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.

Sherri Bryant

Sherri Bryant is a Christian recording artist, composer, and worship leader who is called to “Usher in the presence of God” and “minister healing to the body of Christ” in order “to empower them to live an Effective Life for God’s glory.”  “We don’t go around preaching about ourselves; we preach Christ Jesus, the Lord.  All we say about ourselves is that we are your servants because of what Jesus has done for us.” (2 Corinthians 4:5 NLT).

As a Christian artist, when Sherri sings she sings with great passion and conviction.  And if you ask her how she is able to sing with such power and authority, she’ll tell you it’s because she is “communicating the heart of God to the people…”

Her newly released single, “You Are Greater,” was written after she emerged out of a very difficult circumstance in her life.  “I was frightened and felt alone… just like some of you.  I needed more than religious clichés and ‘advice’ from well meaning friends.  I needed a Word from the Word.  Wrapped in melody, this song tracks my journey from fear to faith.  I did get the victory but more importantly I got the realization that no matter how large my mountain our God is greater.”

Please visit www.soundsofsunrise-entertainment.com to listen to “You Are Greater”.

LONG BEACH, CA – Over the weekend, I Am Woman… kicked off its first conference with “I Am
Woman 2017.” Held at The Grand hotel in Long Beach, Calif., this past Saturday, the purpose of the event was to connect with other women through the idea that every woman is a part of “I Am,” the Creator and source of all things, while bringing women together to support one another.

The “I Am Woman 2017” conference was attended by 97 women. Prior to the event, they were able to patronize the attending vendors and indulge in delectable hors d’oeuvres. The event opened with a spoken word piece from Estee E Dot Marie of E Dot Expressions. Marie’s piece entitled “I Am Woman,” set the tone for the conference as she touched on the roles of womanhood. Comedienne, Chelley Chelle kept the crowd entertained with her comical wit and humor as she joked about being a career community college student for the past 10 years.

The women also partook in spiritual exercises presented by licensed Spiritual Holistic Practitioner, Clergy and Counselor, Vionela Vaughn-Austin, who encouraged the attending women to “be [their] own brand through conscious conversations. In addition to Vaughn- Austin’s spiritual exercises, the conference included additional speakers like Mimi Donaldson, author of “Pitch Perfect: Speak to Grow Your Business in Seven Simple Steps,” who taught the women how to successfully deliver 30-second elevator pitches by “[leading] with the need” and how to identify one’s uniqueness.

Breast cancer survivor, 28-year-old Jazmy’ne Austin, shared her story (for the first time) about defeating Breast Cancer, while 25-year-old “Jae Chanel” shared her story about surviving domestic violence and sex trafficking as she performed a monologue from her play “Victim.” Each lady contributed to the conference by delivering their struggles and overcoming obstacles, such as undergoing a double mastectomy (Jazmy’ne Austin) and giving birth to a son at 14 years old (Jae Chanel). These challenges have made them the women they are, today.

27-year-old speaker, Lauren Mirabal, is a Life Insurance expert and serial entrepreneur, who is
passionate about helping women and men succeed as small business owners.

The UCLA graduate assists her clients with understanding their personal finances and aiding in
financial planning. At the conference, she educated the attendees on the importance of Living Benefits and illness-related policies and their advantages. Policy holders who have recently updated his or her coverage within the past year has the Living Benefits policy included in his or her coverage.

A women’s safety demonstration was provided by Beverly Chaney, owner of The Wellness Boutique in Torrance, California. and independent representative for Damsel in Defense. Growing up and during her marriage, Chaney experienced physical abuse. These experiences led her to join Damsel in Defense as a means of teaching women to defend themselves and prevention against abuse and battery.

Actress Erica Ringor, from “Love & Basketball” provided the women in attendance with goals and aspirations for health and wellness (as she is also a Nutrition Coach for Herbalife) and the power of the Law of Attraction. The 42-year-old spoke on the importance of encouraging and inspiring oneself by starting with a positive mindset and attitude.

At the close of the event, the founders of I Am…, Ricsyhelle Davis and Rhonda Brent presented each speaker with a token of appreciation in the form of a bracelet, or a gift certificate to Massage Envy.

About I Am…

– I Am… is an organization for women to have the ability to help each other in business, as well as market themselves through empowerment workshops allowing their services to be recognized in their communities. The name I Am… derives from empowering light within ourselves.