Why do you make me do this? I’ve told you many times, to repent, but you haven’t listened, so because of your hard and impenitent heart, know that you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day when My righteous judgment will be revealed. [Romans 2:5]. In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know Me and on those who do not obey the gospel. I tell you, you will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from My presence and from the glory of My might. [2 Thessalonians 1:7-9]. Why? Why do you make me do this?

Adam disobeyed Me and suffered the consequences. Saul, disobedience in not following My instructions had severe consequences. Many fell dead, all the Israelites were forced to flee, and Saul’s army along with his sons were killed. [1 Samuel 31]. At the flood – [Genesis 6-8]. Wrath built up and was restrained until the day came when it burst forth in fury. Sodom and Gomorrah – [Genesis 19] – My wrath slowly built against those people until it burst forth in divine judgment. At the Red Sea – [Exodus 14] – Pharaoh and his people had been dealt with by Me through plagues, however, because of their continued rebelliousness, the dam burst, and the entire Egyptian army drowned in the sea. Even then I restrained My anger. Why? Why do you make me do this? Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? No! declares the Sovereign Lord. REPENT! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. [Ezekiel 18:21,30]. If you don’t, rest assure ‘I will punish you as your deeds deserve.” [Jeremiah 21:14]. I the Lord has spoken, and My words shall not return void.

I want you to know that the greatest peril facing each person is the righteous wrath of God against guilty sinners, leading to everlasting suffering. For the Bible is clear that without repentance the ultimate consequence of sin is separation from God! This concept may be mocked today, but it doesn’t negate its truth! God’s desire is for people to learn the lessons of the past to avoid the judgment of the future. My prayer for you is that having learned something about the end of the world that you would then order your life accordingly.

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, ‘Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.’ So, the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea. The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, ‘Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!’ And I heard the altar saying, ‘Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!’ The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds. The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the entire world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. [‘Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!’] And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nation’s fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.” [Revelation 16].

I tell you, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” [2 Chronicles 7:13-14].

RIALTO, CA— Allanah was honored on August 10 by the City of Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson, The State Senate Connie Leyva and the County of San Bernardino Joe Baca for her academic accomplishments. In the words of Madame Mayor “It takes a village.”

“Thank you all so much for demonstrating to my baby that all of her hard work has not gone unnoticed,” Vickie Davis, mother of Ms. Mouton, states. “She has accomplished something that many people will only see on TV or through periodic news stories that make their way into social media pages.”

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She continues, “How blessed we are to have a front row seat. I’ve said it at least a hundred times and I’ll say one hundred more, I COULD NOT BE ANY MORE PROUD. Thanks to the love of my family, the beautiful support and encouragement of my community and unmatched joy that I have the privilege of knowing via watching my children grow I AM RICH. #richblessings.”

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Paulette Brown-Hinds, publisher of the Black Voice News has been named one of 10 recipients of Stanford University’s John S. Knight (JSK) Fellowship. The JSK Fellowship Program made the announcement August 4.

“As a lifelong learner, I’m excited to join the innovative cohort of journalism professionals — and especially excited to have access to some of Stanford’s finest minds and the JSK community of support as I work on my proposed project,” Brown Hinds said.

The JSK fellowship began in 1984 with a $4 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to provide a permanent endowment for the program. Their goal is to empower seasoned and emerging journalism leaders to close the information gap growing within minority communities. Fellows will receive stipends up to $75,000, advising on strategy and execution, cohort membership, and access to Stanford University resources.

“We’re thrilled by the wide range of experience levels, talents and types of local organizations around the U.S. that our new JSK Community Impact Fellows represent,” said JSK Director Dawn Garcia. “Their news and information projects will provide essential information to communities of people who are too often overlooked.”

With nearly 50 years of service to the Black community in Riverside County and surrounding areas, Black Voice News has been a family venture since Brown-Hinds parents, Hardy Brown and retired California Assemblymember Cheryl Brown became publishers in 1980. Brown-Hinds took over as publisher of the company in 2012 and has since focused on transitioning the print publication to a digital leader driven by what she describes as “solutions-based data journalism.”

During her 10-month fellowship, the information challenge Brown-Hinds proposed builds on the work of two Black Voice News data journalism focused initiatives: Mapping Black California and ‘DaHUB’, a data hub and content sharing platform currently in development.

