Happily Divorced And After

Roxanne Williams

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino Six Ward voters will elect a new representative to the San Bernardino City Council at a special election on Tuesday, February 2. Bessine Littlefield-Richard and Roxanne Williams are knocking on doors throughout the Sixth Ward seeking voter support as they compete for the City Council seat.

Both candidates ran strong passionate campaigns for the leadership position. The question asked by many is, “Will the voters be as passionate about choosing leadership and get out to vote?  The general election in November drew only a small percentage of eligible voters, despite the fact that the City is transitioning out of bankruptcy and needs competent leaders.

Bessine Littlefield-Richard

The candidates will meet to debate their qualifications and platforms for the City Council seat on Monday, January 11 at the Ingram Community Center located at 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue beginning at 6 p.m. The Forum is sponsored by the Northwest Redevelopment Project Area Committee.   The candidates have been sent some questions in advance so that they will have time to research their responses as needed. The audience will also be able to present questions to the candidates. The candidates will also be given the opportunity to comment on any item or issue that is not included on the question list.

The candidates have been sent the following questions: What is your vision for Mt Vernon Ave and what is your plan? What is the status of the State Street Extension and your thoughts/plan to complete it? What do you know about the City’s Receivership Program… Does it allow for San Bernardino 6^th ward residents to participate as investors? Should it? What will you do to make that program work for 6^th Ward Residents?

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“…  A fresh anointing is flowing my way; It’s a season of power and prosperity; The devil’s time is up, no longer can he bother me; ‘Cause the Creator of the universe, He fathers me; And it’s transferable, my children’s children shall be free; If you don’t know by now, you need to know it’s Jubilee; Where debts are canceled and your children walk in victory; … A new horizon; And no greater time for you to make a choice and take a stand; … All that was stolen is returned a hundred fold; Tried in the fire but coming out gold; …To every promise take a hold; It’s a New Season, It’s a New Day” [Israel Houghton Lyrics].

I don’t know about you, but today marks the beginning of a “New Season” for me. Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters… I am about to do a new thing… forget the former things”[Isaiah 43:18-19].  Now you can say what you want to say, but I say Amen to new things! You see if you are ever going to move on to new things in Christ, you must learn that you cannot depend upon past victories to sustain you. You cannot allow your past failures to possess you… In the book of [Habakkuk 1:5] the prophet was told: ‘Look around you, Habakkuk, among the nations, and see and be astonished, astounded, for I am putting into effect a work in your days, such that you would not believe it though you were told it!” I want you to know that God did a new thing in Isaiah’s day, He did a new thing in Messiah’s day, He did a new thing in the days of Pentecost, He did a new thing in the days of the Apostles, He did a new thing in the days of historical revival and He is going to do a new thing in Lou days. He said it, I believe it! – Oh, I tell you “It’s a New Season, It’s a New Day”… A year full of possibilities… A year full of opportunities! You hear what I’m saying to you, “A New Season, a New Day!”

But wait a minute; the Spirit is saying “That some of you are stuck in a rut, stumbling through life. You’re living off manna instead of feasting on God’s abundance. You’re wandering through the wilderness instead of inhabiting the Holy Land.” The Spirit says, “That it’s time now to make your move. It’s time now to receive what God has for you. It’s time now to enter the Promised Land.” For a place of promise awaits you: of contentment and joy and peace and abundance and satisfaction. It’s a land flowing with milk and honey; and God is waiting for you to enter. The Spirit says, “Don’t dwell on the pass; Turn the page.  Look ahead to what God will do in your life, today and tomorrow. Stake your claim on your territory. Begin to expect God to give you dominion in every area of your life.”

“Soon in your hand will be placed a priceless gift… Look at it closely.  There is no price maker stamped on it.  It cannot be weighed, because no scale can balance its value.  A king’s ransom in comparison is as nothing, yet it is given to beggar and prince alike.  The giver asks only that it be used wisely and well. This jewel, rare and unique, is not displayed in any shop window. It cannot be purchased, cannot be sold. No other treasure holds the possibilities this gift offers — none can surpass its golden splendor.  Of all gifts, this is one of the most precious. It has been offered many times before; today, from the depths of a limitless love it will be given again. It will be left to you to find the golden thread running through it. Only with great care will the jewel retain its luster.  Carelessness, ingratitude and selfishness will tarnish the brilliance, break the unspoiled thread, and mar the perfection.  Guard it closely, lest through weak fingers it slips from the hand.  Look often at its faultless beauty. Accept it as it is offered from the heart of the giver. Consider it as the most treasured of possessions, for of all gifts it is by far the greatest. It is the gift of the New Year.” I tell you, “It’s a New Season… It’s a New Day!”

