By Joandrea Reynolds

Initiation of positive change and progression brought members of Westside Christian Center together at City Hall on January 7 at 10 a.m. under hovering clouds in sixty degree weather participating in a walk to help restructure a community. Newness of hope was birthed for San Bernardino, CA; under the life changing inspirational leadership of Dr. Clyde A. Stewart who speaks newness into existence and demonstrates belief in it for residents of not only this city but inclusive of all those surrounding.

Rosalyn Bryant stated, “There is power behind and within unity and this march signifies the start of reversing hopelessness.” Too many deaths have altered the course of expectations for San Bernardino and futures have permanently been removed but this new day brought forth a year of change.

“The common cause for restored hope is why we are here”, First Lady Florence Stewart said. Actions led by faith brought down strong holds with each unified step. As this year progresses change is mandatory because of a walk destined to happen. Eyes were opened, joy ignited, and unity displayed. Thirteen year old Alexia Miller was quoted as saying “I need to help with change by inspiring adults and kids to be part of the change that will bring us all together.”

Lisa Donavon of West Virginia was on hand to work on the Donor’s Float her daughter Nicole was a donor.

By Earl Heath

Before the drive down Colorado Blvd., Tamara Henderson put the final touches on the Rotary float. “I see the fun people are having and the joy the colors bring to them and it all worth it,” said the veteran who teaches at Bassett High in La Puente.

There are some 935 volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses Association. Each volunteer is assigned to one of 31 committees, with responsibilities ranging from selecting parade participants to directing visitors on New Year’s Day,

Gay Norris is known as “White Suitors” because of her distinctive white uniform that she and every volunteer wears. It’s been a part of her life for some 20 years. She has no intentions of letting go.

Not even her move to Tyler Texas six years ago stops her from returning to Pasadena annually to put in her volunteer time. “It’s a joy to be here and be part of something this special“, said Norris. “ People really appreciate us and its gives me a warm feeling whining you get things done and it brings a wide smile to some faces.”

Norris is one of several community-spirited men and women give up their evenings, weekends and holidays to ensure the success of the Parade and Game.

She has a great philosophy for those who wear the suites.” We are all equal, we all make decisions. You make a mistake you get teased, one motto is under promise and over deliver.”

ONTARIO, CA- Ms. Trudy Coleman and the Juneteenth/MLK Committee of Southern California, invites you to attend the “16th Annual, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast and Tribute”. This event has become an Inland Empire Tradition; bringing together many of the areas citizens as well as Civic and Political figures, such as Senators, Mayors, Assembly Members and many in the Business and Religious Communities. We are also grateful for our area Sheriff, Police and Fire Departments who have been long time supporters and attendees. Each year, we also honor our MLK Lifetime Achievement Recipient and our MLK Civil Rights Recipient.

We wish to give our sincere heart felt remembrance to the families of San Bernardino, who lost love ones, and the heroic police department who help to save lives.   Also to the families of officers and citizens who lives have been shorten over these last two years. As we know, Freedom fighters come in all forms and shapes, today, yesterday, and tomorrow. As, we continue to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of Freedom, Justice and Equality for African American’s and all Americans.

The visions of both Dr. King and President, Abraham Lincoln targeted one purpose. “To Bring Our Nation Together As A Unified Force For The Good Of The World”. For the past 16 years, we have been bringing people of every nationality together in keeping with the spirit of “The Dream”. This year features a mass choir comprised of singers from several Inland Empire Choirs, Mt. Zion Baptist church, Mt. Sinai C.O.G.I.C., New Direction C.O.G.I.C., and Blended Sounds of Joy. Our special guest artist is, “Patrice Morris”. Patrice has formerly song with the world renown “Fifth Dimension”. She has also ministered in song with many prominent gospel artists, including Daryl Coley, Andrae’ and Sandra Crouch, Marvin Sapp, and John P. Kee. Our second guest artist is Ms. Biddy Newborn, Directress for “Gospel Great”, Shirley Ceasar. She is internationally known, and is also a gospel recording artist. The Lord has truly anointed her in singing, preaching, and most of all directing, which has touched the lives of people of all ages. There will also be a special keynote speaker on program. Each year we have also included the MLK Student essay contest and give scholarships to the winner.

