(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is excited to be selected by Macy’s San Bernardino as the nonprofit beneficiary of the 2018 The Big Give Back – Make Good Cents for Your Community campaign.
Macy’s Corporate and Macy’s Staff have been a long-time supporter of CAPSBC, giving both times to volunteer, and dollars to support their great programs. Many staff volunteer at their Food Bank, which is the largest provider of free emergency food for those in need in San Bernardino County.
When you shop at Macy’s San Bernardino between August 1 to the August 15, you will see a message at the credit card pin pads when you check out that asks would you like to round it up to Help Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County. You then have the option to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar, up to $0.99 cents.
We know you love to shop at Macy’s and you will be helping your fellow community members in need!
Macy’s San Bernardino is located at Inland Center Mall, 400 Inland Center Drive in San Bernardino.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— DETROIT, MI— Sports enthusiasts and writers crowded the Cartier Ballroom of the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center on Thursday, August 2, to hear from the best in the basketball business. A panel entitled “Detroit Basketball: Then and Now” included former star players Isiah Thomas, Spencer Haywood and Steve Smith. Former Detroit News writer Vincent Goodwill also joined the panel at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair to speak about how much of an influence the Motor City has had on the NBA.
Moderated by Stephanie Ready, NBA game analyst (Charlotte Hornets) for FOX Sports Southeast, topics included the infamous “Malice at the Palace” and the Pistons’ recent move back to downtown Detroit.
Panelists opened the discussion, powered by Turner Sports and The Bleacher Report, singing each other’s praises. Goodwill and Smith, both Detroit Pershing High School grads, beamed with pride as they talked about Haywood (also a Pershing alum) and his accomplishments. Haywood’s historic 1971 Supreme Court case ended the NBA rule that barred players from being drafted into the league until four years after their high school graduation.
Thomas spoke a lot about the need for diversity within the media and how an inclusive press environment would have changed the Bad Boys era. “We were being viewed by the gaze of the white male,” he said. Thomas said that instead of being upset by the term, the team decided to embrace their bad boy image. “If you embrace the label then you make the label work for you. … We used the label to instill fear. We didn’t have to be physical or hurt you; if that’s in your mind, then you go for the jump shot instead of the lay-up.”
The November 2004 game between the Pistons and Indiana Pacers, also known as “The Malice at the Palace,” was a hot topic for the panel. The brawl resulted in a historic number of fines for players on both teams.
The panel had a unanimous feeling of disappointment about media coverage of the incident. “It’s going to be a negative thing for my city,” Smith said about his initial thoughts on the fight. “Even though it was a fight between two teams, it still shined negative light on the city.”
Goodwill saw it as another reason for people to taint the city’s image. “It became another stain and label the city had to fight back,” the NBA analyst said. “On the news, it never said it was Auburn Hills [where the game actually took place]; it was always Detroit.”
Thomas reiterated just how heavily the Bad Boys influenced the current state of the NBA. “We were the first small-market team to win big, have own plane, stay in first class hotels, wear suits and ties to games,” the NBA Hall of Famer said. “That dress code that David Stern had to put in, look at how the Pistons used to dress; that was us.”
As they looked to the future, the group hoped the team’s move back to the city would mean recreating its strong ties to the community. “When we got to the Palace we lost a little of our everyday people,” Thomas said. Smith said the move to the Palace felt like the team had been taken away from the city. Now that the team is back, Smith hopes the team will reconnect with Detroit residents.
“To have the Pistons back here is a blessing and we have to finish that blessing off with a statue or a trophy,” Haywood said.
Thomas summed up the panel with a simple quote: “We change all rules. That’s what we do in Detroit.”
Perry speaks to packed room of NABJ attendees including Grammy winner Chance the Rapper
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— DETROIT, MI —- Arguably one of the most popular sessions of the 2018 National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair, Tyler Perry’s master class on entrepreneurship and branding had many walking away with newfound confidence.
Digital Journalist and former TV One commentator, Roland Martin opened the course with a story of how he helped book Perry for the conference. “I don’t want you to talk about Madea,” Martin told Perry. “I want you to teach.” Martin said the purpose of the course was to help more Black people follow the path to entrepreneurship. “Too many of us operate as workers,” he said. “African Americans are the tastemakers and trendsetters.”
After an introduction from Actress, Ptosha Storey, Perry started his session with a video thanking his fans for 25 years of success and loyalty. He then informed the audience that he had just returned from a spiritual vacation, so his delivery would sound much like a sermon.
