WSSN Stories

Just a few gentle strums of ukelele music can immediately transport us to a place of calm. This mysterious effect is one reason board-certified music therapist Lorrie Kubicek helps many patients take up the easy-to-play instrument after they’re diagnosed with cancer or another major health condition — transforming a fraught situation into a constructive one.

“Instead of saying ‘I have to go to the hospital for my chemo,’ patients start saying, ‘I have to go to the hospital for my ukelele lesson,'” says Kubicek, co-director of the Katherine A. Gallagher Integrated Therapies Program at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Cancer Center.

But music therapy is far more than a pleasant diversion, exemplifying how the art and science of medicine can work in tandem. With ancient roots — the Chinese character for medicine includes the character for music — the approach also helped rehabilitate World War II veterans’ minds, bodies, and spirits.

Characterized by personally tailored music interventions such as singing, songwriting, playing an instrument, listening to music, or moving to the beat, music therapy strikes a chord in many areas of medicine. Evidence increasingly suggests it helps people better manage disease symptoms and treatment side effects by curbing stress, soothing pain, promoting sleep, and boosting focus.

“Music connects you to a part of yourself that’s well, and that’s true no matter what patient population we’re working with,” Kubicek says. “Music remains, no matter the challenges a person is facing.”

Personalized approach

Music therapy isn’t the same thing as music medicine, in which patients simply wear headphones and listen to their favorite music for relaxation or distraction while undergoing medical treatment. It also doesn’t require any musical background or experience to participate or benefit.

The therapy begins with a one-on-one assessment with a music therapist to explore how each person relates to music and what problems they may face. “We combine this information with evidence-based interventions to help patients feel, deal, or heal as quickly as possible,” Kubicek says. “We figure out how music can help you move toward your goals in a way that sets you up for success.”

Building on decades of research, recent studies indicate this type of intervention can provide important relief by reducing anxiety during medical treatment, according to a 2021 research review published in Psychiatry Research.

“We see this all the time,” she says. “Because of music’s connection to the limbic system in the brain, it can help you access the relaxation response and calm your nervous system, slowing down your breathing. It really helps shift your mind from what it’s stuck on or worried about and helps you land in the moment you’re in.”

People with Alzheimer’s disease were the focus of a research review published online in March 2023 by Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, which suggested that music therapy improved memory, attention, and orientation in these patients. And for people with psychiatric illnesses such as depression, Kubicek says, music therapy can “bring energy and joy back at a very dark time in people’s lives. It’s also really beautiful to see how music can connect people of different ages and stages, cognitive abilities, and cultures.”

DALLAS, TX— Marvin Sapp’s 16th album, Then & Now is available today at www.marvinsapp.com and everywhere that digital music is sold. Physical copies of Then & Now will also be available for purchase in any of the 35 cities of the Reunion Tour, which begins September 6th in Philadelphia.

Then & Now is a live recording that takes listeners on a dazzling ride through Sapp’s three decades of recording music, and sprinkles in powerful new songs that show Sapp’s musical gift is still as strong as ever.

Refreshed medleys of iconic hits such as “One Thing,” “Perfect Peace” and “He Has His Hands on You” are enduring crowd pleasers that represent Marvin Sapp “then,” while new songs including “Glory to His Name” co-written by Israel Houghton, and the radio single “He Was There,” bring listeners to Marvin Sapp “now.”

Then & Now is the second album released on Sapp’s independent label, Elev8 Media & Entertainment.

“I wanted this record to feel like a Marvin Sapp concert, and we pulled it off,” says Sapp. “The album sounds incredible and I’m proud of this body of work. Then & Now is a musical diary of my career. It is what I like to call ‘churchy but funky’ and it offers something new for those who have been supporting my ministry throughout the years.”

Marvin Sapp is known for delivering rich live recording experiences that translate into musical masterpieces. His platinum-selling album Thirsty was recorded live, in addition to Here I Am (2010), You Shall Live (2015), and Chosen Vessel (2020).

