By Naomi K. Bonman

LOS ANGELES, CA- For those that are born and raised in California (Cali) will probably remember that gangs were created to protect the community; however, over these past several years gangs have gotten a bad reputation because of the drive-bys, killings of one another and innocent bystanders. Despite of the bad there is always good in between. Crip and Priu business partners, Malachi Jenkins and Robert Arturo Smith, are making an impact with their TrapKitchenLA in Compton.

“It all started when I got hired to be a personal chef for local pimps while living in Las Vegas,” Malachi “Spankihanas” Jenkins stated. “I started cooking for them after I dropped out of Le Cordon Bleu; they love rich pastas like shrimp and Chicken Alfredo, and dishes like that.”

TrapKitchenLA was launched in 2013 in South Central, Los Angeles when Chef “Spank” decided to sell plates of food to his community. He received plenty of help from his closet friends, News (Sous Chef) and DJ Kev (Delivery Coordinator), and together they have created a business that is growing rapidly with each passing day.

Taking their efforts from just single plates to catering major events, they are definitely on to something.”Spankihanas” is the name that they use where you get five star restaurant meals without the five star prices. Not only are the meals affordable, but they can be delivered right to your door! Each combo includes a canned soda and range from $10 to $20.

Creating the Kitchen saved the two of them from the streets and from getting into trouble. This is what I call inspiration. Our young brothers in the streets can look up to these two young men and realize that if these brothers can make something good for themselves despite where they come from, then anyone can.

”We went from hanging in the clubs and messing with them girls to hanging in the kitchen and messing with food. I’m a Piru, and he is a Crip, but that doesn’t matter,” Smith said.

The two chefs have became widely known the neighborhood for their cooking, as well as for their love of music which has given them the opportunities to cater to renowned Hip-Hip icons and to cater for Kendrick Lamar’s wedding party.

Not only is TrapKitchenLA catering and giving back to the Los Angeles community, but they have also donated 5,000 water bottles to the Flint, Michigan Community. Jenkins and Smith are definitely going beyond the call of duty and beating the odds in several ways. Smith’s passion is to feed Los Angeles County and have no one go hungry; massive goal.

Follow TrapKitchenLA and Connect with Jenkins and Smith at trapkitchen.com.

Photo Credit: Freddie Washington

What It Do With the LUE is Longevity! Energetic! Passionate! Creative! Spiritual! An all-around show stopper is just a few words to describe the man they call Uncle Charlie.

Major props for San Manuel Indian Bingo on bringing out the legendary Charlie Wilson to San Bernardino! Uncle Charlie showed UP and showed OUT! He gave us that R-n-B and Soul, mixed with funk. The house was packed with everyone on their feet vibin’ to his classic vocals, and the sounds of his amazing band will always be a special memory for me.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma this singer is no stranger to the Word of God. Gaining his singing roots in church, Mr. Wilson and his brothers formulated a new sound which birthed the famous group, The Gap Band. Having highs and lows and a battle with drug addiction throughout his career, Mr. Wilson beat the odds and made a comeback.

Hooking up with star powers such as rapper Snoop Dogg of Dog Pound Entertainment, reminded him of his love for the music. Snoop Dogg gave Mr. Wilson the name Uncle Charlie. Snoop re-introduced him to a younger generation as they collaborated on several hit songs. When you have 21 and 25 year olds singing your songs word for word, then you know you were destined to perform.

I had such a good time the music took me back. “Mr. first name Charlie, last name Wilson,” is truly a legend in the game. Until next week folks L’z!

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SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Hearts R Us is made up of a team of five dedicated future social workers in the Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Work program at the California State University, San Bernardino. Since the group’s implementation, they have assessed the need in San Bernardino with troubled youth and low-income families. They have acknowledged that this low-socio economic community represents a cycle of poverty within our youth and families in need. Instead of looking forward to a brighter future, most of these youth simply allow themselves to become another statistic. They continue the cycle of violence, criminal association, homelessness, poverty, and substance abuse. As future social workers, Hearts 4 Us strives to reach out to these youth and families in need to ensure that they  are privileged to earn a college degree and break the cycle of poverty within the San Bernardino community.

Some of the resources that the team provides include assistance with college and scholarship applications, resume building, applying to benefits such as cash-aid, food stamps, and medical. Hearts R Us has a primary mission of assisting the community and enabling all individuals to succeed.

Hearts R Us and Hope In The City will be having a weeklong event where they together will be making dinner to feed the families within San Bernardino County during the week of February 22 and February 23 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will also be a resource fair along on Friday, February 23 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Everyone is welcome!

