SACRAMENTO CA- Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino), chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, was honored with The Capitol Caregiver Award by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) on Friday, February 27, at the Fontana Senior Center. The Capitol Caregiver Award recognizes elected officials who advance and support policies that make it possible for older Californians to live independently in their homes. Assemblymember Brown was selected for the award based on her leadership in introducing AB 1744, also known as the California Caregiver Act of 2014. The ceremony was attended by AARP staff, elected officials and community members.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Sunday, March 1, co-publisher of the Westside Story Newspaper, Josephine Allen, a long with Lou Coleman presented a wonderful 70^th birthday party for Wallace Allen IV, publisher and owner of WSS News. The celebration was held at 777 Community Warehouse in San Bernardino where several of Allen’s friends, family, and close business associates gathered to acknowledge Wallace on his special day. Street Motivation Magazine and Freddie Washington of LUE Productions captured the moments of the event throughout the day through photography. There were also special performances from Anthony Garcia, a birthday debut from Allen’s grandkids, mother, and his daughter’s friend. Last but not least, let’s not forget the food that was prepared by several people who wanted to make sure the event was a success and that people’s stomachs were satisfied.

Photos by Freddie Washington. Contact him at  (714) 833-3196, by email at fw4photo@yahoo.com.

By John Coleman    

RIVERSIDE, CA- Riverside Community Hospital presented its 6th Annual Red Dress Fashion Show and Health Expo on Saturday, February 28, at the Riverside Convention Center.   While there was no mistake that the hospital’s motivation for the event was on women’s health, the energy and excitement rippling through the crowded convention center hallways demonstrated that most who registered for the event came prepared to look good and have fun.  The fashion show began, hours earlier, when the doors opened and the guests arrived.

 

LOS ANGELES, CA– The California African American Museum (CAAM) celebrates Women’s History Month by hosting a discussion with Mr. Edward Lewis, co-founder of EssenceMagazine, Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m.

Moderated by television writer Kathleen McGhee Anderson, Mr. Lewis will discuss how he and three men came together to ignite the importance of giving Black women a “voice” and highlight the beauty, intelligence, and passions of African American women often overlooked by mainstream media. Additionally, he will discuss the founding of Essence, his views on “beauty culture” as it relates to black women.

Mr. Edward Lewis, who grew up in the South Bronx, co-founded Essence Communications Inc. in 1970. Beginning as a novice in magazine publishing, his drive and ambition nurtured what eventually became a media powerhouse and what The New York Times calls “the pre-eminent voice for black women.” He has acquired many accolades during his tenure of 35 years as a Chairman, CEO, and publisher for Essence including becoming the first African American Chairman of Magazine Publishers of America, receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of New Mexico, and a receiving the Henry Johnson Fisher Award from Time, Inc.  In 2014, he was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame, and received the inaugural IPPIES Lifetime Achievement Award from City University of New York’s Journalism School’s Center for Community and Ethnic Media.  His admiration for civic responsibility and creating opportunities for the younger generations has provided him with many opportunities to speak at several known colleges, and serve on boards for President Obama and throughout the United States.

The following are other events taking place at CAAM in honor of Women’s History Month:

Sunday, March 8, 2015 12:30 pm-2:20 pm/ Film Screening

Things Never Said(2014,111 min.)

An aspiring poet, in an abusive marriage, reignites dreams deferred and gains confidence and a new love.  This film is suited for an adult audience 18 years and older.  Writer and director of Things Never Said, Charles Murray will be on-hand for a “talkback” and Q&A following the screening. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Sunday, March 8, 2015 2:30 pm-4:00 pm/ “Talkback” and Panel Discussion

Rejuvenation: Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Writer, director of Things Never Said, Charles Murray will join representatives from Peace Over Violence to discuss domestic violence and strategies for successful intervention. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Friday, March 13, 2015 9:00 am-2:00 pm/ Screening and Panel Discussion

Young Voices at CAAM: High School Symposium—Mirror Mirror on the Wall

One hundred high school students will spend the day at CAAM, connecting, touring the galleries and engaging in a documentary screening, The Beauty Culture. Also featured are excerpts from the short film, Rapunzel Jackson, followed by a discussion around beauty, media propaganda and how it impacts youth.  Teachers can contact Education Curator, Elise Woodson for participation and more information at ewoodson@caamuseum.org.

