WSSN Stories

The news on Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) newest cast member was spreading the online media and social media world like wildfire on Monday, January 6. The reason for the excitement, astonishing announcement is because this new member of the popular television sitcom is a Afro-Centric woman by the name of Sasheer Zamata.

Zamata is an amazing actress, writer and comedian from New York. She hosts a weekly variety show called School Night at UCBNY on Wednesday nights at 11 p.m. In addition she performs improv with Doppelganger  and BUCKY on Harold Nights, which is also held at UCBNY.

This rising star  is set to make her debut on SNL on the January 18 episode, the same night that rap epitome Drake hosts the show.  The casting of the show came after showcases featuring Black female comedians were held in New York and Los Angeles after the long-running sketch series faces widespread criticism that the new stars of the fan favorite sitcom lacked minority faces and specifically the inclusion of an African-American woman.

For more information on the dynamic comedian and actress, follow her on Twitter @thesheertruth, like her on Facebook or visit her official website at sasheer.com. (Written by  Naomi Bonman)

I was in Tucson Arizona on that unforgettable Sunday morning in 1990 when Nelson Mandela was released from prison as I sat transfixed when he was sworn in as South Africa’s first democratically-elected president who happened to be a black man. His death on December 5 made me recount the times and ways he had touched my life.
I became more conscious of the man when the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), under the leadership of president Dr. Dorothy I. Height, urged the membership to support Winnie Mandela who was being persecuted by the government while her husband suffered at Robbin Island. I was aware of apartheid and the ANC already; and wanted to know more about the man and the plight of his people. I read two books by South African writer, Mark Mathabane, who painted a starkly brutal picture of life for black people in the country.
In 1985, I attend the UN Decade for Women Conference in Nairobi, Kenya with the NCNW where we met 20 South African women who were there without the consent of their government and did not know what would happen to them when they returned home. They said they did not care as they would rather be dead than continue to live the harsh conditions imposed on them. They were inspired by the courageous resistance practiced by Mandela and our delegation discussed the situation with the ladies several times.
Following the conference, our group visited the small country landlocked by South Africa: Swaziland, a kingdom never colonized by a foreign power; we had to go through Johannesburg to get to the country. The women there had replicated the NCNW’s Mississippi Pig Project and we were there to see their progress. We visited with the wives of the king who applauded our joint venture. We talked about the women who were selling their livestock in South Africa, they said “We are neighbors-not friends” and they identified with the struggles of Mandela and his people, but had no other market for their product.
On the way home we encountered a heavy police presence in the Johannesburg airport and I checked the newspaper which stated “BOTHA DECLARES EMERGENCY”. Dr. Height suggested we all buy a paper as it could mean we were seeing the beginning of the end to apartheid, but no one could have predicted that only five years later the end would come. In the meantime, NCNW joined the movement to divest in South Africa.
The local NCNW led a large group to the Los Angeles Coliseum to see Nelson and Winnie Mandela during their American tour where thousands of cheering devotees welcomed the couple to the southland. Soon after  I discovered his biography, “Long Walk to Freedom”  which I highly recommend. It reveals an extraordinary man who never lost his dignity under oppression, one who studied his captors and used what he learned to outwit them and win them over. The book has recently been made into a movie featuring British actor, Idris Elba. Readers will learn a lot about the country, as well as the man.
The most important encounter I had was up close and personal, early into the new century, around the year 2000, I had gone to Washington DC for a Workforce Development meeting and called Dr. Height to chat. She invited me to be her guest at a high level international function that night. Thanks to Dr. Height, I got to meet Nelson Mandela, Gracla Marchal, who was being honored,  and Bishop Tutu. Mandela was a tall, stately man whose eyes exuded brilliance and he looked right at you as if you were important to him. Oh what a night! President Mandela said, “It is not that I have no fear but that I had to act in spite of my fear”. That was the same attitude the 20 women exhibited in Nairobi.
It was the book that finally gave me the in depth view of the man and I encourage readers to read the three books I referred to earlier: The Long Walk to Freedom and African Women by Mathabane.  (Written by Lois J. Carson, San Bernardino resident)

A young member of the Matibolo Cultural Troupe poses in front of a poster of Nelson Mandela during celebrations for the anti-apartheid leader’s birthday. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

NATIONAL- (By Naomi K. Bonman) Last Thursday we lost a legend; however, he may be gone in the physical, but his spirit and legacy will continue to live on decades and generations to come. Nelson Mandela taught us the value of freedom and accomplishing our dreams and goals. He taught us that no matter what obstacles may come our way, we can always overcome them.

