Collective embarks on public education campaign about the role of District Attorneys

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- The ACLU of Southern California and Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE) as part of the “Hey, Meet Your DA!” campaign, are collaborating with groups across San Bernardino County to educate the community on the critical role of the District Attorney. The collective of organizations are hosting a town hall meeting to educate the public about the impact that District Attorneys have on a range of justice issues. The town hall comes after a similar event was convened with residents in Riverside County less than a month ago.

However, the collective group of San Bernardino organizations was troubled and disappointed that their local District Attorney would be so hesitant to meet with the community even after being offered alternative dates and declined an offer to participate even for a short time on the Monday, April 30 town hall meeting. “We need a District Attorney who will represent the community, not avoid them” says Rev. Samuel Casey, Executive Director of COPE.

The press conference and rally that came as a result of the dismissal of the District Attorney drew a crowd of 30 organizational leaders and community members who discussed existing justice issues in San Bernardino. The recurring chant heard from the crowd, led by Casey “It’s time to ReThink Public Safety!” an initiative led by COPE to promote responsible, restorative, and redemptive approaches to justice reform in schools and communities throughout the Inland Valley Region. “We must transform what public safety looks like to our community. We need the DA to prosecute killer cops especially when they are killing our young sons just as police murdered Dante Yarber in a Barstow Walmart.” stated Lanae Norwood from Institute Developing Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership (IDEAL.)

The collective now is focused on their town hall set for April 30^th in the City of Fontana. Their man goal is to discuss with community members solutions needed to reform the San Bernardino County criminal justice system and inform them about the role and duties of district Attorneys.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Bruce Atlas wants Inland Empire residents to refer to the Ontario Airport as “Our” Airport! Atlas, Chief Operations Officer of the Ontario International Airport, was the guest speaker at Monday’s Black Business Chamber Inland Empire (BBCIE) meeting.  

He spoke of the expected growth of the Inland Empire and of the planed airport expansion. He is enthusiastic about getting local businesses involved in the vender and contracting opportunities that come with the Airports growth.  Amy Goethals, the Liaison for The Ontario International Airport Small Disadvantaged Business Program, who was the other speaker, requested support in her quest to outreach and to otherwise accommodate the Airport working with local minority businesses. 

The BBCIE meets three times per month. BBCIE President, Tammy Martin-Ryles, says that the Chamber will continue to expose members to speakers who are able to educate, stimulate and facilitate opportunity.  

Bruce Atlas will be on Empire Talks Back (ETB) on Sunday, May 6 at 10 a.m. on KCAA 1050 AM, 102.3 FM and 106.5 FM. You can also watch the show live at kcaaradio.com.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- “A hardhead makes a soft behind.”  Now, if you don’t know what that means, you just keep on doing you. Keep on doing what you want, when you want. You will find out sooner than later what it means.  Talking ‘bout it’s your thang, you do what you want to do.”  Hmm mhmm… keep on Mr. “My Prerogative,” you will soon find out that it’s really “God’s Prerogative” not yours!

You know in [Genesis Chapter 27] four people song the same song that you are singing, “I Did It My Way,” Esau, Jacob, Isaac and Rebecca. But in the end they all came up empty and paid a high price for their selfishness. Saul who was the Lord’s chosen king for the Israelites.  Rather than trusting that God knew best, Saul’s ego took first place in his heart. When it did, “Doing Things His Way”—became his undoing. I tell you, there is a real danger in the “I Did It My Way” philosophy. Do not be deceived, God will not be mocked.  What you sow is what you will reap.

Listen, in the book of Judges the last thing Joshua did was told the people, ‘You choose how you are going to live your life. And they choose to do it “their way.”  And what a mess they made of it.  Over a 350 year period, they went through seven cycles.  Each cycle was worse than the one before.  The Israelites main problem was they always thought they knew better.   “Everyone did as they saw fit.” Each person saw themselves as being in charge. Each one said, “I am in charge. It is my life. It is my decision. I am the boss. I am in control.”Israel, lived like she had no king. She lived like there was no one to whom she was responsible. That was the problem. God was not acknowledged as King. He was not served as King. He was not worshiped as King. He was not obeyed as King, and because of thatthe result was anarchy, tragedy. Mama always did say, “A hardhead makes a soft behind!”