The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, hosts the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast to be held on January 18^th at 7:30am at California State University Coussoulis Arena, in San Bernardino. We invite the entire city to join us at our new location, Cal State University San Bernardino, come out and help us salute a man’s whose legacy continues to thrive in our hearts as we work together to build a better world.

This year we are asking all to join us in a spectacular reenactment of a “Civil Rights Freedom Ride” to City Hall on Omni Trans SBX bus for our after breakfast festivities and our “March’ around the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue located in front of San Bernardino City Hall. Guided by our own 6^th Ward Council member Rikke Van Johnson. Omni-Trans has so graciously provided coupons to travel from Cal State University San Bernardino, to City Hall and back, to culminate our celebration activities as we traditionally do in a final “March” around the statue. This year’s program feature includes, Patrick Hewitt renowned artist, who will tell you short stories about Dr. Rosa Parks and her contribution to the civil rights era and also his endeavor to commemorate her memory. Mrs. Vickie Lee-Nichols will render and explosive drama rendition depicting the periods of which the civil rights and recent tragedies have given us hope!

Please contact our office at 909-474-7036 to purchase a ticket or table for the breakfast, to obtain a coupon for the “Civil Rights Freedom Ride”.  We are still accepting sponsorship especially tables to be provided for youth.  This is an educational opportunity event you will not want to miss, your youth, or family to lose out on. A generational experience, to treasure for years to come!

The bus route map can be found on the back of our fliers, and coupons can be received with a ticket purchase, or prior notification by contacting the office.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- At approximately 1 p.m. Monday afternoon, the San Bernardino Police Department received a 911 text from a woman having a heart attack and was able to dispatch fire personnel to her in time to save her life.

The text came from a 52-year-old woman who lives alone in her San Bernardino home and is hearing impaired. With this new system, which was officially rolled out just two weeks ago on December 10, the woman was able to summon immediate assistance and fire personnel transported her to St. Bernadine’s Medical Center where she is expected to make a full recovery

“This is a huge step toward ensuring the safety of the speech and hearing impaired residents of our communities and also represents a vital mechanism toward getting help to those whose safety would be further jeopardized by audibly calling 911,” said San Bernardino Police Department Lieutenant Mike Madden.  “The ‘Call when you can – Text when you can’t.’ Text-to-911 technology possibly helped in saving a life today.   We are also immensely thankful to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for spearheading this project and making our region the driving force in the Western United States in text-to-911.”

The San Bernardino County law enforcement agencies that can accept the 911 texts are Barstow, Chino, CHP Barstow and Inland Empire, Colton, Cal State San Bernardino, Fontana, Mon       tclair, Ontario, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino City, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Valley and Desert Dispatch Centers, and Upland.

PALM SPRINGS, CA- Gearing up for another outstanding season of cultural festivities, the Palm Springs Black History Committee invites members of the community to participate in its yearly ceremonial Gospel Fest. The event, which heralds the official kickoff of the year’s Black History Month celebrations, is scheduled to take place Sunday, January 31, 2016.

Promising to be an afternoon rooted in culture and tradition, the Gospel Fest will set the pace for the 2016 Black History Month theme “Hallowed Grounds of African American History.”  It aims to highlight the rich cultural legacy upon which the Palm Springs African American community has forged here in the desert region.

“Gospel music has always been important to our community,” says Linda Gray, Gospel Fest committee chairperson and long time Palm Springs resident. “It has been a means by which we gather and communicate to express our spirituality along with our connection to each other.”

According to Gray, the Gospel Fest has traditionally held a very significant role in the Black History Month celebrations. It first started out as an all community choir made up of desert residents from across the Coachella valley.  The choir, which sung at the grand opening celebration, became the official launch to the season’s programming.  This tradition soon evolved into an event all within itself allowing the Gospel Fest to garner the position as the official opening of Black History Month for the Desert residents. It serves as a catalyst to gather the community and set the tone for the festivities to come.

