Washington, DC – Long before the final results of the Midterm Elections were reported on Tuesday night, a team of esteemed women from Black Women’s Roundtable, students from Howard University, and young professionals from Black Youth Vote and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, had determined that Black voter participation surpassed expectations and outnumbered turnout in 2010. The intergenerational team at the eighth biennial National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) Ronald Walters Election Day National Command Center (NCBCP RWCC) communicated with on-the-ground field operations in twelve states  to monitor problems at the polls,  disseminate important information via social media, and analyze voter turnout and election results.

“This is the first time the Command Center was held on a historically Black college campus, but not the last. The Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center (RWLPPC) is the perfect partner to co-host the Election Day Command Center,” said Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO, NCBCP and convener Black Women’s Roundtable. “Nearly fifty young people volunteered throughout the day. It was refreshing to see the young people pair up with seasoned experts sharing knowledge and telling our own story. The NCBCP looks forward to expanding its partnership with RWLPPC to provide civic leadership, engagement and non-partisan campaign management training opportunities for Black women, students and community organizers on a year-round basis.”

Elsie Scott, PhD, founding director Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center at Howard University and co-host of the NCBCP RWCC adds, “We were honored to host the Command Center and look forward to compiling the data to produce a detailed report of what happened on the ground. Dr. Walters would be proud to see the effort that the Howard University Student Association put into making this a resounding success.”  An internationally recognized political scientist, professor and scholar, the late Ronald W. Walters was on a founding board member of the NCBCP and an early framer of their voter empowerment campaign and Election Day Command Center.

The get-out-the-vote operations in the states were conducted by affiliates of the NCBCP’s Black Women’s Roundtable & Black Youth Vote; A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), and the National African American Clergy Network. Here are some of the highlights from the ground reported to the Command Center:

• Field organizers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina reported higher than expected early voting in counties with large African American registered voters.
• Clerks in Alabama rejected 300 out of 1500 absentee ballots for not enough postage.
• The website of the Georgia Secretary of State had an outage so voters could not find out where to vote and some polling locations listed on the website were incorrect.
• In 25 Virginia Beach precincts, 34 out of 820 voting machines were out of service.
• In Georgia and North Carolina, there were reports of untrained poll workers denying voters the right to cast a ballot when a name did not appear on the electronic registration lists.  In some cases, poll workers did not offer a provisional ballot or check the paper voters’ rolls. For example, in Wake County,  North Carolina poll workers turned away 247 voters.

Clayola Brown, president,APRI,stated, “Our field coordinators from North Carolina to California, were able to tell us first-hand what problems they were experiencing so they could be addressed immediately. Their anecdotal accounts on the ground validated that Black women were showing up in phenomenal numbers. We know Black women vote to improve conditions for families and the community, that’s why we saw state ballot initiatives for minimum wage and paid sick days passed.”

“The African American faith community has been a vital part of every major advancement of Black people in our nation,” said Rev. Barbara Williams-Skinner, Ph.D., co-chair, National African American Clergy Network.  The Black faith community worked in coalition with community groups and produced a larger than expected Black voter turnout.”

“Black Youth Vote coordinators on the HBCU campuses reported that Black youth showed up at the polls enduring historical barriers even in 2014,” comments Lisa Fager, senior advisor, Black Youth Vote.  “As we move forward we must continue to fight for our right to vote for quality candidates that stand for improving our communities and daily lives.  Working with young people from Black Youth Vote, HUSA and RWLPPC gives me the confidence that the next generation of leaders willunderstand their history and the importance of protecting their vote.”

Other national partners and women leaders facilitating the Command Center included: Waikinya Clanton, National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women; Holli L. Holliday, Esq.,  Holliday Advisors;  Rene Redwood, Redwood Enterprise, LLC; Leslie Baskerville, NAFEO; Joycelyn Tate, Esq.,  Black Women’s Roundtable; Enid Doggett, INSPR Media; Muriel Cooper, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation; Lisa Paris, Pew Charitable Trust; Jan Temple, APRI; Carol Joyner, Black Women’s Roundtable; Michelle Mitchell-DuBois, Values Partnership and Avis Jones-DeWeever, PhD, Incite Unlimited. For more information on the RWCC visit www.ncbcp.org.