Then & Now can officially be added to his masterful “live album” discography.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

More than 250 news professionals representing nearly 150 media outlets attended the annual Ethnic Media Conference, Expo, and Awards held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento on Aug. 27 and 28.

Hosted by Ethnic Media Services (EMS) and California Black Media (CBM), the awards ceremony recognized journalists for their outstanding reporting in different topic areas, including health, politics and culture.

The conference sessions leading up to that event included panel discussions featuring state officials, government agencies, lobbying firms, advocacy organizations and more. It also provided networking opportunities for news media owners and professionals from the Black, Native American, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Eastern European, North African, Caribbean and LGBTQ press.

“Last year, the inaugural convening in the state capital focused on ‘meeting the decision-makers,’” said Regina Wilson, Executive Director of CBM. “This year, the emphasis is on strengthening those connections. Key decision-makers have expressed their appreciation for our return, recognizing that at a time of deep budget cuts, our community ties and communication skills are more essential than ever for building new, more equitable messaging,” Wilson added.

State leaders who attended the event included Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In addition to state government officials, business leaders, communications firms, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations also participated in the conference organized to highlight the crucial role ethnic media play in California’s diverse communities.

“California is home to the largest concentration of multilingual news outlets serving immigrant and ethnic communities in the U.S.,” said Sandy Close, Director of EMS. “This breakthrough public-private partnership to support local journalism brings welcome recognition of the ethnic media sector’s indispensable role in connecting these diverse communities to each other and to the wider public realm.”

Thurmond discussed the ethnic media’s role in reporting on education in the state and why articles from ethnic media outlets have an advantage in reaching targeted audiences in underserved communities.

Thurmond, who is running for the governor of California in 2026, spoke at the opening luncheon where CBM and EMS presented Communications Champion Awards to key stakeholders representing organizations across the state’s communications infrastructure.

“We can’t get the right information out about education without the ethnic media in our state,” Thurmond said. “We need to get people to understand that if a student is not reading at a third-grade level in the third grade we will lose them, and they could end up in the prison pipeline.”

On the first day of the conference, Bonta sat down with Larry Lee, the publisher of the Sacramento Observer, to have a fireside conversation, titled “Stop the Hate – Spread the Love.” Focused on the impact of California’s “Stop the Hate” effort, the conversation focused on state government policy and programs created to prevent hate crimes and hate incidents and provide resources to victims and survivors.

“Our goal is to not have hate crimes,” Bonta said of the Department of Justice’s objectives. “In California, we believe everyone belongs, no one should be targeted or attacked, hurt or harmed because of who they are, where they are from or how they look, who they love, and how they pray.”

In conclusion, Bonta said “There are signs of progress (decreasing numbers of hate crimes) but still too many tragedies. We still have work to do.”

The conference’s workshops, plenaries and breakout sessions focused on concerns such as health care, artificial intelligence, public education, climate change, misinformation, hate crimes, equity in government procurement, and more.
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Google provided training workshops on some of its digital news tools and panelists discussed the impact of AI on the future of journalism.

“Our unique strength lies in our deep connection to the audiences we serve,” Wilson said. “We are high touch as well as high-tech media, embedded in our communities and committed to delivering impactful, culturally relevant content.”

The conference ended with the Ethnic Media Awards. Winners were recognized for their reporting in nine different categories. Over 300 entries were submitted that included 12 different languages.

This year’s conference coincided with the announcement of the historic $172 million public-private partnership in California aimed at supporting journalism. That agreement brings together state government and high-tech companies led by Google to support local newsrooms.

The deal, supporters say, serves as a national model for strengthening the traditional role of journalism in providing checks and balances in government and business affairs. At a reception held the first day of the conference, CBM and EMS honored Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) with the “Legislator of the Year” award. The organizations also thanked Wicks for brokering the deal with Google and for her ongoing support for news media.