Members of the community of all ages are invited to participate as we gather to celebrate and share the vast talent represented in our region. The event is scheduled to take place United Methodist Church 1555 E. Alejo Road in Palm Springs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission to the general public is $2. The deadline for talent to apply is Friday, January 15, 2016. For more information contact Linda.gray@palmspringsca.gov or visit www.Palmspringsblackhistory.org

By Josh Dreiband

 Rock Blackwell, The World Boxing Union (WBU) novice world champion who has gone 15-0 as a pro internationally in the IBL (Spain, Great Britian, Scotland) and is now currently ranked with the WBU and IBU. Over the summer, Blackwell announced that he would be using his skill in the ring for good. Rock Blackwell has teamed up with The My Sister Cares Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to giving food, shelter and clothing to orphans in Africa, to rebuild orphanages in Cameroon.

On June 5, 2016 the WBU and IBU ranked boxer and the My Sister Cares Foundation will travel to Cameroon to break ground on their first orphanage. Blackwell, who was born and raised in Baltimore with heritage from  Yehuda, Israel. The champion of the Hebrews believes it is his calling to help restore his people, and he’s going to begin with Cameroon.

Upon their arrival on June 5th, Rock Blackwell and My Sister Cares will supply $65,000 worth of food, gas, clothes, shoes, toys and books to the children and families of Cameroon. Rock Blackwell will also be holding a boxing seminar for the kids in Cameroon’s capitol, where the Cameroon Boxing Federation will honor him for his charitable efforts

Rock Blackwell’s first trip to Africa will be one with a warm welcome. The first lady of Cameroon will be in attendance at Cameroon’s capital to receive the champ and do a traditional royal dressing, in honor of his charity.

2016 Blackwell will return to boxing under the traditional ABC, a year filled with Tv fights, championship bouts, guest star appearances and more.

WHAT IT DO you beautiful people, WHAT IT DO! So as the year comes to an end, I would like to end my column with the talented artist from the Inland Empire known as rapper, “Fitz Taylor.” Right now this talented artist is riding the wave of success as he pushes forward towards his DREAM. I met Fitz almost two years ago and of course his looks captured me at first, but once I heard his music, it was all over. I became an instant fan of “The Puerto Rican Papi.”

This artist has been headlining shows such as the “South by Southwest” concert in Austin Texas, and rocking mics and stages all over Southern California. He was featured on the front page of The Source due to his record, “6 in the Morning” featuring “AD The Pen.”

Fitz’ fan base is increasing daily. Numbers don’t lie! Ending the year on a high, he recently released his second album titled, “NO DAYS OFF.” The project went viral and can be found on major music outlets and also banging in the streets. He is currently signed to “Lalow Entertainment,” and has become Vevo certified. Fitz’ project landed in the hands of the man himself, “DJ Enuff,” from Hot 97 radio, which is major. Fitz also gives back by providing free shows for community members and the youth.

Young, Talented, Gifted, and Sexy he is! You can view his work at www.FITZTAYLOR.com. Also catch him performing live in San Bernardino at the Tamale Festival January 9th and 10th at Perris Hill Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Until next year I.E. – San Bernardino Strong. L’z!

Torrey Adams with some of the attending children at the Music is a Part of Everyday Life Toy Drive, Tues., Dec. 22, 2015. (Photograph courtesy of Robert Byrd of BE-Radical Productions).

LOS ANGELES, CA- KhyKel Music Enterprises and The Beat Series, in conjunction with Underground PR, hosted the first annual Music is a Part of Everyday Life Toy Drive, Tuesday, December 22 at the Carson Community Center.  With sponsors and supporters such as Taxx Pros and Jan’s Christian Academy, the Music is a Part of Everyday Life Toy Drive successfully gathered a number of toys to be distributed to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carson and House Full of Toys; used instruments were donated to the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center, in Los Angeles.

The children in attendance enjoyed arts and crafts like making bracelets, customizing photo frames and coloring pictures.  Attendees also enjoyed an open photo booth provided by Fotos on the Go, gift bags and live performances from upcoming musical artists.  KJLH was present during the first half of the event, where Bigg Pwee did Block Hits to encourage the community to donate new, unwrapped toys and used instruments.

Performers graced the stage by delivering musical performances throughout the event.  These performers included a 10-year-old female emcee by the name of Charlee Hines; R&B recording artist, Auree “Honey Blu” Edmundson; R&B recording artist, Ashley Manley (shown in the picture to the left; photographed by Robert Byrd of BE-Radical Productions); and a dance performance by creative artist Lamont Easter, Jr.  DJ BaD provided sounds on the turntables during the second half of the toy drive and aided in playing soundtracks for the performers.

