Happily Divorced And After

Submitted by Stephanie Liggins with the assistance and information corrections and additions of Betty Hempstead.

The Ricks family historian has blessed New Hope Missionary Baptist Church the past several years with mementos of several generations of her family.  Annually, the Mission Department has a Black History Display which highlights contributions and accomplishments of our people.  Sister Betty Newbern-Hempstead has a quarter of the room to display the relics of her family history.

Raised by her maternal aunt, Rebecca Ricks-Winston, and her husband L. J. Winston (whom she called Mama and Daddy), she has collected many things that belonged to her mother, aunt and uncle – things many would have long since thrown away and forgotten.

In her collection are Western Union telegrams delivering bad news reading, “Your father died suddenly.”  Another read, “Your mother died yesterday.  Funeral on Thursday.”  If the younger generation never understood why Western Union was dreaded, these notices clearly reveal the reason. There is also a receipt for funeral expenses from 1928 for her uncle’s brother in Detroit.  One could still afford to die back then and be properly buried for under $300.  Certainly, the price might have been considered high then, but looking back and comparing, there is no way that it could have been as exorbitant as the cost is today.

Also among her collection are original N.A.A.C.P. membership cards from 1923.  Her beloved uncle, known as Happy Winston in the city of Decatur, Illinois, was very active in the organization and often served as President of the Decatur Branch – so much so that his activities were often published in the Crisis Magazine. In her archive of pictures is three year old Betty with her Uncle Happy Winston among the officers and delegates’ First Annual Conference of Branches of Illinois N.A.A.C.P. Meeting at Springfield, Illinois (1934) where the organization began. Yes, she is the only child in the picture, but somehow she is not out of place.

One of the most interesting items in the collection is the high school diploma from “The Colored High School of Tuscumbia, Alabama.”  Her Aunt Rebecca was able to leave “the country” and stay with a relative in the town of Tuscumbia and graduate from the high school in 1910.  That was an extraordinary opportunity during a time in history when many of our people could not attend school at all– especially not high school. In 1921, the name of the high school was changed to Trenholm High School.  One of her school mates was Harper Councill Trenholm who went on to become the fifth president of what was then called Alabama State University – now known as H. Councill Trenholm State Community College at Montgomery, Alabama.

At eighty-five years young, Sister Hempstead has stories of historical events, ways of life and relics that helped shape the way we live and operate today.  There was an old toaster, a popcorn popper, a bottle capper, a Remington watch and a grooming kit unlike I have ever seen. But more pertinent than the artifacts, are the people of yesterday that opened a  door for our present opportunities.  We must learn of them.  We must know who they are and we must know who we are.  Next year, when New Hope’s Mission Ministry has the Black History Display, make your way to see it and be enlightened and inspired– and ask Sister Hempstead to tell you a bit about her family.

Donovan Ferguson

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- “Young Men of Valor from Vision to Reality” is the theme of the 2015/2016 “Knights of the Beautillion Candidacy.’’  Three young men from Inland Empire schools are vying for the title of “Sir Knight 2016.’’

The three senior high school students are  Elijah Little, Redlands East Valley High School in Redlands; Donovan Ferguson, Grand Terrance High School in Grand Terrance; and Royce Rogers, San Bernardino High School in San Bernardino.  These young men are currently canvassing the community for businesses and individuals who will support their efforts to become “Sir Knight 2016.”

Elijah Little

The Beautillion Scholarship Foundation Program has been sponsored by the Social-Lites of San Bernardino for 49 years.  The Beautillion Scholarship program provides an opportunity for outstanding college-bound young men to participate in a series of leadership and organizational activities that prepare them to challenge their future success.  The participants have also been exposed to a variety of community, charitable, and social events that began in October 2015 and will conclude at the Beautillion Scholarship Foundation Ball on Saturday, April 2, 2016.

The college-bound participants will be awarded scholarships and other prizes during the presentation of which they will be escorted by their “fair-maidens and their Pages and Squires,” which are the future

Royce Rodgers

“Knights of the Beautillion Scholarship Foundation Program.”

The 2016 Beautillion Chairwoman, Mrs. Edyie Tillie-Wade, and Mrs. Brenda Daniels, Co-Chair, has announced the this year’s Beautillion Scholarship Ball will be held at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

The Social-Lites Inc. are also seeking all Beautillion Alumni and participants from prior years to attend the event this year.  For more information, and to obtain invitations to the Scholarship Ball contact Mrs. Bettye Brewster Social Lites President at (951) 204-0022 or Joyce Smith- Social Lites Vice President at (909) 534-2929.

