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Markelle Fultz Reveals What Really Happened With His Shot, Shoulder


By Etan Thomas

Since he arrived to the NBA as the No. 1 pick in 2017 for the Philadelphia 76ers, there has been so much misreported about Markelle Fultz.

Fultz went through two tumultuous years of misinformation by the media and fans, conspiracy theories, unfounded rumors, criticisms and internet jokes, and he was labeled a bust by people who are paid a king’s ransom on ESPN — namely Stephen A. Smith, who called Fultz “the biggest bust in NBA history.”

But what actually happened is quite the opposite. Fultz wasn’t a “bust.” He was dealing with an injury that is not only untraceable by an MRI, but also rarely (or hardly ever) seen in basketball players. In spite of all that, he was still trying to play through the pain because of his love for the game of basketball, and it’s something that he does, in fact, regret doing.

I spoke with Fultz on my podcast, “The Rematch,” and the Orlando Magic guard opened up on everything that happened with his shoulder and finally put all of the incorrect rumors to rest. Below is a snippet of our conversation:

Etan Thomas: You mentioned your shoulder. You injured your shoulder, and you initially tried to play through it and not tell anybody about the injury, right? Am I correct?

Markelle Fultz: “Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely.”

Etan Thomas: So walk me through that process because people don’t really understand how it works sometimes. And I’m sure the pressure of being No. 1 was a contributing factor to why you wanted to play through the injury. But walk me through that process.

Markelle Fultz: “Yeah. Well, a lot of people just don’t know my love for the game. Growing up in the area I grew up, you have bumps and bruises. But that’s where it becomes a business, taking care of your body. And me being who I am, loving the game so much, I feel like, although my shoulder was messed up, I feel like I can still contribute to the game and help my team win. So I wanted to go out there and just compete and have fun with the game. And also, it’s my first year. And I think that I did a poor job of communicating to my agent and my family what I was feeling, instead of just going out there and trying to compete without expressing what I was feeling. And all I was doing was making it worse. But when I realized that certain situations weren’t going my way, I knew I had to speak up, and I had to do what’s best for myself.

“And I think that was the toughest part about it, because I felt like I could still play and contribute to my team, but I wasn’t myself. I wasn’t 100%, and it wasn’t what was best for the team. So I took that time and tried to figure out what was going on. And I went to go see certain doctors and started that rehab process then. But I think the biggest thing I learned from that is just taking care of my body, and communicating what I feel to not only my agent and my family, but also trainers and stuff like that.”

Etan Thomas: So how long were you in pain before you told anybody?

Markelle Fultz: “Actually, my shoulder started hurting before training camp [in my rookie year].  But I just thought it was from how much work I was putting in, from me shooting so much that my shoulder was just sore. So I tried to work through it. I’m going in the gym, shooting thousands of shots, trying to shoot through it. And the whole time, I just continued to make it worse. But again, the mindset that I had, I’m just trying to grind. I’m trying to continue to work through these issues, and not knowing that I’m making it worse. Again, I’m just kind of being young and being selfish, I would call it, in a sense, not understanding my body. And I think that was a big part of it. And again, once I communicated, I started to get the help that I needed. And I started to work and rehab, and it started to get better.”

Etan Thomas: You mentioned you learned how to advocate for yourself. I want you to go a little bit more detail with that. And speak up because still, a lot of people don’t really understand how it works with team trainers and team doctors, and how a lot of times players have to speak up and advocate for themselves. Just go into a little bit more detail about that point.

Markelle Fultz: “Yeah. And this is no knock on any team or anything like that, but it’s a business, at the end of the day. And sometimes, again, it’s a long season, so you have bumps and bruises. And sometimes, some people play through it, some people don’t. Everybody’s body is different. So especially not knowing a person and not knowing the situation, if you don’t communicate and advocate for yourself, you never know what could happen. And it can be something as small as your toe hurting. But what I’ve learned so much about my body is your body compensates. And we’re so good, as athletes and as humans, that if we’re trying to do something, our body’s going to find a way to do it. So it might not be the right way, but we can do certain stuff and hurt ourself, in the long run.

“And so my one thing would be: try to be in tune with your body as much as you can. And [it could be something] as small as your toenail hurting. I mean, you always get this phrase of ‘You’re soft’ or you’re whatever. But what I’ve learned is I’d rather overcommunicate about how my body’s feeling and still be able to work out. I still want to work out, but I’m going to let you know, ‘Hey, my big toe’s hurting. Hey, my right hamstring is feeling like this today. My knee’s feeling like this.’ So they can start to know that you’re caring about your body, and you’re documenting certain stuff, so you don’t end up compensating and hurting yourself in the long run.”

