Photos by John Coleman, Community Photographer

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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA—   The San Bernardino Public Library will be hosting a film festival in celebration of Black History Month in February.  These screenings will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 PM in the Bing Wong Auditorium at the Feldheym Central Library, 555 W. 6^th Street.

The series includes films that cover a wide range of stories and cultures. Due to our public performance license, we are unable to list the titles of the movies. 

• Tuesday, Feb. 5: A young girl from South Los Angeles tries to make it to the National Spelling Bee. Starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne.
• Thursday, Feb. 7: The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role at NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Starring Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer.
• Tuesday, Feb. 19: A chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. Starring David Oyelowo and Carmen Ejogo.
• Thursday, Feb. 21: A working class African-American father tries to raise his family in the 1950’s, while coming to terms with the events of his life. Starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.
• Tuesday, Feb. 26: A passionate coach helps inner-city kids overcome the racist attitudes around them and become Philadelphia’s first African-American swim team. Starring Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac.
• Thursday, Feb. 28: The heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda must step forward to lead his people into a new future. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o.

These films are free and open to the public. For more information call the library at 909-381-8235 or visit or visit www.sbpl.org,https://twitter.com/SBCityLibrary, or https://www.facebook.com/SBPLfriends/

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The new Makerspace at the San Bernardino Public Library will be offering a 3D Printing Workshop on Thursday, January 31, 2019. It will be held from 2 – 5:30 PM inthe Jack L. Hill Lifelong Learning Center on the 2^nd floor of the Feldheym Central Library, at 555 W. 6^th Street.

Learn the basics of Tinkercad and make a personalized keychain. This workshop is Part 1.  Participants will return in late February for  part 2, to come back and “print” their keychain. This free workshop is open to the public, ages 13 and up.

What is a Makerspace?  It’s a place for people, including kids, to work together and make and review projects together. Making can happen anywhere—on a kitchen table or living room rug or garage. It’s an opportunity to Dream, Design and Create. 

The San Bernardino Public Library was recently chosen as 1 of 10 public libraries to participate in a California State Library project – “Developing Makerspaces in Libraries throughout California”.  A small $10,000 Planning and Implementation grant was provided to accomplish a program for Makerspace activities. The project has involved such projects as De-constructing a computer, A Virtual Reality experience, A Cardboard Challenge, and other projects to follow. The library will be providing patrons with opportunities to use new technology such as a 3D printing and Virtual Reality (VR) and other projects as the space develops.

For more information call the Feldheym Central Library at 909-381-8205, or visit www.sbpl.org, https://twitter.com/SBCityLibrary, or https://www.facebook.com/SBPLfriends/

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Ephesians New Testament Church will host the Central Pacific District Convocation of the United Holy Church of America on Tuesday, February 5 to Friday, February 8, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. nightly. The event will be held at Good Samaritan Christian Center located at 17220 Merrill Avenue in Fontana.

The special guest on Wednesday, February 6 will be Dr. Edward V. Hill, Jr. of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angles, California. There will be great preaching and singing each night. The public is invited to come and be blessed in fellowship; Bishop Emory B. James, President.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Without a car of her own, Army Veteran Melissa Hooper of Riverside has been heroically juggling a full-tine job with a full-time course load in her goal to set an example by becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree.

Relief in in sight. Hooper and her four-year-old daughter received on Tuesday the priceless gift of independence and freedom when they were presented with keys to a newly refurbished car from Caliber Collision and Encompass Insurance as a thank for her military service.

“(As a) first generation Mexican-American and the first in my family to go to college, I am emboldened to show my family that their work ethic, their love, and their support helped change my life,” said Hooper. 

Hooper has earned four Associates of Science degrees from Riverside Community College and was recently accepted into California State Polytechnic University, majoring in Management and Human Resources.  In addition to her academics, Hooper was president of the Student Veterans Association, helping to win a $10,000 grant to revamp the Veterans Resource Center. Her hundreds of hours of volunteer service earned her the Riverside Community College Student of The Year Award in 2016. 

The car donation from Encompass and Caliber is part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides™ program in which collision industry businesses team up to repair and donate cars to individuals in need of reliable transportation. 

Over the past six years, Caliber Collision and its industry partners have repaired and donated nearly300 cars valued at over $4 million to individuals in need of reliable transportation.

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By Lou Yeboah

You know when Moses went to the Lord and asked Him what He wanted him to tell the people, the Lord said, tell them, “Go Forward!” [Exodus 14:10-15].  The word “Forward¨ carries the idea of advancement and progress. The Lord says you have been camped where you are long enough and it’s time to pull up and go forward. It’s time to move on. The problem is you have been stationary. Stationary means, you are not moving or not capable of being moved. You are fixed. God does not want you to be stationary. He wants you to be making progress forward. He doesn’t want you to be stubborn and fixed; He wants you to advance and progress.

