Happily Divorced And After

Sherri Bryant

Sherri Bryant is a Christian recording artist, composer, and worship leader who is called to “Usher in the presence of God” and “minister healing to the body of Christ” in order “to empower them to live an Effective Life for God’s glory.”  “We don’t go around preaching about ourselves; we preach Christ Jesus, the Lord.  All we say about ourselves is that we are your servants because of what Jesus has done for us.” (2 Corinthians 4:5 NLT).

As a Christian artist, when Sherri sings she sings with great passion and conviction.  And if you ask her how she is able to sing with such power and authority, she’ll tell you it’s because she is “communicating the heart of God to the people…”

Her newly released single, “You Are Greater,” was written after she emerged out of a very difficult circumstance in her life.  “I was frightened and felt alone… just like some of you.  I needed more than religious clichés and ‘advice’ from well meaning friends.  I needed a Word from the Word.  Wrapped in melody, this song tracks my journey from fear to faith.  I did get the victory but more importantly I got the realization that no matter how large my mountain our God is greater.”

Please visit www.soundsofsunrise-entertainment.com to listen to “You Are Greater”.

LONG BEACH, CA – Over the weekend, I Am Woman… kicked off its first conference with “I Am
Woman 2017.” Held at The Grand hotel in Long Beach, Calif., this past Saturday, the purpose of the event was to connect with other women through the idea that every woman is a part of “I Am,” the Creator and source of all things, while bringing women together to support one another.

The “I Am Woman 2017” conference was attended by 97 women. Prior to the event, they were able to patronize the attending vendors and indulge in delectable hors d’oeuvres. The event opened with a spoken word piece from Estee E Dot Marie of E Dot Expressions. Marie’s piece entitled “I Am Woman,” set the tone for the conference as she touched on the roles of womanhood. Comedienne, Chelley Chelle kept the crowd entertained with her comical wit and humor as she joked about being a career community college student for the past 10 years.

The women also partook in spiritual exercises presented by licensed Spiritual Holistic Practitioner, Clergy and Counselor, Vionela Vaughn-Austin, who encouraged the attending women to “be [their] own brand through conscious conversations. In addition to Vaughn- Austin’s spiritual exercises, the conference included additional speakers like Mimi Donaldson, author of “Pitch Perfect: Speak to Grow Your Business in Seven Simple Steps,” who taught the women how to successfully deliver 30-second elevator pitches by “[leading] with the need” and how to identify one’s uniqueness.

Breast cancer survivor, 28-year-old Jazmy’ne Austin, shared her story (for the first time) about defeating Breast Cancer, while 25-year-old “Jae Chanel” shared her story about surviving domestic violence and sex trafficking as she performed a monologue from her play “Victim.” Each lady contributed to the conference by delivering their struggles and overcoming obstacles, such as undergoing a double mastectomy (Jazmy’ne Austin) and giving birth to a son at 14 years old (Jae Chanel). These challenges have made them the women they are, today.

27-year-old speaker, Lauren Mirabal, is a Life Insurance expert and serial entrepreneur, who is
passionate about helping women and men succeed as small business owners.

The UCLA graduate assists her clients with understanding their personal finances and aiding in
financial planning. At the conference, she educated the attendees on the importance of Living Benefits and illness-related policies and their advantages. Policy holders who have recently updated his or her coverage within the past year has the Living Benefits policy included in his or her coverage.

A women’s safety demonstration was provided by Beverly Chaney, owner of The Wellness Boutique in Torrance, California. and independent representative for Damsel in Defense. Growing up and during her marriage, Chaney experienced physical abuse. These experiences led her to join Damsel in Defense as a means of teaching women to defend themselves and prevention against abuse and battery.

Actress Erica Ringor, from “Love & Basketball” provided the women in attendance with goals and aspirations for health and wellness (as she is also a Nutrition Coach for Herbalife) and the power of the Law of Attraction. The 42-year-old spoke on the importance of encouraging and inspiring oneself by starting with a positive mindset and attitude.

At the close of the event, the founders of I Am…, Ricsyhelle Davis and Rhonda Brent presented each speaker with a token of appreciation in the form of a bracelet, or a gift certificate to Massage Envy.

About I Am…

– I Am… is an organization for women to have the ability to help each other in business, as well as market themselves through empowerment workshops allowing their services to be recognized in their communities. The name I Am… derives from empowering light within ourselves.

By Lue Dowdy

BLACK MAGIC – IS WHAT IT DO! Renowned actress and icon Vivica A. Fox is catching the attention of all, especially the ladies with her new reality show titled ‘Vivica’s Black Magic’ along with her all Male Review TOUR. Sorry fellas but this one’s for my ladies!

