WSSN Stories

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Know that it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. [Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 20:24]. Man is not able to do what he plans unless God wills it [James 4:13-17]. Being self-sufficient, relying on yourself is a terrible sin in the sight of God. Why?  Self-sufficiency is planning without God! We must acknowledge God in all our ways. [Proverbs 3:6]. Every resolution must be made in dependence on God. You should say, “If the Lord wills, we shall do this or that because the Lord is the one who gives to all life, breath and all things. [Acts 17:25; Daniel 5:23]. For in Him we live and move and have our being. [Acts 17:28]. For Jesus says in [John 15:4-7] – I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? [Mark 12:24].

Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. [James 4:13-15; Psalm 25:5]. But you plan according to your knowledge and your understanding, and your resources and what you want to accomplish in life, where you want to go and yet you leave Me out of the planning. How foolish is that? When I’m a God who loves you, cares for you, and will provide for you, undergird you, and protect you. Stop trying to live life without Me. [Jeremiah 10:23]. Don’t engage in vain labor. If you don’t seek My guidance and direction in your planning, you lose. [Proverbs 16:9]. Your resolution must begin with Me. Your resolution must be worthy of Me. Your resolution must be powered by Me. Your resolution must be glorifying to Me. Your resolution must be fulfilled by Me. Your resolution must be by the grace to Me. Without my power, you can do nothing. [John 15:4-5]. So, make your resolution “God centered.” [Matthew 6:33]. Commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. [Proverbs 16:3; Psalms 37:4].

Now don’t misunderstand me, resolutions in and of themselves are beautiful things. They encourage us to analyze our lives, edit, and make changes where needed. They inspire us to think deeper, dream bigger, and explore how we truly can be the best versions of ourselves. The problem however is that most resolutions that are made are not rooted in bringing honor to God but rooted in bringing honor to oneself. God is not interested in helping us to bring honor and glory to ourselves. God is not willing to share his glory with any man. But if our resolutions are God honoring, then we can expect His help in seeing our resolution come to pass. [John 14:14; Proverbs 23:18].

Understand biblical resolution is not just about making commitments; it’s about surrendering our will to God, trusting in His faithfulness, and allowing Him to lead us in every aspect of our lives. [Proverbs 3:5-6]. Because many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand. [Proverbs 19:21].

O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. So here I stand Lord, my life is in your hands. I’m longing to see Your desires revealed in me. I give myself away. Take my heart. Take my life as a living sacrifice. All my dreams, all my plans, I place them in your hands. [I Give Myself Away – Song by William McDowell].

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. [Jeremiah 17:7-8].

They couldn’t believe what is impossible with man is possible with God. They choose rebellion over resolution. What sorrow awaits them, says the Lord. [Isaiah 31:1; Zephaniah 1:6].

You make plans that are contrary to mine. [Isaiah 30:1]. Okay, have it your way. Daughter of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Do you come to inquire of Me? As I live, declares the Lord God, “I will not be inquired of by you.” [Ezekiel 20:3].

For the shepherds have become stupid and have not sought the Lord; Therefore, they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered. [Jeremiah 10:21].

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Several new laws took effect on Jan. 1 in California that may impact your job, business, finances, privacy, family, and day-to-day life.

During the last legislative session, lawmakers introduced 4,821 bills (1,530 in the State Senate and 3,291 in the Assembly).

Of those bills, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 1,017 of them into law and vetoed 189 of them.

Along with the bills the Governor signed into law, other new laws signed in previous years also took effect on Jan. 1.

California Black Media combed through our new state laws and highlighted 14 new laws you should definitely be aware of:

5. AB 2622 – Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale). Raises dollar limit from $500 to $1000 for home projects that require licensed contractors.
6. AB 413  – Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Milpitas). Makes it illegal to park a vehicle within 20 feet of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.
7. AB 2017 – Sen. Timothy Grayson (D-Concord). Eliminates extra fees for declined transactions. State-chartered banks and credit unions can no longer charge you a fee for declined transactions because your balance is too low.
8. SB 1061 – Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara). Protects credit scores from medical debt. This law stops credit agencies from including medical debt on an individual’s credit report and prevents lenders from considering it in credit decisions.
9. AB 2863 – Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth). Eliminates subscription traps. Starting July 1, 2025, companies must get clear consent before charging customers after a free trial ends, send annual reminders about recurring charges, and make cancellation as simple as signing up. Customers will receive advance notice of any price changes, allowing time to decide whether to continue the subscription.
10. AB 3209 – Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). Allows retail stores to obtain restraining orders against people sentenced for stealing, vandalizing or assaulting their employees.
11. AB 3209 – Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). Allows retail stores to obtain restraining orders against people sentenced for stealing, vandalizing or assaulting their employees.
12. AB 1779 – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks). Allows California district attorneys to coordinate with other DAs to consolidate charges for suspects in retail theft crimes that occur across multiple counties.
13. AB 1955  – Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego). Prohibits school districts in the state from enacting policies that could force educators to notify parents if students identify astransgender or request to use a different name.
14. SB 988  – Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). Increases protections for independent contractors by requiring workers be paid on or before the date specified in their contract, or no later than 30 days after completion of services if no date is specified.
15. Beginning in 2025, the new state minimum wage has increased to $16.50 an hour. This statewide pay minimum is based on a 2016 law by SB 3 by former Sen Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.
16. AB 2347  – Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose). Allows tenants 10 business days to respond to eviction notices instead of the previously mandated 5 business days.
17. AB 1825 – Assemblymember Al Muratshchi (D- Torrance). The Freedom to Read Act prohibits public libraries from banning books due to race, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation of a book’s subject, author, or intended audience.
18. SB 1137– Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles). Clarifies that California laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability and sexual orientation, also apply to intersectional identities, where two or more of the characteristics result in a unique form of discrimination.
19. AB 1815 – Sen. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego). Expands civil rights by recognizing multiple forms of discrimination and protecting traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. Weber introduced this bill last year while she was an Assemblymember representing the 79^th District in the greater San Diego area.

NATIONWIDE—- Brandie Falice, who is from Atlanta, Georgia, filed a lawsuit against PNC Bank, alleging she was denied a promotion because she is a single African American mother despite her years of experience at the bank.

“I felt discouraged and I felt the time I spent with this company and my efforts to reach my goals in that space were shot down because of something that I love about myself,” Falice told WSB-TV.

The lawsuit states Falice, a six-year employee aiming for a higher management role, was told she wasn’t a good fit because she is Black and that most customers at the branch are white. The regional manager also said her being a single mother might affect her availability on weekends.

Falice felt this treatment undermined her worth, causing her lasting emotional distress.

“It does feel like you’re judged and it feels like you’re not worthy as other people,” she said. “It was very disrespectful and I questioned my worth altogether because of that.”

Falice, who has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University, joined PNC in 2018. She moved up during the pandemic and had hoped to advance to a higher position at the Peachtree Corners branch after 6 years with the company.

In response, PNC Bank denied the allegations, asserting that Falice was treated fairly and in line with their company policies.

“We believe Ms. Falice was treated fairly and consistent with our company values, policies and practices,” it said in a statement. “PNC does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation and we look forward to presenting the facts in court.”

Falice’s lawyer, Artur Davis, is calling for PNC to take responsibility for the alleged bias, pointing out how many women of color might face similar challenges.

Falice has left PNC in April 2024, according to her LinkedIn profile. She is now working as a senior account executive at an IT company in Atlanta.

NATIONWIDE — Jamie Foxx is pursuing legal action after an alleged assault at Mr. Chow’s in Beverly Hills, where a glass was thrown at his face, injuring his mouth. Foxx is determined to have the person responsible prosecuted to prevent future incidents.

No arrests have been made yet, but actor and rapper Jasper Dolphin, known for the 2022 movie Jackass Forever, is reportedly being investigated by authorities in connection with the incident, according to TMZ.

The incident occurred when Foxx was celebrating his 57th birthday with his daughters and friends. A prankster projected a vulgar image onto his table using a laser pointer.

The stunt, allegedly organized by the Jackass crew, angered Foxx, leading him to confront the individuals involved. The situation escalated when someone threw a glass at him, causing a cut to his mouth.

The investigation is ongoing, with Foxx fully cooperating. Police are reviewing footage from the restaurant and interviewing witnesses, though they have not shared details about the footage.

Neither Foxx’s legal team nor Dolphin has commented on the ongoing investigation.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

In November, former California Assemblymember Kevin McCarty was elected Mayor of Sacramento.

He was sworn into this new role on December 10.

Before becoming Mayor, McCarty represented the 6th Assembly District for 10 years. This district includes most of Sacramento and parts of Sacramento County.

During his time in the Assembly, McCarty authored over 90 measures that became law including the Universal Preschool Act, the American River Parkway Conservancy Act, Independent Investigations in Police Shootings, among others.