Some of you have been camped out in the place of hurt feelings for too long and it’s time to pull up stakes and go forward! Some of you have been camped out in the place of anger for too long and it is time for you to pull up stakes and go forward! Some of you have been camped out in the place of depression for too long and it is time for you to pull up stakes and go forward!  God is ready to take you on a journey. He is ready to take you out of that place of depression into a place of joy and happiness. He is ready to take you out of that place of laziness or don’t care, and take you to a place of service and power. He is ready to take you out of that place of easiness and comfort and stretch you and take you places you haven’t been with Him before. God is ready to take you out of that place of satisfaction and fill you with hunger and thirst for Him like you have never had and lead you into a greater dimension of His glory than ever before. You can’t stay in those places camped out if you want to experience the glory and power of God in your life. If you stay in those places long enough, the enemy will destroy you.

The purpose of my thought and intention today is to convey the significance of the moment or occasion we as a people of God have embarked upon. It is an occasion of opportunity, a point of entering, a moment of possessing, a time of taking hold of. And in order to seize this opportunity I tell you, “It’s Time to Move forward” into the blessings of God that is set before us without reservation. “For a great door and effectual is opened unto [us].” God desires to take us places that “eyes have not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” Therefore, let us shake ourselves off from the things that inhibit or obstruct our mobility and progression from entering into the things God has prepared for us. I tell you, it’s time to move forward!

God has created an open place for you to walk in. He said, “I open up doors that no man can shut… If you would just believe and move forward into the things of God, “He would supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God is an all-powerful God: if God leads us, if he wills us to do something, then there is nothing that can hinder it from happening but our own selves. I don’t know about you but there are not enough demons in hell to keep me from accomplishing God’s will for my life.  On the onset of entering in, on a day of a new beginning, great are our opportunities. Therefore right now, I call to reality God’s council in your life. I call to reality your dreams and visions. I call to reality the manifestation of His blessings in your life today. In Jesus Name, Amen! It’s Time to Move Forward!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—LOS ANGELES, CA— The film, a rare gem in the crown of the late musical genius, has not been seen before now due to technical and rights issues.

“It’s such a blessing to open the festival this year with Amazing Grace,” expressed PAFF Co-Founder and Actor Danny Glover. “Aretha Franklin is a rare treasure. To be graced with this film is an honor and a testament to the perseverance and long-standing prominence of the festival’s impact.”

Over the past 26 years, The Pan African Film & Arts Festival has sought to increase cultural awareness and bridge diverse communities from the African diaspora by providing a creative safe space for the development and expression of the Black narrative through film, poetry, art and music. This year, PAFF will amplify and ignite the Pan-African experience through next generation storytelling.

“27 years ago, we made a political, cultural, social and intellectual decision to get involved in film festivals as it became clear that a platform to showcase Black films was needed,” shared Ayuko Babu, Executive Director and Co-Founder of PAFF. “It’s been a privilege to be a platform for many filmmakers and talent to share their unique stories through the lens of their own experiences, visions and creative artistry.

The on-going challenge is… who’s story gets told on the small screen and big screen? The Pan African Film Festival is a way of showing distributors the stories that matter to people of color.” PAFF’s legacy is evidenced by the success of storytellers and talent who’ve contributed works to the festival such as Will Packer, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Ryan Coogler, Berry Jenkins, Taraji P. Henson, Ava Duvernay, and countless others. The program’s platform exists proudly as a conduit for the careers of thousands of talented actors, directors, producers and executives; many of which have gone on to win the industry’s top honors including the Golden Globes, Emmy’s and Oscars.

As an official Oscar-qualifying festival, many of PAFF’s short and live-action films will be up for consideration for an Academy Award.

To further “amPAFFify” PAFF’s proud history, the organization recently launched an “#IAMPAFF” Meme Generator, designed to allow festival supporters to share their own stories on social media. Festival supporters can join in the fun by creating a meme to tell their story at paff.org/iampaff.

This year’s program features a robust schedule including the Filmmakers Brunch, ARTFest, PAFF Institute Panels, StudentFest, LOL Comedy Series, Children’s Fest, SpokenWord Fest, Seniors’ Connection and much more. Individual screening tickets and all festival passes can be purchased at paff.org/tickets. Group sales discounts are also available. For more information, visit the PAFF website at paff.org or call 310-337-4737.

OPENING NIGHT FILM SCREENING

AMAZING GRACE (US)

Directed By: Sydney Pollack

Date: Thursday, February 7

Time: 6PM Red Carpet | 7:30 PM Screening

Location: Directors Guild of America, DGA Theater Complex, 7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90047

Synopsis: In 1972, Aretha Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul, brought producer Jerry Wexler, her backup singers, the Reverend James Cleveland, and the legendary Atlantic Records rhythm section to The New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts, California, to record a gospel music double-album before an enthusiastic live audience. The album, “Amazing Grace”, went on to become the top-selling gospel record of all time, Aretha Franklin’s most successful album, and one of her most beloved works. Few realized that the sessions that produced the album “Amazing Grace” which are certainly among one of the most exciting musical events ever to take place in a church, had also been filmed. But, due to technical problems and conflicts over rights, the electrifying events had not been seen; until now!