Toward the close of the toy drive, a raffle was conducted raffling off items at $1 per ticket.  Some of the items included: gift baskets, tickets to the R&B Rewind Fest and an autographed basketball from Los Angeles Lakers’ Power Forward, Julius Randle.  All proceeds were donated to Christ Centered Community Church.

Torrey “Tact Boogie” Adams, founder of KhyKel Music Enterprises and The Beat Series gave a short speech, at the end of the event, about the importance of music, philanthropy and the passion behind his creativity.  “Often times my passion gets mistaken [for other emotions].  I just love what I do…music is a part of everyday life.”   His ultimate goal, as a music producer and engineer, is to expose and involve more children in the art of making music.

RIVERSIDE, CA- On Sunday, December 20, the Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. held its annual “Shop with a Kappa” gift giving event for Riverside County children.  The shopping extravaganza was held in partnership with the Riverside Wal-Mart on Canyon Springs Parkway, where children and their families shopped the aisles for much needed items.

“Giving to families and enhancing the lives of children is what Christmas is truly about,” says Polemarch Demarius Carmichael.  “I think our fraternity members had as much fun giving as the children had receiving.”

Each child received a $100 store gift certificate from a Kappa sponsor, which enabled him or her to purchase toys and essentials.  Upon checking out, the Wal-Mart management team greeted children with goodie bags and snacks.

“The children seemed very excited about the event,” says parent Angela Coggs, whose son Yonathan is a youth Kappa League member.  “Many of them were selfless and wanted to select gifts that would not only benefit them, but their entire families.”

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is an international Greek Letter fraternity that was founded in 1911.  It has more than 150,000 members with 721 undergraduate and alumni chapters.  The Riverside Alumni Chapter is actively involved in community service and youth mentoring.  Its annual scholarship fundraisers and charitable events, which include an annual Thanksgiving food drive and Shop with a Kappa, enable families to receive much needed support.

To learn more about the Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and its programs, please visit www.rackapsi.com.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

It’s time for you to wholeheartedly give yourself to the will of the Lord. I tell you time is running out! Paul said that it is closer than when we first believed. The night is just about to be over and it is day time. Wake up! You can’t continue to live like you have been living. Wake up! It is time to do what God has called you to do. Yeah, the world’s philosophy says, “Live for self”… but God’s Word says, “Die to self!”   Don’t you know that being in God’s will is far better than being outside His will? The problem is that most of us as believers today is committed to this world and not the things of God – everything is about “what we want” and not about “what God wants.” The flesh is running rampant in the Christian world today and I tell you that ought not to be. My purpose is to challenge you to understand that Jesus came to give us something new in our spiritual life. According to Christ, it is absolutely imperative and important for us to be transformed if we desire to enter into God’s Kingdom. Remember what God told His people Israel, “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 forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron 7:14). Scripture is very clear on our need to direct our hearts toward God –Remember, “Dying to self” isn’t the goal – “Life” is the goal!

This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart…” [Ephesians 4:17-19]. I want you to know that Paul gets very specific, describing those things which we as Christian must put off and those which we must put on [Ephesians 4:25]. We got to lay aside the old self he says, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and we must be renewed in the spirit of our mind…”[Ephesians 4:22-24]. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! For sin shall not be master over us, for we are not under law, but under grace (Romans 6: 1-14). As you therefore have received Christ, so walk in Him, (Colossians 2:6).

Decide today to give yourself over to the will of God, letting each day count for eternity. Allow God to have His way with you. “Whereas ye know not what shall be on tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away. [James 4:14].  Paul realized he had to fulfill the call of God upon his life. He said, “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel…” [I Corinthians 9:16-17]. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” [Romans 12:1-2].  Understand that God has called you to live a separated life, to be a peculiar people unto Him.  “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” [ 2 Corinthians 6:17-18].

I want you to know that there are two consequences in life. You can either attend the feast were wisdom spreads her table for those who enter her house. She strengthens them, she satisfies them, and she sustains them. She gives them all they need for now and for the future. [1 Cor. 2:9] [John 14:1-3].  Or you can attend the funeral – The context and the contrast. While the wise man goes off to enjoy the feast, the fool goes off to endure his funeral [Proverbs 7:5-27]. This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live [Deuteronomy 30:19]. The alarm has been sounded. What will you do?