“We’ve worked long and hard to gain this recognition as a multilingual, multiracial, multimedia sector,” said Wilson. “We extend our deepest thanks to our sponsors, speakers, media partners, and all our attendees for supporting this collective effort.”

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Obey Me, the Lord, or cause Me to become your enemy? The Choice is Yours. Time is running out and so is My patience! [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]. Life and Prosperity or Death and Disaster, that is the choice that I set before you today. [Deuteronomy 30:15-16]. Whatcha Gonna Do? For behold, Now is “The Acceptable Time,” behold, Now is “The Day of Salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:1-2].

This is a call to action that echoes through the corridors of time, resonating with the same urgency and importance as it did when Joshua first uttered the words to the Israelites. Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. [Joshua 24:14-18]. Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wildness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, they do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So, I swore in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest. [Hebrew 3:7-13].

There is a clear choice with eternal consequences. Make a Decision! Today! Now! Right this moment even as you are reading this message. Choose Jesus verses Choosing Hell for the Bible makes it clear: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” [John 3:36].

I tell you; the eternal consequences of this decision cannot be overstated. Choosing Jesus opens the door to an eternity in Heaven, in the presence of God, where joy, peace, and love abound. Ignoring or rejecting this choice leaves one on the path to Hell, a place of eternal separation from God’s love and mercy. The Record Of Choice: It has always been life or death, blessings or cursing.

You know, a few years back, George Jones the country singer came out with a song that reflected on his life. The title of the song was [Living and Dying With the Choices that I’ve Made]. I’ve had choices since the day that I was born. There were voices that told me right from wrong. If I had listened, No, I wouldn’t be here today. Living and dying with the choices I’ve made. I guess I’m paying’, for the things that I have done. If I could go back Oh, Lord knows I’d run. But I’m still losing’ this game of life I play. Living and dying with the choices I’ve made.

Adam and Eve Chose Death, [Genesis 3]. Annanias and Saphirra Chose Death. [Acts 5]. The Rich Man Chose Death, [Luke 16]. BUT Lazarus Chose Life. Abraham Chose Life. Paul Chose Life, Peter Chose Life, Nathaniel Chose Life! Whatcha Gonna Do? Life Or Death-It’s Your Choice.

But I admonish you to choose consciously, intentionally and wisely because Life is Short. Death is Certain. Eternity is Forever. [I Peter 1:17-2]. Understanding the realities of this truism is the key to understanding the purpose of your life. Our life on earth is ended by physical Death, and Death is followed by Judgment, and Judgment by Eternal Life.

This is not a decision to be made lightly. It’s not a decision to be made once and then forgotten. It’s a decision that needs to be made daily, hourly, even moment by moment. It’s a decision that will shape your life, your relationships, your future. It’s a decision that will determine your eternal destiny. Whatcha Gonna Do?

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decisions. [Joel 3:14].

Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. [Deuteronomy 30:19].

Be a part of a global movement! Join the “Delivering Goods for the Greater Good” global diaper & hygiene drive, where youth and families worldwide can unite from anywhere to make a meaningful difference!

The Hamilton Essentials Foundation’s 2024 Youth Leadership Board invites you to support families in Riverside County and Guyana by donating a pack of diapers and hygiene products from September 8 – October 13, 2024. Every contribution, big or small, makes an impact, and donating is as simple as a click on Amazon.

Harmony Haven Diaper & Hygiene Drive is September 8 – September 22, 2024: Harmony Haven is a newly established shelter that provides temporary housing for youth awaiting placement. As a division of Riverside County DPSS, Harmony Haven is dedicated to the protection and safety of children and youth who are at risk or have experienced abuse and/or neglect.

SAFEGuyana Diaper & Hygiene Drive is September 29 – October 13, 2024: Sexual Assault and Family Education Guyana (SAFE Guyana) is a nonprofit committed to empowering survivors of gender-based violence and those facing mental health challenges in both the USA and Guyana. SAFE Guyana’s mission is to foster a society where safety, respect, and well-being are central.