Etan Thomas: Yeah, well, it’s interesting. You go to different gyms, and they could be even as young as high school. And you see phrases on the wall like “Pain is weakness leaving your body” and stuff like that. And I hate that. I do, because it puts the wrong mentality into players, to thinking that them being injured is somehow their fault, like they’re not being tough enough to play through an injury. And I just personally cannot stand that mentality at all.

Markelle Fultz: “Yeah. And I think that’s how I kind of grew up. Not in a bad way. But growing up, I’m playing through whatever. I don’t want to be soft. I want to show that I’m tough. But when you get to a certain point where your body is your brand… Your body is your car, so you need to take care of that thing like it’s a Ferrari. You hear phrases like that, but it’s true. You have to take care of your body.

“You have to get the right recovery. You have to get the right sleep. If not, it’s going to end up hurting you. It might not hurt you right away, but down the road it can give you certain side effects. Or you never know, it can lead to something happening right away. But there are also freak accidents that happen. But I think that’s the one thing that I would recommend to any player at any age, is just communicating about your body. [That] doesn’t mean that you have to sit out of a drill, but it can start to put an awareness on people’s mind. You can start to document certain things. And you’ll have a better understanding, going forward, of why you do what you do.”

Etan Thomas: But I think that sometimes a player does have to sit down. A player does have to say, “Okay, I can’t go. You’re going to talk bad about me. You’re going to tell…” So I use the example a lot with my son about Robert Griffin III. So when RG III first came to D.C., my son was the biggest RG III fan on earth. And then I took him to… you know when they have the open scrimmages? So he met him, and RG III was cool with him. And they took a picture, and he’s been the biggest RG III fan forever since then. And you remember that game where RG III was limping out there? And so, I’m watching that game with Malcolm. And he was like, “Why is he playing? What is he doing? He’s going to injure himself,” and so forth. This is what a young Malcolm is saying.

And sure enough, in fact his entire career, the trajectory of everything, went downhill from there. And then you saw the trainer say, “Well, I didn’t tell him to go out there.” Nobody wanted to take responsibility. But it should be the trainer’s job to tell you that you are going to hurt yourself more if you continue playing. And that’s the problem that I personally have with a lot of NBA trainers. I’m not throwing anybody in particular under the bus; this is a league-wide issue. They’re employers of the team, and they want to do what’s best for the team, not what’s best for the player.

Markelle Fultz: “Exactly. And that’s where it comes back to a relationship. So you have to have the certain people in your corner that’s going to always keep it real with you because at the end of the day, like I said, your body’s your brand. And it’s about the longevity. It’s different if it’s Game 7 in the playoffs or the championship, and you’re sacrificing for that. What I’ve also learned is rest is a big part of recovery, and getting the right amount of rest. Some days you got to go hard, and some days you have to not do anything at all. I mean, you can do some light stuff. But I think you hit it right on the head. Some people’s mind is set for the team. Not everybody has your best interest [in mind]. You have the best interest for yourself. So I think that’s why it’s huge to communicate how you feel to whoever it is — whether it’s your mom, your dad, your trainer, whoever — and do what you feel is best because you know your body the best.

“Nobody else can tell you how your body is supposed to feel, how your body feels at that time. And I think that’s where I learned how to advocate the most for myself. And I’ve gotten more respect from a lot of people when I do that. And again, it doesn’t mean you’re soft. It’s just being smart about certain things. But at the same time, you do have to push yourself in certain limits to be able to… It’s going to be certain days where you’re sore, and you still have to push through. That’s part of it, but it’s a difference between sore and hurt. So just trying to learn… The sooner you start to communicate certain things, you start to learn what’s pain, and what’s okay to work through and what’s not to work through. And that’s where I think I’ve learned the most. I’ve learned how to identify what’s going on in my body, and understand what I need to do to make that feel better, or if I need to take rest or if I need to go get treatment.”

Etan Thomas: Yeah. I mean, I always heard the saying that there’s a difference between being injured and hurting. So sometimes you’re going to have to play through being hurting. That’s just part of being an athlete. But being injured, you need to sit down.

Markelle Fultz: Exactly.

Etan Thomas: So, I want to ask a few specifics. I remember seeing some videos of you, watching you play and seeing your different routines on the free-throw line. And I just wanted to ask: Was that when you was trying to push through it? Was it part of the rehab? So there was one where you would kind of pat the ball like this, and then shoot it. And then there were some where you would go up and it would be kind of like a hitch, kind of. What exactly was going on?

Markelle Fultz: “Yes. So what a lot of people don’t know is, what TOS (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome) is. It’s a nerve… It’s when your nerves are getting pressured on, and you can start to lose feeling in your hands. So at the time when I was playing, I still had TOS. I wasn’t diagnosed with TOS. I still was working through certain shoulder stuff. But again, with my love for the game, I still wanted to be out there.