The fellowship affords her the time, Brown-Hinds says, to explore how to make the visualization tools and datasets needed for solutions-focused data reporting on racial justice accessible to the Black Press in California.

Beyond the fellowship, Brown-Hinds is interested in providing assets for interested publishers.

“This includes a toolkit for news publishers on how to identify the right datasets, evaluate sources and translate statistics and numbers into meaningful narratives identifying solutions to systemic racism,” Brown Hinds says. “And drafting a playbook for Black media and Black community-based organizations interested in pursuing story collaborations utilizing data to solve community and systemic issues.

Museum Celebrates JTHAR’s 15-Year Anniversary with Exhibition

Innovative Art Inspired by Regional Desert Landscapes Opening September 18

The San Bernardino County Museum is honored to showcase the Joshua Tree Highlands Artist Residency (JTHAR) 15-year anniversary celebration exhibition from September 18, 2021 – January 3, 2022. The exhibition celebrates this anniversary by showcasing thirty-five artworks completed during the residency.  The artists selected are at all stages of their careers and work in all media, including drawing, painting, photography, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and non-fiction writing, interdisciplinary, social practice and architecture.

The museum recognizes JTHAR’s important work to engage emerging and seasoned artists in the Joshua Tree experience which allows for remarkable creativity as demonstrated in this upcoming exhibition. They also acknowledge the power of these resident artists and their resulting literal, abstract, and conceptual expressions to serve the cause of environmental sustainability, through influencing public opinion. Museum Director, Melissa Russo shared, “The San Bernardino County Museum is proud to host this 15-year anniversary exhibition of the Joshua Tree Highlands Artist Residency (JTHAR). The museum has a long-standing relationship with artists and art organizations throughout our Southern California region, supporting vibrant and unique creative community through exhibitions and programs.”

Over the past 15 years, JTHAR has hosted 110 national and international artists from Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and over 17 states across the United States. Curator and JTHAR advisory board member Alma Ruiz praised the organization’s achievements, “We can only marvel at what the JTHAR founders have accomplished in a relatively short time. The residency’s reach in its short existence is to be commended and encouraged. Its positive impact on the artists’ professional growth is evident.”

Established in 2007 by founders Fredrick Fulmer and James Berg, JTHAR is a non-profit artist residency that awards an international community of artists the gifts of time and space amidst the extraordinary natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. Group and solo residencies of six to seven weeks include scholarship funds, living accommodations, studio space designed to accommodate a broad range of artistic activity and a gallery exhibition.

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 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is free. For more information, visit http://www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom held a press conference to announce new COVID-19 guidelines for California’s K-12 public schools. Two days later, President Joe Biden praised the new mandate in a tweet.

“Gov. @GavinNewsom is leading California through unprecedented crises — he’s a key partner in fighting the pandemic and helping build our economy back better,” the POTUS said about Newsom, who is facing a recall election Sept. 14.

“To keep him on the job, registered voters should vote no on the recall election by 9/14 and keep California moving forward,” Biden continued.

Newsom’s new mandate requires all school employees to either provide proof of vaccination or submit to weekly testing.

“This is a state that very proudly was among the first states in the country to mandate mask wearing in the public education system, before this school year and before the CDC aligned with that standard; before the Academy of Pediatrics aligned with that strategy. And before the controversies that have subsequently ensued,” Newsom said when he made the announcement.

In July, COVID-19 cases among children under17 nearly tripled.

Conservative talk show host Larry Elder, who is African American and the frontrunner among candidates vying to replace Newsom in the upcoming recall election said, if he wins, he would not mandate state workers to wear masks or get vaccinated.

“When I become governor, assuming there are mandates for masks and statewide mandates for vaccines, they will be suspended right away,” Elder said. “This is America. We have freedom in America.”

Elder said he does believe people in high-risk categories should be vaccinated.

“But there are many Americans who disagree with me, feel that the vaccine was done too quickly,” he continued, explaining that COVID vaccines have been approved for “emergency use.”

As of Aug. 15, the 7-day average of new COVID cases in California was 12,031. So far, there have been 4.02 million cases in the state since the beginning of the pandemic and 64,183 deaths, according to the California Department of Public Health.

About 51% of all Californians have received both vaccines.

The same day, Newsom tweeted a graph comparing California’s new COVID-19 hospitalizations to those of Texas and California, two states vaccine skeptics and “pro-freedom” activists have held up as counterpoints to the California governor’s strict coronavirus policies. The data the graph visualized showed that California hospitalization rates are currently much lower than both states.

