Happily Divorced And After

By Marla A. Matime

On Sunday, October 8, 2017, Alvin T. Clavon, better known as A.T. Classic, hosted an African themed Tea Party, infused with African attire, exotic teas, and music, to promote his fourth published book, “Message from the Hood:  The Fatherhood of God, The Brotherhood of Man.”  The event was held at the Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church to help raise funds for Clavon’s medical expenses, as he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma along with neuropathy, just last year.

“Multiple myeloma is a cancer formed by malignant plasma cells. Normal plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are an important part of the immune system.  Multiple myeloma is a relatively uncommon cancer. In the United States, the lifetime risk of getting multiple myeloma is 1 in 143 (0.7%). The American Cancer Society’s estimates for multiple myeloma in the United States for 2017 are: About 30,280 new cases will be diagnosed (17,490 in men and 12,790 in women).  Multiple myeloma is more than twice as common in African Americans than in white Americans. Men are slightly more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women.  The risk of multiple myeloma goes up as people age. Less than 1% of cases are diagnosed in people younger than 35. Most people diagnosed with this cancer are at least 65 years old.”

I had the opportunity to not only interview Clavon, but I had the pleasure of spending the entire afternoon, with him and his wife Joyce Clavon, of 33 years, and hear all the wonderful stories of how they met and their journey together.  They took me down memory lane with pictures of his ancestral family members, poems that he has written in other publications, as well as poems that he has dedicated exclusively to his beautiful, beloved wife. They met in 1980 at a park in downtown Detroit, as Sister Clavon recalled, she felt these “Eyes,” watching her. So, she sent her young daughter, at the time, over to summon him to come talk to her.  There was another gentleman, who was heading her direction on his bike, but had fallen off upon his approach, and tipped his hat to Clavon and said, “You the better man.” 

Clavon began writing Message from the Hood shortly after his diagnosis of multiple myeloma to push himself to release what the Holy Spirit had given to him to share with the world.  His writings are filled with poetic and rhythmic expressions from current situations that have taken place in our society as well as the situations that happened as he was growing from a young boy into manhood.  He also beautifully weaves bible scripture and references from Ellen G. White, to back his statements up with the love of Christ, the truth about judgment and favor, as well as how we are to love one another. 

Clavon refers to his mother, Mary Love Clavon, often throughout our conversation, and so I had to know more about this powerhouse of a woman.  His mother was a psychiatric technician and was close friends with Rosa Parks.  When he first saw her in person, he happened to be getting on the bus to go to downtown Detroit, and at the time didn’t know exactly who she was, or that she was his mother’s friend. Clavon’s mother worked in the clinic and was the liaison between the psychiatrists and the patients, hence, how she came to know Ms. Parks, as her husband suffered from PTSD and other mental anguishes due to the conditions that they were living in, prior to moving to Detroit. His mother was a community activist in the same way as Ms. Parks was; however, was an advocate for equal health care for Black Americans, here in the United States.  His mother was the very first person to receive an HMO health insurance card in the nation as her medical record number was number 1.

Clavon was raised by a politician and aside from his connections with monumental civil rights leaders, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson, and of course his mother’s friendship with Rosa Parks, Clavon is a very close friend of Rock and Roll Legend Little Richard and had been instrumental in helping Richard share the gospel of Christ through his book, when he came to know God’s love for him.

Clavon, emphasizes the fact that our African heritage has been lost in our society and he hopes that in his writings, he can shed light on truth and facts regarding where we come from and where we are going as a people.   Despite his diagnosis, Clavon believes that the phrase Love Heals, which he references often in the book, has become a true affirmation and action in his life as he is surrounded by not only the powerful, matchless love of God and his wife but that of his children and grandchildren. 

Ultimately, the central focus contained within Message from the Hood, is the point that D-evil One has sought to trick the world with a lose/lose proposition. Clavon stated that “One group that he has seduced into believe their “white” skin makes than superior and that all other people of color are inferior to them, and are here to be their servants or slaves.  With the so called superior race oppressing and hating people of melanin.  D-evil One expects those hated to hate their oppressors, thus sending both groups to hell.”  Unbeknownst to many of those within the African American and other indigenous groups, we have defeated the evil one by not returning hate for hate and that we have the freedom of expressing the love that God has bestowed upon us as His children.  Clavon hopes to spread this awareness to those of African and Indigenous descents across the globe so that we may be able to act like the Remnant Kin of the creator of the Universe.