“And another thing people don’t know, TOS is not diagnosed through a MRI, CAT scan. It’s very hard to diagnose TOS, which is a big part of why, in the beginning, I kind of thought that nothing was going on. And I just thought it was my shoulder, because when I got MRIs and I got the scans, I didn’t see anything that was going on. But I had to continue. So I went from shooting 40% in college to coming into the NBA…. It’s so funny, people were like, ‘He changed his shot.’ Like, what would I change my shot for? There’s no reason. So that was one of the funniest things that I heard, then I used to hear all these rumors about me being injured on a motorcycle, but that’s another story.”

Etan Thomas: Oh, man! There were so many different rumors about you… They got the story wrong so many times. I heard so many different stories.

Markelle Fultz: And that’s what was the funniest thing because to me… I never went out to address it because I didn’t care about that. Again, my main focus was getting back on the court, doing what I needed to do. But some of the stuff I used to see, I used to be like, ‘Yo, that’s crazy that somebody actually believes that.’ But it also taught me another thing: You can’t believe everything you read, right? But yeah. So pretty much what people didn’t know is, so when I was going… The whole thing on my shoulder, when I would try to shoot, it almost felt like I had a too-small suit jacket on. So I would go, try to go up, and it felt like somebody was almost holding my arm there. I would try to move fast, but I felt like I couldn’t move fast. So what I ended up doing is continue to try to shoot on it. I ended up building up more and more pressure on my shoulder where I’m not using… where I’m starting to hinge my shoulder up. I’m starting to use the wrong muscles, and I’m building bad habits.

“But what people don’t understand is I’m out there playing, still. Still trying to shoot, still doing this. I was still making free throws. I wasn’t very high percentage, but I was still making free throws. And so the first thing, when I would go up sometimes, I would lose feeling in my hand. And so, that’s the reason I’d double clutch, because I would get here and I wouldn’t feel like the ball was in my hand. But when I’d come up, my feeling would come back because the way it is — when I’m going through a certain motion — my muscles are pushing on my nerve, which is cutting my feeling off. And when I go through, it releases off the nerve, and that’s when I would get my feeling back. So when I would do the double clutch, it was because when I would get here, I wouldn’t feel the ball in my hand. So it was no way I was shooting if I don’t feel like the ball [was] in my hand.

“So I would go up a little bit and it would come back, so I would just come from here and shoot the ball. And so when I went to practice, I’m like, ‘Alright, that’s not working, so let me try something else.’ So another thing I tried to do was, this wouldn’t have me holding the ball. So the desensitization of just moving the ball back and forth until I get into where I get feeling, which is right here, then I can just shoot. I was fine shooting from here. If I had just caught the ball here and shot up, it was perfectly fine. So that was why I went to that because I was just trying to be more efficient at the free-throw line. I didn’t care what people were saying. I was just trying to get my flow in. So when I got to where I needed to go, I can just shoot the ball fine. But again, that was another realization of me compensating. And I said, ‘Markelle Fultz, you don’t need to compensate. You need to get healthy.’

“And another instance where I talked to my agent, I just told him I have no problem playing. I just feel like I want to be myself so I can just go out there and play without thinking, just playing my game, be who I am. And so, that’s where it kind of went from. But just a lot of repetition of shooting the wrong way, it just builds bad habits and it builds your muscle memory wrong. And so, that was the biggest thing, trying to get back to… And I’m still working on it now. It’s something I’m always going to have to work on. It’s just trying to get my brain to process the ball being over my head the same way. And it’s something that is a everyday grind, but I’m enjoying it. I feel way more comfortable now, and I feel the improvement. And again, I know my body, so I know what I need to work on.

Listen to the full episode of Markelle Fultz on The Rematch here.

Produced in association with BasketballNews.com.



The post Markelle Fultz Reveals What Really Happened With His Shot, Shoulder appeared first on Zenger News.

Rebellious Teenager Evolves Into Sweet Soul Catering Entrepreneur 


By Lem Satterfield

Once a rebellious teenager, Aurelia Geddis, now 33, is a spiritually-based, single mother to a young boy and owner of Sweet Soul Catering.

Geddis’ creations range from fried chicken and collard greens to sweet potato cheesecake and apple pie, from a soul-food feast with creamy macaroni and cheese to an intimate tea party with cucumber sandwiches and Charcuterie boards.

“Cooking is very therapeutic to me,” said Geddis, of Woodbridge, Virginia. “I thought to myself that I wanted to make sweet treats and soul food, so I came up with the name Sweet Soul. I even had a scripture to line up with what I wanted to do. Psalm 34:8: ‘Oh taste and see that the Lord is Good, Blessed is the man that trusts in Him.”