The conclusion of the whole matter: God says, “He will not tolerate blatant ungodliness. He will not tolerate stubborn, hardhead stiff-necked spirits any longer. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow, though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” [Isaiah 1:18]. Return .O backsliding children, for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you a shepherd [Jeremiah 3:14-15].

I tell you, wisdom is the principal thing, but in all your getting get an understanding.” [Proverbs 4:7]. Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor.” [Proverbs 4:7-8]. “Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed.” [Proverbs 15:22-32]. For the Bible says it is of God’s mercy that we are not consumed. It is by His goodness that we are led to repentance. It is by His intercession that we are delivered. It is by His grace that we are sustained. It is of His love that we have been drawn to Him. It is because of His everlasting arms being under us that we are kept. It is by His faith that we are saved. It is by His blood that we are cleansed. It is by His righteousness that we are clothed and it is by His indwelling Spirit that we are filled and by His power that we are kept.

“If you listen to advice and are willing to learn, one day you will be wise.” [Proverbs 19:20]

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)-When author and playwright, T’ana Phelice, decided to branch out from the literary world to the stage atmosphere, her followers and others in the community would leave her plays feeling inspired. After her first stage production, ‘The Diamond Monologues’ she wanted to continue to put out work that would impact people’s lives for the better, and hence her next stage production ‘Pass the Cornbread’ was created.

‘Pass the Cornbread’, which debuted on Saturday, April 21 at the New Hope Christian Life Center in San Bernardino, is about six cousins who are trying to get to the truth. They are trying to get to truth about their life, purpose and self-worth. Sunday dinners is when the cousins gather around the table for some good ol’ cornbread and home-cooking to not only come together as a family, but to update each other on what’s happening in their individual lives. They each inspire each other in some way or another. Towards the end of the production the audience can feel the redemption that each character has gone through.

The cast consists of six dynamic actors: T’ana Phelice, Audrica McPeters, Tiffany Smith-Brooks, Mike Braswell, Queene Esther and Nycce Blingsly. This production was very unique, not just from the storyline, but for the mere fact that each story was REAL! This is the first time that Phelice casted a play without a script. Each cast member gave her their testimony and the storyline was created it. 

If you missed this production, there will be more dates in the future. Follow T’ana Phelice on all social networks or visit her website at www.tanaphelice.com for upcoming events and updates. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Synergy is created when two or more come together to produce a result greater than the sum of their individual effects.

The District held its second Synergy Day at San Gorgonio High School on Wednesday, March 21.

Synergy Day teaches students how to be more compassionate, build leadership and communication skills and have a greater sense of self. During the daylong event, students learned to create more authentic relationships, so they can unite in a common goal of making their school campus a better place for everyone.

More than 65 students from different backgrounds, social groups and grade levels came together in the San Gorgonio gym to participate in team-building exercises and personal experiences. Students practiced active listening skills, discovered how much they have in common with students outside their usual social circles and most importantly, learned to respect themselves and others in their daily interactions with friends and strangers.

“I hope this small group of students will share what they learned, by word of mouth and by example, with their friends and those students will share it with their friends and take flight to create a positive, long-lasing shift in our school culture for years to come,” said San Gorgonio counselor LaShawn Jackson.

Synergy Days are scheduled for all SBCUSD high schools.

LOS ANGELES, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- The Opening Premiere & Cocktail Hour of New Stage Play “Feeding A Monster” was a success as many celebrities walked the red carpet, enjoyed hosted cocktails and smooth jazz by saxophonist Cal Bennett. The premiere & cocktail hour for Feeding A Monster was held on Friday, April 20, inside the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles. Celebrities and guests filled the theater in support of the evening’s theme “Standing with Survivors of Sexual Assault.” Those in attendance included Garrett Morris (The Jamie Foxx Show), Roger Mosley (Magnum P.I.), Glynn Turman (A Different World; House of Lies; Queen Sugar), Ralph Farquhar (Moesha; Married With Children), Rahvaunia (ABC’s For The People), Neko Sparks (The Woods), Ty Granderson Jones (ER), Judyann Elder (Family Time; Martin), John Cothran (Murder In The First), Petri Bryd (Daytime Emmy Award Show Judge Judy), Janeshia-Adams Ginyard (Black Panther), Diana Popick (All Wrong; Criminal Minds), Thomas Wright (Fruitville Station), and many others.