Diaper Need Awareness Week is September 23 – 29, 2024. Let’s make a global impact together!  Your contribution can bring comfort and support to families and individuals facing tough times.

The Youth Leadership Board is committed to empowering young minds by establishing a collaborative framework that influences policy on issues that youth are passionate about. We provide space, opportunity, and a shared-mentorship model that equips the next generation of movers & shakers with the leadership tools to drive global change.

To volunteer or donate, visit: www.THEssentials.org  All volunteers will be recognized on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in honor of National Make a Difference Day. This annual event celebrates extraordinary individuals and aims to inspire people from all walks of life to step up, take action, and make a positive impact in their communities. Together, we can make a difference.

In partnership with GrassRoot Endeavors

NEW YORK, NY— The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), America’s oldest Black Christian denomination, is now on record supporting the struggle for reparations. At the recent 52nd Session of the General Conference, a reparations resolution passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 1394 to 50.

The resolution stated that the African Methodist Episcopal Church “stands in solidarity with both our ancestors and brothers and sisters across the globe demanding reparations for the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, chattel slavery, Jim Crow, racial terror, mass incarceration at the hands of an unjust criminal justice system, housing discrimination, political and physical assassinations, and the exploitation of natural and human resources on the continent of Africa. Furthermore, this resolution calls on the AME Social Action Commission on the historic 60th Anniversary of its existence to make reparations a major policy point of advocacy with its own sub-committee during the forthcoming quadrennial.

The resolution was written and introduced by Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, long-time reparations champion and pastor of Baltimore’s Empowerment Temple AME Church. Pastor Turner is also a commissioner on the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) and over the past year has walked some 40 miles each month from his Baltimore Church to the gates of the White House in a silent vigil calling on the Biden Administration to establish a national reparations commission by executive order.

Fellow NAARC commissioners praised Pastor Turner for his breakthrough initiative. Dr. Ron Daniels, convenor of NAARC, described it as “historic”, Commissioner Justin Hansford called it “fantastic,” Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Grills characterized it as “an awesome accomplishment” while Commissioner Robin Rue Simmons congratulated Dr. Turner and thanked him for his leadership.

“The AME Church is a global Christian denomination and in voting for this resolution, delegates from all over the world shows people of the African Diaspora supporting reparations for both past and current atrocities such as slavery, Jim Crow and the economic exploitation of people of African descent,” said Dr. Turner. “It urges members to go back to their districts and fight for reparations, inspired and equipped by God.”

The resolution also noted that whereas economic incentives have been widely and freely shared with whites and denied to blacks, from the New Deal to the GI Bill, which saved the American economy after the Great Depression, blacks were also denied home loans until 1968 and redlined into undervalued neighborhoods with no compensation to date.

“Moreover, reparations using taxpayer dollars have been given to Japanese Americans, Jewish Holocaust survivors, indigenous Americans, and even to slave owners and veterans of the Confederacy, to date, there have been no reparations paid to the African American community,” the resolution stated.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded by freed, formerly enslaved persons such as Richard Allen with a goal of assisting in the social and political upliftment for Africans and their descendants in America.

The resolution noted that today, the AME Church is located all over the globe “in places where people of African descent have been brutalized, enslaved, marginalized, sexually assaulted, economically exploited and politically oppressed, with no compensation nor justice to date.”

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Scores of advocates from across California protested at the State Capitol Saturday after the Legislature failed to bring two critical reparations bills to the floor for a full vote on Aug. 31, the final day of the legislative session.

Chanting “What do we want? Reparations! When do we want it? Now!,” the advocates expressed their outrage and disappointment that Senate Bill (SB) 1403 and Senate Bill (SB) 1331 — both authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) — had stalled.

Despite advancing smoothly through much of the legislative process this year, the session concluded without a vote on both bills, leaving the future of reparations in California hanging in the balance.

“This is becoming a political disaster. It’s our own people holding this up,” said Chris Lodgson, reparations advocate from the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), blaming members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

Lodgson said the Legislature’s decision to pass another bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 1840, on Aug. 28, only heightened his frustration.