Perry delivered a compelling speech about work ethic and what it takes to succeed as a business owner. “If you’re going do something incredible, you’re going to need an emotional tolerance and high risk endurance,” the father of one said. Perry talked about how his father would build houses for a living and not make nearly as much as the person selling the house. That experience would fuel the entrepreneur flame in Perry’s heart.
The overall message of the course was unity within the Black community. Perry often reiterated the notion that once one Black person becomes a success, it is volatile for them to keep the door open for others to make it as well. “Once you get to where you going, don’t run from where you came from,” he stated. “Every other culture in this world understands the power of us. We have to stop looking outside ourselves for heroes and become them ourselves.”
Following his speech, Perry had a sit down conversation with CBS News correspondent DeMarco Morgan. The pair discussed how the media mogul handles criticism and #OscarsSoWhite. Perry said he was urged to speak out against the lack of diversity of the 2016 Oscars nominations. He declined. “While you fighting for a seat at someone else’s table, I’m over here building my own.”
The session ended with Martin rejoining the pair on stage with a story of how Perry took the time to call him and give encouraging words after his TV One show was cancelled. Perry gave his final thoughts, hoping that his words had planted a seed in the spirits of audience members.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Roger’s Burgers has opened a 24-hour burger restaurant in downtown San Bernardino! The corner at Sixth and D Street is not particularly freeway close but is apparently close enough to the many burger lovers who keep coming back!
Roger promises 100% Angus Beef patties that are hand pressed daily; never frozen! They brag about a “4×4 Wild & Wreckless Burger” that features four 1/3 lb. beef patties, tomato, red onion, mustard sauce, pickle, chili, bacon, cheese and topped with pastrami. I have not tried that, but have enjoyed the plain ole, “Wild and Wreckless” that has only one 1/3 lb. patty and everything else.
Roger’s also has chicken, turkey, veggie and vegan sandwiches and salads. Charbroil is their mode of cooking.
They have done several things right; they moved next door to WssNews (we eat a lot) and he has made a commitment to the San Bernardino rebound with his 24-hour service. His menu is exciting, and his food is very good.
Roger’s website iswww.rogersburgersusa.comand you can phone in your order at (909) 381-8001. Roger’s other location is in Burbank.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— New Plus Size Club in Moreno valley is What It Do!
Roll Call! I am looking for all my plus size cuties, my big beautiful beauties and them thick and sexy ladies. It’s going all the way up this Saturday for the grand opening of ‘Club Thick and Beautiful’ presented by ‘Money Moves Entertainment’ and ‘Caligirl Entertainment’.
Finally, a place in the Inland Empire that caters to the plus size world. I’m sure the party goers will be on the dance floor as DJ Sassy B and DJ Westy Mac take to the turn tables.
Money Moves Entertainment’ and ‘Caligirl Entertainment put several entities together in order to help spread the word. The event will be hosted by MC Big D, so ya know it’s gonna be LITT! Come network while having fun and supporting the BBW Movement! For event details please refer to flyer.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK)—RIALTO, CA—On Saturday, August 4 at the Johnson Center in Rialto, there were hundreds of cheerful and grateful smiles and gestures as students prepared for the new school year as they were given free backpacks and hair cuts.
Another successful Back to School Backpack Giveaway is under wraps thanks to Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson and CEO and founder of Young Visionaries, Terrance Stone. Of course they couldn’t have made the event successful without the generous support of their volunteers and sponsors.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA— Jazz Enthusiasts, coming to the Inland Empire Labor Day Weekend Saturday, September 1, for the I. E. Jazz Experience in Rancho Cucamonga at the Beautiful Mountain Vista Winery.
It will be a day of great live jazz music and bands, great wine, selection of food vendors and a marketplace. The artist lineup for this year is Jason Weber, Michael Haggins, Vaughn Fahie, Nick Gomez and the Latin express, Jazz Zone, and more.
There will also be a Paint n Sip event throughout the festival for those that want to learn how to paint and sip on some great wine.
In the tasting room, sample great wines also featuring various wine demonstrations, fun lectures, more live entertainment and workshops. Listen to http://BACRadio.com to win tickets and for more details go tohttps://iejazzfestival.com
Advance tickets are on sale now. Get them before the price goes up!
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- MONTCLAIR, CA— Sterling Venue Ventures, the owner and operator of five premier live music and event venues throughout Southern California, announces planned expansion with the opening of The Canyon Montclair, conveniently located at Montclair Place. Owner/CEO Lance Sterling comments, “We are ready to roll, and excited to open our new venue.”
With the advent of the new venue, residents of Montclair and the surrounding area can expect to see a dynamic array of iconic classic entertainers without having to make the trek into Los Angeles and other distant locations. Artists as acclaimed and diverse as Stone Temple Pilots, Styx, Todd Rundgren, Smokey Robinson, Paul Anka, Foreigner, Air Supply, Psychedelic Furs, Kris Kristofferson and Kenny Loggins have all played Canyon venues within the past year, and the new Inland Empire venue will likewise host concerts of this elite stature.