“Cooking is very therapeutic to me,” says entrepreneur Aurelia Geddis. (Courtesy of Aurelia Geddis)

The eldest of three daughters born to Herbert Geddis, a nondenominational deacon, and Toni Geddis, a minister, Aurelia was the apple of her parents’ eyes. Once she past her growing-up years, she started her business in 2015.

Geddis talks with Zenger about her journey from an 18-year-old who was twice kicked out of her home to successful culinary businesswoman.

Zenger: What is the origin of your business, and how did you arrive at that name?

Growing up, Aurelia Geddis (left) had a pretend restaurant with her sisters Shanelle (right) and Te’onya. “To this day, I’m still taking their orders,” she says. (Courtesy of Aurelia Geddis)

Aurelia Geddis: I started it in 2015 with just baking and making a few dishes for people at church. I remember writing a Facebook post with suggestions on a name. With my sisters Shanelle and Te’onya, I had a pretend restaurant called Ree’s Palace.

I had a notebook and took my sisters’ orders. The menu consisted of peanut butter and jelly, ramen and anything microwavable. My sisters always sent me ideas and the craziest and hardest recipes. To this day, I’m still taking their orders.

Sweet potato cheesecake topped with pecans and caramel sauce: a sweet specialty of Aurelia Geddis. (Courtesy of Aurelia Geddis)

Zenger: Can you describe what you do?

Geddis: I am a caterer. I provide services for people who need cuisine at their events, parties, weddings, funerals, dinner parties, etc. I have had the honor to cater at some awesome events. I have catered several weddings and proms. I’ve done the Taste of Black D.C. with the University of the District of Columbia, an event at the Embassy of Haiti.

At an event with the Greater Washington Urban League, I actually won the chefs’ competition. All of these chefs owned their restaurants, so I felt like I understood the assignment of what I do. I’m a black single mother.

Zenger: Has COVID been a factor?

Geddis: Pre-COVID, the business got so busy that I had to start rejecting business. It was stressful. I could tell I was starting to experience burnout. So when COVID happened, the break was needed. I tried to think about how to revamp the business to still accrue business without having to travel to my clients.

I started making seasonings and extracts.  I plan to start advertising it in 2022. I have really advertised recently, but now that things are opening back up, I have taken on more events. I literally started out doing small things and making mistakes.

But I expanded to catering weddings and large events with over 200 people. I’m tired, but I truly love it. Now, I plan to do smaller events and dinner parties and meal prepping.  I’ve also entertained the idea of being a personal or in-home chef.

Veggie shots and snickerdoodle cupcakes are among Aurelia Geddis’ creations for her catering business. (Courtesy of Aurelia Geddis) 

Zenger: Can you characterize your bond with your parents and their spiritual role in your life?

Geddis: My relationship with my parents wasn’t always great. As a teen, I understood that we lived in a nice home in a nice neighborhood, but I also understood that we didn’t really have money and funds were tight. There was a time when I was being rebellious.I got kicked out of the house.

Zenger: How was life for you at that time?

Geddis: Even while kicked out, I would come visit, and they loved me. There were arguments, but I knew they loved me. I came back after a few years and got kicked out again. I lived with my pastors for a couple of months while they mentored me, loved me and convinced me I should go back home and reconcile with my parents.

My mom raised us in church. I stayed in the church I was raised in and would see them sometimes. I constantly felt God pulling on my heart, bringing me back to a life of faith instead of partying and entertaining bad influential people. I knew that God was the only way to go when I felt I didn’t have anywhere else to go.

Zenger: Were there challenges raising Caleb as a single mother?

Geddis: Being pregnant was the most difficult thing. I was having a baby with a man that I didn’t want to be with. I was depressed all day. The day I had Caleb, I wept so hard when I heard his cry. It was the most beautiful and joyous thing I’ve ever heard. I remember not sleeping at night to make sure he was alive and breathing.

I silently went through postpartum. My hair fell out and support was not coming through like I wanted it to.  My son made me grow up. He makes me make better decisions. He’s the reason why I went back to school and got my degree. He’s the reason why I decided that I wouldn’t continue a relationship with his father.

My son understands that I work with cooking. There have been several late nights with being in the grocery store, doing homework and prepping meals. He rarely complains about it. We now have a deal that his job is to go to school and do well, and mine is to make the money, so we can go on vacations.

My ultimate goal with him is to raise him as a gentleman who treats women well, tells the truth, prays and seeks God for all things. Everything else will fall into place. We pray every day for his teachers and classmates and of course for my future husband.

Aurelia Geddis with her 7-year-old son, Caleb. (Courtey of Aurelia Geddis) 

I recently had a meeting with his teacher. She had only good things to say about his behavior and kindness to other students. He sits next to a student that is on the spectrum, and she states that he is so kind and patient with him when other students aren’t. That only shows me that I’m parenting him well.