AB 1840, authored by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), would allow eligible undocumented immigrants to purchase homes with state-backed financing through the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan program.

AB 1840 passed the Assembly on Aug. 28, and is now moving on to the governor for his consideration, prompting some in the Black community to feel overlooked.

“This tells me and Black Californians who are ancestors of slavery, who built this country we are not as important,” Lodgson said. “We’re not a priority or important as those other programs. That’s what is most infuriating and that’s what Black legislators are telling their people. That’s not going to be accepted.”

Tiffany Quarles, a reparations activist and supporter of Bradford’s bills, drove from Los Angeles to Sacramento to watch what she thought would be the passage of a historic vote.

“I am not disdained, and I am not discouraged. I came here to fight for Black Americans whose families were enslaved in this country. My family was enslaved in this country. So, I am not giving up. If they think that this is over, they are wrong,” said Quarles. “We still demand lineage-based reparations.”

Quarles said she believes Democratic leaders decided against advancing the bills because they are worried their decision would hurt V.P. Kamala Harris’s chances of winning the presidency.

“They will sacrifice Black America just to get her in, and that’s not right,” stated Quarles.

According to Bradford, the Governor’s Office expressed some concerns over his reparation’s bills.

“They offered up some amendments that weren’t accepted by me. We had no indications of any amendments up until Monday (Aug. 26) of this week,” said Bradford.

“We had legislation that made it out of Assembly Appropriations committee without one single amendment — not a single amendment was offered up. We moved these bills with the understanding that we had the votes to take it up on the Assembly floor,” Bradford explained. “It was just some simple amendment that pretty much would have gutted SB 1403 and made it an additional study.”

Bradford, who served on the Reparations Task force, said California researched reparations for two years and delivered a 1,100-page report to the legislature. Therefore, there is no need to conduct an additional study.

The CLBC issued a statement on the final day of the legislative session confirming that SB 1403 would not be brought to a vote this session and would be reintroduced next session.

“The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing the CLBC 2024 Reparations Priority Legislative Package,” the statement read. “The CLBC has chosen to concentrate our collective energy on the legislative priorities that the entire caucus has voted on and those that positively impact Black Californians.”

The CLBC reaffirmed its commitment to its 2024 reparations priority legislative package, despite SB 1403 and SB 1331 not being part of the original package.

The CLBC statement emphasized the complexity of the legislative process and its ongoing dedication to advancing reparative justice for Black Californians.

SB 1403 aimed to establish the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency to recommend measures for compensating Black Californians who are descendants of enslaved people. SB 1331 proposed the creation of the Fund for Reparations and Reparative Justice in the State Treasury to fund policies approved by the Legislature and Governor that address the harm done to descendants of enslaved African American persons who experienced chattel slavery or free Black people living in the U.S. before the end of the 19th century.

Another bill in the CLBC’s legislative package, SB 1050, authored by Bradford and introduced for the vote by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), calls for the establishment of a process for California to review and investigate public complaints from individuals who claim their property was taken without just compensation as a result of racially motivated eminent domain. The legislation would also establish a process for providing compensation to the rightful owner. That bill passed with a 56-0 vote on Aug. 29, marking a significant victory for those advocating for reparative justice.

“We understand that the legislative process is complex and does not always unfold as initially envisioned. However, we remain committed to our long-term goals and recognize that this is a multi-year effort,” the CLBC statement continued.

According to the CLBC, the work of advancing reparations and achieving justice for Black Californians is “far from complete.”

“We will not be distracted from our mission. We will stay focused on the work at hand, united in our purpose, and dedicated to the cause of reparations and equity for all. The CLBC will continue to lead with integrity and purpose, ensuring that our legislative efforts are impactful and meaningful for the communities we serve,” the statement concluded.

Los Angeles Attorney, Kamilah Moore, who served as chair of the Reparations Task Force, called the turn of events “unconscionable.”