At The Canyon patrons enjoy an intimate setting far superior to attending concerts at some of Southern California’s larger theatres and arenas where the actual entertainers are so far away they can barely be seen. At The Canyons, no seat is further than 70 feet from the stage, the sound and lighting are top-notch, and video screens enhance the performance.
In addition to the intimate, state-of-the-art concert experience The Canyons also feature full dinner service at every event, turning each concert into a true night on the town. Fans can enjoy a diverse menu prior to the show, and then retain their comfortable table seating for the remainder of the evening.
Further, all of SVV’s Canyon venues are available for special events and private parties, and the ambiance of the venues along with the menu selections, can be transformed to fit the thematic pulse of any special occasion.
Other venues under the SVV/Canyon umbrella include The Canyon Agoura Hills, The Canyon Santa Clarita, The Canyon at The Rose in Pasadena, The Canyon at The Saban in Beverly Hills, and The Canyon Concert Series at The Libbey Bowl in Ojai.
Residents of Montclair and surrounding areas are encouraged to visit:www.wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com, where, not only can they learn more about The Canyon, but will also have the opportunity to communicate directly to The Canyon management team with regard to the artists they would like to see up close and personal at the new location.
More About The Canyon & Sterling Venue Ventures:
Sterling Venue Ventures is solely owned by Lance Sterling, one of the original founders of The House Of Blues. The company produces over 700 concerts per year in Southern California. The company’s management team owns decades of experience in promotion, finance, marketing, and the execution of concerts performed by national headlining talent. Each of Sterling’s Canyon venues have become well known throughout Southern California as prime entertainment destinations for the 30+ demographic.
Lance Sterling, who is also a chef, an avocado farmer, and football coach, envisions each of his venues as a place not only to enjoy great live music, but also to sit and relax over dinner with good friends for a great night out. The delightful ambience that fills all of the Canyon venues illustrates the SVV slogan – “Where the Music Meets the Soul”.
For more information about the Sterling Venue Ventures Canyon locations, “Where Music Meets The Soul,” please visit:
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Don’t you see what the enemy is doing in your life? He has you so bound up that you think that the way it is, is the way it will always be. The devil is a liar! Do yourself a favor and emancipate yourself from the devil. Understand that his mission is to kill, steal and destroy. He doesn’t care nothing about you! He wants to keep you bound, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually because He knows that if you ever realize the potential God has placed in you, and if you ever wake up from your slumber, you will turn this world upside down and he does not want that. But I say to Hell with the devil! Free yourself from the restraint, control, and power of him knowing that he is already a defeated foe. His legal authority was neutralized by the finished work of Christ on the cross [Colossians 2:15]. Take your stand and tell the devil to Hell with you!
You see, as a believer you need not fear Satan but realize and exercise the authority which God has given you over him. You have the right to use the authority of the name of Jesus to repel and drive Satan out of your territory and to break his grip over spiritual strongholds [2 Corinthians 10:4]. Just as Jesus and the early apostles did, command Satan to leave [Mark 16:17]. Have an Angela Bassett Moment: [Waiting to Exhale] and go certifiably nuts … “Get your shat, get your shat, and get out! Screw me for not leaving your behind sooner!” That’s right! Let him know that he has been given a pink slip and his termination date is on the calendar when he will once-and-for-all be cast down to the most intense of judgments [Revelation 20:10].
You see, Christ made a promise in the first sermon he ever preached that fulfilled the sacred revelation given to the Prophet Isaiah that He has come to open the prison door, release the captives and proclaim freedom in every corner of our lives. Christians should not be in bondage or captive to anything as Christ became the great rescuer of all those who are bound by the chains of captivity. Jesus comes to set you free today. And if you really want to be free, the devil that has had you locked up and shackled will have to lose you today by the power of Jesus Christ.
Decide today to deal the death blow to an enemy that has been plaguing your life, breathing down your neck, making your life miserable. Decide today to put something that has been over your head, under your feet. You and I never have to fall prey to the devil! If we can shut every door, close every window, and seal every place in our lives through which the enemy would try to access us, we can prevent him from getting into the middle of our affairs.
I tell you, don’t give place to the devil [Ephesians 4:27]. Know that you have been given authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome ALL the power of the enemy… [Luke 10:19]. “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” [Galatians 5:1]. Trust in the truth of God’s Word. It is finished!
John Jennings discusses the challenge of transforming the beloved classic into a best-selling graphic novel.