It was very inspiring to sit and speak with Mr. and Mrs. Clavon.  His secret to life is to find young friends as you grow older.

If you would like to donate to A.T. Classic’s go fund me page, to help with the medical treatment, please visit www.gofundme.com/AlvinClavon. For more information regarding Message from the Hood, events, and other books and publications from A. T. Classic, please visit www.atclassic.com. 

FONTANA, CA- On Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, October 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Rev. Jesse Jackson of Rainbow Push Coalition and Google will be visiting Loveland Church to launch a program promoting diversity in the technology industry. The event is FREE and open to the public.

The two-day event will inform the community about technology jobs and the skills needed to become more tech savvy. There will also be free trainings and guests will have the opportunity to learn to code.

“We must even the playing field and play by one set of rules. Let’s close these gaps together. Let all of share in America’s growth and opportunity. Let’s win together.”

The purpose of Loveland Technology Initiative (LTI) is to collaborate with Rainbow Push and technology companies to increase diversity and inclusion in the workforce to ensure that people in under-served communities are recruited, trained and mentored.

To register for this event, please visit Loveland.org/lovetech. For more information about this topic, please contact Jr. Singleton, Chuck at (909) 356-5683 or by email at Loveland@lovelandchurch.org.

By Betty Lofton

My Dearest Beloved Husband, Floyd (Babe),

It has been one full year since my life was forever changed. I miss everything about you, from you driving me any and everywhere I needed to go, to watching you lovingly tease our great-grandchildren. Your prayers and expressions of kindness and generosity will always be admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Your quiet strength, humble spirit, and endless love for our family will remain in my heart forever. Words cannot express how blessed I feel to have been your wife. I long for the day we will meet again.

Your Loving Wife Forever,

Betty

Julie Wilson (San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter President), Keynote Speaker Bishop Johnny R. Withers, Jr., Charlotte Wither (San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter Member) , and Rafaela King, (1st Vice President/Membership Chair)

By Angela M. Coggs

On Saturday, October 14, the San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held their 4th Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Doubletree by Hilton in San Bernardino from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This year’s theme was, “Breakthrough and Turn Around. It’s Your Season.” The keynote speaker was Bishop Johnny R. Withers, Jr., who founded and organized Unity Christian Fellowship on January 1, 1999, a non- denominational church, located in Compton, California.

The event began on time with an enthusiastic Call to Worship by Yolanda “Angel” Cohill. The room was filled with members from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., friends, family, and members of other fraternities and sororities. For the Praise and Worship at the beginning of the morning, Jenny Kimball belted out a beautiful rendition of the gospel song, “Great and Mighty.” She was accompanied on piano/organ by Upland High School senior, Bennett Paysinger, Jr. who played way beyond his young age. Their combined talent was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise well air conditioned banquet room. An unassuming passerby would have thought they had just walked into a gospel choir at a crowed church.

Julie Wilson, President of the San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter, who will have celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2019, greeted the attendees with a warm welcome and an provided a brief introduction of the history of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. The sorority began on January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University by 22 brave and motivated African-American women. In realizing its mission, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. provides an extensive array of public service initiatives through its Five-Point Program Thrust of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.

When the opportunity to arose for Bishop Wilthers, Jr. to preach at the Prayer Breakfast on the theme of “Breakthrough and Turn Around. It’s Your Season,” he was elated. With a hopeful spirit, a steady vision, and a persistent faith, he was reminded the attentive audience to pursue God’s plans for one’s life. “I began to think about how in life we have the various seasons we go into. I understood it was a need for us to realize that God still has the ability to change a situation. Even if the season was a bad one, it can turn into a good one.” Perception is key. Withers continued, “The turnaround in that whole theme speaks to the fact that you may be in the season for now but you won’t be there for long. Changes happen so swiftly without you even knowing it.”

Withers challenged the room, filled with crimson and cream, to turn to their neighbors to and say, “My situation….can change.” His message focused on the need for a change to take place and to move away from situations that lacks growth and productivity. He further added, “God puts you ‘in the middle of the desert’ because He knows you have enough strength to work yourself out of it.” Adding that one must hold true to their faith and believe. “You know you are anointed by some of the things you had to go through.”