Arie Vee

By Lue Dowdy

New female R&B/HIP-HOP artist, “Arie Vee,” making major noise in the Inland Empire is What it Do With The LUE this week.

So the first time I heard this Queen sing was at our 1st Indie Artist Award Show last year. We were short a female singer and were down to the last minute of preparation for our Red Carpet performances. I reached to Aaron Swift, owner of On My Mama Recordz, a local record company based out of the Inland Empire. He sent us his talented artist Arie Vee. I fell in love with her voice. Bringing back that old school R&B vibe, this Queen is the real deal.

Arie Vee, born on December 1, 1988, is a Hip Hop/R&B artist on On My Mama Recordz. Some of her musical influences are Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott and J Cole. Arie Vee began singing in church at the age of 5 and began writing her own music at the age of 13. She shared her first written song at her High School talent show, “I Wanna Be,” and won. Since then she kept writing and wrote her first rap at the age of 18. She has been featured on albums and mixtapes such as, “Dear IE” by Valencia Stacks and “Grandma’s Porch,” by Valencia Stacks and Swift. Her debut song “High School Dance,” which is one of my favorites has been taking the IE by storm and her first album “Lost Child,” was released on February 29, 2016.

Make sure to check her out. You can catch her music in rotation on our show “Listening With LUE Radio,” Sundays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please tune in with me and Comedian Anthony Stone. Until Next week L’z and keep supporting Indie artist. www.kcaaradio.com1050 AM/106.5 FM CALL IN at (909) 888-5222 BOOKING: (909) 567-1000.

RIVERSIDE, CA – The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. hosted it s 40th Annual Black and White Scholarship Ball at the Riverside Convention Center on Saturday, March 5.  The stately gala raised thousands of dollars in support of academic scholarships and mentoring programs for local youth.

The evening began with a festive social hour, which included professional photography and disc jockey services with classic rhythm and blues music.  Welcome and introductory remarks were made by Polemarch Demarius Carmichael and Vice Polemarch Eric V. Isaac, who acknowledged community leaders and dignitaries.   Those in attendance include Danny Tillman, Member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education, Joanne Gilbert, Community Action Partnership Board Member, Hardy Brown II, Board Member of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Robin McIver Brown, President of the San Bernardino Valley Chapter of the Links, Inc., Tracy Tillman, President of the Inland Empire Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and Tammy Martin-Ryles, President of the Black Chamber of Commerce.

Highlights of the evening include a dance by the Kappa Omicron Court of Cal Poly Pomona and the announcement of honorees Dr. Judy White, Superintendent of the Moreno Valley Unified School District for community service, Theodore Davis, recipient of the Edward Moore Lifetime Achievement Award, and Kappa members Larry Clayton and Thomas Fisher for outstanding achievement.

Angela Clayton, President of the Riverside Alumni Chapter of the Silhouettes (wives of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. members) presented two college scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to local high school students Cynthia Price and Sierra Smith.

For more information about the Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. visit www.rackapsi.com.

(from left to right (front row): Derrick Norwood, Heru Bush, (kneeling) Anaiah Hollis; (middle row): La’Nae Norwood, Nana Kweku, Kimberly Phillips, Akyl Phillips, Kimberly Johnson-Calvin (Back row): John Griffin, Dumisani Phomello (Photo by Wallace J. Allen)

By Wallace J. Allen

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Last Saturday, March 19, members of the United Nations of Consciousness (UNOC), a non-profit community based organization, gathered at San Bernardino’s Ann Shirrells Park and picked up about ten large garbage bags of trash. The clean up was part of the group’s, “Adopt a Community Project.” The clean up takes place once per month for two hours from March through November. During that time they pick up trash and debris, do landscaping, clear any safety hazards and meet and greet community residents and share information about their organization.

You are invited to inquire about UNOC and to join in their efforts, one of which is the  “Adopt A Community” Project.  They provide the clean up tools and supplies, including water and refreshments. Bring your gloves, a hat and some “elbow grease!” For more information about UNOC, call (909) 575-8862

By Lou Coleman

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing… Pretending to be something they are not…. Invoking the name of Jesus; calling Him, “Lord”, dressing to kill, brandishing angelic smiles, speaking with confidence and eloquence, carrying large bibles, peppering sermons with cries of “Hallelujah!” “Praise the Lord!” and “Amen!” Woe unto you Jesus declares, “Destroying and scattering the sheep of [His] pasture!” Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel concerning the shepherds who are tending My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them; behold, I am about to attend to you for the evil of your deeds,” declares the LORD.… [Jeremiah 23:1].  You must know that those who do not faithfully preach and teach only Christ will be cut off, discarded, and cast into the fire. This is God’s verdict. The word from the LORD that the prophet Jeremiah wrote down is extremely clear, straightforward and plain.” Sound the alarm!