Last week I attended Vivica’s Fox’s ‘Black Magic’ Male Review show live in the city of Riverside. The event was held at Sevilla’s Night Club and it was off the hook. I mean women of all ethnicities and from all over came to see what the chocolate fuss was all about. I was able to sit in V.I.P. with my girls directly on stage. Now ladies, you know I acted a fool.

When the men first came out in their all white sailor suits, the crowd went absolutely nuts. Stripping down to their shiny undies, you were able to see exactly how blessed each dancer was. Let’s just say I was jealous of every lady that had a man that night. It’s situations like that, which make me regret being single. SIKE!

Keeping the women fired up, actor Darrin Dewitt Henson had his hands full. Darrin is best known for his role in the hit movie ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Stomp the Yard’. He did a wonderful job hosting. The review featured White Chocolate and Heat, two of the most popular dancers on the show. Dollar bills saturated the stage and the floor.

Vivica’s roll in the movie “Chocolate City” landed the actress the gig for ‘Black Magic’. The main goal of the show is to gain permeant residency in Las Vegas. Recent controversy stirred up on the show when her partner bailed after Vivica stated she wanted no gays on the show; however, it looks like they made up and all is well in the world of ‘BLACK MAGIC’. Until next week L’z!

ONTARIO, CA- On January 27, 2001, Malake D. McGee was born at Miller’s Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, California. At birth, he was diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Meconium Aspiration Syndrome and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension. During the first few hours of birth he was placed on a ventilator that was to help break down the meconium in his lungs. The ventilator wasn’t working so the doctor on duty suggested he be transferred to a Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles for a more intense procedure.

Malake was transported to CHLA by helicopter. Upon arrival, he was placed on another type of ventilator for 48 hours. The ventilator was not working so he went through a major procedure called Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. This procedure requires a cannula to be placed in a large vessel in the neck where the blood drains from and returns to the veins. During this time he was heavily sedated. When dad Michael McGee had to sign off for the surgery, the surgeon asked if he had gotten any sleep and he stated “NO” not for three days.

The surgeon told him about the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House (LARMH). When his dad went and spoke with LARMH they had no rooms available. Later on that night when the surgeon saw Michael he asked him if he had gotten a room and he stated “no”. The next day a social worker contacted Michael to introduce herself. Later that day she called him with good news informing him that they had a room available for him and his family at the LARMH.

For two weeks LARMH helped EASE the family’s state of mind while going through this journey by talking to other families with different journeys. LARMH gives you HOPE knowing that the staff, volunteers and other companies are caring, inviting and treats you as if you are a part of their very own. 

By volunteering at the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House throughout the year and raising funds for the Walk For Kids, the family feels they are able to give back to an organization that was able to help them during a time when we really needed it. 

You can also give back to the Ronald McDonald House by participating in the Walk For Kids event this Sunday, April 2 at Citizen Banks Arena in Ontario. For more information, please visit www.walkforkids.org.

By Naomi K. Bonman

Talk about an afternoon of empowerment! On Saturday, March 25, Adrienne Braxton, host of “Braxton’s Back” radio show that broadcasts on StudioW Buzz, hosted the 2017 Queens of Radio brunch at her private residence in San Bernardino. The brunch was well attended with women that flew in from the Midwest and East Coast to support the cause. There are plans in the works to make this an annual event due to the overwhelming response of ladies that wanted to attend but couldn’t. 

“I am personally so overwhelmed with joy of the support to those who came out and to those who wanted to attend the 2017 Queens Brunch,” Andrinne Braxton stated. “What was supposed to be at my dining room table, grew into my heart exploding.”

The purpose of the Queens of Radio Brunch, as well as the radios shows “Ladies Night” and “Braxtons Back”, is to bring encouragement, enlightenment, and recognition to Inland Empire Legends, Queens, and Princesses that have a testimony and a story that has shaped them to getting them to the place where they are today. 

The Queens of Radio are simply dynamic women who have received the opportunity to share their gifts and testimonies on a platform provided to them by William A. Brown. William is the CEO and Founder of StudioW Buzz.

The afternoon started off with queens coming in with their summer hats that matched their summer dresses and heels as they networked with one another and introduced themselves to someone new with an selfie/usie ice breaker challenge. Brunch and mimosas were then served followed by motivational speaker, singer, and monologue presentation by The Diamond Girls. 

To listen to the shows, download the app from the Apple or Google App Store under ‘IMG 2 StudioW’. You can also visit the official website at www.studiow.buzz. 

By McKenzie Jackson/California Black Media

With March being Women’s History Month, California Black Media and Los Angeles Focus collaborated to feature the work of Los Angeles based first ladies that focus on health outreach ministries and their communities.

