Dr. Frederick Fairley

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Empire will be in for a night of praise and worship at New Hope Missionary Baptist Churches annual revival on Monday, April 17 to Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. The church is located at 1575 West 17^th Street in San Bernardino.

Dr. Freddie Haynes III

This year speakers include national preached lecturer, Dr. Frederick Fairley Sr. from Phoenix, Arizona and acclaimed national and internationally known Evangelist Dr. Freddie Haynes III from Dallas, Texas.

All from the community are welcomed to come out each night. Make aure to bring a friend, family, co-worker, or church member.

 Interview by Naomi K. Bonman

They say hard work pays off and that is definitely the case for Inland Empire resident Raheem Mitchell. Mitchell was recently cast in the Amazon Prime series, Finding Miles, where he plays Harold Jackson, a former top salesman in a brokerage firm who, through the actions of hos best friend, is now homeless.

Mitchell got his start in acting through Daz Patterson who taught him a lot about the entertainment industry in terms of acting, stage etiquette, and terminology. She also taught him how and when to audition for certain projects, scene study and professionalism.

“She has been my guide and mentor for a large part of my career,” Mitchell states.

You were recently cast in a Amazon Prime series. Can you tell us the name of the series and the role that you play in it?

The name of the series is Finding Miles. I play Harold Jackson, a former top salesman in a brokerage firm who, through the actions of his best friend, is now homeless.

How was the casting process for the film? How did you go about auditioning and hearing about he auditions? 

I subscribe to a casting service, LA Casting, where I submitted for the role and was asked to audition. The casting process varies from production to production. In this case, the producers and directors viewed my profile and acting reel on the LA Casting website and contacted me for an initial audition. I was then asked to return for a “call-back” and then for a  reading with other cast members.

You got your start with IE Filmmaker and playwright Daz Patterson. ,What are some of the things that you learned from her that has helped shape your career? 

Ms. Patterson has taught me a lot about the entertainment industry,  including Acting, Stage Etiquette and terminology, how (and when)  to audition for certain projects, scene study, professionalism, etc. She has been my guide and mentor for a large part of my career.

What other projects are you working on? 

I am working on several film and television projects , including the Warren G and Snoop story, the L.A. Southside Slayer  ID Channel true crime story, and the Rae Carruth (former NFL Player) true crime story. In addition, I continue to perform stand-up in various venues, such as the Ontario Improv, the world famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, the Mad House in San Diego,  and others.

What inspired you to get into show business? 

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh and performing to be the center of attention. It got me in trouble in school of course, but it has brought me to where I am now. My motto is “All I need is a stage!” And it can be a film, television, theater, or comedy club stage!

What is your advice to other rising Inland Empire actors that are trying to get their name out there, but feel that they have to be in L.A.? How can they create a buzz around their name in the Inland Empire? 

The entertainment business is not an easy one. If you are in  it solely for the money, you will face many disappointments. I am in it for the love of performing. The advise I can give to other IE actors who love to perform is to join websites, such as LA Casting and others, put your profile up, get professional headshots and start submitting for roles that fit you or that you want to try. Don’t give up if you don’t get the one role you want. Don’t turn down roles simply because they do not pay. These can be used to build up your resume.

The more experience you have the more you will be used. With the Internet, you don’t have to live in L.A., but you DO have to be available for auditions and filming whenever they may occur.  Filming can take place anywhere, so be ready to travel (drive) on a moment’s notice.  Some roles may only offer IMDb (Internet Movie Database) credit, but this is the go-to database for Directors and Producers to see what you’ve done. Don’t give up your dreams. It is not an easy life, but if this is what you love to do, it can be very rewarding.

As an actor, what do you feel is missing in the inland Empire, also what are some of the strengths that you see that the IE has in terms of show business? 

The IE is sorely lacking in “tools” for the entertainment business. Specifically,  things such as acting classes, classes in the various performing arts (i.e., acting in commercials, stage production, set-building, film editing, etc.) that are readily available in the big cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, etc. If it wasn’t for Ms. Daz Patterson, I would not have been able to channel my natural talent into a working talent without having to take expensive acting classes and going back and forth to Los Angeles. Daz puts up stage productions which offer the community the opportunity to experience performances, and up and coming actors to hone their craft. The community also needs to support their talent – attend stageplays and performances. The strengths that the IE has in terms of show business is the talent. There are countless talented actors, singers, writers, etc. who have the will power and talent to go far, but don’t have the necessary tools to work with.  

Follow Raheem:

www.raheemiscomedy.com

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

For those who are familiar with the pageant world, you may know that the young women who compete and win the crowns are all for giving back and contributing to their communities in major ways. Amber Johnson, Mrs. Highland Plus America, is not only representing her County of San Bernardino, but she also represents all women of color and is a shining example of millennials achieving greatness.

“What inspired me to get involved with the pageant was to help my city,” Johnson explains. “That was the biggest thing for me. It wasn’t really the pageant; it was more about having the platform to represent my city, my county, and to really help [the] community out because I don’t see a lot of people out there helping to build San Bernardino and that is what I wanted to do.”