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“Baby you know, [with Valentine’s Day just a few days away], I was just sitting here thinking how happy we are right now, and the way we are with each other, and the way we’ve been with each other. You know every now and then, two people get to share, to know love as we know it, and as we share it… And I really wish, and probably it doesn’t mean nothing to no one else, but I really, really wish, that all [men] all over the world, could be loved, as much as I love you. They could be needed and wanted as much as you are. You see baby, to me, it’s like sometimes I think to myself and I say, humph! [Sister], you’re really lucky; you’ve got a [man] that loves you, that needs you… that pleases you… A [man] that does everything on earth that a [woman] could dream of. You got a [man] that makes you feel real. A [man] that keeps you strong, right on! A [man], that means so many things in so many ways. You’ve got it all! So, you see baby, I, I really can’t help myself when I tell you that I love you baby, and I thank God for you…. and I want you to know that I do. You know, sometimes I get so, so emotional over you, I just wanna run out in the street and scream and shout, and just tell the world I’m in love…. I found that one, I found that someone… Never knew love could be so true… Baby, I could go on forever and ever, but I just want you to know that… I love you baby, Ooh, I love you…” [Barry White – Hard to Believe That I Found You Lyrics]

“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of one’s house, it would be utterly scorned.” –Song of Solomon 8:6-7

The Song of Solomon… It’s the only book of the Bible that features a female narrator, and she is far more open and honest about her most intimate desires than any proper Hebrew woman would ever be. The Song of Solomon simply features two lovers singing to one another as their relationship blossoms from courtship to consummation. Nobody who has experienced the ecstasy and agony of love would dare to deny that “love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave.” And anybody whose heart beats or aches for another knows that “many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.” Truly if you offered for love all the wealth of your house, it would be utterly scorned.

The female narrator begins the book by begging her beloved to kiss her “with the kisses of his mouth. For your love is better than wine, your anointing oils are fragrant, your name is perfume poured out; therefore the maidens love you” (1:2-3). Or, in chapter 2, when she says, “As an apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples; for I am faint with love” (2:3, 5). Or in chapter 5, when she describes her lover as “all radiant and ruddy. His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven. His eyes are like doves beside springs of water, bathed in milk, fitly set. His cheeks are like beds of spices, yielding fragrance. His lips are lilies, distilling liquid myrrh. His arms are rounded gold, set with jewels. His body is ivory work, encrusted with sapphires. His legs are alabaster columns, set upon bases of gold. His speech is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved, and this is my friend” (5:10-16). Or, finally in chapter 7, when she beckons, “Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the fields and lodge in the valleys . . . there I will give you my love” (7:11-12).

Of course, the unnamed narrator doesn’t get all the good lines. Her beloved is equally passionate and sensual in his speech. In chapter 2, he cries, “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land” (2:10-12). And in chapter 4, he describes her as so very, very beautiful: “Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats, moving down the slopes of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing. Your lips are like a crimson thread, and your mouth is lovely. Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil. Your neck is like the tower of David. Your breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle that feed among the lilies. You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you” (4:1-5, 7). And finally, he announces in chapter 7, “How fair and pleasant are you, O loved one, and delectable maiden! Your kisses are like the best wine that goes down smoothly, gliding over lips and teeth” (7:6, 9).

I want you to know that there is a long tradition of interpreting this book allegorically, viewing the passion of these two people as an expression of agape, the endless and unconditional love of God. According to this reading of the text, God is one of the lovers, and the church, you [the believer], is the other and your love for one another grows in strength and splendor until the final joyful discovery that even death and the grave can no longer overcome it. It is an invitation into the very heart of God, and a promise that the love you find there will be as strong as death and as fierce as the grave. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you [1 Thessalonians 3:12]. From all of us at Westside Story Newspaper to all of you, Happy Valentine’s Day! And to the lover of my Soul, Jesus, I Love You!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Thursday, January 21, the Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators (IEABSE) hosted a “Meet & Greet” to introduce the Inland Empire community to some influential leaders in education. IEABSE invited in the Inland Empire community to meet five prominent African American Male Administrators you may or may not have known existed.

San Bernardino City Unified School District Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Kennon Mitchell, Ph.D., Chaffey College Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Eric Bishop Ed.D., Moreno Valley City College Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Dyrell Foster, Ed.D., San Bernardino Valley College Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Ricky Shabazz, Ed.D., and California State University San Bernardino Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Bryan Hanes, Ed.D all came together to discuss “What it means to be an African American Male in Education, What is being done to support Student Equity, and what can be done to support them in closing the Achievement Gap.” 

