed on us to others.  Let us no longer be perceived as Christians by name only.  We must not compromise God’s Word.  We must strive to be men and women of integrity.  And we must allow real, demonstrative truths to emit from our lives, being mindful that God is making His appeal to the world through us.”

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not let that stop me from doing something.” We are blessed to be a blessing to others.

I challenge you to take that idea, blessed to be a blessing, and hold it before you this week. Consciously think, pray “How can I be a blessing to this person?” and act upon that.

No moment of love or compassion or generosity or kindness is ever lost. Even the “least” of such acts is felt in the vibration of the universe, and contributes mightily towards the Whole, towards the Infinite Void, towards the Magnificent, towards Life, towards Creation, towards the Mystery.

So, count your blessings. Name them. Write them down. Thank God for them. But understand an essential part of God’s purpose in so richly blessing us – He blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others. He blessed us so that we will become generous on every occasion {2 Corinthians 9:11}. Note the context of this passage, Paul is talking about giving, about God’s economy, about sowing and reaping principle.

And we all know that God’s economy is very different from our economy. Our economy tells us to save money, to keep something for us to use. To be frugal and as much as possible to use money only for the things needed. But, God’s economy tells us on the other hand, that we have to be generous, help those who are in need, to give things away for God’s glory, to support God’s work and to support God’s workers. Do not be deceived. We have to know how to work with God’s economy. If you know how a farmer plants and harvests, in the same way, we have to plant seeds in the spiritual Kingdom so that later on we will reap a harvest.

I pray that God will bless you in ways you never dreamed possible so that there is no doubt as to where the blessings come from. I pray that each one of you be blessed and become a blessing to others, also. I pray that God will help each of us become yielded vessels that He can work through to reach out to a lost and hurting world. I pray that He will help us to see with our hearts the needs and hurts of others around us. Let our hands become hands used to serve and comfort others.  Let us be reminded that His hands were that of a servant… and that He is above all, yet He came to serve not be served. I ask that He would help us become what He would have us to be, so that the message of His great love and saving grace can be spread throughout the earth.

“We are the world, we are the children, we are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving, there’s a choice we’re making, we’re saving our own lives, it’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me.  Let us realize that a change can only come when we stand together as one.”

*After seeing firsthand what poverty looks like, I am now more dedicated than ever to be a part of their lives. You can help as well by donating any amount to the cause. For more information please contact me via email at colemanlou@hotmail.com.

Small charity makes a big difference. Donate Now!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s documentary “Teenage $ex 4 $ale: Human Trafficking in San Bernardino County” has received a nomination for the 2014 Emmy Awards. The announcement was made Tuesday by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Pacific Southwest Chapter at a nomination party held at the Mad House Comedy Club in San Diego. The film was nominated in the Documentary category for excellence in the creation of a formal, structured television presentation with dramatic impact of an event, condition or situation of current, cultural and/or historical significance.

“When I was younger I spent a year and a half overseas in the Philippines, and I saw first-hand the tragedy of human trafficking and the toll that it took on young girls who could be purchased for ten dollars an hour,” said Christopher Lee, who directed and edited the documentary.

“Those stories have always stayed with me, and now there are new stories, sadly taking shape in our own backyard. My hope all along was that this film would somehow inspire communities, law enforcement and government officials to push even harder in the battle against human trafficking.”

The film is a 45-minute documentary that delves into the problem of sexual exploitation in the nation’s largest county. From boastful pimps preying on young women to one woman’s quest to open a home for female victims, the film highlights a unique coalition of government agencies and how they are reaching deep into the community to eradicate human trafficking.

“I am so proud of the work of my public affairs officer, Chris Lee, and all those who helped create this film,” District Attorney Mike Ramos said. “From the undercover filming of the Player’s and Pimp Ball in Hollywood to the survivors who shared their stories, this was a team effort all the way. Ultimately, this is just another outlet to help shine a brighter light on those victimized by the terrible crime of human trafficking.”