# # #

Founded in 1976, the NCBCP is a   non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement and voter participation in Black and underserved communities. The women’s initiative, BWR stays at the forefront of championing just and equitable public policy on behalf of Black women and girls.  Established in 1996 to address the chronic decline in Black youth voter participation, Black Youth Vote! has served as one of the leading youth-led movements focused on training the next generation of civic leaders and organizers, and increasing Black youth voter participation and engagement.

The RWLPPC was established by Howard University to serve as a focal point for research, publications, service, policy discussions and leadership development activities in areas involving the engagement of African Americans in the U.S. political process and in U.S. national and foreign policy. The Center is an interdisciplinary center that will preserve the legacy of Dr. Ronald Walters, a scholar-activist who conducted research, served as a mentor to students and political leaders, provided strategic direction and thinking in the political and civic arenas, was a prolific writer and served as a political commentator.

Encountering racism is stressful, but did you know that even the fear of discrimination can cause high blood pressure?

A report released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropy dedicated to health and health care, found that hypervigilance—the tension and anxiety people feel when they fear they will experience discrimination—contributes to higher rates of hypertension among Blacks.

“We think that the chronic activation of the biological stress response system that takes place when a person anticipates a negative event like encountering discrimination is what contributes to the higher rates of hypertension among the Blacks in our study,” said Margaret Hicken, PhD, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholar and the study’s leader.

In cases where racism-related vigilance is low or absent, Blacks and Whites have similar levels of hypertension. But when people report chronic vigilance, the rates in Blacks rise significantly.Disparities in hypertension are considered a significant contributor to health disparities overall in the United States.

Nichole Nordeman

LOMA LINDA, CA- This year’s seventh annual “ThankSharing” concert and food drive, sponsored by Loma Linda University Medical Center, will take place at the Packinghouse in Redlands on Friday, Nov. 14, beginning at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Award winning Christian music artist Nichole Nordeman will be the featured entertainer.  Her best-known songs include “Holy,” “Legacy,” “Brave” and “What If?”  In addition to her music career, Nordeman is also a recently published author.  Her book is entitled, “Love Story,” exploring pivotal moments of Scriptural characters.

The program will also feature local artists Roxie Jane and Khari Washington, as well as a 40-person youth choir, KAY-C. Details can be found at thanksharing.org.

Admission is free with donation of any non-perishable goods.

The Packinghouse is at 27165 W. San Bernardino Avenue in Redlands.  From I-10, take the Alabama Street exit north to San Bernardino Avenue and turn west. The church is on the left.

In addition to the food collected at the November 14 event, there are currently over 20 additional sites for donations. Donations will benefit the community through the ministry of three local food banks. For more information on the food drive and donations, contact Kathy McMillan at kmcmillan@llu.edu. Also find more information at www.thanksharing.org.

Lou Coleman

One of the things that the Bible gives us is incredible testimonies. It gives us a glimpse of the struggles and successes of people that went through some things. Without these testimonies, we would think that we were the only ones who went through what we are going through. I’m talking to somebody today who’s agitated, and stirred in your spirit, because you sense God is calling you to another level. Many times the agitation and frustration you feel is the unwillingness of the flesh to make the necessary adjustments. Don’t think that what you are experiencing is some strange or unique battle. On the contrary, you are in good company! Recall Job, Jeremiah, Elijah, David, and Paul. Perhaps like Paul, you are being pressed beyond measure, tested beyond your endurance and you’re on the brink of giving up. I just stop by to encourage you to keep your faith; because God is going to see you through. When you think you can’t go on another hour, when everything looks absolutely hopeless, cry out to God with all that is in you, “Lord, help!” Consider the counsel of the psalmist: Psalm 58:16-18; 18:1-6; 32:2-3; and the key verse 72:12.

