(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- A BIG Congratulations to our former intern Noëlle D. Lilley on her graduation from Arizona State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts from the Walter Crocknite School of Journalism and Communication. She graduated with a 3.75 GPA, has two post-grad jobs lined up and she did it in four years!
By Naomi K. Bonman
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- “Life itself is an active abstract interpretation of one’s reality. I won’t be defined.” Those words were spoken by filmmaker and activist, Donisha Predergast, who is also the granddaughter of late Reggae legend, Bob Marley.
Over the last couple of weeks, Donisha has been in countless newspapers, blog sites and news coverage regarding the recent race issue that she and her friends were faced with when checking out of an Air BNB in Rialto, California. Although that issue is of importance within the community, Miss Donisha and her family actually enjoyed bringing the Kaya Fest to the Inland Empire, which she mentioned in a recent interview with me.
I wanted to bring a little bit of positivity and take the light off of the Air BNB situation and focus more on what Prendergast is up to and what she is working on. Before we get into the interview, here’s a little information on who Donisha is for those who only know her as part of the Marley family.
Donisha Rita-Claire Prendergast is an actress, model, dancer and poet. She was born on December 29, 1984. Through the years while in the field, she increasingly developed a love for acting and the theatre. She landed several lead parts for “Jambiz” (Production Company in Jamaica). Her first role came as Karen in “Puppy Love”. Immediately she followed up by playing Cindy Relisha in “Cindy Relisha and the DJ Prince”. She also has appeared in a number of major promotional ads including the new Ammars spread which appears in newspapers and billboards throughout the Caribbean and parts of the world including the U.S.A. many doors. Donisha aspires to become a Child Psychologist.
Click below to listen to the interview
RIVERSIDE, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Balancing school, work and personal issues is a struggle for many of the participants of CCAEJ’s Emerging Young Leaders program.
This is why several participants underwent several presentations from community leaders regarding the importance of mental health on Saturday, May 5.
“Finding stability in your life can be difficult, but it’s essential to have boundaries of what you can and can’t do,” explained Italia Garcia, CCAEJ’s director of Civic Engagement.
“Be forgiving of yourself and create a work environment that aligns with your needs,” she said. “All of this gets real. It’s important to learn to succeed, despite having some dark clouds in your life.”
On Friday, May 11, the Young Emerging Leaders met with Congressman Mark Takano (D-Riverside), Assemblymembers Sabrina Cervantes (D-Eastvale) and Jose Medina (D-Riverside) and Riverside Councilman Jim Perry to discuss local issues and receive insight on college and career readiness.
The Emerging Young Leaders program will conclude with a graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 19. The ceremony will begin at 12 p.m. and will be held at their headquarters located at 3840 Sunnyhill Drive in Jurupa Valley.
Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen
You can read in other places the details about the Rialto Police response to the neighborhood watcher’s 9-1-1 call about “Three Black People Stealing Stuff.” My focus is on the caller’s assumption of theft and more importantly, why that assumption and description.
The caller is described as a member of Neighborhood Watch, an organization of which most people speak with pride. I expect that people who are organized to watch would also be trained to report accurately.
I could readily agree that she saw four people, one White and three Black, that she did not recognize who were removing “stuff” from a neighboring house. However, she assumed theft and reported it as such.
Is it a crime to make a sincere, but false police report? Is it a crime if that report ends in a tragic death? Responsible Neighborhood Watch members, as well as the rest of us, should want to be accurate when calling police.
The Rialto police responded in force as they should to a call describing an active burglary; however, thank goodness they did not arrive with guns blazing. They arrived and began investigating, asking questions, seeking the reality of the situation. That investigation took about 22 minutes according to Rialto police.
Why did the caller describe the “strangers” racially, if her concern was that she did not recognize them?
Donisha Prendergast, Bob Marley’s Granddaughter, was the focal point of the press coverage because of who she is. The Rialto police have been notified of a possible lawsuit because of the incident.
I think the Rialto Police Department has no need to apologize or worry about a suit. I cannot say the same about the Neighborhood Watch caller.
Donisha was in the Inland Empire attending the KAYA Fest, a concert tribute featuring Bob Marley’s sons and grandson. The performance was in San Bernardino at the National Orange Show. The event was a success that will hopefully become an annual affair.
Sandra V.