This message is not for God’s sheep in the pews but for the false prophets, apostles, pastors, teachers, preachers, bishops and priests themselves.  It is a woe pronounced on you by the God you say you serve! “By your words you are justified and by your words you will be condemned.” Your words will fall like a sword of judgment upon your own necks. You have prophesied lies to the people.  You have taught them after the imaginations of your own hearts and you have not heard from God.  You have taught false doctrines.  You tell the people that no evil will come upon them; they will be ruptured out before the end time; before bad things start to happen–the fall of the one world system.  But that is a lie! Why do you insist on taking Scripture out of context to make it appear as if your lies are God’s truth, instead of obeying [2 Tim 2:15] and expositing Scripture in context, [Nehemiah 8:8]? Woe unto you!

Listen, God is not fooled by a false prophet and He does not want His people to be fooled by them either. The section of the Sermon on the Mount found in [Matthew 7:15–20] deals with this very critical need for all believers. What God unfolds for us is the right way to judge hidden things! A false prophet does not wear a sign that declares his status. Instead, he masquerades as one of God’s faithful while sounding forth a message that he claims comes from God. What is a believer to do? How can a believer preserve himself from the snares set by any false prophet? How can you judge the hidden things?

First, accept The Challenge found in [verse 15 of Matthew chapter 7]. Beware! Christ’s command is to be discerning. The challenge for the “sheep” is to detect every hidden wolfish intention and nature disguised as God-fearing morality and demure harmlessness. Second, take a lesson from Common Sense found in [verse 16]. Third and fourth, observe what Every Man Can Only Do found in [verse 17] and what Every Man Cannot Do in [verse 18]. Man can only produce fruit that is generated by their inner nature and they cannot produce fruit that is not descended from their nature. A false prophet is one who claims to speak for God but, in his word or deed, diminishes the incomparable majesty of God or downplays the superlative sacrifice of Christ, thus showing his true nature.

Recall Jesus warning that false teachers would be on the rise through history, culminating in the vast and powerful deception of the last days [Matthew 24:24-25]. Beware! “See,” Jesus said, “I have told you beforehand.” He was warning us to be prepared. Do not be quick to embrace every teaching that comes from the pulpit. Learn to sift the teachings that have been given to you through the filter of the Scriptures. The Word of God will expose that which is error and that which is truth. You must pay attention to what God’s Word is saying. If what you are hearing is not lining up with the Word of God, you would save yourself from deception and heartache if you would just learn how to spit out the bones [Hebrews 13:9.] I tell you, there are few things more important to hear than the warning Jesus gives us in [Matthew 7:15-20]. He begins with the word “Beware . . .” and we should always take it very seriously whenever Jesus tells us to “beware” of something.

I want you to know that God’s true prophets had a practical office to discharge. It was part of their commission to show the people of God their transgressions and the house of God their sins. This means that they functioned as both pastors and ministerial monitors of the people of God. It was their duty to admonish and caution, to denounce prevailing sins, to warn the people of the terrors of divine judgment, and to call them to repentance. They also brought the message of consolation and forgiveness. They were the watchmen set upon the walls of Zion to blow the trumpet to timely warn of approaching danger. Beware: Not everyone who claims to teach the truth really does.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

God says, [Revelation 3:15-16], “[He] knows thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: [He] wish thou were cold or hot. But because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, [He’s] going to spew you out of [His] mouth.” “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 [Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13]. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Walking with God, and holding hands with the Devil. Shame on you! How long will you be caught between two opinions, two lifestyles, two beliefs, two directions, two mindsets, two masters, two desires. “If it seems evil unto you to serve the LORD, then choose you this day Whom ye will serve…” [Joshua 24:15]. It’s all or nothing! You can’t be 50% Christian and 50% worldly. It doesn’t work that way. Jesus stated: “He that is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30). Not only is indecision a dangerous thing. It is repugnant to God mouth. [James 4:4] says, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” Trying to live for God and mammon at the same time! The Bible says it cannot be done. You must take sides. You are either following Jesus or you are following Satan.  There is no middle ground.  Trying to keep one foot in the world, and one foot in the church.  Ain’t gonna work!

The problem is you don’t want to give up your sin. You don’t want to give up your status in the world.  Naw, you’re having too much fun…. You want your cake and ice cream too. Well you can’t have it! Ain’t no mixing of allegiance to God with other gods! You got to choose! Either God is your daddy or Satan! Who’s your daddy? Time to decide! You cannot remain neutral. You cannot straddle the fence and you can’t just give Jesus lip service. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” [Matthew 15:7-8]. Choose this day Whom you will serve.