Johnson just completed the Ronald McDonald Walk For Kids event on Sunday, April 2 which was held in Ontario. She is also an advocate on animal cruelty where she will be doing an animal walk on May 20 to raise awareness around the affects surrounding cruelty against animals. In addition to her youth and animal efforts, she is a regular volunteer at the Helping Hands Food Pantry.

To view more of what Amber Johnson is involved in watch the interview below:

Bishop Ernest B. Dowdy, Jr.; Bishop Elijah Singletary; Elder Billy Dowdy; Pastor Gwendolyn Rodgers; Evangelist Paula Carrington; Juandretta Henderson; Momma Vashti Dowdy and Papa Ernest B. Dowdy Sr.

By Lou Coleman

When godly people do God’s will they will eventually be promoted to places of honor, privilege and new opportunities of service.

Jonathan Rodgers and Steve Henderson, members of the “Church of the Living God, Temple 208,” in Highland, California shared their many great accomplishments and testimonies that came out of their acts of love, service and faith. To that we say, “To God be All the Glory!”

As we work diligently and productively in our present position, God will also reward us. But it will be in His time and in His way. The pay and prestige that may come with the advancement will not result in pride but only gratitude and a keener desire to serve God by fruitfully serving others.

When promotion is granted, we can agree with this utterance of David: “Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that you have brought me this far?” [2 Samuel 7:18].

By Lue Dowdy

EveryThangNycce Entertainment is WHAT IT DO! I’ve encountered so many talented individuals located right here in the Inland Empire over the years. Recently I came in contact with Nycce Blingsly, an amazing guy that possesses several talents.

Welcome to the world of Nycce where no dream is too big! EveryThangNycce was created by Nycce Blingsly. The company was started to help promote Nycce’s comedy skits. One day Nycce came up with the brilliant idea of filming local artists and events and things took off from there. Now you can catch him filming local concerts, award shows, comedy events, music videos, and much more.

Nycce, whose real name is Kyru Gatlin, is the comedic brains and face of the EveryThangNycce Entertainment. He changed his name to Nycce because he felt it described him more accurately. I totally agree! His personality is a breath of fresh air. He has acted in over one hundred of his own comedy videos, which can be seen on Facebook and YouTube. In the last few months, he’s taken his comedy to SNAPCHAT, where you can see him playing pranks on friends and enjoying life.

So the next time you need an event recorded or just need a laugh, look for EveryThangNycce! In his words, ”Everythang I do Is NYCCE!” Until next week I.E. PEACE & LOVE! L’zzz!

REDLANDS, CA- Amazon generously donated 550 smoke detectors and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors to the City of Moreno Valley Fire Explorers to help encourage residents to install these life-saving devices.

The smoke detectors will be given out to members of the public at the City of Moreno Valley’s 2017 Public Safety Expo on Saturday, April 1 at the Civic Center.

“Smoke alarms are a key part of home fire safety,” said Moreno Valley City Fire Marshal Adria Reinertson. “When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.”

Reinertson encouraged residents to install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area and on every floor. She also encouraged residents to test all smoke alarms at least once a month.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The PAL Center hosted its first annual Community Cookout on Saturday, March 18. The day consisted of fellowship among people from backgrounds, great music, and some good down home cooking.

The invitation was extended to community members, students, and staff who assist weekly in the Food Distribution Program.  There were 70 to 80 people who brought family and friends, in addition to students who participated in earning community service hours and work experience. 

The event is the school’s effort to say “Thank You” to the great people who contribute to building a better community. “We believe in working collaboratively with organizations such as the Community Action Partnership, San Bernardino Valley College, and Westside Kinship Support Services who help make our work a success,” Dwaine Radden, Sr., Chief Executive Officer, said.

To date the PAL Center has assisted 40 to 60 families on average with boxes of food and 15 to 20 students, parents, and citizen volunteers with community service opportunities every week. The PAL Center represents the family atmosphere of a village investing in the best interest of the people it serves through education, employment training, and outreach.  This is a great way we can make a positive impact on everyone involved. 

“It’s a win-win” says CEO Dwaine Radden, Sr.  “We recognize there is a large homeless population in this area, and poverty and hunger are two issues we can actually do something about. The PAL Center is proud to address these issues especially when it involves our youth and breaking down those obstacles that would hinder them from getting their education. “

If you would like more information about all that the PAL Center does, please visit www.palcharteracademy.com.

By Lou Coleman

“Now the end has come upon you, and I will send My anger against you, says the Lord; I will judge you according to your ways, and I will repay you for all your evil. My eye will not spare you, nor will I have pity; But I will repay your ways, and your abominations will be in your midst; Then you shall know that I AM the LORD!” [Ezekiel 7:3-4].  Whatever wicked things you said and did would now be received back on you. “For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” [Galatians 6:7-10]. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Listen, I AM not a man that I should lie. You will reap what you have sown! I am not blind or deaf. I see everything. It is only because of My great mercy that you have not been destroyed already. But make no mistake about it; you will reap what you have sown!  [Judges 1:1-3:6].