Sunday, March 22, 2015 2:00 pm/ Comedy Set

The Funny of Love and Romance

Four hilarious and critically acclaimed comedians will riff on love and romance: Yvonne Orji, Daheli Hall, Ayana Hampton, Kimrie Davis. RSVP at 213.744.2024

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS IN THE CAAM GALLERIES:

Light Catchers opening March 20 – June 7, 2015

Visibly Invisible ongoing through March 1, 2015

Curvature: Lines & Shapes ongoing through March 15, 2015

CAAM Courtyard Series: From Women’s Hands ongoing through May 3, 2015

Lookin’ Back in Front of Me: Selected works of Mark Steven Greenfield, 1974-2014 ongoing through July 5, 2015

The 50^th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965: A Photographic Remembrance From The Spider Martin Civil Rights Collection ongoing through August 9, 2015

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ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

The California African American Museum (CAAM) researches, collects, preserves and interprets for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans. Chartered by the California State Legislature in 1977, CAAM is a state supported institution and a partner with the 501(c)(3) non- profit organization Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum. In addition to its permanent collection of over 3,000 objects of art, artifacts and historical documents, CAAM also houses a research library containing more than 20,000 volumes, employs and trains high school students through its Young Docents program, and hosts in-house curated exhibitions and traveling exhibitions on a regular basis.  The museum also tours CAAM exhibitions throughout California and the nation.

 

 

By Lou Coleman

Many of us don’t understand why things happen in our lives. Often we get discourage, we feel like God has let us down – or so it seems… Some of us in the past have had some very negative things and extremely hurtful things happen to us, leaving us wondering why would a God who is so just, loving, and kind allow such a thing to happen to me. I want you to understand that God has a divine plan. Ultimately He knows what it will take to get us into the place that He would have us. Therefore He allows those unpleasant things to come in our lives because He is just trying to perfect and direct us {1Peter 5:10}.Paul said that “everything that we experience in this life; all the struggles, pain, frustration, heartaches, disappointment, and suffering; that all things work together for the good.”  You see, we don’t know our future, we don’t know how the events that happen in our lives will affect us later. But God knows our beginning as well as our ending. Your end was already set before you began. Let me say that again. Your end was already set before you began. I am reminded of Joseph in the Old Testament of how God was using all the events of his life to get him where He wanted him to be. Joseph went from the pit to the palace. Your end was already set before you began. Do you hear what I’m saying? You got to go through to get though. Joseph had to go through to get through. Besides, all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

Listen, I want you to know that you are not the only one who felt that God had let them down. Jeremiah felt deceived by God. Jeremiah felt that God had lured him into the ministry only to make him a laughingstock. He felt ridiculed and offended. His voice was not making a difference. He was crying out for the people to repent, yet they continued toward destruction and judgment. The people of God in Isaiah’s time felt the same way too. They were worried about the future. Other nations seemed to be dominating and oppressing God’s people in Israel: God’s people began to wonder was God still in control? Can God still be trusted? I want you to know that God spoke to his discouraged and despairing people through the prophet Isaiah. They needed reminding of God’s awesome power. In Isaiah chapter 40, Isaiah said, when you feel weary, remember that God is incomparable as the mighty King over all the creation. He holds the whole world in His hand. You can trust His enthroned, ruling supreme. What a helpful perspective for us when we’re weary knowing that the Lord is still in control. He’s ruling over all with His mighty power. We can look to Him and trust Him.  I tell you Father knows Best! We shouldn’t give in to our doubts that God has left us high and dry. Jeremiah realized that he wasn’t alone {Jeremiah 20:11}. He came to understand that He was not on the losing side. He was going to win because the Lord was with him like a mighty warrior. Often in our discouragement we look inward – to our problems, our frustrations, and our situation – when we need to look upward to a God who has not abandoned us. He is with us.  He is a present-tense God.  Can I tell you that Jeremiah’s despair turned to joy, his defeated attitude turned to triumph, and his dismay to courage.