Listen, you cannot, and must not, compromise to any of Satan’s conditions. Ultimately, everything you have and ever hope to be, must be laid on the altar. Make the transition from declaration to discipleship. That is, declaration to dedication. Don’t let Satan deceive you and rob you of the greatest blessing man has ever known: salvation from sin through Jesus Christ our Savior and redeemer. Stop straddling the fence. Liberty is not a license to compromise. You are either with Jesus fully, or you oppose him. Which is it? The record of choice: life or death, blessings or cursing.  God wants wholehearted dedication or nothing! That is the clear message of this passage. It’s time to make up your mind! And, it is! Are you ready to serve the Lord? The application could not be clearer: “Choose for yourselves this day Whom you will serve.” There is no room for neutrality. Make your choice. Cast your vote. Choose your God. I pray you will make the right choice. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

By Gloria J. Ingram

POMONA, CA- Heart and Soul Line Dance celebrated its’ 12^th Anniversary on Saturday, March 5, at the Palomares Community Center in Pomona with a Mardi Gras theme. Harriette Coggs Stuckey, Founder/Director of the line dance organization, welcomed new and experienced line dancers to the annual event, always held on the first Saturday in March.

The festive affair was sold out well in advance. An excited crowd started gathering at the entrance around 12 noon, an hour before the doors opened for admission. Many line dancers were dressed in green, purple, and/or gold…Mardi Gras colors, as well as costumes, including several ladies wearing a tri-colored tutu! Approximately 200 enthusiastic line dancers seemed to always rush to the dance floor as songs were played for popular and standard line dances. A King and Queen presided over the event. King Ulric Jones and his Queen, Jean Woods wore royal regali, both wearing a crown, he in a royal robe and sash, she wearing a sash, beads and gold fringed attire led the diverse crowd of revelers in a customary “Second Line.” The room seemed to reach a higher level of brightness because of so many happy, smiling faces. And, the floor seemed to reverberate as partygoers energetically stepped, pranced, and danced around, up and down the dance floor to lively music.

One of the many highlights enjoyed by all was a delicious soul food meal of BBQ chicken, red beans and rice, collard greens, and peach cobbler prepared by Executive Chef Terry Cleveland. Other highlights included, awarding gift cards as door prizes and a generous donation to the American Heart Association from the proceeds of a Money Raffle.

Heart and Soul Line Dance class members from Beaumont, Eastvale, Fontana, Menifee, Pomona, Rialto, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Walnut were well represented. The Line Dance Family at-large was also well represented by members of other line dance companies i.e. Jus Dancin, Marva Black and her L.A. Country Strutters, LA and Natalie Kelley, K- Stepmobile, L A. Others came from the Bay Area i.e. Novella Peterson, Shirley Jefferson, and Yvonne Carnelus. Congratulations to Harriette Coggs Stuckey for another stellar celebration of bringing line dance to so many throughout the Inland Empire and the San Gabriel Valley.

By Angela M. Coggs

On Wednesday, March 9, over 100 community members and parents gathered at Life Center Church in San Bernardino for a town hall meeting to address public officials about a crisis of imprisonment that is fueled by the school-to-prison pipeline, mass incarceration, and high rates of prisoner recidivism. The meeting began with an outstanding dramatic monologue from actor and C.O.P.E.’s resident artist, Mr. Amad Jackson. His performance focused on ending the cycle of mass incarceration. The audience was encouraged by his noteworthy delivery.

The community concerns addressed in the meeting were: Challenging the use of citations that prevent students from getting a driver’s license and enlisting in the military, ensuring that San Bernardino county spends money on intervention/prevention programs and not prison, and making sure that school funding serves those most in need of academic support. The goal was to make the community voices heard with decision-makers who have the authority and power to do something about the community’s concerns.

San Bernardino County Supervisors, Josie Gonzales and San Bernardino County School Board Members, Hardy Brown Jr., San Bernardino County Schools Earl Smith, San Bernardino City Unified Director of Student Services Ray Culberson, and San Bernardino City School Board Members, Barbara Flores, and Gwendolyn Rogers, and Danny Tillman were all in attendance.

The town hall meeting, organized by Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE), intended to keep public officials focused on the school-to-prison pipeline and concerns that the excessive use of citations and arrests that could otherwise be handled apart from law enforcement involvement, could keep students in a never ending school-to-prison trap.  As school board members in San Bernardino City Unified School District continue to press for a new discipline policy that would, among many things, reform the district’s practices on school citations and school-based arrests, the town hall illuminated citations as a county—wide crisis.

