(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.

26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-A-Thon: “Walking for Peace and Justice”

Join us on January 21st as we pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! This year our theme is ‘Walking for Peace and Justice’. Our 5K walk will start at Stratton Center and end at the RCC Digital Library with a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on Main Street.  Free shuttle services back to Stratton Center will be available every half hour beginning at 11 am.

Registration will begin at 7:30 AM at Stratton Center. The Walk will begin promptly at 10 AM at the entrance of the Center. Free shuttle service back to Stratton Center will be available every half hour beginning at 11 AM.

After the walk join us for a short program (honoring local honorees), booths, entertainment, performances and a contest for the organization with the most number of walkers.

This years Honorees are:

• Assembly Member Sabrina Cervantes
• Judge Irma Poole-Ashberry
• Congressman Mark Takano
• Justice Richard Fields

Proceeds from the Walk-A-Thon will benefit the Riverside African-American Historical Society to support:

The Civil Rights Institute, Clarke & Grier College Scholarships and for the maintenance and upkeep of the Martin Luther King Jr. statue. Click here to register.

Loma Linda University Health Cancer Center will use funds to provide patient transportation

The American Cancer Society wants to get cancer patients to their appointments, period, according to society representatives. That is why on January 16 the Loma Linda University Cancer Center received a $10,000 American Cancer Society Community Transportation Grant.

This is the first year the American Cancer Society provided the transportation grant. It was awarded to only three cancer centers in the San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Rachel Tolman, an American Cancer Society program manager for mission delivery in the western region, says the grant will help fill in the gaps of the current transportation assistance program.

Currently, their program called Road to Recovery uses volunteer drivers to help get patients to appointments. If there are no drivers available or if vouchers for public transportation are not a viable option, Tolman believes this grant will allow cancer centers to provide additional aid.

“Even the best treatment cannot work if a patient cannot get there,” Tolman says. “This grant is a way that, while we cannot do it all and help everyone, allows us to look at cancer centers to step in and provide another resource.”

According to Judy Chatigny, MSN, executive director of Loma Linda University Cancer Center, the biggest need for their patients is transportation. Chatigny says sometimes family members or friends have to step up to use their own money to help a patient. She says this grant will help break some of those logistical barriers, help get patients in for the treatment they need and help them focus on their medical journey.

“We know that the distress caused by a cancer diagnosis can negatively impact not only the patient’s moods, emotions and outcomes, but it impacts the entire family,” Chatigny says. “To be able to ease that burden is extraordinary because it gives patients hope, and hope is what gives energy to all of us.”

If you or a family member is interested in learning more about the full range of services offered at the Loma Linda University Cancer Center, call 1-800-782-2623.

By John Coleman

Tyisha Shenee Miller, (March 9,1979-December 28, 1998) was an African American woman from Rubidoux, California.  She was  shot and killed by police officers called by family members who could not wake her as she lay, unconscious in a car.”.

The press and the public don’t know whether the shooting of young Black men by police officers was less usual in 1998 than it has become;  only in 2018 have laws begun to require,  instead of forbiding  record-keeping and reporting of  on-duty shooting or other forms of ‘use-of-force’ by police officers….BUT, the shooting & killing of a 19-year-old, teen-age  GIRL (who several days after Christmas, was celebrating with other young female relatives & friends, but stopped at a gas station for help with car trouble,) was ‘outrageous!!!

The black community came close to erupting.

In the months (and years) that followed a lot happened.. but a lot did not immediately happen.  Voices were raised at the local, state, & national levels…Impacts originating in the Tyisha Miller death continue to emerge in American law, policy & practice.

In Riverside and surrounding Inland Empire communities the Riverside Coalition for Police Accountability (RCPA) as part of it’s program, & in concert with it’s partners:  the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU-IE);  the Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC);  & the Environmental Justice Committee of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Riverside  co-sponsored their (‘second’  first was held, December 28, 2008) memorial service, in memory of “the Death of Tyisha Miller, 20 Years Later: SAY HER NAME”: focused on keeping her alive in our & the communities hearts & minds. 