Can I tell you about Jeremiah?  Jeremiah was called at an early age, and he was called to a great assignment, but Jeremiah felt that his assignment was too great for him. The persecution that he endured as a result of doing what God called him to do force him to throw his hands up and tell the Lord that he wanted to quit!”  This message today is for people just like Jeremiah. You know that God has a great assignment for your life, but the truth is you are at a place in your life where you are contemplating just giving up. Some of you woke up this morning declaring, “If I don’t get a Word today I AM DONE!”  You have decided that you are not going to fight for it anymore. Your frustration is at an all time high. You love the Lord, but you have decided that God is going to have to find somebody else to finish your assignment.  But isn’t it amazing how God will send His Word at the right time so we cannot walk away from the awesome thing that He is going to do in our life.

There are two things that I would like for you to REMEMBER ALWAYS. No matter what the devil is doing with you, you must know that you are necessary and that you are significant to the Kingdom. You see the enemy is trying to corrupt you, “He don’t want you to know the truth”. In fact he don’t even like you because when you made up in your mind that you’re going to serve God, the devil got real angry with you. But, “To Hell with the Devil!”    When you have gone through Hell, and High Water, and you know God brought you out, you don’t mind saying something; you don’t mind telling the devil, “The Hell with You!”  The devil realizes that if he can make you give up, he will literally manipulate God’s agenda for you. That’s why Quitting is not an option! You may say, but you don’t understand! Oh I understand alright. Assignments are tough! Jeremiah assignment was to prophesy concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Jeremiah’s assignment was to go to the people of God who had fallen into apathy. These were people that had become lukewarm and had chosen to fall away from God. These were people that God had been good too, but had chosen to live contrary to His Word and as a result had become so arrogant that they walked around saying they could do what they wanted to do because God was with them. These were the people that Jeremiah had to prophesy to. When God gives you an assignment, the assignment is never to make the comfortable more comfortable. The assignment is always to make the comfortable uncomfortable. The assignment is always to effect change. It is to push them into their destiny whether they like it or not. Your conflict, agitation, frustration is because God has placed a call on your life. And the enemy is trying to stop you so the assignment will never come to fruition. But the devil is so stupid, he don’t realize you can’t hinder God’s work.

All of us have cried over what we have gone through while trying to do God’s will. It is a test of our character. God wants to know if you will represent Him while you are going through what you are going through. It is about how you will act under pressure. You were anointed for your assignment. This is really about a commitment.  You have to realize the Sovereignty of God. You have to realize that you didn’t choose the assignment, the assignment chose you. If you give up, somebody’s life will be affected. God has sent His Word to remind you that you have been anointed for the trial. You have been consecrated for this. “I Want You to Know That…You Are Not the Only One!” Thank God for His Word – Revelation.

Navy Seaman Tyelor House

CIVITAVECCHIA, ITALY- Tyelor House from San Bernardino, CA, handles a mooring line around bits aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) as it prepares to enter port during a regularly scheduled visit to Civitavecchia, Italy. Arleigh Burke, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- For one day only, students can save a little extra change by riding OmniTrans for free on November 15. Download and print the pass below.

Omni Trans Free Pass

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In appreciation for the contributions of the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces, Omnitrans is offering free bus rides to US military veterans on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11.

Veterans simply need to show retired military ID when boarding any Omnitrans route including the sbX rapid line, 215 freeway express, 25 local bus routes, or 5 OmniGo community shuttle routes. Acceptable veteran IDs include those issued by the US Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, and San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs.

Approximately 79,000 veterans reside in the Omnitrans service area of the San Bernardino Valley, stretching from Yucaipa in the east to the LA County line in the west. On January 5, 2015, Omnitrans will introduce a new reduced fare category for veterans.  “As part of our Veterans Day free ride offer, we hope to build awareness for the new fare and encourage veterans to get a retired military ID, if they don’t have one already,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams.

“Our veterans ID cards are offered to veterans with honorable military service at no charge and can be used to earn veteran discounts at over 1,000 local businesses,” said Bill J. Moseley, Director of San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs.  ID application information at http://hss.sbcounty.gov/va or 866-4SB-VETS (866-472-8387). Personalized trip planning assistance is available through the Omnitrans information center, at 800-9-OMNIBUS (800-966-6428), or online at www.omnitrans.org.