When you look at the people of Israel, you see the consequences of disobedience. Most of the Israelites died in the desert. They did not take My words to heart. I want you to know that disobedience always leads to misfortune. The first King of Israel faced disastrous consequences because he failed to obey God. The hardening of his heart and his casual attitude to the sin of partial obedience caused him to be rejected as King. He lost his kingdom and eventually lost his life. Saul, who was among the prophets prophesying, anointed King of Israel and head and shoulders above his brothers turned away from God. Pride came into his heart and God rejected him. I want you to know that disobedience walks hand in hand with consequences. I also what you to know that disobedience has massive implication because oftentimes the person who breaks God’s laws is not the only one who ends up paying the price. Therefore, the choice that you make can affect people around you either directly or indirectly in a big way.

 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. [Galatians 6:76]. A man reaps what he sows.” Despite everything that sin has to offer, the deceptive pleasures that you may experience are not worth the price that you have to pay eventually. But you seem to think that you can go on and on in unrepented sin without the chastisement of God, but that is not so. [[Deuteronomy 11:28] [Deuteronomy 28:15-68] [Jeremiah 35: 14-19] [Isaiah 42:24-25]. [1Samuel 12:15]. [Jeremiah 12:17] [Hebrews 2:1-4].

If you have disobeyed the Lord in some area of your life, repent and confess your sin now. God is so good, so merciful and so compassionate, the Scripture says: “It is not the will of Him that any should perish [2 Peter 3:8-1].   God will forgive you and blot your sins if only you would repent and confess your sins. Today is the day of salvation, you are not promised tomorrow.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” [Deuteronomy 30:19]

The journey that brought Indian Spring High School‘s boys’ varsity soccer team to win the CIF Division IV State Regional Championship is paved with grit and athletic talent.

Indian Springs defeated Citrus Hill High School 3-0 in the championship game on March 11, shutting out the school that beat them in penalty kicks just a week before. The soccer title is the first for the school, which has only had a soccer program for four years.

“Their ability to play as a team is tremendous,” said Indian Springs High’s Athletic Director John Chamberlain. “You see teams out there with two or three really good players.  But with us, you have 10 players on the field who are all playing at a really high level and building each other up. That’s tough to beat.”

The Board of Education will honor the Indian Springs soccer champs at a reception at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4 in the Community Room at the Board of Education building, 777 North F Street in San Bernardino. The public is invited to attend.

Ranked 5^th in California and 24^th in the nation, Indian Springs’ soccer team overcame some obstacles to reach the championship and end the season with a record of 23 wins, 4 ties, and 3 losses.

Maintaining good grades was an issue for some players, who were motivated by teammates to attend tutoring to remain eligible to play, said coach John Arient.  Several players missed weeks of practice in December to visit family out of town.  Another player quit mid-season.

But through it all, the players remained a team and became even more unified as the season progressed.

For Arient, who has coached soccer and volleyball in San Bernardino City Unified School District for 18 years, the victory is a sign of even better things to come.

“The majority of the team is returning to play next year,” Arient said. “And, we’ve started seeing college recruiters coming to our games.”

In fact, a few players who graduate in June are being recruited by colleges like Cal State San Bernardino and Cal State Dominguez Hills, while others are planning to play soccer for San Bernardino Valley College and Chaffey College.

RIVERSIDE, CA- National Black Grads (NBG) is honored to present “It Takes A Village” 2017 Scholarship Celebration that will take place on Saturday April 1st, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Jessie Turner Center located at 15556 Summit Avenue in Fontana. Over 35 High School seniors from Riverside and San Bernardino Counties will be receiving scholarships. The scholarship categories include: STEM Awards, Leadership Awards, HBCU Awards, Student Athlete Awards, Academic High Achievers Awards, Resiliency Awards, Community Pioneer Awards, and Visual & Performing Arts Awards.

This event is open to the public with a $15 donation, but seating is limited. The celebration ceremony is sponsored by the Black Voice Foundation along with community partner local non-profit New Life Christian Church of Fontana. The Scholarship Celebration offers family members, educators and community members an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of local African American students. The scholarship donors are comprised of local organizations, businesses and individuals who desire to see Inland Empire students thrive in their educational goals and aspirations. Representatives from each donor organization will be in attendance. An anticipated highlight of the ceremony will be “The Reveal” where students will make final decisions on their college/university choice. Over 160 seniors from over 70 different Inland Empire high schools applied to the “It Takes A Village” Scholarship Contest where winners receive awards from $500 to $1000. Special guest include Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre, and Riverside County Office of Education Chief Academic Officer Cynthia Glover.

The Scholarship event foreshadows the NBG annually hosted I.E. HS Black Graduation Recognition Ceremony which is the largest HS Black Graduation Recognition Ceremony in Southern CA and will be held this year on May 4th at 6pm on the Ontario Convention Center. For more information please contact NBG directly at nationalblackgrads@gmail.com.