Zenger: How did you develop your business acumen?

Geddis: My independence as a child allowed my parents to trust me more with finances. After all the years of craziness, they helped me purchase my first car and my second. My mom always volunteers my services to any person she comes in contact with. She is the ultimate networker. My dad loves to eat. He’ll tell me if the dish was good or not.

Before I had my son, I always said I wanted to purchase a home. I’m in awe of how I actually bought a home, revamping it during the pandemic. I found out I had identity theft when my credit report was run. It took me a few months to get it cleared up.

I went to an open house on a Sunday afternoon with my dad. When I walked in, the home needed work. The previous owner didn’t take great care of it, so the cost was under market value. I was able to take advantage of a loan and get renovations included in my mortgage. Every area of my house is new. All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Zenger: What is your educational background?

Geddis: In high school, I contacted a culinary artist from Johnson and Wales [University]. The day, I called my mom to let her know what I wanted to do, she was calling me. She said God told her what I should be going to school for, and we both said the culinary arts. I actually got accepted to Johnson and Wales.

Creations by Aurelia Geddis’ Sweet Soul Catering. (Courtesy of Aurelia Geddis)

But because of the family dynamic and the finances at the time, my dream school was not in the picture. I would cook for different church functions and my church family would always hype me up and encourage me to do more. One day, I just got the courage to stop making excuses and just start.

After high school, I went to community college. I didn’t really go to classes or do well and was in and out of school for a while. It wasn’t until after I had my son that I wanted to be a good example to him. I enrolled in Mid-America Christian University and graduated in 2017 with my bachelor’s in business administration with a focus in accounting and ethics.

Zenger: Are there any causes you aspire to?

Geddis: When I attended the Greater Washington Urban League, I promoted healthy eating for low-income families.

There are several diseases the black community is more susceptible to because of the food they have access to or what is more or /less expensive.

I was able to create a meal to show that we can eat healthy — even in the means that we live in. I also created a video showing how to cook healthy meals they promoted on their site.

Zenger: Was racism ever an issue?

Geddis: I never really thought I could accomplish as much as my Caucasian counterparts. When advertising myself, I wouldn’t get as many hits or business. But through faith and prayer, resources and businesses were drawn to me like a magnet. My family, friends and extended family allowed me to believe I could accomplish anything.

Edited by Judith Isacoff and Fern Siegel



The post Rebellious Teenager Evolves Into Sweet Soul Catering Entrepreneur  appeared first on Zenger News.

Letter To the Editor: Kick Tobacco for Mental Health Benefits

By Carol McGruder, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council

It’s that time of the year again. During the holiday season, people will start to make their 2022 resolutions, and try to stick to them. While many might wait until New Year’s Day to start this process, there’s absolutely no harm in getting a head start.

As co-founder of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council with decades of experience, I know there are many reasons why people need to stop smoking and vaping. But besides the obvious harmful physical effects, smoking is also bad for your mental health. Many people who smoke think it relieves stress. Unfortunately, nicotine in tobacco products or vapes can lead to increased stress, anxiety, irritability, and impulsivity, and quitting smoking can improve your mental health and well-being. The holidays can be especially chaotic so taking care of your mental and physical health this time of year is more important than ever.

While it might be easy to reach for that cigarette, know there is a better way to manage stress and kick the habit. Kick It California, formerly the California Smokers’ Helpline, has been helping people quit using tobacco products for more than 30 years. With more than half of the people who reach out to Kick It reporting having at least one mental health issue, Kick Its comprehensive program focuses on behavior change methods that help adjust thinking and build confidence to make new, healthier habits stick. Three decades of research and results shows that people succeed when they have access to personalized programs and support like Kick It.

If you are quit-curious, quit-ready or just need a little push to move forward, now is the time, and Kick it California is here to help. They will meet you where you are in your process. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Kick It California’s new mobile friendly website, one-on-one coaching, enhanced tools, and proven methods are available to all Californians, and shown to double a tobacco user’s chance of quitting.

I know it takes a village, a support system, to quit tobacco. I also know that it will take many attempts, but the point is to keep trying. So rather than viewing relapse as a failure, people who smoke and their loved ones need to understand that it is part of the process. Or as Donnie McClurkin told us, “we fall down but we get up!” And participating in Kick it California is one big step to help you eventually get up and stay up!

I encourage everyone who uses tobacco products to make it their resolution to quit tobacco and do it sooner rather than later. With lung health so important these days, if there was ever a time to quit tobacco, it’s now. The resources are free and within your grasp. Our community needs you healthy and strong. You can start your journey to a smoke free life today by visiting kickitca.org, texting “Quit Smoking” to 66819 or calling 1-800-300-8086. Happy New You!