The 40th Annual NATAS Pacific Chapter Awards will be presented June 14, 2014, at the La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad. To view a copy of the entire film visit www.sbcountyda.org/ServicesInformation/ProsecutingCriminals/HumanTraffickingPros ecutionUnit/HostaScreeningoftheFilmTeenage$ex4$ale.aspx.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Derrel Thomas Foundation and the Dodgers Alumni MLB would like to give Thanks for the warm welcome and hospitality.  They are looking forward to great things from the community and Youth Power Community Solutions (Youth Build inland Empire).  They also give a special And a Special thanks to YPCS Staff, YCSC, YouthBuild USA, The Students, Empire Talks Back host Wallace Allen, Project Fighting Chance, RDG Consultants and the Los Angeles Dodgers Association for making this opportunity happen.

PASADENA, CA- The Pasadena Playhouse announced that they will present the hit production of Gabrielle Pina’s LETTERS FROM ZORA, in association with One Pearl and a Sphinx. The production, which returns by popular demand, will play a limited engagement of eight performances and stars Vanessa Bell Calloway. LETTERS FROM ZORA is directed by Anita Dashiell-Sparks with original music composed by Ron McCurdy. Performances run May 10 to the May 18 with a press opening on Sunday, May 11 at 2 p.m. Single ticket prices range from $40.00 to $100.00. Limited VIP Packages including premium seating, post-show meet and greet with Gabrielle Pina, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Anita Dashiell-Sparks and light reception is available for $150.00 per ticket. VIP Packages are available only on the following performances: Saturday, May 11 at 8:00 p.m.; Thursday, May 15 at 8:00 p.m.; Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 17 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena (91101). The performance schedule is Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at (626) 356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. during non-performance dates. For more information, visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – April 25, 2014 – High school students nationwide can now apply at www.disneydreamersacademy.com to be among 100 selected to participate in the 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine, the innovative, outside-the-classroom, educational mentoring program at Walt Disney World Resort.

Entering the search for its eighth class, Disney Dreamers Academy continues to hold true to its mission to inspire and fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops related to a bevy of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills such as communication techniques and networking strategies.

It all takes place in a magical setting: the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Both on stage and behind the scenes, the parks become vibrant ‘classrooms,’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Motivational speakers and celebrities share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and DREAM BIG. Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.

Applicants must answer three essay questions about their personal stories, the people who are most influential in their lives and their dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including a strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams. Nearly 10,000 students submitted an application in 2014.

Participants and a parent or guardian will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., where they will engage in life-changing sessions and enjoy Disney’s magical theme parks. The 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy will take place March 5 to 8.

“Disney Dreamers Academy gives us the honor each year to motivate, educate and uplift 100 exceptional students ready to unlock their potential,” said Disney Vice President of Global Initiatives and Integrations/Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion, Tracey D. Powell. “Disney is proud to once again partner with Steve Harvey and Essence Communications to deliver a program that impacts lives every year.”

Steve Harvey, syndicated radio and television personality, along with ESSENCE Magazine and Walt Disney World Resort will host the selected Dreamers during their four-day power packed career and educational exploration. Harvey, speaking on the program, says, “Disney Dreamers Academy gives hope and inspiration and exposes youth to a world of possibilities. We are excited about another opportunity to transform lives and give students an inside look at what their future can hold.

ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks added, “We are excited about the eighth Disney Dreamers Academy. This program transcends the normal classroom setting, taking learning to the next level. This year we plan to go above and beyond to encourage Dreamers. Our valued partnership with Disney Parks and Steve Harvey represents our commitment to the leaders of tomorrow.”

Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, until Oct. 31, 2014. A distinguished panel of leaders representing the best in their fields will judge the applications in November and winners will be announced in December 2014.

For more information visit www.disneydreamersacademy.com, www.facebook.com/disneydreamersacademy or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dreamersacademy.