The event located at Azusa Pacific University San Bernardino Campus was attended by over 75 school or college educators and community members. All were greeted by the low hum of instrumental hip hop, the smell of fresh baked “Grand Daddy” macaroni and cheese, Guest Panel and thoughtful conversations surrounding Black Student Achievement. Meriel Anderson-McDade of Riverside Community College remarked, “The energy in here gave me goose bumps, it’s not often we can ask questions of those in such high positions, let alone mingle with so many other educators and parents that are both passionate and positive about helping our youth.”

Keynasia Buffong and Alise Clouser of IEABSE said, “We wanted our communities to know that there are Black male educators in high positions, they are not unicorns, they do exist… we want to show our support while keeping them accountable.” The next IEABSE meeting is scheduled for April. At that meeting influential Black female educators and information regarding the 6^th Annual IEABSE High School Black Graduate Recognition & Scholarship Ceremony” will be presented.

IEABSE annually hosts the largest High School Black Graduate Recognition Ceremony in Southern California. The “IE HS Black Grad” will be held this year on May 14^th at 2pm on the CSU San Bernardino campus. For more information please contact IEABSE directly at ieabse@gmail.com.

Dinner with Dads

VICTORVILLE, CA- What happens at the dinner table stays in the hearts and minds of children. At least that is the message a group of fatherhood, community and education advocates throughout the Victorville valley are working hard to get out.

“Dinner With Dad” is a community outreach event hosted by hip hop recording artist, television personality (Men of Faith In Action) and Victorville resident, “Justified,” focused on bringing fellowship and resources to fathers wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of their children.

Dr. Ronald Williams, Victor Valley Union High School District, was a featured guest at the February 4 “Dinner with Dad” event. He shared the importance of both fatherhood and parent engagement in a child’s education.  As well as, how fathers can impact and create key networks for children and communities they live in.

Street Positive CEO, Terry Boykins, is an organizer and sponsor of Dinner with Dads.  He commented, “Years ago myself and other fatherhood advocates, namely Marcelino “Mars” Serna, discussed the importance of connecting fathers and student academic achievement, as well as, positive community modeling throughout San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire in general. Seeing these young fathers taking a proactive position to make a positive difference is very exciting.”

In addition to education and community, Dinner with Dad also featured speakers and resources on mental health, financial planning, travel, communications, safety, fitness, employment and other topics of interest to help fathers succeed in parenting.

For more information on Dinner with Dad call (442) 284.3733, or visit www.streetpositive.com.

Woodie Rucker-Hughes

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Boy Scouts of America California Inland Empire will honor Waudieur “Woodie” Rucker-Hughes, Child Welfare and Attendance Manager, Riverside Unified School District and Carl M. Dameron, Creative Director, Dameron Communications.  They are the 2016 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Honorees.

The gala is Thursday, March 10 at 6 p.m. at Shandin Hills Golf Club located at 3380 Little Mountain Drive in San Bernardino.  A table of 8, a full page ad in the program, and camp sponsorship for 3 youth is $1,000. Individual tickets are $75.

The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award is to recognize outstanding service by an individual for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds-this in fulfillment of Dr. Young’s dream of justice and equality for all.

The proceeds from The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Dinner will support the Assistance to Others Fund of the California Inland Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America, designed to help provide financial outreach for those youth and families in need of Scout registration fees, camperships, Scouting handbooks, uniform needs and training scholarships.

Whitney Moore Young, Jr. was an American civil rights leader, born July 31, 1921 and died March 11, 1971. He spent most of his career working to end employment discrimination in the United States and turning the National Urban League from a relatively passive civil rights organization into one that aggressively worked for equitable access to socioeconomic opportunity for the historically disenfranchised. On March 11, 1971, Whitney Young died of a heart attack after swimming with friends in Lagos, Nigeria. President Nixon sent a plane to Nigeria to collect Young’s body and traveled to Kentucky to deliver the eulogy at Young’s funeral.

“I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Boy Scouts of America Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. Mr. Young was a true Civil Rights advocate, a shrewd and politically aware advisor to President Lyndon Johnson, the president who history notes had some of the greatest Civil Rights legislation and programs created and passed during his tenure,” said Rucker-Hughes.

She added, “Mr. Young was also the recipient of a Presidential Medal of Freedom and in his capacity as a leader of the Urban League, he was a co-sponsor of the historic March on Washington which I had the privilege of participating in. I thank everyone who thought enough of me to nominate me for this Award.”

Rucker-Hughes has meritoriously served the Riverside community at large as a humanitarian and pillar.  She most recently was appointed to the California-Hawaii State NAACP Executive Committee, where she serves as its South East Area Director. Woodie also serves as the NAACP Region 1 Secretary, an elected position that she has held since 2010.