My favorite quote by Mr. Mandela is, “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.” This quote reminds me that when we have greater goals and dreams than we can ever imagine, that we will have to work hard and remain patient and very consistent. There will always be road blocks on the way to success and sometimes some of us will face greater roadblocks than others, but we must always remember that God will never place more on us than we can bear. Some of us are stronger soldiers and can conquer more than other, and Mr. Mandela was one of those remarkable and strong soldiers.

He not only left a lasting impression on my life, but he also left an impression and inspired others throughout the world.

“His change was monumental. Legendary. Brave. Daring. He’s inspired me to make decisions that will make a difference. He’s inspired me to focus on what I can do today. He’s also inspired me to know this for sure: It’s not about you.” -Kareem Taylor, New York

“Today, the Young Democrats of America pause to remember a leader whose message of freedom and equality transcends race, age and national borders. We are greatly saddened by his passing, but he lived a tremendous life to the benefit of others and to the great sacrifice of himself. He continued to fight with the belief that a nation stands at its greatest height when it stands for equality, fairness, justice and opportunity for all.”- Atima Omara, president of the Young Democrats of America

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Mandela family for their loss. Nelson Mandela is one of the most highly regarded, highly respected individuals of all time. He was an effective leader that focused on relationship building and inclusiveness. His ability to maintain peace and love even through adversity speaks volumes about his character. Today, I respectfully stand with my colleagues in the California Legislative Black Caucus, as we remember his life, accomplishments and good deeds.” -Assemblymember Cheryl Brown

(Article written by Naomi K. Bonman)

Curtis Wright

RIVERSIDE, CA – On Sunday, December 15 the Multicultural Council of the Riverside Museum and the Human Relations Commission will be presenting a special program featuring Historian and Master Musician, Curtis Wright, as he and audiences explore the history of the Banjo. The event will be taking place from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Box at the Fox Entertainment Plaza, 3635 Market Street in Riverside. This is a free community event; however, seating is limited so an early arrival is suggested. This program will assist the community in exploring the origins of the banjo from its roots in Africa and its evolution as a handmade instrument used by African American slaves to its current position in the country, folk, bluegrass and traditional music. Wright has worked as a professional cowboy, educator, and is currently a circuit pastor as well as an in demand musician, having performed with Buck Page and the Riders of the Purple Sage, the Frank Wakefield Band and Jimmy Collier. In addition to the banjo, Wright plays violin, mandolin, harmonica, guitar and the Indian flute. For more information, please call the Riverside Metropolitan Museum at 951-826-5273.

Hawthorne’s Chris

HAWTHORNE, CA – Surrounded by family, community leaders and elected officials throughout Los Angeles County, Hawthorne Mayor-elect Chris Brown will hold a community swearing in ceremony and outline his goals for the city on Thursday, December 5 at Hawthorne’s Memorial Center, 39010 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA, at 6 p.m.

Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III (D- Los Angeles) will preside over the ceremony and administer the oath of office to Brown. Upon taking the oath, Brown will become the city’s youngest and first African American mayor. Following the oath, Brown will outline his priorities for his first term in office. He will also highlight his goals to increase public safety and improve public access to parks while protecting Hawthorne’s fiscal health. Additionally, Brown will announce the creation of the ‘Mayor’s Business Roundtable’, which will meet regularly to engage leaders in Hawthorne’s business community to foster innovation, create jobs and increase business and investment opportunities throughout the city.

A native of Los Angeles County, Brown was raised in local public schools and began his professional career in the technology industry. As a successful small business owner, Brown most recently operated a business to help homeowners dealing with foreclosure. Brown and his wife Hedako, an educator, are the proud parents of a two-year-old son and are expecting their second child in early 2014.