By the response occasional shouts of “amen” in the banquet room, his message seemed resonate with the attendees on a deep and personal level. Wither’s urged, “Be careful when you take a secular approach to a sanctified assignment.” He ended by encouraging the audience to take their hobby and turn it into a resource. 

San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter member, Eleanor Clark-Thomas read a prayer, The Lord’s Prayer, which she indicated was given to her memorize by her mother/aunt when she was a youth. She learned it as a youth in the past but jokingly stated she wasn’t going to attempt to try it. She affectionately relied on her written script. 

There was an amazing Mime Presentation portrayed by Maurice Piggue. His well-executed interpretative performance was deep and rich with an emotional and spiritual message. It was the perfect platform for translating the theme of the event. The recent California State University at Northridge graduate started mime dancing at church when he was a preteen. His performance received a well-deserved standing ovation.

The prayer for the nation and community was presented by Jennifer Barb, who eloquently reminded the attendees about the horrendous state of the nation today. She spoke about the senseless activities of the current president of the United States including the four failed attempts to dismantle Obama Care, constantly tweeting negative commentaries about anyone who disagrees with him or his proposed ideology, referring to the North Korean leader as “Rocket Man” and threatening potential war, firing nine government officials, a proposed tax break that would only benefit the top 1%-2% of the population, and most recently refusing to send aid to the hurricane ravished island of Puerto Rico etc. She quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” We must pray for this president because “prayers changes things.” 

 “The event was well supported. We had a fantastic preacher. He delivered the message about how God could change one’s situation at any time,” said Julie Wilson, President of the San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter. “It was so timely given what many people are going through.” She was overjoyed with the large turnout of community members in addition to members from the sorority. “Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on Christian principles, what better way to honor that foundation but to have a prayer breakfast. We host this event every year and we invite the public to attend, and come out and be blessed.”

The event ended with another inspirational performance from Kimball entitled, “Our God.” The attendees held hands and rejoiced in the message they received from Bishop Withers. A resounding echo filled the room, “It’s my season” after the presenters were presented with a token of appreciation for sharing their spirit, talent and time.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded by 22 undergraduate students on the campus of Howard University, in Washington DC, on January 13, 1913.

By Lue Dowdy

Feeding the homeless is WHAT IT DO! Meet with us Monday, October 24 at 6 p.m. at the Starbucks located at 1181 S Mount Vernon Avenue in Colton.

Mobilize with us! LUE Productions and PitStop BBQ have teamed up along with a few other community entities. Our purpose is to serve 400 or more hot meals to the homeless located in downtown San Bernardino. We go out into the homeless camps, underneath the freeway ramps, behind the abandoned buildings, and into the fields with HOT MEALS.

Every year the number of homelessness increases in San Bernardino. We’re asking for your HELP! We’re in need of food donations and volunteers. Please consider being a part of our efforts. We’ll be sending out plates Tuesday, November 21 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the library located at 555 W. 6th Street in San Bernardino. We thank you in advance! To donate or volunteer contact us via email at Lue.info@yahoo.com or text (909) 567-1000 or (909) 556-7637.

What’s Needed: Delivery Drivers (8) Packers (10) Servers (10) Turkeys (20) large Cans of Corn (20) large cans of green beans (20) rolls (500) bottles waters (500) dressing/stuffing mix (20) cranberry sauce (20) boxes of mash potatoes (20)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Anyone who has met Rhonda Crayton will tell you she is a warrior.

This 40-year-old mother of two from San Bernardino is known across the San Bernardino Valley College campus for her infectious smile and positive attitude, which she credits with helping in her fight against cancer.

In 2014, Crayton was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, and immediately started chemotherapy and radiation. Her oncologist told her she wasn’t allowed to work while undergoing treatment, but she did not want to sit at home, depressed. “I said, ‘If you don’t let me go to school, it will make it worse,’ so he said I could go, but if I got sick I had to stop,” Crayton said. “I prayed about it, and asked God to cover me and let me go to school. This is now my sixth semester, and I have straight As.”

Crayton, who already has her BA in criminology, will earn her AA in human services, communication studies, and liberal arts, plus a certificate in case management this fall.