Mike Epps (Photo Credit Freddie Washington)

What it Do amazing people! Well, San Manuel does it again with another entertaining and successful event for the Inland Empire. I had a blast at Mikes Epps Comedy Tour titled, “After Dark for the Grown & Sexy”! I said it before and I’ll say it again, laughter is good for the soul.

San Manuel bought out the very funny and talented comedian Mike Epps along with his team Comedian G Thang and Comedian Scruncho. I’ve never seen theses comics live, only on television. I’ve always wanted to see Epps do his thing in person and I finally got a chance to. I had more than one person say how Mike, wasn’t that funny in person.

Well, I think he proved critics wrong. Last week he had the entire theater cracking up with his crazy jokes. The audience was diverse and full of folks ready to have a good time and laugh. Walking out onto the stage looking so fresh and clean, that sexy man did that! Mike Epps’ career as a comic began in 1995. Since then his career has taken off. You may have seen him on the big screen in films such as, “Next Friday,” “Friday After Next,” and “All About the Benjamin’s.” He was recently selected to play the role of the famous comedian, Richard Prior, which will be coming to a theater near you soon. I’m excited about that one can’t wait.

Once again KUDO’s to San Manuel! Until Next Week!

G Thank (Photo Credit Freddie Washington)

Comedian Scruncho (Photo Credit Freddie Washington)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The 15th annual Cruizin E Street Veterans Day Parade and Car Show will be held Saturday, November 8. Activities take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are free to the public.

The event includes a parade, a classic car show, exhibits and demonstrations, museum tours, musical entertainment, and food and merchandise vendors. The parade includes marching bands, vintage military vehicles, military marching units, classic cars and more. The Grand Marshall is Sgt. Pete Martinez, a Korean War combat veteran. Highlights of the parade are the beautifully restored military vehicles courtesy of the Inland Empire Military Vehicles Preservation Association.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at San Bernardino High School, 1850 N. E St., and proceeds south on E Street, ending up at the site of the original McDonald’s located at 1398 N. E. Street in San Bernardino. There are two museums on the property: the Inland Empire Military Museum and the unofficial McDonald’s /Route 66 Museum.

Veteran organizations in the parade include The Catholic War Veterans Post 762, IE Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 47, Military Order of the Purple Heart and other VFW and American Legion Posts in the area. Following the parade, Veterans from all branches of the service who are present at Cruizin E will be honored.

DeOndra Morris

By Naomi K. Bonman

Louisiana native DeOndra Morris is the creative director, visionary, and designer behind the line of handbags under DeOndra Jeree. At 22-years-old, Ms. Morris is closing the gap that she has

One of the DeOndra Jeree handbags

witnessed within the marketplace by ensuring that her line of bags provides exactly what the average women is looking for, which is practicability, affordability, and a bag that is stylish that can be transitioned from day-to-night and work-to-weekend.

Morris knew that she wanted to be a designer after watching America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway as a little girl. Back then she would say to herself that she was going to be a big designer one day and have her own fashion brand. And she continued to make that dream a reality.

In addition to those shows, the rising designer has kept her grandmother’s words dear to her heart. Her grandmother has inspired her to keep pushing towards success by “keeping God first and she will have great success and that no matter what may come across her path, good or bad, she should always remain focused and humble and to keep her eye on the prize.”

Once she realized what she wanted to do she let go of all fears and moved to the fashion capital of the world after college–New York. Upon arrival in the Big Apple she immediately got her grind and hustle and landed her first internship with Shecky’s, a fashion and beauty company.  From there she went on to intern at the Handbag Designer Awards where she was not only able to attend the awards, but work with the bags as well.

“I learned a lot from working at those two places, but I had also done my research before starting my own fashion line,” Morris said. “I did the business part first, such as getting it incorporated, etc. Then I started the design process.”

DeOndra Jeree is now a full fleshed company that caters to fashion savvy women ages 25 and older. Each hand bag is transitioned to where it can be used from day-to-night and work-to-weekend. As the line continues to grow, Morris would love to have a variety of handbags in different styles and colors and to be picked up in major retailers, such as  Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Sak’s Fifth Avenue.

To view more of DeOndra Jeree handbags, please visit www.DeOndraJeree.com.