Stars: Aretha Franklin, Reverend James Cleveland, Reverend C.L. Franklin, Alexander Hamilton

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN) —RIVERSIDE, CA— “It Still Takes A Village” after 40 Years of Unity. That is the theme for this year’s kick-off reception for Riverside Black History Month hosted by the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation. The reception will be held on Saturday, February 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Central Middle School located at 4795 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside.

There will be food and entertainment at the reception. Succeeding the reception will be the Black History Parade and Expo on Saturday, February 9 at 10 a.m. The Parade will begin at Riverside City College and will finish in front of the City Hall in Downtown Riverside, where the expo will also be held.

Sponsors for this year’s festivities include: City of Riverside, Riverside City College, Riverside Unified School District, Raceway Ford, Precinct Reporter, NAACP, Riverside Police Department, County of Riverside, BURRTEC and Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation.

For more information, please visit www.adcrfoundation.org. 

By Lou Yeboah

If you have decided to walk in the newness of the New Year, you must begin with repentance. The question of Salvation has to be settled. Because with Salvation comes the knowledge, revelation and power, not only of your own deliverance from the dominion and condemnation of sin, but also the revelation of that part of God’s plan which He wishes to work out in you for the age in which you live. God wants to do a “new thing” in you in this New Year, but you got to come correct. You can’t do it no other way.

We’re in the Age of “Moving In.” In a world where very little emphasis to put on repentance we must be careful to “make our calling and election sure, by the Word, because when it comes to the modern day teaching of “just believing”, remember, the Devils also believe and tremble [James 2:19]; but the Devils are not saved – they cannot experience Salvation. And True Salvation is an “experience” with God, after which we are never the same again. So if you are sure that you want to walk in the “Newness of the New Year,” then make sure that it’s all or nothing. Because as much as one professes to believe in Jesus, and accept Him as their Savior, without genuine “repentance” from the heart, all of your believing is in vain. I’m talking about walking in the “Newness of the New Year.” I’m talking about the “New You in the New Year!”

Jesus says, I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: …..be zealous therefore, and REPENT. [Revelation 3:15-17, 19].

Listen, ain’t no need of fooling yourself. If you have really decided that you want to walk in the Newness of the New Year…. Then make it right… because the times of ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:” and repentance means “to have another mind”, to “change the mind””. It is used in the New Testament to indicate a change of mind in respect of sin, of God, and of oneself.  [Acts 17:30]

Therefore, I beseech you 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].   I’m talking about the “New You in the New Year!”

Ephesians New Testament Church along with the City of Fontana will host its 31^st celebration honoring the Nobel peace prize winner Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The slain civil rights leader was assassinated in Memphis Tennessee April 4^th 1968.

Dr. King was about change for all people living in America especially the poor and disenfranchised it was his dream that all people be treated equal and with fairness. Although his major battles were centered on segregation, equality in pay, and fairness to all who lived in America, regardless of race color or creed thus bringing about the 14^th amendment to the U.S. Constitution he was a leader that believed all battles could be won without violence, love was his mantra.

Dr. King was a highly educated man attending Morehouse, Crozier, and Boston Universities.

A very strong advocate of education; education meant freedom, ignorance meant that people and especially the Negro would be enslaved always, thus the people perish for the lack of knowledge.  His educational astuteness was always evident in his communication skills therefore the world knew him as one of the greatest orators of our time.

The 2019 celebration will honor Jazz and the worship celebration.

Jazz is the American art form of music that is indigenous to African Americans;

This celebration is being offered to raise monies for scholarships for Fontana Students thus the evenings theme “ AN ELEGANT EVENING OF JAZZ FOR SCHOLARSHIPS”  to be held  at the Fontana Steelworkers Auditorium 8437 Sierra Ave. Fontana, Ca. at 8pm,  it is a ticked event  General  Admission $45 and VIP Admission $100 which will include a reception at 6:30pm  the featured performers will be Shelea’ Frazier, much sought after Touring vocalist, {Dave Koz, Stevie wonder, David Foster, Kirk Whalum} and Andrew Gouche’ a bassist who has been the music director for {Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan also receiving a Grammy for his work on Trinity 57’s production} for a sample of their material go to click the MLK button.

 Friday’s presentation will also feature the actor Lawrence Powell, an up and coming actor and critically acclaimed actor for his recent presentation on Martin Luther King Jr. at the Mark Taper Forum, in Los Angeles, CA.

As an added attraction The Jeanette Harris Band will also perform well known to the Fontana community  she is currently an up and coming touring Saxophone artist currently has (4) smooth Jazz recording.

Saturday January 19th “The Worship Service” will be held at The Loveland Church at 3pm located at 17977 Merrill Ave. Fontana, Ca. featuring the Fontana Community Choir, the speaker for the worship service is Dwight Radcliff, of The Message Center World Church, Gardena, Ca. Radcliff is a doctoral candidate focusing on Urban Ministry and Theological Studies, Known throughout Southern California as one of the best Contemporary lecturers today. Saturday’s “The Worship Service” is FREE to the public.