Her doctor gave her permission to return to work in October, and Crayton?—?mom to Jasmine, 24, and Tiffany, 20?—?is now also involved in SBVC’s EOPS program, SBVC’s Honor Society, and her church. After she graduates this fall, Crayton would like to work at a high school or college as a counselor, helping young adults who need support and guidance.

“They need to know there is someone out there rooting for them, telling them ‘you can do this,’” she said. “I may also go back into law enforcement, as a probation officer, to help at-risk teens.”

Wherever she goes, Crayton takes with her the message that whatever curveball life throws at you, you should never give up.

“You never know what your purpose is, so I use my story to teach other people that you may think you have it bad, but someone has it worse,” she said. “I always say that if you have cancer, it does not have to be a death sentence. I am still here. You should stay positive, and whatever your faith may be, find something to believe in. I was determined not to give up, not to let the cancer win, and that’s what I tell people?—?I have cancer, it does not have me. You can do anything if you set your mind to it.”

By Naomi K. Bonman

When it comes to supporting our youth, people will come and show out! On Saturday, October 14, the Women’s Club of San Bernardino was standing room only for LUE Productions’ Inland Empire Youth. There was a total of nine talented acts that competed for a $500 cash prize.

“It wasn’t easy to score the talent,” Founder of LUE Productions, Luecreita Dowdy, stated. “We had the best panel of judges. They took their time when it came to scoring.”

Although each youth is a winner in their own and received certificates of appreciation from San Bernardino City Council, the overall breakdown consisted of first, second, third, and fourth place. In fourth place was Chozen Expressions, third place was Elizabeth Estrella, second place was Monea Parker, and first place was Jack Musgrove.

The judges consisted of Moniebee Henley, singer/song writer and radio personality; Demetra Kaye, PR Queen, Blogger, and Community activist; Wallace Allen, Founder and Publisher of Westside story Newspaper and Radio Personality on Empire Talks Back/KCAA Radio; Latisha Rushing, Artist Management and Development; Janet Kirtley, CEO of Something Extra Special Artist Management and Event Promoter and coordinator; and Annyett Royale, Singer, songwriter, and actress.

In addition to the competition, LUE Productions’ artist Gaim Over performed his single, “Camera” for the crowd and Gwen Rodgers, founder of Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation, spoke briefly on mental illness within our community. C.H.O.R.D.S. founder Edwin Johnson kept the show flowing along with his lovely co-host Kiaja Harper. DJ ST1 kept the crowd jumping on the ones and twos as the DJ for the evening.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

To have gone through your whole life and at the end of it, look back, and realize that you spent all your time, money and energy on things that were pointless and had no value or worth. [Mark 8:36]. I tell you, we should all pray as Moses did in [Psalms 90] for God’s help to understand the great value of our limited time and how to make the most of each day. Of all that Moses could have asked, he simply asked, “Lord, teach us to make the most out of everyday… teach us to number our days.” Moses understood that his time here on earth was short; soon it would come to an end. Moses didn’t want to waste his time; he didn’t want to waste his life –So he cried out, “Lord, teach us to number our days… Interestingly, in the New Testament, the apostle Paul says, “So be careful how [you] live, not as fools but as those who are wise…” [Ephesians 5:15-16]. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.?” [James 4:13-15].

Listen, over and over again, the Bible exhorts us to redeem the time. Like Moses, we have to learn to number our days. We must not waste our time, opportunities, or our life . Don’t be like Belshazzar who in [Daniel 5:1-31] was living for this life.  Living to gratify his flesh with absolutely no thought for eternity.  Partying, playing, and living for the good times, never realizing that there will come a day when the fun will end.  He never stopped and asked this one important question: What will happen when the party’s over? I tell you Belshazzar is an example of a wasted life. He died a sinner’s death and went to Hell. And he is still there today, [Luke 16:19-31]. Things did not have to turn out the way they did for Belshazzar.  He knew the truth about God, yet he failed to act on it.