 

50-Year-Old First-Time Mom Welcomes Baby Girl

Susie Troxler, a 50-year-old woman from Greensboro, North Carolina, recently gave birth to a baby for the first time. She and her 61-year-old husband Tony are very excited about being parents to their miracle baby.

Since the couple got married in 2008, they have always dreamed of having their own baby. But years have passed, and Susie still didn’t get pregnant. They tried consulting doctors but they were always told that it could not happen.

Aside from their age, Susie had uterine fibroids and Tony had some medical issues that lowered their chances to have a baby in a natural way.

That is when they tried other procedures like IVF and egg donation. Cone Health OBGYN Dr. Carolyn Harraway-Smith referred them to Carolinas Fertility Institute where Susie’s fibroids were removed before performing rounds of egg collections and IVF.

“None of that worked, and we were down to our last embryo,” Susie Troxler told WFMY News about their experience. “They bring me into the ultrasound, and the first thing they said was, ‘Oh, she’s moving!’ I was like, ‘Yes!’”

Last September, Susie gave birth to a healthy baby girl that they named Lily.

“We are thrilled. Sleep-deprived, but totally beyond worth it. She is a miracle baby,” Susie said.

Meanwhile, even though giving birth at the age of 50 is extremely rare, Harraway-Smith said it is not always recommended as it involves several risks such as miscarriage, stillbirth, among others.

Fourth Annual Christmas Toy Drive Fosters Unity in The Community

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — This holiday season, Sista’s Making a Difference of San Bernardino brings back its beloved annual toy drive to ensure that every family in the area has a Merry Christmas. The organization is collecting toys from now until the event on Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 1 p.m. to 4pm, at Norton Recreation Center, 1554 Art Townsend Drive, San Bernardino.

Sista’s Making a Difference (SMD) began the toy drive in San Bernardino in 2018. It has grown each year as a collaborative community effort. Last year, 3,000 toys were distributed at the giveaway event at Carter High School in Rialto, along with turkeys donated by Feeding America IE.

This year, SMD aims to gift at least 5,000 toys. There will also be information to connect families with essential resources.

Repeat partners and sponsors of the toy drive include nonprofit organizations The Dino Can and Survive; businesses Cellphone Repair & Accessories (Rialto), Hilton Grand Vacations, and Major League Barbers; and the San Bernardino County Public Defender. Children’s Network and Toys for Tots have been annual donors.

“This event is about more than just giving a toy to a child in need,” said Ronnie Miller of Sista’s Making a Difference. “Its main purpose is to keep the holiday spirit alive by spreading love throughout our community.”

Families can find out how to register children for the toy drive by following SMD on Facebook @sistasmd2020 and Instagram @sistasmd. Walk-ups are also welcome.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in sponsoring, donating to, or hosting a drop box for the toy drive can contact smdtoydrive@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

20/20 Vision Youth
CHORDS Hip-Hop Shop
The Dino Can
Inland Empire Health Plan Inland Empire Rebound
The M.U.D.A. Foundation Option House
Survive
UNITEEE
Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace

SPONSORS

BlacGold
Cat Clark Consulting Services Drip Factory
E’veille Awaken Apparel Klutch Fastpitch
The Mexico Cafe?
Operation New Hope Stronger Together Now Success Express Marketing Toys for Tots

DROP BOX LOCATIONS

Cellphone Repair and Accessories — 869 Foothill Blvd., Rialto, CA 92376
Eo?S Fitness — 9930 Alabama St., Redlands, CA 92374
Hilton Grand Vacations — 1580 Metro Dr., Ste. 100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
IE Microblading & Permanent Makeup Academy — 771 W. Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786

I Love Chicken & Waffles — 1170 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92404
Major League Barbershop — 2035 E. Highland Ave., Ste. G, San Bernardino, CA 92404 Option House — 813 North D St., San Bernardino, CA 92401
San Bernardino County Public Defender — 900 E. Gilbert St., Bldg. 5, San Bernardino, CA 92415
U-Haul — 1198 Tippecanoe Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92410

County Museum opens exhibit about the December 2nd Memorial Project

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- A special exhibit about the creation of the upcoming December 2nd “Curtain of Courage” Memorial opens at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2 at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands.

The exhibit will display models of the “Curtain of Courage” Memorial, currently under construction at the County’s Government Center. In addition, the exhibit will feature the project’s renderings and video, and introduce Walter Hood, a world-renowned landscape architect and artist who worked on its creation with the families of the 14 victims of the Dec. 2, 2015, terrorist attack and members of the December 2nd Memorial Committee. The special exhibit runs through Dec. 19.

Thursday is the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. Fourteen people were killed and 22 were physically injured during a training meeting for employees of San Bernardino County’s Environmental Health Services division. A private event will be held for the families and survivors.