McCarty and his wife Leticia have twin daughters, Victoria and Barbara.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with McCarty as he concludes his term in the Legislature to reflect on his accomplishments this year as he enters his new role as Mayor.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

I had a bill that was an urgency measure that was signed in June. It creates a new class for high school students to learn about financial literacy; to learn about dollars and cents and what it means to be a young person today as far as credit cards, student debt, buying a house and all the things that

come that come with being an adult. I’m excited that my bill became law.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

Black Californians are certainly a part of my legislative agenda. My Assembly district was very similar to California, way less than 10% Black population. But the issue is that education and health care and housing and poverty loom large — how they impact Black Californians.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

We are in a downturn in our economy with our state budget. So, I wasn’t able to score some final victories on some of my top priorities like the middle-class scholarship to make college debt-free.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

There’s so much work to be done and this was my final year in the Legislature. So, looking at all of our successes and trying to be able to make a difference and help change people’s lives throughout California.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

It takes time. This work is not easy. Look at this firestorm we’re in right now about reparations and what we did and didn’t do. This work is not easy. If it was easy, we would have done it a long time ago.

But it’s our job to continue to fight, push forward and keep at it.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Patience.

You know, we want some of these reparations policies to happen now. So, it’s hard to be patient. We want to see change now and so we just have to keep plugging along.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I won the race for Mayor here in my hometown, Sacramento.

So, I will continue work in public service, serving people and making a difference in people’s lives. Just a different vantage point being a Mayor versus an Assemblymember. But it’s always the same thing. It’s helping people, public service, making a difference, and remembering those who don’t always have government on their side.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Blessed, to see a New Year– 2025.

Oh, bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits. [Psalm 103:1-5]. [2 Corinthians 9:15].

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is [his] faithfulness. [Lamentations 3:22-23].

Lord, I just wanna praise you forever and ever for all you’ve done for me Lord. Blessings and glory and honor they all belong to you. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me. [ I Just Want to Praise You – Maurette Brown Clark].

I tell you; Grace gives us a lot to celebrate! It is a gift from God! It changes everything! Grace makes all things new! So, as you step into this New Year, know that God is inviting you to experience His renewal. Release the burdens of the past and walk forward with hope, knowing that His plans are good, and His mercies are new every morning. Let this year be one of transformation, renewal, and abundant faith in the God who makes all things new. Receive the new things He wants to do in your life this year. For as [Ecclesiastes 3:1] says: To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

The old year ends, a new begins with pages clean and new; and what is written on each page will now depend on you. You can’t relive the year that’s past, erasing every wrong; For once a year – or day – is spent, it is forever gone. But don’t give up in dark despair if you have failed some test; Seek God’s forgiveness and resolve henceforth to do your best. Resolve each precious day to do things good and kind and pure; though days and years may pass away, these things shall still endure. You know not where your path may lead nor what’s beyond the hill. But know that God walks at your side, if you will do His will. All things are possible with God, though days be bright or dim; so, do your best and know that you can leave the rest to Him. [Author Unknown].

Give this whole year to God, let God set the agenda, let God decide what you need to do and when to do it, where you need to be, who you need to talk to, and what to say. For the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. [Psalm 37:23]. For Jesus declares in [Jeremiah 29:11] – I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. [Psalms 32:8]. Commit your way to Me; trust Me and I will do this. [Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:3; Proverbs 16:9; Matthew 6:33]. Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” [Revelation 21:5].

O Lord, the voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. [Andrae Crouch – To God Be The Glory].

Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!  The chance to wake up to a new day, a new year.

Thank you, Lord, for your love, grace, and mercy. Into Your hands, O Lord, I commit this New Year to you. I surrender all to you Lord, my plans, dreams, possessions, relationships, everything, even my life itself. [Matthew 6:24-25]. I surrender it all to your plans and purposes. [Proverbs 16:3]. Total surrender Lord, letting go of my wants, rights, and expectations and fully embracing Your perfect plan for my life. Laying it all down at the feet of the One who gave it all for me. Knowing that your plans for my life are much better than anything I could come up with myself. [Isaiah 55: 9]. Father, not my will, but Yours be done. [Luke 22:42].

I give myself away. Here I am, here I stand Lord, my life is in your hands Lord, I’m longing to see Your desires revealed in me. I give myself away. Take my heart, take my life as a living sacrifice. All my dreams, all my plans Lord, I place them in your hands. [I Give Myself Away – William McDowell Lyrics].

May the Lord bless?you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. [Numbers 6:24-26].

Happy New Year!

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Former California Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer represented the 57^th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Exposition Park, South Los Angeles, and downtown Los Angeles, including Skid Row.

Elected to the State Legislature in 2012, Jones-Sawyer served for 14 years, earning a reputation for being a progressive reformer and champion of second chances.

Jones-Sawyer focused on reforming judicial, criminal justice, and police policies to ensure greater public safety and equal treatment under the law. His P.E.A.C.E. Act (AB 89) transformed the recruiting process for law enforcement by raising the age limit to 21 and introducing new college curriculum requirements for cadets.