I want you to know that the story of Belshazzar is a story of one tragedy piled on top of another.  But, his story does not have to be your story.  The ending to your story has yet to be written.  Your story does not have to be one of a wasted life, the wrath of God and a wretched death.  Your story can have a happy ending.  I am asking you to make sure of your relationship with Christ. Christ demands more than just churchgoing, more than just baptism, more than just being good. He demands your total surrender—the surrender of your mind, your heart, your body, every part of you—to the Lordship of Christ. If you have a doubt in your heart that you have totally surrendered to Christ, do it now. Make sure of your salvation. Make certain that you know Christ. Repent of your sins. Confess your sins, acknowledge them and turn from them. Receive Jesus Christ into your heart by faith, making a total commitment to Him, and to Him alone. End your life well, to the glory of God.

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; what shall it be for you and I if we follow suit….[2Peter 2:4-8].

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.[Deuteronomy 30: 19-20]

By Linden Beckford Jr.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is a man who needs to be recognized as a Civil Rights Warrior. They say that you can judge a man by his track record. It can never be said that Rev. Jackson has not put in much work. Not only has he put in work, he continues to be putting in work in 2017.

As a young man, Jackson stood for his rights and dignity in the early 1960’s. This was while he was an undergraduate student at North Carolina AT&T University. His activism in the movement goes back to this time. He is truly a man who has earned his stripes!

It is a fact that we all are all a sum of our life experiences. With that said, Jim Crow in South Carolina during the youth of Rev.Jackson as well as his first year at University of Illinois, shaped and molded him. He comes from the generation of Stokely Carmichael, Huey P.Newton, Ray “Masai”Hewitt, Alprentice “Bunchy” Carter and Muhammad Ali.

One of things that makes Rev. Jackson stand out is that he was able to represent the bridge between traditional Afro-American culture and the rising militants of the 1960’s. We tend to overlook Rev. Jackson’s participation in the Selma to Montgomery marches. The documentary “Eyes on The Prize” as well as the movie “Selma” do not show Rev. Jesse Jackson!

It is disturbing to see how the younger generation is being brainwashed to believe that Rev. Jesse Jackson is an “ambulance chaser” when it comes to injustices in the Black community. I beg your pardon!! Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. selected Rev. Jackson to head the Chicago branch of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s (SCLC) economic arm, Operation Breadbasket.

As time progressed, Rev.Jackson’s chant, “I Am Somebody,” was in concert with Dr. King’s declaration “Black Is Beautiful.” Anyone who suggests that Dr. King was not preaching Blackness is ill informed. Jackson would sport a big Afro and sport a colorful dashiki. He would clearly exhibit how unapologetically Afro-American he is. This is something that present day haters do not get! His running for the President during the 1980’s opened the door for Barack Obama. Therefore, without Rev. Jesse Jackson, there would have been no President Barack Obama!

Let us not forget, Rev. Jackson having Africa on the brain. He was involved in the Anti-Apartheid Movement during the 1980’s and was very influential in having Blacks in North America referring to ourselves as African-Americans. That was a positive move. Do not pay attention to the naysayer/reactionary elements!

Rev. Jackson has demonstrated that he is “No Coward Soldier”. There is no doubt that when the “Great Getting’ Up Morning” comes, the Lord will say to Rev. Jackson, “Servant, Well Done!”

By Naomi K. Bonman

The opportunities for people of color in the entertainment industry have increased; however, getting in the industry is still very competitive and opportunities are far and few in between. Then you have programs, such as Better Youth, that provide outlets for young people to utilize the tools to get a few steps ahead of the competition and to build experience.

Real to Reel is one of the outlets. Founded by former foster youth Johna Rivers and Syd Stewart, the two of them together realized a dying need in the industry and have put forth together a momentous event. Each year this red-carpet celebrity studded event gets even better with entertainment vets who come out to speak and spark inspiration to these talented youths. Every film in the festival is shot, produced, and edited by youth. This year was even more powerful than others because every film submitted was by foster youth.

The day started with morning workshops facilitated by Akuyoe Graham (acting workshop), Ruben from AT&T (New Media), and Ullisses from Wells Fargo (Financial Literacy). Following the morning workshops was the red-carpet session which led to the panels and film screenings.

Casting Director Leah Daniels opened the festival with a presentation of special awards, with a surprise awards that was given to herself on behalf of Real to Reel. Edwina Findley also spoke and following her were a few performances. A panel took place after the films were shown.

To view the interview with Syd Stewart and to hear Leah Daniels speech, please visit www.purposelyawakened.com.