April being Sexual Assault Awareness month, author Veronica Loving and co-author Jazzmine Jackson are using their new stage play to help victims and survivors affected by sexual assault start the road to physical healing. The play is a genius blend of comedy tragedy and lessons they learned along the way. 

April being Sexual Assault Awareness month, author Veronica Loving and co-author Jazzmine Jackson are using their new stage play to help victims and survivors affected by sexual assault start the road to physical healing. The play is a genius blend of comedy tragedy and lessons they learned along the way.

Written by Loving, La Darrion Williams, and directed by actor Art Evans best known from the movie “Die Hard 2,” the play is based on Loving and Jackson’s memoir “Feeding A Monster.” The memoir details Loving’s 21-year marriage to her husband who was a minor-league baseball player. Their marriage took a turn when Loving learned that the man, husband, father and athlete she loved was a sexual assault predator living in her home.

The book is unlike any other book that addresses sexual assault, it follows the dramatic real-life story of authors Loving and Jackson who were victims of a predator who happened to be the husband and father of the mother and daughter duo. The book describes the abuse inflicted by the man who was to protect, love, and keep them safe. The women in this book speak candidly about their personal experience with sexual assault and other issues such as date rape and domestic violence. Cast members include actors Fayley Patrice (playing Veronica Loving), DeJuan Christopher (playing Kenneth Crockom King), Doyin Domingo (paying Jazzmine Jackson), Conisha Wade-Dorsey (playing Rhea), and Andre K. Jefferson (playing Eli).

The play is scheduled to run for one more weekend on April 27 through April 29th at the Hudson Theater, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA.

For show times and tickets, go online to HudsonTheatre.com or call 323-960-4420. You can purchase the book online at Amazon.com.

By Charlene Muhammad | California Black media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Two African-Americans have been appointed to the California Complete Count Committee for the 2020 federal census. Governor Edmund Brown Jr. announced creation of the diverse 25-member committee on Friday, April 13.  The panel of community members will guide outreach to help ensure every Californian is counted in the upcoming census. 

“It is vitally important for California to do everything it can to ensure that every Californian is counted in the upcoming census,” said Governor Brown. 

Regina Brown Wilson of Sacramento brings her skills as executive director and chair of California Black Media, and a former statewide education and faith-based outreach manager for Census 2010. Wilson is a graduate of Wilberforce University with a degree in communications. 

“I thank the governor for getting a jump start on the census and understanding all that is at stake in the form or representation and resources. In particular, the African-American community has been a vulnerable population and it’s my desire to ensure this community and other hard to count communities are informed, organized and engaged for the 2020 Census,” said Wilson. 

Alex Johnson of Los Angeles, managing director at Californians for Safety and Justice, has served as executive director at Children’s Defense Fund-California. He was assistant senior deputy for education and public safety in the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, where he also served as deputy for education and public safety. 

“Honored to be appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve as a member of the California Complete Count Committee. This body is tasked with devising an outreach strategy for the 2020 Census and ensuring that ALL Californians are counted by the federal government,” said Jones on his Facebook page.

Johnson was an attorney at the New York City Department of Education and an assistant district attorney in the Bronx District Attorney’s Office.

Johnson is president of the Los Angeles County Board of Education and a member of the Arts for Incarcerated Youth Network Board of Directors and the Wiley Center for Speech and Language Development Board. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the American University College of Law.  The California Complete Count Committee will be coming together to have its first public meeting in May.

Popular airline begins non-stop service to New York in September

ONTARIO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Ontario International Airport (ONT) officials heralded news from JetBlue that the popular airline will return to ONT this fall, beginning with nonstop service to New York. JetBlue is the third carrier in recent months to announce new service at ONT, the fastest growing airport in Southern California.

“One of the biggest questions we get is when JetBlue will come to Ontario. Now we know that day is September 5,” said Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “We can’t wait to welcome JetBlue, its crew members and customers. They can expect quick, easy access to our first-rate facilities and the hassle-free experience for which ONT is known.”