The December 2nd Memorial Committee formed in 2016 and held several meetings to establish an overall vision for the memorial based on shared values. The committee determined the memorial should recognize the broad diversity and lives of the victims as well as those who stepped up to preserve and protect life. The memorial would also provide enduring recognition of the County employees who witnessed the attack, many of whom were physically injured and all of whom were emotionally impacted. The committee expressed that the memorial would be a place for quiet reflection and would result in a space to appropriately and eternally reflect the many important and unique people, stories, and lessons of December 2nd.

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman shared, “The Curtain of Courage Memorial will be a place of reflection where the community can unite in spirit with the families of those lost and injured in this unimaginable tragedy. We will never forget their stories and are honored to have Mr. Hood work on this project which will serve as an enduring reminder about the courage and impact each individual had in this county.”

Hood, a landscape architect, is the creative director and founder of Hood Design Studio in Oakland. He is also a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and lectures on professional and theoretical projects nationally and internationally. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Landscape Design (2009), the Academy of Arts and Letters Architecture Award (2017), a Knight Public Spaces Fellowship (2019), a MacArthur Fellowship (2019, commonly referred to as the “Genius Grant”), and the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize (2019).

In 2021, Hood was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Architectural League presented to Hood the highest honor given to an individual for their exceptional achievements in architecture, urbanism, art, design, and the environment, where Architectural League President Paul Lewis declared that Hood is “one of the most influential designers of public space of our time…”

Hood’s notable large-scale projects across the country include the grounds for the M. H. de Young Museum, in San Francisco, with Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron (2005), Rendezvous Park, Jackson, Wyoming (2011); Oakland Waterfront Master Plan, in Oakland (2011); Viaduct Rail Park, Philadelphia (2016); “Witness Walls,” Nashville, Tenn. (2017); Rosa Parks Neighborhood Master Plan, Detroit, Mich. (2018); the garden redesign for the Oakland Museum of California (2021); Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park, Jacksonville, Fla. (in progress), and the International African American Museum in Charleston, S.C. (in progress).

Hood’s book “Black Landscapes Matter” will be available in the County Museum store during the exhibit.

The “Curtain of Courage” Memorial is under construction on the east side of the San Bernardino County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave. in San Bernardino and is expected to be unveiled in the spring.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.

 

 

 

“Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha ?ka? laka ? Boom!”

By Lou Yeboah

Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha ?ka? laka ? Boom! – – Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha-ka-laka ? Boom! Whoosh!

The stage is set, the key players have taken position, the cameras are rolling, and the lights are beginning to dim. A hush is falling across the audience in Heaven, and all is needed is for the Director to cry out, “Action!” The seven seals crescendo into silence. Then the temple of God in Heaven opens, and within His temple the ark of His covenant is seen. All of a sudden flashing of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm. [Revelation 11:19]. Compelling evidence that at any time now Christ could explode onto the scene, rupturing the sky wherewith He will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem. [Zechariah 14:12]. “Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha-ka-laka ? Boom! Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha-ka-laka ? Boom! Whoosh!

Finally, the Director gives the signal, the war is announced. It is declared. [ I Corinthians 14:8]. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and a third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. Then the second angel sounded, as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. [Revelation 8:7-9]

Can you imagine what that will be like? A day when all of those who have lived in rebellion to God, who will finally be vanquished, a day when—as the prophet Habakkuk said, “When the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” A day when the very prayer that we have been asked to pray will finally come to fruition and that is, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” [Habakkuk 2:14].

I tell you, there is no way to escape the conclusion that we are living on borrowed time. The signs of the times are upon us, and they are shouting for our attention. Are you ready? Is your life in order? How about your family and loved ones? Jesus uses four-word pictures to emphasize the same point: Be ready for His return. “Be dressed in readiness” “let your loins be girded.” Luke 12:35-40].

Warning after warning in scripture, telling us, today, that the time is short, discern the signs of the times, because the days are evil. {Ephesians 5:16]. Remember what Isaiah said to King Hezekiah, all of us, set your house in order, and pray that you are found worthy to escape the tribulation that is coming upon the entire world.

Listen, God is delaying His judgment for one reason – He is giving you an opportunity to be saved before it’s too late. Judgment will eventually come. It will come surely, says Peter. It will come suddenly. So, consider this your wake-up call because I tell you, what’s coming next there is no words for it. Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha ?ka? laka ? Boom! Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha-ka-laka-Boom!

As Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” When death comes, it will be too late for repentance. The Rich Man in Luke 16 discovered that too late. His destiny was now fixed and like in Esau’s case “there was no place for repentance.” May each of us learn from him, and from Esau, and not wait until it is too late to consider the cost of our decisions and actions.

Ready to Travel? Get the REAL ID!