After the program, included for ticket holders only, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. are the Educational and Economic Workshops on topics ranging from “How to Retire Successfully”, “Designing Your Own Most Profitable Year”, and always the “Youth Mentoring – Advocacy Lawmakers Fellowship Program”. The day will also highlight many of the areas small business vendors who will display their products on that day, and gift raffles. This will be a momentous occasion and you will be greatly enriched by being present when it all happens.      

Junteenth Education Technology Mobile Arts Center, Inc., is a non-profit organization dedicated to educate and raise public awareness. among all Americans about Juneteenth (June 19, 1865)” and its significance as the foundation that completes FREEDOM for all American people. There are two events done yearly. 1) The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast, Ontario, Ca; On June 17^th, 2017, will be the “26^th yr. Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Jazz Arts Festival”, the Juneteenth event is always free for the public.

The MLK Breakfast on “King Day” is open to the public, ALL are welcome.   Ticket cost is $36.00 in Advance, $40.00 at the Door, $50.00 VIP ticket, Table of (10) $324.00, VIP Table $500.00. Students cost is $20.00. Please RSVP for your reserved seat. Sponsorship Opportunities are available, appreciated, and tax-deductible. Advertisement for program book are still available until January 9, 2017. For information Call: Trudy Coleman 1-909-418-8530/1-909-681-3554/ To purchase tickets, visit www.jetmacinc.us or eventbite.com, www.jetmacinc.com/Email:trudycoleman@jetmainc.com

COLTON, CA- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) leadership, leaders from the City of Colton and San Bernardino County, joined the Colton Police Officers Association to deliver toys, candy, and Christmas cheer to children and families spending the holidays in the hospital on Dec. 21. Santa Claus made a special appearance, escorted by Colton Police throughout the hospital including the lobby, emergency department, pediatric unit and clinic.

Children gathered around Santa as he pulled gifts from his bag amidst many “Ho, Ho, Ho’s.” More than 500 toys were wrapped and hand delivered by uniformed officers, Santa Claus and his elves and distributed throughout the entire hospital. Media were allowed into the hospital to follow Santa and to capture the holiday joy.

Operation Giving is a holiday tradition of the Colton Police Officers Association. This is the fifth year of Operation Giving at the hospital and more than 900 gifts have been donated over the years. Each year officers support families in need and senior citizen groups by delivering Christmas trees, meals, and presents.

By Earl Heath 

The 128th Edition of the Tournament of Roses was a rare on in that it took place on Monday January 2 and the temperature (40 degrees) were closer to that of New England ‘s winter Day than that of a  Pasadena afternoon. Some million or so peopled lined the streets of Pasadena

“Never on Sunday” was the call by the for this year New Year’s day fell on a Sunday and with keeping with Tradition of the Founding Fathers. They believed Sunday to be a day for family and worship. Its theme “Echos of Success “ found a way through some 41 floats, 19 marching Bands and 20 equestrian units.

The three Grand Marshalls Olympians Allyson Felix, Greg Louganis and Janet Evans all had success during their careers. Thus there could not be a better trio for the theme.

Aniya Randall

By Lue Dowdy

Awwwwwwwwwww shucks the NEW YEAR and the YOUTH is WHAT IT DO! Aniya Randall born on December 9, 2005 and born and raised in the Inland Empire is known for her many talents.

As a young child Aniya was no stranger to the entertainment world. She began dancing and singing along aside her talented dad R&B Singer, Yung Muusik.

Giving her the name, Princess Aniya, Yung Muusik has booked this talent young star in shows from the Inland Empire to Hollywood. Princess Aniya also was an act on the X-factor TV show. Performing, spending time with her dad playing with her friends and Lil brother is extremely important to this Lil Diva. I’m certain that she’ll make her way up the entertainment ladder.

Remember to always support the YOUTH. Until next week folks! L’z!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-   During this Christmas Season, the Knights of the Beautillion and their court attended and participated along with Amina Carter in the Kwanzaa Event at the San Bernardino Valley College.