Texas and Florida both have outspoken Republican governors who have enacted looser policies in their fights against COVID.

“CA is reporting 141.1 new COVID cases for every 100,000 residents over the last 7 days — a rate HALF of Texas (297.8); and less than ONE-FOURTH of Florida’s rate (653.8), according to data from the CDC,” Newsom tweeted.

Many businesses have either loosened their COVID-19 restrictions or done away with them altogether while many public schools returned to in-person instruction at the beginning of the month.

Despite to growing number of COVID cases among children, some California parents still have reservations about vaccines and masks, even going so far as to sue the state to drop mask mandates in schools.

Newsom’s strategy for addressing these kinds of criticisms, as well as others that have arisen in the midst of his recall election, has been to associate them with the far-right political movement empowered by Former President Donald Trump.

Newsom employed this strategy in his response to Biden’s praise.

“Grateful for your support, Mr. President. There’s simply too much at stake — vote NO on September 14th to reject this Republican led recall,” Newsom tweeted.

California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On August 14th, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. hosted a community dump day in Arrowhead Farms with San Bernardino County Department of Public Works. The event brought in 49 cars/truckloads of household trash and tires, equating to a total of 12.25 tons being hauled off to the landfill with the assistance of Burrtec Waste. The clean-up comes on the heels of previous clean-ups in Little Third, Muscoy, and Bloomington.  Hosting community cleanups, providing additional resources to code enforcement, and infrastructure improvements have been the focus of Supervisor’s Baca’s first year in office.  

“I am honored to work with public works and local residents to improve the quality of life in Arrowhead Farms. I want all County residents to know that my office and county departments are dedicated to ensuring that we are responsive to their needs,” Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. stated.

Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. is the Fifth District member of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. The Fifth District includes Colton, Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino, Arrowhead Farms, Bloomington, Devore, El Rancho Verde, Glen Helen, Little Third, Muscoy, and Rosena Ranch. 

Heirs Of Afrika Founder Koshie Mills Unites Black Women From Around The Globe To Celebrate Sisterhood And Excellence At The 4th Annual International Women Of Power Awards

Heirs Of Afrika 4th Annual International Women Of Power Awards was a star-studded event held on August 8th, where illustrious black women of power and inspiration came from around the world to attend. Mills, a Hollywood powerbroker and Executive Producer of the show, manifested her passion to reconnect Africans on the continent with its global descendants in the diaspora. 

The elegant, afternoon affair was created to honor black women who are change agents, thought leaders and dynamic representations in their communities. The royal platform allowed beauty, talent and service to shine. The diversity and kaleidoscope of black women in the room created a magical environment of inclusion. The power of excellence was displayed in the entertainment quality and program, hosted by Disney’s High School Musical Alum, philanthropist and first UN Youth Champion, Actress Monique Coleman. 

Heirs Of Afrika featured its Signature Throne Room where the queens were photographed in their royal element. The show commenced with a powerful ancestral welcome and affirmation. Attendees were invited to declare, “I AM A DAUGHTER OF THE SOIL and I AM A SON OF THE SOIL. The moment permeated the air with its culturally fragrant atmosphere and set the tone for the palpable love, camaraderie and positive energy in the ballroom. 

Live entertainment electrified the crowd with the sound of African drums, while Grammy winning gospel artist Mali Music crooned to the audience with his songs “Blessed” and “Beautiful.” The intimate crowd of women laughed, cried, danced, and experienced a soulful reawakening, which is a testament to the need and reason why Founder Koshie Mills curated this safe space to fuel black women with love. The event ignited the movement and cemented the connection between Afrika and it’s Heirs in the diaspora.

Eight women of power from across various industries were honored:

• Congresswoman Maxine Waters – Warrior “Adinkrahene” Award (Congresswoman 43rd District/U.S. House of Representatives)
• Ilwad Elman – Heirs of Afrika “Sankofa” Award (Nobel Peace Prize nominee 2019 philanthropist),
• Ivy Mcgregor – Heirs of Afrika “Sankofa” Award (CEO of Ivy Inc./Director of Social Responsibility for BeyGOOD),
• Opal Tometi – Social Justice “Nyansapo” Award (Human Rights Activist/Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter)
• Nandi Madida – Goddess Beauty “Duafe” Award (South African Singer/Actress),
• Halima Aden – Fashion Queen “Nsaa” Award (Sports Illustrated & Vogue Somali American Fashion Top Model)
• Alexis Kerr – Lionheart Business “Akofena” Award (VP Hallmark Mahogany)
• Ledisi – Entertainment Roar “Nya Gyidi” Award (Grammy Winning American R&B and Jazz Artist)

Celebrity presenters included Karimah Westbrook of the critically acclaimed “All American” series on The CW, Aisha Hinds of FOX “9-1-1”, Antonique Smith, best known for her role on National Geographic’s “Genius: Aretha,” and Youtube beauty influencer, Shalom Blac.