JetBlue will launch its new service with a daily roundtrip to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Flight 355 will depart JFK at 7:12 p.m. local time, arriving ONT at 10:39 p.m. Red-eye service back to JFK will depart ONT at 11:59 p.m. with arrival in New York at 8:24 a.m. JetBlue will serve the non-stop route with 160-seat Airbus A320 aircraft.

OIAA CEO Mark Thorpe noted that ONT has room to grow and that there will be ample opportunity for JetBlue to initiate new routes as the airport adds services and amenities that are popular with airlines and air travelers.

“Ontario is the place to be in Southern California aviation,” Thorpe said. “Domestic and international carriers are quickly seeing the great value ONT provides for their airlines and their customers.”

JetBlue operated at ONT from July 2000 to September 2008. It suspended service as Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the previous operator of ONT, reconsidered its approach to regional air transportation and began emphasizing growth at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The OIAA took control of ONT from LAWA on November 1, 2016.

OIAA Vice President Ron Loveridge said JetBlue’s return is testament to the tremendous growth that’s occurring throughout Inland Southern California.

“This is seen as a region to invest in, and ONT plays a such a vital role in making sure that continues,” Loveridge said. “For business and leisure travelers, JetBlue’s new non-stop service to New York couldn’t come as more welcome news.”

ONT is the fastest growing airport in Southern California with passenger and cargo volumes increasing by 10% and more than 16 %, respectively, in the first three months of 2018 compared with the same period last year. ONT welcomed 4.5 million passengers in 2017, 7% more than the year before.

Frontier Airlines initiated operations at ONT last October with service to its home base in Denver, Austin and San Antonio. Flights to the Texas airports continue to Dulles International Airport outside Washington, DC, enabling ONT passengers to reach the East Coast without changing planes. In March, China Airlines began daily service to Taiwan, the first trans-oceanic service in ONT’s history.

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Quality Entertainment in San Bernardino is WHAT IT DO! On Saturday, April 28 from 8.m. to midnight, come enjoy comedy, live funk music, Rap and Hip Hop, R&B, poetry, live interviews, a fashion show, shopping, food and drinks.

LUE Productions, along with a few other local entertainment entities, have come together to provide a wonderful evening of entertainment. Our team is all about comfortability. You will feel the positive vibes soon as you walk through the door. Zorbas Lounge is a hidden jewel in San Bernardino.  It’s such a beautiful venue with amazing people helping to run it, like my girl Monibee Henley. The event will be hosted by Comedian Mac Rome and Queen LUE of LUE Productions. 

Make it a date night or a night with friends.

Get your $10 ticket now. Remember they will be $20 at the door. Get there between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and receive a FREE raffle ticket.

A few items we’ll be raffling off include: drinks, Improv tickets, dinner for one drink not included ($10 minimum), BBW/Plus Size Competition ticket for 1 and more.

For more information, please text (909) 567.1000. Until next time L’s!

‘The Penis Monologues: The Long Hard Truth’ presents the authentic, raw truths that men face in their everyday realities

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- How many women empowerment events do you run into? Probably more than you can count, right? Now how many men empowerment events do you come across? Yeah, not that much. When it comes to our men, especially our Black men, there are not many outlets out there that give them a voice. This is why playwright Karen Roberson created ‘The Penis Monologues: The Long Hard Truth’. She wanted to create a space for men to voice their concerns and feelings.

I recently attended one of the rehearsals for the upcoming show on May 19^thand May 20^th, and the rehearsals put me in awe, so I only know that the actual production is going to be remarkable! The writing of this monologue is astounding! Each cast member is in touch with character because they can relate to the stories in their everyday lives. The stories that are in this stage production are REAL and RAW. There is no sugarcoating with this one and it all comes from the male’s perspective.

After the rehearsal, Mrs. Karen Roberson sat down with me where we chatted on her inspirations to bring this creation to life and where she envisions to take it in the future.

What inspired you to write this production?

What inspired me to write ‘The Penis Monologues’ is that I feel like our men lack a platform for them. As I was telling you earlier, I can easily go to a woman’s empowerment situation like almost every weekend. There is nothing going on for our men; there is nothing that they have where they can say, ‘We are a brotherhood, we are together, and we are going to empower each other; and we are going to uplift each other, and we are going to talk about some serious issues so that we can become better.

Men don’t have that. I’m not talking about an every now and then men’s conference, I’m talking about what do they have. And so, with ‘The Penis Monologues’ I hope that I can start a movement; a movement for men. A brand for them.