Testimonies from two parents from the Rialto Unified School District highlighted the need for a county-wide look at discipline policies involving school citations.  Charnice Miller, shared a story about her daughter who was cited for a fight in which she defended herself after notifying the school administrator that she was being bullied.  The parent and student were never provided with an alternative to suspension and expulsion, nor adequately informed about the citation process but was mandated to pay a $400 fine. A similar story shared by another Rialto parent highlighted the pain and trauma her son experienced as a result of an incident in which he was ultimately found innocent but that landed him a ten day suspension. San Bernardino City School Board Member Barbara Flores agreed that the problem lies in “the way we (the district) communicate with our parents because right now it is unacceptable.”

Another parent shared a heart wrenching story about how her son, a SBCUSD graduate from Cajon High School, is still dealing with the effects of a school citation while away in college.  From the campus of Howard University, Brandon Watts shared a video testimony of how a citation issued in the 8th grade, may now impact his eligibility for a summer internship in the White House.  He urged public officials to take a different approach because citations can do a lot of harm. The SBCUSD motto is to “Make Hope Happen” but the constant issuance of citations to students is not giving the students hope, it is in fact discouraging the students. They are not feeling hopeful.

When questioned about what the San Bernardino City Unified School District board members intend to do to ensure that San Bernardino Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) money is earmarked for school funding , alternative discipline, as well as other intervention programs such as mental health programs so that students are adequately supported, SBCUSD Board Member Rodgers responded without hesitation. “What we are making sure is that funding is targeted to support necessary for the specific students that  are more at risk, which we all know is the majority of all of our students. The targeted funding what we have and we know that funding is on a limited bases but we have to make sure we maximize it in every way that we can.” She spoke about specific line items that are set for the specific needs and for the specific things that the community and parents have brought to the Board’s  attention.

“This is a critical time because once that money is allocated it definitely can change from year to year,” SBCUSD Board Member Tillman also added. The school district has been making positive changes on behalf of the students. “Two big things that we (the school district) did do was to ensure that all students have the ability to have access to a computer and the internet. Every student in our district can get one computer per household.” He also stated that school pays the monthly payment for the internet access. Secondly, Tillman stated that they also eliminated the wait list for the CAPS Program. “This past year the wait list went away. That cost us about three or four million dollars.”

On the other end of the pipeline, a testimony from a formerly incarcerated female, who is now drug free, working, and giving back to community, shares a story of redemption and what is possible when there are resources available.  Demita Burgess, a San Bernardino resident, urged the County to make sure that Proposition 47 meets its intended outcomes and give people a second chance to be productive citizens.  In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47, a ballot measure to reduce some felony records to misdemeanors and uses the savings from prison spending for intervention and prevention services such as drug treatment and mental health services.  The savings may also be directed to youth intervention and prevention programs.  However, according to Governor Brown the savings from prison spending only amounts to approximately $29 million when the Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) says that the savings is closer to $100 million dollars.  Community members urged County Supervisor Josie Gonzalez and other officials to join a statewide effort urging the Governor to adopt the LAO’s calculations so that resources can be properly utilized for adult and youth intervention and prevention efforts. The collective voices have the power to dismantle the pipeline.

The break  a cycle imprisonment, community members want public officials to take action by instituting policies that undo the cycle and place youth and adults in a better position to be productive citizens.

This effort was organized by Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement in partnership with Inland Congregations United for Change, Youth Action Project, Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, African American Mental Health Coalition, and members of the African American Education Collaborative.

“I was very inspired to become more involved in the community and school boards to ensure our children has the same chance and opportunities as their neighboring peers,” said Alondra Ladison, San Bernardino County Site Supervisor Preschool Services Department. She left the meeting enlighted and ready to stand up for all of our children.

With the input and feedback from the community hopefully the San Bernardino City Unified School District will depart from its current code of conduct, which is based on a zero-tolerance approach, and make a strong commitment to an approach that is grounded in teaching and learning, interventions and restorative practices.

T’ana Phelice (left) at her event Lunch With T’ana and her childhood friend NaKendra (right)

By Naomi K. Bonman

LOS ANGELES, CA – Need a new book to read? Want to read a book that will not only hold your attention, but that is inspiring and powerful at the same time? Then come on down on Saturday, March 19 to Zahra’s Books & Things from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to pick up T’ana Phelice’s books, get them signed, and engage in an insightful conversation with the author herself. Pigs & Pearls is $18, Bratty Tatty (for the kids) is $9, and JADED Diamonds is $16. So mark your calendars and let’s continue to support our Black entrepreneurs and keep Black literature alive! Zahra’s Books & Things is located a 900 N. La Brea Avenue in Inglewood