Nelson Mandela

Next week we will be releasing a special tribute issue on #NelsonMandala and we want to include quotes, statements, etc from our readers and the community on the achievements and legacy of Mr. Mandala. How has he impacted your life? How has he inspired you to change?

MORENO VALLEY, CA – The California School Boards Association (CSBA) recently recognized the Moreno Valley Unified School District as a winner of the prestigious Golden Bell Award for 2013. This award recognizes the academic success of Health Careers Academy on the campus of Canyon Springs High School. The CSBA recognized 59 public school programs in the state this year. It created the Golden Bell Awards program in 1980 to recognize innovative and successful programs that make a difference in students’ success, and focus on meeting the needs of all students. Health Careers Academy is the oldest of several vocational academies Moreno Valley Unified School District has created.
While students in these programs receive a well-rounded education, by following a recommended pathway of courses, they can either begin an entry-level career in their area of interest, or more easily transition to a college or university level education in the health career field after high school graduation. Students enter the Health Careers Academy as sophomores. In the academies, students have the same core requirements, such as English, social studies, and science as they would in a regular high school program, but take these courses from teachers at the academy. Students also take vocational education courses through the academy.  In the introductory course, Introduction to Health Care, students learn medical technology, learn how to take vital signs, research health careers, develop resumes and are certified in first aid and CPR. The academy also offers extra-curricular organizations.
The students usually have between 160 to 240 hours of internship experience by the time they graduate from high school. In the 2012-2013 school year, 27 of the 31 seniors had internships with either Riverside County Regional Medical Center, the Riverside County ROP/CTE, Charter Hospice or medical clinics.
“The Canyon Springs Health Careers Academy has consistently produced students with a plethora of knowledge, genuine concern about all health issues and most importantly a passion to be proactive and responsive,” Dr. White said. “The level of student engagement and compassion for others has propelled this program above the rest. Students participating in this program live and breathe commitment to health.”

LOS ANGELES, CA-  Transitioning to college will be a bit easier for 30 Los Angeles-area students as they receive a $1,000 college scholarship and a tablet, courtesy of Aio Wireless’ 30 Days, 30 Dreams program, designed to reinvigorate nonprofit programs that create opportunities for future leaders in the communities it serves, 30 Days, 30 Dreams enables Aio to collaborate with community-based organizations to identify the recipients. For more information visit www.aiowireless.com, www.facebook.com/aiowireless and www.twitter.com/aiowireless.

ETA NU OMEGA CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INC

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  In partnership with St. Paul A.M.E. Church, High Calling Christian Church and New Focus Community Development Outreach Corporation, the Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., will be providing Thanksgiving meals and food baskets for the Inland Empire community on Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Inghram Community Center, 2050 North Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. This is a free community event where there will be health and medical services provided along with children’s activities and a clothing give away. Free mammogram screenings will be provided for women.  Please call ahead for appointments 1-714-871-4488 ext. 210.  Other health screenings offered will be blood pressure checks, blood sugar and diabetes, cholesterol, hemoglobin, vision, dental hygiene, lupus, obesity, WIC, mental health services, resources for pregnant women, and information on the Affordable Care Act.

teen dating

LOS ANGELES, CA – On Saturday, November 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Positive Results Corporation (PRC) will be hosting its 3rd Annual ‘STOP THE PAIN’, a teen summit on dating violence, sex trafficking and bully prevention, at California State University Dominguez Hills, 1000 E Victoria St, Carson, CA 90747. This is a free community event designed for youth and young adults ages 12 to 24, and their families. Sessions and workshops include Bully Prevention; Sexting and Texting; Dating Violence Prevention; Sex Trafficking Awareness; Teen Exploitation Warning Signs and several others. Each workshop and session will also feature  interactive networking opportunities and honest and helpful tools for creating healthy relationships. Students will also earn 10 community service hours for their participation.  PRC’s 3rd Annual Teen Summit will also feature a performance from singer and songwriter, RaVaughn, known for her hit single, “Best Friend.”  Youth can register for the event by visiting stopthepain-3rdannual-es2.eventbrite.com. A continental breakfast, lunch and gift bags will be provided. For more information about PRC, sponsorship opportunities or how to get involved, please contact Kandee Lewis, Executive Director at 323-787-9252 or by email at kandeele@prc123.org.