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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a leading women’s service organization, concluded its international executive board meeting at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas on Jan. 12, 2019 with the induction of Wynona Kidd as an honorary member. Kidd is the daughter of Viola Tyler Goings and niece of Myrtle Tyler Faithful, two of the sorority’s founding members. At 95 years young, Kidd is the oldest living descendant of the organization’s five founding members.

Baker, Zeta International President. Zeta members voted to induct her as an honorary member during its 2018 Grand Boulé in New Orleans, La., along with Louisiana State Senator Regina Ashford Barrow.

Kidd, a native of Clairsville, Ohio, aspired to become a Zeta while a student at Wilberforce University, but was forced to drop out of college to help support her family when WWII began. She became a founding member of the local Jack and Jill of America chapter, but was not able to become a Zeta. When asked about how she felt about becoming a member of Zeta, Kidd stated, “I can’t believe it! I feel like Cinderella…I am so happy to be a member of Zeta!”

During the sorority’s visit to Nassau, Zeta leadership made a courtesy call to Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert A. Minnis, and Bahamian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest. While on the island, International President Hollingsworth-Baker also presented a $25,000 donation to the Ranfurly Homes for Children on behalf of the organization.  

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1920 on the campus of Howard University. The international organization’s 125,000+ initiated members, operating in more than 850 chapters, have given millions of voluntary hours to educate the public, provide scholarships, support charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change. For more information about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., please visit www.zphib1920.org.

By Lou Yeboah

You need to resolve that you will have “No More Drama” in your life. You know Mary J. Blige had a hit record entitled, “No More Drama.” In this song, “No More Drama”, Mary J. Blige talks about how tired she was from having so much drama in her life. She talks about how tired she was from having a broken heart. She talks about how tired she was from being burned by some so-called friends. She talks about how tired she was from being hurt, being in pain, being in tears. She talks about how tired she was from being in so much stress, being in bondage and that she wanted to be set free from all the drama, and from all the madness that was taking place in her life. And because Mary J. Blige said she was so tired of the drama that was taking place in her life, she decided, “No More! “No More Drama” in her life.

I tell you, if you are going to start the New Year off right, there are some things that you need to let go of: Hatefulness, unforgiveness, bad relationships, bad attitudes, lying lips, malicious gossiping, disobedience, drugs, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, anger, and anything that come between you and the Lord. Anything or anybody that hinder your relationship with Christ, and it brings nothing but drama in your life, you need to let it go! I’m talking about the “New You in the New Year.”  You are committed to things you really don’t need, and you are not committed to the things that could change your life. Apostle Paul tells us to forget those things that are in our past, those things that hinder us and press forward to achieve the goal that Jesus Christ has won for us.

I tell you, we would do good to follow the examples of the people we see in scripture and throw off every pain that hinders us and get busy running our race with perseverance. Jesus said in [Revelation. 21:5, “I am making everything new.” I don’t know about you, but I like that…. Everything new! It’s a New Day, It’s a New Season, and it’s a New Year…. Walk in it with Total Newness!

By Lou Dowdy

(ENN—EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK)—Couples Wanted is WHAT It Do! Who will be crowned king and queen?

LUE Productions is hosting its 1st Plus Size Couple Model Competition and Fashion Show! Male and female couples are wanted to compete for a $1000 cash prize along with other prizes. This event will bring awareness to body shaming while promoting team work and unity.

The winning couple will walk away with the following:

• $1000 cash
• Crown
• Trophy
• Photoshoot
• Newspaper/Magazine Feature

The registration fee is $100 before February 1 and $150 after.

Below are the requirements:

• Must be a size 14 and up
• Must be 18 and or older
• Must be willing to participate in all activities surrounding the promotion and success of the event
• Contestants can be related, friends, dating or married
• Must register no later than Marc

How to register:

• Registration fee can be made in person by texting (909) 567-1000, (909) 556-7637, or (714) 833-3196
• Once we receive your registration fee our application will be emailed to you requesting the following:

Two Photos of the contestants

Categories include:

1. Talent (show us your talent)

2. Super Hero’s (embody your favorite super hero)

3. Free Style (Let us see your personality through your clothing)

4. Formal Wear (Question and Answer)

Tap in with LUE Productions!