By Naomi K. Bonman
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Let’s face it, sometimes life is hard! Aside from prayer, sometimes we need that earthly guidance to help direct us in the path to take. Sandra V., founder and host of Vibrant Talk Show, created her outlet to do just that—guide people into their purpose.
Sandra is a life transition and success coach. Her show Vibrant Talk Show, based in Upland, California, was created to enhance the lives of individuals through specialist, experts, webinars and the like.
In addition to her show, Sandra is a nomadic presenter and conference speaker for organizations, conventions, schools, churches, as well as radio and television broadcasts. She holds a Doctorate in Religious Philosophy, along with her coaching certifications. She is passionate about touching lives and helping people to discover, design, transition and fulfill life’s purpose.
I recently chatted with Sandra V. where she chatted more about her mission and vision in life and for the show. Check out the interview below:
Can you briefly tell the readers who Sandra V. is?
I grew up in the Twin Cities, which is Minneapolis and St. Paul, and I’ve been her in Southern California since 1980. I have done public speaking for about 30 years and I’m also a life coach. I’ve authored a couple of books and I have a Ph.D in Religious Philosophy and an honorary doctorate from Next Dimension.
Wow, you do a lot! Let’s start off with the talk show first. What inspired you to launch the Vibrant Talk Show? And what is the mission and vision behind it?
I love success stories and I enjoy talking to people who have been what we consider the underdogs, that person who is least likely to make it or least likely to succeed. I love hearing their journey because sometimes we see the finished product, but we don’t always know what that person went through and the process that they went through to get to where they are. I like having them come on to share that and to inspire others. We also have experts who come on the show to inform the audience in different areas.
Awesome. So what prominent guests have you had on the show to date?
We had Raquel Herring (the first African American Mousekeeter), we’ve had professional athletes. We’ve had Ernest L Thomas. We’ve also had John Tarver (NFL professional). We’ve had celebrities on there, singers and authors, such as Romeo Johnson (The Voice). We’ve had quite a few.
When did you launch the show?
We launched it July 7, 2017.
Ooo awesome! So, you’re coming up on your one-year anniversary. Do you have anything planned?
Yes we do! We’re putting together a social event where we’ll have some of our guests that have previously been on the show, as well as people from the community, to come out and celebrate with us. We’re excited!
Where do you see the show going in the next three years?
We are hopeful to be picked up by a network. Right now, we do more like a webisode, but we’re also on HSBN.TV, which is available 24-hours a day. We’re hoping to go with some of the mainstream networks as well, so we can reach more audiences.
We want to shine a positive light on people and not necessarily bring up the mistakes they made. We want to show what they accomplished and how they’re impacting people in a positive way.
You’re also a life coach. What is your specialty and how long have you been doing that?
I’ve been a life coach since 2015 and I’m very passionate about it because it gives me an opportunity to sit down and provide a safe haven for people who just need an outlet to talk and also those who may have goals but don’t have the courage or the game plan.
I specialize in internal wellness because I believe as a Christian life coach the scripture lets us know that we prosper and we’re in health as our soul prospers, so I work with people to bring that wholeness and wellness to themselves and then they’re in a better position to produce the dreams and goals that they want.
You’re also an author…
I am!
So, what are some the books that you’ve written and what are they about?
I’ve written two and I’m working on one. The first one is called, “God’s Waiting Room”, and it has to do with conditioning yourself to be patient and wait on the perfect will of God for your life. You’re in preparation mode, but you’re not getting ahead of Him, but really allowing him to progress you forward in His timing and according to His purpose and plan for your life.
The second book is like a sequel to the first one and it is called, “I Don’t Mind Waiting, But I Refuse to be Denied”. That one has more to do with, ‘Ok, you’ve waited and prepped and now you’re at a time of launching what it is you want to do.’ So you have to have a determination and a tendency that says, “I’m not going to be denied what I’ve been promised. I’m not going to be denied what I prepared myself for.”
You also said you’re working on one. So, what will that one be about?
I’m working on one and this one is I think going to be very near and dear to my heart because this one is called, “The Renovation of a Signature Woman”, and it is birthed out of a period of my life where my life was basically dismantled and stripped down to the studs, and then being rebuilt again and being reinvented and reestablished, but also maintaining all of the experiences that was gained beforehand so that I can go to the level that I really need to be reaching.
When will that one be released?