During a gathering, 13 preachers’ wives from predominately African-American

Los Angeles-area churches discussed fashion, what it means to be a church leader, and other topics pertaining to being the first lady. Many said it was important for them to have a leadership role in tackling health challenges that exist in their congregations because they want church goers to be free of ailments like cancer, diabetes, and mental health calamities.

Southern St. Paul Church First Lady Rinnata Thompson said church folks lift themselves spiritually, but sometimes forget to take care of their bodies

“The Bible says that our bodies are the temple of the God,” she said, “and that doesn’t mean just spiritually. That means if we are walking around tired, sick, may fall out with a stroke that we can’t give God our best because our body is not at its best.”

Regina Taylor, a first lady of Park Windsor Baptist Church, said helping congregation members lead healthier lifestyles begins with food choices. She said her church members are always eager to let her know about their dining decisions.

“They say, ‘First Lady, I have a salad’ or ‘First Lady I’m eating healthier,’” said Taylor, who established a health ministry at Park Windsor three years ago. “When different groups within the church have events, we try to serve healthy food.”

Unhealthy eating habits are one of the many wellness issues that plague the African-American community. CDC numbers reveal that Black Americans have a high propensity for obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and the American Heart Association says African-Americans are more at risk of being afflicted by heart disease or stroke than any other race.

In California, 6.9 percent of African-Americans do not have health insurance, per 2015 numbers from Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange. Also, as of last June, Blacks have the lowest enrollment numbers of any race in Medi-Cal or health plan coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

The leading church ladies at the L.A. Focus event said they combat health problems and the low amount of health coverage plaguing their pews with health ministry work.

Holman United Methodist Church First Lady Judi Wortham-Sauls said her church’s health ministry has a diabetes awareness group, exercise classes and organizes blood pressure and other screenings. A sodium awareness program began at the church on Monday. Wortham-Sauls also said she and her husband, Rev. Kelvin Sauls, try to lead by example.

“My husband and I are very serious about our own health,” she said. “We are both on weight reduction programs. Our own personal health awareness makes us want to bring it to the congregation.”

Faithful Central Bible Church First Lady Togetta Ulmer said she puts an emphasis on physical activity. She tells members to exercise at least 20 minutes a day and eat in moderation.  Ulmer said on May 20 she and Faithful Central members are going to bring workout mats to the church and instructors will teach them meditation, exercise, and healthy eating.

“Just because you are skinny doesn’t mean you are healthy,” Ulmer said.

Thompson, a co-chair of a first ladies health initiative in Los Angeles, organized a project on March 26, that focused on health professionals from various wellness groups on over 30 church campuses across Los Angeles. The vendors conducted vision screenings, HIV/AIDS screenings, dental checks and other health evaluations for church and community members.

“We just want to tie the spiritual and physical together,” she said. “These screening are free for those in the community.”

“The Historical” Weller Street Baptist Church First Lady Kera Tullos said one Sunday a special offering was held at her church to raise funds for breast cancer patient that needed to pay for a mammogram.

“I’m just trying to provide beneficial things to people,” the first lady said. “It means a lot because people’s lives matter.”

Since the Medicaid program (called “Medi-Cal” in California) expanded its eligibility criteria for enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014, more than 13 million low-income Californians have gained access to healthcare according to the California Budget & Policy Center.

Wortham-Sauls said access to healthcare is needed now more than ever in the Black community because African Americans historically not done what is needed to take care of themselves health-wise.

“So, now we need to get it correct,” she said. “Our struggle with diabetes and hypertension. We see people dropping dead on a regular basis. There is no reason to lose anybody if there is help out there.”

By Lou Coleman

Now you may be wondering just who am I talking to? Well I’m talking to you if you are defying God by being disobedient to His laws and commands. You uncircumcised Philistine! Child of Satan! Going around boasting, “It’s my prerogative … I don’t need permission… Make my own decisions. I can do what I wanna do…” [Lyrics – Bobby Brown]. You fool! Your life is in God’s hands and hangs by a thread of sovereign grace. Don’t get it twisted! Your life; a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” [James 4:14]. It is a sad day and clear evidence of the apostasy. Defying God!  What a shame!  God gave His only begotten Son to die for us miserable wretches… “Yet, we spit in His face by rejecting Him. “The God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified.”[Daniel 5:23] You arrogant, vain, ungrateful and selfish Philistine. [Romans 1:21].