I tell you, it is  so easy for us to acknowledge that God knows what is best for us when things are going well for us, but as soon as times get tough, it is so tempting to start to question whether God knows what He is doing. I want you to know that a big part of faith is trusting God when you don’t understand it. The God who created you loves you so much that He continuously acts in your life and in your world so that you and I and all persons can have wholeness of life. This is Good News! Everything about our life is calculated; we may not understand it, but it’s because we’re not God. God has a reason; every door that’s closed God had a purpose for it closing. We sing all the time, “Order My Steps in Your Word dear Lord, Lead Me, Guide Me Every Day.” But what I want to know is do we mean what we say?  If we are asking God to order our steps, let’s not try to figure out everything that happens along the way, let’s just trust Him. Right now we can’t see it all clearly, but one day it will come into focus, and we’ll look back and say “Wow, God you are amazing! You had it all figured out, all lined up. You closed the door on purpose so your perfect will would be done.” I tell you don’t’ fight your closed doors. God knows what He’s doing. He can see the big picture for your life. Those closed doors were not an accident that was God directing your steps, just as you asked Him too. Not only that, the reason God closed them is because He has something better in store. If you’ll have this perspective and not only thank God for your open doors but thank Him just as much for your closed doors, you’ll pass the test. You’ll see the exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond future that God has in store. I tell you, God is doing a work in us for His Glory.  Every situation is known by God and is accomplishing something in us all.  Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me you will obey what I command.” God’s will for you and me is that we come to that place in our lives where we learn to depend on Him and trust in Him for everything. This is a hard lesson to learn, but a lesson we must learn well if we are to have a close and meaningful relationship with God.

For me, the truest satisfaction in life comes from being in the perfect will of God, doing His work, living according to His choosing. God’s best is not something to fear, He not only knows what is best for us, but He wants us to have His best!  And one thing that we need to understand; one fundamental truth that is spoken throughout all Scripture: God never explains himself. He rarely gives reasons. What we need to grasp is what faith believes? Faith believes that God is too wise to make a mistake. The God of the universe has a plan for our lives, and He is busy enacting it. But it is not easy to discern. It is often above and beyond us. But I say to you, trust Him without explanation, logic and reasoning. Trust Him because He is God. When I look back over my life and think about all the events in my life up unto the present time, the good as well as the bad, the bitter, and the sweet, I can see how God was working it out and how sometimes “rejection is God’s protection.” Say with me, Father Knows Best and He is working it out for my good.  Amen!

CHICAGO, IL- Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) today named Maurice Smith as President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL). Smith succeeds Karen Atwood, who was promoted to a new position over service and technology for HCSC’s multi-state operations.  He will report directly to Colleen Reitan, Executive Vice President and President of Plan Operations, HCSC.

“Maurice brings to this role a broad perspective and deep understanding of our business and operations rooted in more than 20 years of experience across corporate finance, treasury, business development and subsidiary management,” said Reitan.  “His track record of leading multi-stakeholder teams, along with his strong connection to the Illinois business and civic community will help position BCBSIL for continued success in this fast-changing health care environment.”

Smith previously led HCSC’s treasury department and corporate development initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and the formation of strategic partnerships.  He focused on capital deployment initiatives in support of the company’s overall strategy, including the acquisition of two health plans in other HCSC states.   He also oversaw HCSC’s subsidiaries, and served as the chairman of the board of directors of Dearborn National Life Insurance Company, HCSC’s largest subsidiary.