Among their community service activity, the Beautillion Knights and their court: the Squires, Fair maiden, and Pages participated in assembling Christmas bikes, and Tricycles for the Christmas Bikes Give Away Event that was held at the San Bernardino Boys and Girls Club.

The Social Lites, Inc. of the Inland Empire Beautillion Program is celebrating its 50^th year in the community.  For more information, go to www.sociallitesinc.com or contact Lisa Blacksher, Beautillion Chairperson at lisasocialites@gmail.com or Bettye Brewster, President at (951) 204-0022 or bettyebrewster@yahoo.com

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- More than 500 children showed up to receive toys during the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino’s (BGCSB) Annual Toy Giveaway on December 23, 2016.

Each year, BGCSB toy drive collects hundreds of toys with the help of local businesses and the community. This year’s contributors were Vanguardia Event Co., 7eleven, Kuehne+Nagel, Rotary International and Westside Action Group.  

Children from ages 5 to 17 received bikes, games, basketball courts and an assortment of other toys. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On January 16, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Second Baptist Church, 420 E. Stuart Avenue in Redlands, will be hosting its 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Camp. The theme is year is, “All Generations Matter.

If you ever needed to remember the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it is now in our nation! Register your K-12 youth for this event which is FREE! In order to get the free t-shirts for that day, they must pre-register by January 5th. This event will be life changing and will build hope and character in our children and youth.

To local businesses and community organizations, they are asking you to help them sponsor children and youth with donations toward t-shirts (5.00 per youth) and with food for the cook-out. You may contact Margaret Green at (909) 557-7142 to provide donations for this important event.

?For more information call (909) 793-1074 or email jackiegreenvanguard@yahoo.com.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

It will not be God’s fault. It will not be the church’s fault. You will not be able to blame your family nor your friends. If you go to hell you will have no one to blame but yourself! For every single person who ends up in Hell can blame only themselves for being there. And no passage makes this clearer than [John Chapter 8]… Don’t be like the Pharisees. Jesus in His great love, sent the Pharisees men like the Apostle Paul, all His disciples, and James and Jude, to be huge obstacles to the unbelief of the Pharisees. Yet, the Pharisees climbed over those obstacles and continued on their way to Hell. Don’t you do it! For it is a dreadful thing to die in the very act of sin—to be caught away by the justice of God even while the transgression is being perpetrated! Jesus boldly told the Pharisees they were “serpents”, and a “generation of vipers”, and that they were going to Hell. Like the angels told Lot, you better “Flee for your life! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away.” Because make no mistake about it, if you perish in your sin, you will go to Hell and you will have no one to blame but yourself!

For years now God had shown such longsuffering towards you, just as he did Sodom. Restraining his anger, giving you much time to repent and change your ways. Truly, God is love, so much so that He somberly declares, “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die…Repent and live!” For God says, “His Spirit shall not always strive with man…” Don’t be one of the multitudes of people who will lift up their eyes from Hell, crying out as they remember the “random” incidences where the Holy Spirit tried to reach them. Don’t let that be said about you.

You know Jesus told the Pharisees that He was going to send prophets, wise men, and scribes who would follow Him, and who would attempt to tell them the truth [Ezekiel 33:7] “As for you, son of man [woman], I have made you a watchman… whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from Me…” and that is what I am doing today. If you do not turn from your sins and repent you will go to hell and you will have no one to blame but yourself. Remember the issue is between you and God and no one else. You must account to Him for yourself. It will be no one’s fault but your own if you deliberately seal your own doom. Don’t do it! What do you have to look forward to if Christ is not your Saviour? At best, you have only a few more years in this world with its pleasures, its troubles and sorrows. Then come death without hope and nothing beyond but everlasting doom. What folly to go on without Christ and miss heaven. Jesus says, “Come NOW, and let us reason together: 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]. If you go to Hell, you’ve got no one to blame except yourself. I am preaching the truth to you. Will you take heed? Hell is a horrible place of torment, pain and misery, please don’t end up there!

“Now 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]