Why do you disobey God? Why do you openly defy God? Why do you show contempt in the face of His warnings? The short answer is sin and human weakness. Yet, you feel compelled to dig deeper. What are you thinking? Let me remind you that when God told Adam not to eat from the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and bad He also spelled out a penalty should they choose to disobey: death to the offender. You got that? Death to the offender! Think of what the creation of this simple rule must have meant for all of God’s heavenly sons. For it showed for the first time what God’s sentence would be for those who willingly chose to rebel against Him… returning to nonexistence. When Lucifer, your daddy, had so much as the thought of, “I will not serve,” he was immediately cast out of Heaven and into Hell. God is all-powerful and formed the universe with a thought [Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Genesis 1]. He is perfectly good and cannot sin nor lie [Psalm 32:19; Psalm 145:9; Titus 1:2]. Moreover, he can bring terrible destruction upon man with a word [Psalm 18:7-15; Lamentations 1:8, 9]. I tell you God cannot tolerate disobedience, and he has made this abundantly clear. God’s people suffered at the hands of the Edomites and God completely destroyed them [Obadiah]. God said that Egypt and their allies would suffer, and it happened [Ezekiel 30]. God said that Ammon would cease to exist as a nation and it came true [Ezekiel 25:1-7]. The Philistines suffered the wrath of God and ceased to exist [Ezekiel 15:15-17]. God promised, on more than one occasion, the destruction of Jerusalem as a result of Israel’s disobedience, and it always happened exactly as prophesied. I tell you we may not always clearly understand God’s laws, but out of humility, we should accept and follow them.  He is GOD! 

“But if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:15].

I remind you, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24].

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” [Deut. 30:19]

In recognition of Women’s History Month, Black PR Wire and Women Grow strong have teamed up to honor and recognize women who have made a profound impact in the lives of hundreds of people on a local, statewide, national and even global level. This special feature edition of Power Profiler takes a closer look into the lives of these incredible women and champions for change.  This week’s feature profiler is author, futurist, technology pioneer and speaker, Leesa Renee Hall.

Author of seven books, including the critically-acclaimed “Podcasting for Profit,” Leesa Renee Hall is a thought leader known for jump starting movements, such as an association for Blacks working in technology, an “unconference” for podcasters, and the very first multi-speaker virtual event focused on social media tactics. Leesa is also the owner of My Virtual Hive, a digital marketing agency.

Upon graduating with a liberal arts degree in history in 1997, there weren’t many job opportunities available. Leesa read that her options were teaching, law, or curation. Instead of pursuing those careers, Leesa pursued a Masters degree in history, while supplementing her income by freelancing for magazines. It was during that time her dream of publishing a magazine had been ignited. Two weeks after teaching herself HTML, Leesa launched her first website, an online magazine featuring Canadian female amateur athletes. She did not realize that teaching herself HTML would unlock a nearly two decade career in technology.

Leesa’s innate curiosity has afforded her the opportunity to gain success in her field. “I’m naturally curious,” she says. “This curiosity has helped me build a business by interviewing other experts. I ask questions, uncover their unique story, and then leverage these expert interviews into a variety of other formats, such as books, podcasts, and blog posts.”

Leesa also credits her success to “living on her tippy toes.” She makes decisions quickly and takes fast action. She admits in doing so, she has made a few mistakes and stepped on a few toes, but has since realized that it was in her nature to move quickly, make decisions fast, and implement rapidly. “My personal motto is, it’s better to have tried and failed, than not to have tried at all,” says Leesa.

What inspires Leesa to press on is how history records her actions. She wants to be an active participant in the stories told about her in the future. “One hundred years ago, a woman who looked like me was not allowed to read or write, says Leesa.” “Her voice is lost because history can only guess what she was thinking, feeling, or sensing. I owe it to my ancestors and to all who have gone before me to record my actions, my thoughts, and my feelings in as many different formats as possible.”

A native of Toronto, ON, Leesa Renee Hall is an author, futurist, technology pioneer, and speaker. She is known for her ability to spot tech trends, ignore fads, and galvanize people around an innovative idea to ignite growth and inspire change. Leesa’s tech tips have been featured in American Express OPEN, Globe & Mail, Choice, The Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Star, Profit, and Inc., along with television, radio and podcast appearances.

To connect with Leesa, and/or learn how to move fast on an innovative idea, visit leesareneehall.com/manifesto.

The Social-Lites Inc., recently hosted their 50^th Annual Beautillion Scholarship Ball on Saturday March 11, 2017, the event was very well attended at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

“Men of Tomorrow Pushing Forward” is the theme for the 2017 Beautillion Scholarship Program. The Beautillion Chairwoman Miss Lisa Blacksher stated, “On this 50^th Anniversary of the Beautillion, the Class of 2017 will continue the tradition of becoming Great Leaders”.  Also working by her side was Beautillion co-chair Cynthia Wilhite.  The keynote speaker was Pastor Ollie Jackson Jr., past Sir Knight of 1968.   