“Expanding access to affordable health care coverage is an imperative,” said Smith.  “I look forward to working with health care providers, employers, and communities in our state to make a difference for our members.”

Smith is the Chair-elect for the Chicago Sinfonietta and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

 

Photos by John Coleman

To celebrate Black History Month at Riverside’s Kansas Ave SDA Church, members and guests were invited to march into the church’s regular Sabbath service on February 18 with an Island twist. The church celebrated Black History in conjunction with giving recognition to the national Caribbean flag which symbolizes their birth and cultural identity. Participating members also wore Island colors, clothing, or something else symbolizing their cultural identity. It was a comfortable, joyful, and proud ceremony of recognition.

Summary and Photos by Jon Coleman

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Janet Goeske Foundation of Riverside held its 15th Annual Black History Program in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Legislation.  Sponsors included:  Fair Housing of Riverside County; Heart and Soul Line Dance; Riverside African American Historical Society; and the City of Riverside. In a dramatic performance, EMPOWER-U Productions presented the history of struggle that was necessary to bring about passage of that legislation.

Presented By WSSNEWS… Hosted By The IMPROVE Association… Produced By Empire Talks Back Radio

FOOD Directed By Jo-MaMa

Every Friday beginning Friday March 20, Friday Fish Fry (FFF) will be available for your nutritional and cultural fulfillment! Jo-MaMa (Co-Publisher Westside Story Newspaper, Josephine M. Allen) has earned her cooking reputation and will monitor the preparation of the fish, coleslaw, beans and rice, and dessert. You will not be overwhelmed with choices; however, you will be overwhelmed by taste!

The FFF Variety Show will be just as tasteful with high entertainment, which will consist of music, dance, spoken word, recognition awards, and much more.  The dinners will be available for order and pick-up beginning at 4:30 p.m to 9: 30 pm. every Friday. The stage show begins at 5:30  p.m. with family friendly acts until 7 p.m. After a short interlude, Grown-up entertainment will take the stage with “Empire Talks Back” Radio Host, Wallace Allen performing MC duties. If you want to perform call Wallace at (909) 384-8131.

Friday Fish Fry will be taped for web and TV broadcast. All attendees to the taping of the show are required to become members of the FFF Association, which is covered by your dinner purchase. You will become eligible for a variety of member benefits. FFF will be taking place at 777 Allen Street in San Bernardino.

The soul is without matter and cannot be touched physically. Where soul exists, it extends beyond life and lingers through multi generations.  For some unspoken but widely accepted reason, Black folks are identified as the tangible truth that soul exists. Soul brother, soul sister, soul music and soul food are examples of that application! Soul is a code word for “the Black Experience”.
WSSNews identifies and identifies with the “Black Experience” as it occurs in the inland Empire. The Black Experience will always include the memory of its era of Kings and Queens, as well as the tragedy of “The Middle Passage”. The glory of fighting for and building this great nation while enslaved by hate and handcuffed by ignorance. Electing a President only to see his effectiveness ridiculed by racism. All are elements of the Black Experience.
The ‘Quest for Excellence” is also an element of the “Black Experience”.  One of our angel poetesses, Mya Angelo, captures the essence of that quest with her piece titled, “Still, We Rise”. Regardless of the pain delivered by those against us, history evidences not only survival ‘still we rise’, but demonstrates that we also thrive. Regardless of circumstance the “Black Experience” still provides excellence.
Westside Story Newspaper acknowledges the community’s struggle, but it seeks to encourage and celebrate its excellence. Your support in the form of a financial gift or kind words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated and wisely used to “Share The Quest For Excellence”!  You can mail to 577 North “D” Street, San Bernardino Ca. 92401. You can go to wssnews.com and click on the “DONATION” Button. You can email your encouraging words to walleniv@yahoo.com. Your critique is also encouraged and welcomed. I realize that excellence is our goal not our status!