After the stage production is all said in done, what else do you envision for ‘The Penis Monologues’ or for our men in general?

I would like to do conferences, tours and panel discussions. ‘The Penis Monologues’ goes way beyond the stage.

From being able to witness just a snippet of what to except from the show tonight during rehearsal, I can tell that each male resonated with their character, so for casting how did you pick out each character?  

Well, for Reggie and Idrees, the dual monologues, I wrote those specifically for them. But for casting, I’m the type of person that is a feeler, I like to feel and be moved. If I’m not moved when I’m casting, then you don’t have a job. I need to feel it in my soul and these guys just came in and blew me away!

What can people except from this show? I know you did 6 previous shows last year, which all sold out, so what can we except? Did you had some twists and turns this go around?

I did add some elements of surprise. Every time I do the show I try to elevate it a little bit more. If you are a person that is returning to see the show, you’re going to see something a little different. I just feel like that’s our way of keeping our audience on their toes and looking forward to seeing what we have.

We’re going to take you on a rollercoaster ride! These guys are going to strap you in for an hour and 30 minutes and you are going to have to hear what they say, but I promise you when you [women] leave that you will have a greater appreciation for men, specifically our Black men.

And when men leave, they will feel empowered and knowing that they have a voice and a platform to be heard. That’s what ‘The Penis Monologues’ is about.

How can people get tickets?

People can get tickets at thelonghardtruth.brownpapertickets.com. They can follow us on social media @thelonghardtruth on Instagram and Mahogany Girl Productions on Instagram and Facebook. You can also get tickets from the website at mgproductionsllc.com. All the information is there on the website and you can also read up on the cast and you can see what upcoming events that we have.

But listen, I want Uncle Steve Harvey to see this. I need my Aunty Oprah to see this and I just need some heavy hitters to really rally behind me to help get this on the global platform where it needs to be. If the Vagina Monologues became huge like it was, I know clearly that the messages that we’re sending can spread like wildfire!  

Can you see yourself making a film from ‘The Penis Monologues’?

Yes, I do! We are in talks about film. I would love to speak with Showtime, HBO or Starz to do an actual special. I’m excited. There is no limit to what we could do. We’re going to take it to the stage, to the big screen, to the community—everywhere that it needs to hit the people, so they can be changed, uplifted and empowered. That is where this message needs to go.

As we wrap things up, I know you said this is the first play that you have done, so how was it being behind the scenes as the director and writer than from being in the spotlight? Which one do you like better?

I know right! I really like this side because I feel like, don’t get me wrong I love acting and I love singing as well but when you become the playwright and you become the creator, now I have the voice, the control and the creativity to create the things that I want people to hear and see. So, I’m really like that and it has inspired me to continue to create other content to keep bringing the people. You can always except it REAL and RAW.

I feel like it’s easy to have those feel good conversations, right? But what about the long-hard truth? What about those uncomfortable conversations that no one needs to have? So, you can always except me to keep it REAL.

Awesome. I’m looking forward to more!  

The show is on May 19 and May 20 at Cal State Dominguez Hills where I’m an alumnus of their theater department, so it’s always fun bringing my stuff home and allowing the community to come out. We don’t always have to go to Hollywood to see good quality stuff. I can put my stuff in the hood and let them come and be blessed by it as if we were anywhere else.

I’m happy that it is at Dominguez. We’re going to have a good time. Come ready! All I can say be ready for an unforgettable ride.

‘The Penis Monologues’ features: Tobyus as ‘Angry Penis’; Lamont Young as ‘Broken Penis’; Samuel Simmons as ‘Devoted Penis’; Lucky Conner as ‘Loving Penis’; Marwan Granville as ‘Disappointed Penis’; Louis Kameron Jack III as ‘Empty Penis’; Reggie Myles as ‘I Don’t Penis’; Idrees Degas as ‘I Do Penis’; DeJuan Christopher as ‘My Penis Matters’; and Mike Strong as ‘Erotic Penis’.

The show premieres Saturday, May 19 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 20 at 5 p.m. at California State Dominguez Hills Theater located at 1000 E Victoria Street in Carson. Tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/PenisMonologuesLA. For more information, please call (310) 291-5315.