“I am pleased to serve my community and help where ever I can,” said Dameron.  “As a former scout I am honored to serve scouting and to receive the prestigious The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award.”

Committed to the Inland Empire Dameron contributes his marketing skills to help non-profits elevate awareness of their service and increase donations. For more information on call Tracy Youden at (909) 793-2463 extension 123.

Sara Bartlett, 8, raises her fist to drive home a point as she delivers a speech during the13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest at the Shiloh Baptist Church of New Rochelle Jan. 15, 2012. Children, ages 8-15 took part in the contest, in which contestants wrote their own speeches and presented them before judges and congregants. ( Seth Harrison/The Journal News )

HEMET, CA- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Eta Nu Omega Chapterand Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.Mu Xi Lambda Chapter are pleased to announce their 27^th Annual Oratorical Contest to be held at West Valley High School in Hemet on Saturday, February 13 at 10 a.m.  The contest is open to students from Grades 1-12 and cash prizes are to be awarded. Special Guest Judge is Actor/Author Joseph C. Phillips. For information and/or to request an application, please contact Mr. Kevin Eastman at eastke1@yahoo.com or Ms. Samantha Dotson at samantha.dotson524@gmail.com.

Naima J. Keith

LOS ANGELES, CA- The California African American Museum (CAAM) is pleased to announce Naima J. Keith as their new deputy director for exhibitions and programs. Keith joins the Museum after having served for nearly five years at The Studio Museum in Harlem. She comes to CAAM as the first senior staff member hired by CAAM’s Executive Director George Davis following his recent appointment. Keith will oversee CAAM’s art, history and education programs. She will also continue to curate exhibitions.

“I am trilled to have Naima join CAAM’s management team as she brings a solid reputation that is well recognized in the art world, in addition to being a Los Angeles native,” says CAAM’s Executive Director George Davis.  “With Naima as our Deputy Director, we can count on a cutting-edge future that charts a new path for our Museum. The energy and creativity that she will bring to the programs and exhibitions we offer will be a valued asset to our institution and Los Angeles.”

Prior to joining CAAM, Keith served as associate curator at The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York.  During her tenure at the Studio Museum, Keith organized several critically acclaimed exhibitions, including Samuel Levi Jones: Unbound, Kianja Strobert: Of This Day in Time, Titus Kaphar: The Jerome Project, Glenn Kaino:19.83, Robert Pruitt: Women, The Shadows Took Shape (co-curated with Zoe Whitley) and Fore (co-curated with Lauren Haynes and Thomas Lax) among many others. Her exhibition Charles Gaines Gridwork 1974-1989 traveled to the Hammer Museum and was nominated for a “Best Monographic Museum Show in New York,” award by the International Association of Art Critics. Her final exhibition for the Studio Museum, Views of Main Street, opens spring 2016 and will be the first major New York solo museum exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist Rodney McMillian.  Additionally, Rodney McMillian: Views of Main Street will be accompanied by a full-color scholarly publication titled Rodney McMillian, co-edited by Keith and Anthony Elms, Chief Curator at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia.

“I am delighted to join George Davis in leading this nationally recognized and essential cultural institution,” says Keith.  “As a native Angeleno, I have long admired the California African American Museum, and now it will be exciting to play a pivotal role in its continued growth.”

Keith has lectured for leading arts and culture institutions including the Zoma Contemporary Art Center located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; and Brooklyn Museum. Her essays have been featured in publications for the Studio Museum, Hammer Museum, LAXART, MoMA PS1,  NKA: Journal of Contemporary African Art, among many others.

Keith received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Spelman University and a Masters of Arts in history from the UCLA.

Not all gangs are bad is What it Do With The LUE this week! When you think of the word gang, I’m sure the first thought that comes to most folks mind is TROUBLE. Stoney Gang Entertainment and 4 Everthuggin Entertainment are two entities that work simultaneous together in order to create and push its talented artists to the forefront of the music industry. Stoney Gang Entertainment is the management side of the house and 4 Everthuggin is the production side of the house. Both entities are founded by CEO, Stoney MAK. MAK had a vison and took off from there.

Stoney MAK wanted to create an environment for talented artists looking to lead a better way of life other than street gangs. His motto is, “Put it to paper and spit it on over the MIC.” The company specializes in their own beats and production. The team has been all over the state of California opening up for well-known artists in the game.

Artists under Management consist of “Yugan,” “Princess Stoney,” “Baby Tank,” and “Sleepy.” Please make sure you follow their music. More to come from this talented gang of individuals. Until next week L’z!