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA— For graphic novelist and illustrator John Jennings, transforming Octavia E. Butler’s classic “Kindred” into a graphic novel was both physically and emotionally draining.
Jennings, a professor of media and cultural studies at the University of California, Riverside, created the adaptation with fellow scholar, graphic novelist, and longtime collaborator Damian Duffy for Abrams ComicArts.
Published in January 2017, “Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation” debuted at No.1 on the New York Time’s Best Sellers list for hardcover graphic books and has received wide acclaim, garnering a Bram Stoker Award among other honors. Now, it is a finalist for this year’sEisner Awards for best adaptation from another medium.
Jennings, who provided the illustrations for the 240-page book, called the 11-month process “a small miracle.” The work took a physical toll — Jennings injured his shoulder while working on the illustrations — but also an emotional one.
Originally published in 1979, Butler’s story focuses on Dana, an African American woman who is transported to a pre-Civil War-era Maryland plantation, returning numerous times to help her white ancestor Rufus whenever he finds himself in grave danger. Trapped in the past, she experiences firsthand the harrowing cruelty inflicted on her own enslaved ancestors and later, herself.
Turning Butler’s book into a graphic novel presented Jennings and Duffy with several unique challenges, from figuring out how to truncate Butler’s seminal work while doing it justice, to the many aesthetic considerations involved in converting prose to a highly visual medium.
“You can’t go word-for-word with a comic book adaptation because they handle storytelling differently,” Jennings said. “We actually had less pages to tell the same story. Octavia was a masterful writer, but even with the terseness of her words, we still had hundreds of words that had to be cut and instead shown. That’s the thing in comics books; you need to show, don’t tell.”
To depict the time periods, Jennings played with the book’s color schemes, muting the present day and making the past full-color.
“Normally when you’re doing flashback stories, the current day is vibrant and in color and the past is kind of sepia-toned, but we wanted to do something different,” Jennings said. “We wanted to play around with the fact that in the book, Octavia talks about how vibrant and how real the past was, and how bright and harsh it is, so we decided to do the opposite.”
For the scenes in the present, Jennings drew inspiration for the color tones from an unlikely place.
“I actually sampled some of the colors from bruises and blood. The idea is that it’s her blood relationship to Rufus that continues to pull her back. It’s about family ties. That red is actually the color of what scabbed-over blood looks like.”
In Butler’s novel, time travel is more supernatural than scientific. To achieve this transition in the graphic novel, a subtle breakdown of the borders of the panels occurs. The lines become fractured and frenetic as Dana is pulled back and disappear completely when she finds herself on the other side of time.
Jennings found the experience of immersing himself so deeply in slavery especially difficult, noting he is a descendent of slaves in the South.
“I was crying physically onto the pages that I was drawing, because it’s so powerful, and so prescient, and so meaningful still today in the middle of the Black Lives Matter era. How do you get across visually the feeling of this book? My drawings were really manic, and energetic, and they make people uncomfortable.”
Despite the arduous process of creating the graphic novel, Jennings found the experience hugely rewarding, and it served as his first foray into mainstream work.
“These are things that really effect black people in America still, the wages of slavery which I think our country is still paying, and you can see how that presents itself in our current political climate,” Jennings said.
In graphic novel form, “Kindred” is offering new audiences a chance to experience Butler’s thought-provoking work.
“Some people who have never read comic books before have picked up ‘Kindred,’ Jennings said. “A lot of the time, it’s the first sci-fi or speculative story people have read, because sci-fi is still dealing with representation issues with people of color.”
Jennings will be at this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego, participating in several panels and attending the Eisner Awards ceremony on July 20. Known as the “Oscars” of the comic book industry, the awards are named for the pioneering comics creator and graphic novelist Will Eisner. Jennings previously received an Eisner for his scholarly work, “The Blacker the Ink,” but the nomination for “Kindred” marks the first time he has been nominated for his graphic novel work as an artist.
“It’s a huge honor, especially to represent Octavia Butler’s legacy,” Jennings said of the author, who died in 2006. “I’m so glad we are a part of getting people to read her work and push her into the future. I’m hoping that if she’s out there somewhere looking at us, that she’s happy with what we’ve done, and we want to continue celebrating her.”
A softcover adaptation of “Kindred” is due at the end of July, and the adaptation will also be translated to Spanish, French, and Swedish, with those editions released in the fall.
John Jennings at Comic-Con
Jennings will be participating in five panels during Comic-Con International: San Diego. In addition to the various panels, he will also be attending the post-con offsite event, AfroFuturism Lounge, which he helped organize. Catch Jennings at the following panels and events:
Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