Special guests in attendance Kofi Siriboe (Own “Queen Sugar”), Kwame Boateng (“The Plug”), Kwesi Boakye (TNT “Claws), Malinda Williams (Paramount Pictures “Soul Food”), Nyakim Gatwech (American Model), and Chris Attoh (Ghanaian Actor) and many more.

Field Deputy Jennifer LaMarque presented CEO and Founder, Koshie Mills with the County of Los Angeles Commendation in recognition of dedicated service to the affairs of the community, and for the civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the residents of Los Angeles County. The commendation was signed by Janice Hahn Supervisor, 4th district.

The awards ceremony was sponsored by brand partners Black Radiance, Dove, The Africa Channel, Macy’s, Lowe’s, GirlTrek and presenting sponsor, Hallmark Mahogany.

Says Koshie Mills “Black women are strong, beautiful, intelligent and the spiritual conscious of their households, yet they are rarely celebrated. My goal with Heirs of Afrika’s International Women of Power Awards is to change the narrative by demonstrating the magnificence and resilience of Black women around the world.”

“This is a very dangerous event. When you inspire me like this, I go to Washington and I take on everybody.” says Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

“Women are the Backbone and the Future, That is why we need THIS!” – Actress Ryan Michelle Bathe

“The Event was Phenomenal, I left feeling Euphoric and Empowered.” – Guest, Victory Jones

“Today I claimed my inheritance…” – Honoree, Ivy McGregor

“I’ve always felt like an African living in America. I believe we are sisters by bloodline and that makes us family”. – Actress Yvette Nicole Brown.

“The Cross Pollination is long overdue.” Actress Nomzamo Mbatha

“We are standing in our purpose as black women of power, in all the divineness that we are…” – Honoree Alexis Kerr (VP Hallmark Mahogany)

“I have always loved Koshie and her mission. We are all a part of the diaspora and her inspiration to make the connection.” – Actress Melinda Williams

“This was such a glorious life affirming event! So much love, grace and POWER in the room. Momentous!” – Guest Kiki McKnight

To find out more about Heirs of Afrika, follow us on social media.

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/heirsofafrika
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Malinda Williams, Aisha Hinds, Antonique Smith, and Karimah Westbrook arrives at Koshie Mills presents Heirs Of Afrika 4th Annual International Women Of Power Awards held at the Marina del Rey Marriott Hotel on August 8, 2021 in Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sheri Determan)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Dr. Scott Thayer has been named the interim president of San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) for the 2021-22 academic year, coinciding with the start of former president Diana Z. Rodriguez’s transition to chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District, which includes San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino and Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa. Prior to being named interim president, Dr. Thayer served for four years as SBVC’s Vice President of Student Services and in numerous administrative, leadership and faculty roles at California colleges and universities over the past 23 years.

Dr. Thayer is well-known across the California community college system as an advocate for historically underrepresented students, as well as an authority on student access, retention, equity, success, enrollment management, and K-20 partnerships. He is a founding member of two non-profit organizations: Have Faith, Be Strong (HFBS)—a non-profit organization for childhood cancer awareness—and the African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND), a service organization that promotes the increased involvement and representation of young men of color in higher education. Dr. Thayer also teaches part-time in San Diego State University’s Community College Leadership program, where he mentors the next generation of community college leaders.

 Dr. Thayer received his doctorate in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from the University of Southern California; his Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from Point Loma Nazarene University in California; his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rollins College in Florida, and his Associate of Arts from Normandale Community College in Minnesota.

“I am confident that Dr. Thayer will be leveraging his extensive higher education expertise for the continued benefit, growth, and success of our campus community,” said Chancellor Rodriguez in an email to campus. “His leadership will be instrumental to our campus and district’s successful transition back to in-person instruction and operations during this upcoming academic year.”