“The bills sailed through various committees and people expected them to be introduced to the floor for a vote,” Moore said. “What happened was unexpected. It’s causing a lot of confusion and different emotions from the community.”

“I think it was unconscionable that no legislator had the courage to get up and introduce the bills, particularly the California Legislative Black Caucus. The CLBC is such an esteemed institution. They had the chance, and still have a chance, to do something historic.”

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

Over 36,000 Black Californians maintained coverage with a health insurance provider through the 14-month Medi-Cal to Covered California redetermination process led by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Covered California

This number does not include Californians who have employer or private insurance or those who have been enrolled in Medi-Cal or Covered California and have met all the eligibility requirements for both programs.

In total, more than 158,000 Californians retained their health coverage through the statewide redetermination initiative, which began in April 2023 and ran until June of this year, according to DHCS.

Covered California Chief Medical Officer and Chief Deputy Executive Director Dr. S. Monica Soni said the availability of affordable health coverage can help prevent negative medical outcomes in the Golden State’s Black communities. That coverage includes Medi-Cal, California’s version of the Medicaid program — which offers free or low-cost health care access to low-income people across the nation — or one of the affordable health plans offered through Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange.

“We know primary care is one of the ways to have good health and wellness — from behavioral health to physical health to instances where someone has a substance abuse disorder,” said Soni, also a primary care doctor and the first Black Chief Medical Officer at Covered California.

“Our communities are some of the most incredible community-oriented, health-seeking ambitious folks,” Soni continued. “We have a lot of assets in our communities, but it is true we have higher rates of death for many cancers. We have more obesity. We have really higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure as well.”

The redetermination project kicked off when Medi-Cal resumed its renewal process to establish eligibility for over 15 million of its members following the end of the federal continuous coverage requirement put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Covered California automatically enrolled individuals in one of its low-cost health plans with insurers such as Aetna Health, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Health Net, Molina Health Plan, or Valley Health Plan if they lost Medi-Cal coverage and qualified for Covered California.

Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman said people who received health insurance through Covered California didn’t experience a gap in coverage.

“We are proud of these results so far, and the Medi-Cal to Covered California program is now a mainstay in our effort to keep Californians covered with comprehensive, affordable health insurance,” she said in a statement.

Soni said continuing the automatic enrollment beyond the redetermination process helped to keep health insurance accessible for state residents.

According to a survey conducted last fall on behalf of Covered California by NORC and Slosar Research, 82% of people in the Medi-Cal renewal processes were covered through employer- insurance; were already enrolled with Covered California, or returned to Medi-Cal.
Soni stated that the main obstacle that prevents people without health insurance from selecting a plan through Covered California is a belief the price will be out of their budget.

“Sometimes people are worried about the cost,” she explained. “We have zero-dollar and $10-a-month plans, depending on household income. Regardless of what health plan you choose all of your primary care costs are the same. We believe you should be able to shop for the health plan you want.”

Covered California’s open enrollment period runs from November of this year to January 2025. Soni said Covered California will have record levels of support and affordability during the upcoming year.

“Incredible support we are getting from the state and federal government makes us able to do that,” she said.

Everyone should use their health coverage to see a doctor as required, based on their individual or family medical history, Soni said, recalling her experience working at a Los Angeles area hospital.

“I’ve had many circumstances where someone wasn’t going to see a primary care provider and showed up in the emergency room with an advanced cancer that could have been caught early and treated, but now it is too far advanced to really get treatment,” she recalled. “That is a 40-year-old, that is a young person, who again with earlier care, all of that could have been prevented.”

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media??

On the opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 19 in Chicago, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass commended Vice President Kamala Harris, describing her as a role model who fights to protect children.

During her speech, Bass recalled working together with Harris on youth homelessness and fixing the child welfare system over a decade ago when she served as the head of the California Assembly and Harris was a state prosecutor.