He also worked to improve living standards for socially and economically disadvantaged communities.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Jones-Sawyer as he concluded his term. He reflected on his accomplishments this year and shared his goals moving forward.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

The things we did on reparations because it is the beginning of reversing the river of racism that’s been permeating our community. And if we’re successful at over 100 recommendations, we will have generational success that will go well beyond what people are expecting now and into the lives of your children, your grandchildren, your great-great-grandchildren, and so forth. I think the first step is the apology — the letter that formally says that California is extremely sorry for what they did and how they were complicit in perpetuating a lot of the same policies and procedures that were perpetrated against African Americans in slave states, even though we were officially not a slave state, we still apprehended escaped slaves.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

Since I first got to the Assembly, I’ve always worked on public safety issues. And this year it’s really been the fruition of all that I worked on. When I got elected, I told my staff: before I leave the Assembly, marijuana would be legal, and we would close a prison. Right now, we’re closing three prisons. And as you know, I worked on making sure that cannabis was legal here in California, because it was being used to lock up African Americans.

We had 136,000 brothers and sisters locked up in our prison system. That number is now down to 96,000.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

This thing called fear. Fear is probably the most powerful emotion that’s out there. And so there are people who would like to have us go back to those days of three strikes, go back to the days where punishment was more important than rehabilitation, go back to the days where we didn’t have second chances. And a lot of this. It’s because of fear.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

The number of people who have the courage of their convictions. The courage to stand up against all of these individuals who want to turn us back.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Stay true to who you really are. Don’t try to be someone else to appease others and do what other people want you to do even though that is not where your heart is, where your soul is, or who you really are. Not only does that create stress, not only does that create problems for you, you lose your soul.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Complacency.

We’ve got to get out and vote like our lives depended on it – vote like, people who fought for us to vote for the first time, we got to look at it like it’s not a right and a privilege, but it’s our legacy, our heritage.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I have legislative and administrative expertise, which I think could be helpful for some organizations, some governmental agency. I’m also in the doctoral program at USC. And so, I think Dr. Jones-Sawyer really would like to use all his skill sets for African Americans, and not have to worry about the confines of being an elected official and really be able to do things that I couldn’t do.

NATIONWIDE — Actor Geoffrey Owens, known for The Cosby Show, recently opened up about the ongoing challenges he faces as a working actor, despite receiving support and landing new roles. Owens gained media attention in 2018 after photos of him working at Trader Joe’s went viral.

In a recent interview on V-103 Atlanta’s Big Tigger Morning Show, Owens shared, “Even today, right now, as we speak, I still struggle to make a living. I struggle every day to make my ends meet.”

Despite being seen in popular shows like CBS’s Poppa’s House and films like Mr. Santa, Owens said that people often misunderstand how actors earn a living.

“People have a false impression of what the average what I call ‘middle-class actor’ makes and their ability to make a living in the industry,” he said.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average hourly wage for actors is $41, with a median of $20, according to Today.

After his Trader Joe’s photos went viral, Owens had to quit the job due to privacy concerns. He recalled, “For two weeks or more, I was like one of the most famous people in the world. Everywhere I went, people recognized me.”

This newfound fame led to new opportunities, including a role in Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots and appearances in shows like Power Book II: Ghost and Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Owens also received support from celebrities, including a $25,000 gift from Nicki Minaj, which he chose to donate at the time.

Despite these opportunities, Owens emphasized the continuing challenge of sustaining a career in acting. He remains grateful for the support and opportunities that have come his way.

NATIONWIDE — Richard Parsons, the former CEO of Time Warner and Chairman of Citigroup, has died at the age of 76 at his Manhattan home, following a long battle with multiple myeloma. Parsons was a highly respected African American business leader known for guiding major companies through turbulent times.

“Dick was the leader to whom other leaders turned for advice and a steady, sure set of hands during their most consequential moments,” Lazard said in a statement, according to CBS News.

Throughout his career, Parsons held significant roles. At Time Warner, he stabilized the company and restored its reputation after its troubled merger with AOL. As Citigroup’s chairman in 2009, he helped the bank recover from the subprime mortgage crisis, steering it back to profitability.

Parsons, a Brooklyn native, began college at 16 and later earned a law degree. He played basketball at the University of Hawaii and worked for political leaders like Nelson Rockefeller and Gerald Ford.

In 2014, Parsons briefly served as interim CEO of the Los Angeles Clippers. He also held board positions at Estée Lauder, the Smithsonian, and the Apollo Theater. Beyond his corporate achievements, Parsons, who is a passionate jazz enthusiast, co-owned a Harlem jazz club and supported cultural institutions throughout his life.

“Dick Parsons was a brilliant and transformational leader and a giant of the media industry who led with integrity and never shied away from a challenge,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.

Parsons was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and had to reduce his work commitments in recent years due to health complications. Parsons retired from several high-profile roles, including his positions at Lazard and Estée Lauder, in December 2023.

Parsons is survived by his wife, Laura, and their family.