Mr. Jonathan I. Rodgers, senor at Cajon High School earned a GPA of 4.24 was Dub as 2017 Sir Knight at the 50^th Annual Beautillion Scholarship Ball. Mr. Rodgers was awarded and received various scholarships and gifts; he will be attending a College of his choice. Mr. Rodgers received a Mr. Congeniality award in the amount of $200, which was voted by his peers, he also received the first annual “ Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader Scholarship Essay” award in the amount of $6,000.   He received an Academic Scholarship award in the amount of $1,000, a Beautillion Scholarship award in the amount of $5,000, and a Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship award in the amount of $1,000. He also received various gifts such as a Mac Book Pro Laptop, Printer, Luggage, and a personal fitted Men Suit of his choice.

Mr. Steven Henderson was recognized as first runner up for the Sir Knight title and was awarded and received various Beautillion Scholarships awards and gifts, Mr. Akil Cooper was recognized as second runner up for the Sir Knight title and he received the first annual “Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader Scholarship award in the amount of $700. He also received various Beautillion Scholarship awards and gifts. Mr. Christopher Fulton, Mr. Julian Houston, and Mr. Vonte Walker Sir Knight Candidates received various Beautillion Scholarship awards and gifts.

The Social-Lites Inc. wants to congratulate all the participants in the 2017 Beautillion Scholarship Program.

Jurupa Hills English teachers pose as venture capitalists as they listen to student groups pitch products they would like to have financed during the school’s inaugural “Sparta Tank” on March 14. Seventeen groups of Jurupa Hills sophomores created fictitious products to better understand the process real-life inventors go through when marketing a new product.

FONTANA, CA – Seventeen groups of Jurupa Hills High School sophomores recently pitched innovative products – from a Bluetooth-equipped backpack to jewelry that can detect if a drink has been spiked – during the school’s inaugural “Sparta Tank” competition, a classroom project modeled after the popular television program “Shark Tank.”

Facing a panel of Jurupa Hills English teachers posing as venture capitalists, students made formal presentations and answered questions, incorporating weeks of research and design that simulated the process real-life inventors go through when they are marketing a new product.

“Our students have big dreams and even bigger imaginations, but what they don’t realize is that there is a multitude of workplace documents that need to be attended to before you can ever approach an investor,” Jurupa Hills sophomore English teacher Wayland Peak said.

“’Sparta Tank’ is a fun way to make sense of the minutiae of business, while integrating technology, literacy and public speaking skills.”

In February, 500 10th-graders created fictitious products, researched and drafted business proposals – including a product description, budget, and brochure – to send to an existing company or individual. The proposals needed to identify consumer markets, distributors, the cost of manufacturing and the eventual selling price.

The finalists presented their projects on March 14, with winners announced the following day. The winning project was KC’s Closets, an app that helps arrange outfits for the day using the clothes already in a person’s closet. The fashion assistant app was created by students Kaitlyn Dodgen and Cheyenne Vargas.

Honorable mentions went to Ripe and Ready, a tool that helps indicate whether fruits and vegetables are ready to eat; Anxiety Ridden, an app to help deal with anxiety; Easy Peasy, a battery-operated portable vacuum, and Elotero Man, an app that helps you locate nearby food stands.

“The ideas were tremendous and wildly creative,” Jurupa Hills English teacher Galen Shotts said. “This started as an exercise to better engage our students in the techniques of writing professionally, but they really took it to a higher level.”

Joseph Morales and Vanessa Ramos, creators of Ripe and Ready, dressed in matching lavender and black outfits, promoting a tiny gauge with a brush that could be used to determine if supermarket produce is edible.

Morales and Ramos used a PowerPoint presentation to show a timeline of product growth over a year’s time, demonstrated how healthy fruits and vegetables can benefit an entire community, and how advantageous the company would be for the city where the manufacturing takes place.

“It was challenging to think of a product that is not already on the market,” Morales said. “Vanessa and I worked as a team and used our imaginations to come up with an idea that would promote healthy living. It was fun because we never back down from a challenge.”

Winning projects received gift cards from local businesses. Jurupa Hills math teachers have already indicated they would like to collaborate on the next “Sparta Tank” assignment.

“Jurupa Hills teachers are continually looking for exciting and effective ways to engage their students in standards-based curriculum, projects that employ critical thinking and collaborative learning,” Jurupa Hills Principal Lorraine Trollinger said. “We are committed to ensuring our students will be college and career ready upon graduation.”