“Our bond was forged years ago, by a shared commitment to children,” said Bass, honoring their 20 years of friendship.

“A belief that it is everybody’s responsibility to care for every child, no matter where they come from or no matter who their parents are,” she said.

A well-known advocate for children, Bass created the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and worked closely with Harris. The Vice President worked closely with Bass to help young people in the juvenile justice system when she served as the California Attorney General.

Bass spoke highly of Harris’ dedication as a public servant and advocate for young people.

As a leader Harris, “feels the importance of this work in her bones. When Kamala meets a young person, you can feel her passion. You can feel her heart. And you can feel her fearlessness,” said Bass.

“That is what defines a commitment to children: being willing to fight fiercely for every child. And trust me, Kamala has done that her entire life,” she added.

Both Democrats made history in their current leadership roles when Harris became the first female vice president of the United States and Bass became the first woman mayor of L.A. in 2022. Harris swore Bass into that role, an act both women agree sent a powerful message to young girls that they too can become leaders.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Every one of you follows your stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to Me. [Jeremiah 16:12]. You have turned to Me your back and not your face. And though I have taught you persistently, you have not listened to receive instruction [Jeremiah 32:33]. My Word is an object of scorn to you, which you take no pleasure in it. [Jeremiah 6:10]. You have stiffened your neck that you might not hear and receive instructions. [Jeremiah 17:23]. This has been your way from your youth, that you have not obeyed My voice. [Jeremiah 22:21]. Although I persistently sent to you all My servants the prophets. [Jeremiah 25:4]. For years My Word has come to you, but you have not listened. [Jeremiah 25:37]. Circumcise yourselves to Me, remove the foreskin of your hearts. [Jeremiah 4:4; Jeremiah 9:25-26] If you do not, I am going to bring disaster upon you that you cannot escape. For you have provoked me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm because you have not listened. [Jeremiah 25:7].

Though they will cry to Me in their troubles, I will not listen to them. [Jeremiah 11:11] So do not pray for them or lift up a cry on their behalf. [Jeremiah 11:14]. I have spoken to them persistently, but they have not listened. [Jeremiah 35:14].

I want you to understand, there comes a day when God’s patience runs out, and when it does, the results are disastrous. [Jeremiah 35:17]. God has good plans for us, but if we refuse to listen, He will not reward our disobedience. What is true for the nations is true for us: “If at any time God declares concerning a nation or a kingdom that He will build and plant it, and if it does evil in His sight, not listening to His voice, He will relent of the good that He had intended to do to it” [Jeremiah 18:9-10].

I tell you, refusing to listen to God is the Ultimate Foolishness! If we hear God’s Word, but only obediently listen when it is convenient, we will be undone. This is a key in [Jeremiah Chapter 42] which tells the story of Johanan and the remnant of Judah after most were taken away in the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah was asked to pray to God on behalf of the people and pledges, [Jeremiah 42:6]. But when Jeremiah prays, God tells him the opposite of what Johanan was hoping to hear. God said, “Don’t go to Egypt; don’t be afraid of the Babylonians; I’ll protect you. But since God’s word was not what Johanan wanted to hear, he insisted, “You are telling a lie. The Lord our God did not send you to say, ‘Do not go to Egypt to live there” [Jeremiah 43:2]. God’s word could not have been clearer. But Johanan refused to listen. God destroyed him and his insolent companions.

This is how many people “listen” to God’s word. They are willing to hear, but they are not willing to obey when it is inconvenient. Instead, they look for every possible excuse to obscure and dilute the plain voice of God in Scripture. I tell you, Samuel’s response should be ours: “Speak, for you servant hears.” [1 Samuel 3:9-10] because refusing to listen to God is the worst kind of stubbornness and the ultimate foolishness, since it ends in our own harm: certain judgment by the hand of the Almighty.

How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert! [Psalm 78:40]. Therefore, He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against them. [Isaiah 63:10].

I tell you; Refusing to obey the Lord is the Ultimate Foolishness!

Repent!