By Carrie Stanton

The holidays are here, and families are excited to get together and celebrate for the first time in over a year. Amid the pandemic, we’ve missed far too many Sunday and holiday dinners that have been a tradition for many families for generations. For our community, family dinner is about creating memories. For those families who will be traveling this holiday season, I encourage you to consider adding a REAL ID upgrade to your checklist when making your travel plans.

The California DMV suggests changing your driver’s license or identification card to a REAL ID as federal laws will soon make it necessary to have either a passport, REAL ID, or other federally accepted forms of ID to board local flights and enter federal buildings.

While getting a REAL ID isn’t required, it does make it easier to continue using your driver’s license to board a local flight or visit loved ones on military bases. To help make this change, the California DMV is offering free upgrades to people who renewed their license or ID card between March 2020 and July 2021 from now until Dec. 31, 2021.

Protecting the health, safety and security of our communities is what’s important and the REAL ID provides an extra layer of protection when traveling. Applying is easy and can be started safely online at CaliforniaREALID.org. Complete your application, upload the required forms, and plan your DMV office visit to finish. Don’t forget your documents and confirmation code– they will be needed for your visit.

Whether you are applying for a first-time California driver’s license or identification card or are up for renewal, a REAL ID may be the best option, especially if you plan to travel soon. Get back to creating those memories with your family. With shorter wait periods and an easy application process, now is the perfect time to start your REAL ID application so you’re ready to go when the time is right.

As we continue to recover from the pandemic, many things in our lives are changing. In our community, many have started businesses, changed their lifestyles for the better and found new passions in life. Whatever is helping you get through these rough times is also playing a part in figuring out our new normal. Make the REAL ID part of that new normal.

Wanted Talent Is What It Do!

By Lue Dowdy

It’s a Love Jones type of vibe every last Wednesday of the month in Temecula at Shooter Sports Bar and Grill!

Tap in for “SO YOU SAY”, a night of Poetry and R&B music in your ear. Lue Productions showcases amazing artists from all over. If you would like to perform, please contact Lue Productions immediately for your spot.  Doors open at 8:00 pm, open mic starts at 8:15 pm ending at 9:15 pm, and main acts begin at 9:30 pm. There’s no performance fee and there’s no entry fee. We vibe out till 1:00 am with DJ TAI and your host LUE Dowdy. Grown and sexy only!

Remember Shooters Sport Bar and Grill every last Wednesday of the month. For Booking information, text 909.567.1000 or email Lue.info@yahoo.com.

Howard University Names Kimberly Holmes-Iverson Director of Public Relations

Howard University is pleased to announce Kimberly Holmes-Iverson will serve as director of public relations in the Office of University Communications. Holmes-Iverson will lead the University’s media relations and communications strategy to increase Howard’s visibility and enhance its reputation as an internationally recognized research institution and preeminent Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

“I’m excited to work for such an esteemed institution,” said Holmes-Iverson. “Howard University is a true gift to our community. I feel my professional and life experiences have prepared me for this opportunity to share the stories that are living at Howard, which in turn, give life to us all. My vision along with a collaborative team effort will expound upon the brand, history and legacy of HU.”

Holmes-Iverson is an accomplished journalist who has a wealth of award-winning experience as a storyteller, bringing nearly two decades of communications and journalism experience to Howard University. She previously served as a morning anchor at the CBS affiliate on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Prior to that position, she covered countless stories while reporting, anchoring and producing investigative reports and specials at stations in Orlando, Florida and Cincinnati, Ohio. Her work has been recognized by the Emmy ® Awards, Associated Press, Religion Newswriters Association, and the National Association of Black Journalists.

“I am excited to bring Ms. Holmes-Iverson to Howard University,” said Frank Tramble, vice president and chief communications officer for Howard University. “Her experience with storytelling and leadership in newsrooms across the country will be crucial to helping us share stories of Howard’s community with the world. Her ability to bring new relationships and forge stronger relationships with the media is critical.”

Holmes-Iverson began her career behind the scenes as an associate producer in Miami, Florida and as an intern at Bloomberg Television’s Washington, D.C. bureau. Her passion for encouraging young people led her to teach journalism, media ethics & communication courses as an adjunct instructor at Salisbury University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She often draws upon her experience working in public relations at an education nonprofit in Washington, D.C. and communicating at a grassroots level while working on a gubernatorial campaign early in her career. Throughout the years, she has served as a mentor, volunteered with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and been the leader of a Girl Scout Troop. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Holmes-Iverson received her bachelor’s degree in public policy from Duke University and her master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. As the director of public relations, Holmes-Iverson will report to the vice president and chief communications officer. She will oversee the University’s public relations and communications strategy to expand Howard’s visibility and will work to strengthen relationships with the media.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

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