That one I’m hoping to launch in 2019 because there’s a few chapters of it that are still being written if you know what I mean [laughs] by that. So, I would like to launch it in 2019.
You also do public speaking. Do you have any events coming up?
I don’t right now, mainly because we’re so focused on the show. The show is really taking off and it’s requiring a lot of time and energy right now, so we kind of ceased some of the speaking for now. But when the new book comes out, we’ll want to launch it again.
What are some things that you’re personally looking forward to? We’ve talked about the show’s vision, but what is Sandra’s own personal vision?
I envision myself being on those platforms that are going to take the show to the next level and also opening a gateway for other people who have been in the shadows preparing and putting in work who have a message that they need to share, whether it be a success story, a triumph. I want to be a Conduent for them. Some of them are doing grassroot work, but it’s not getting the type of attention that could really help them further their causes, so I’m excited and looking forward to that.
As a life coach, what is your piece of advice for those whether young or seasoned, who feel trapped and don’t know their purpose or trying to find their way but to no avail?
One of the things that I would say to them is that they may be if they’re stuck and been stuck for a while, they may need to search out someone who has tools of discovery that is put before the person for them to work through which makes them narrow down the things that are real true standards in their life. It makes them really narrow down what their true goals and aspirations are and then map out a way that they can actually maximize their time, energy and their resources to get them turning toward the direction that they discover that they really are interested and passionate about.
It also helps people to identify because sometimes you have people who have multiple gifts and talents and don’t know what to do with it all. It helps them to sort it out and organize the projects and set up timelines that are workable, doable and achievable. This allows people to come out of frustration because they can see progress. Even if it’s small steps, you’re now seeing progress.
If someone wanted to be a guest on the show, what are the requirements and how do they go about doing so?
Anyone who would be interested in being on the show can find us at VibrantTalkShow.com. We have a page there for people to fill out a form to submit to be on the show. We take on not just professional athletes, but community leaders and ordinary people who have overcome some really great obstacles and want to share and empower. We’ve had cancer survivors and we’re getting ready to a segment on domestic violence, suicide awareness. We also see the show us an intervention as well.
RIALTO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Just weeks ago was the Kaya Reggae Fest, which took place at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino. Donisha Prendergast, 33, was in attendance. She is the granddaughter of the late Bob Marley and daughter of the Melody Makers’ member/dancer, Sharon Marley. Prendergast is suing the Rialto Police Department after false burglary accusation.
Prendergast has secured an Air BnB for herself and three friends, who were also Black, but while they were leaving the property for check-out, Prendergast says that they were greeted by four officers who were responding to a call from a neighbor on Neighborhood Watch about a burglary.
Prendergast captured the event that took place on film, which was posted to her Instagram page. She also called the property owner to explain what was going on.
Film director Kells Fyffe-Marshall who was also present detailed what happened in a Facebook post she uploaded last Tuesday.
She stated, “As you can see 3 of us were Black. About 10 seconds later we were surrounded by seven cop cars. The officers came out of their cars demanding us to put our hands in the air. They informed us that there was also a helicopter tracking us. They locked down the neighborhood and had us standing in the street. Why? A neighbor across the street saw three Black people packing luggage into their car and assumed we were stealing from the house. She then called the police. At first we joked about the misunderstanding and took photos and videos along the way.”
Not only was the group held up after checking out, but they were then detained at the airport.
“They were detained long enough to figure out if that was true [that they were renting an Airbnb],” Harden says. “They were allowed to move about [during the detention] and they filmed the whole thing… The officers figured out pretty quickly that this was probably an incident where they were renting a room, but they had to make sure.”
According to Prendergast’s legal team, they planned to announce an update on the lawsuit Wednesday, May 9. Rialto Police Department received notice on Monday, May 7 that there was “pending legal action,” although it was unsure of what action was being taken.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- The ACLU of Southern California and Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE) as part of the “Hey, Meet Your DA!” campaign, are collaborating with groups across San Bernardino County to educate the community on the critical role of the District Attorney. The collective of organizations are hosting a town hall meeting to educate the public about the impact that District Attorneys have on a range of justice issues. The town hall comes after a similar event was convened with residents in Riverside County less than a month ago.
However, the collective group of San Bernardino organizations was troubled and disappointed that their local District Attorney would be so hesitant to meet with the community even after being offered alternative dates and declined an offer to participate even for a short time on the Monday, April 30 town hall meeting. “We need a District Attorney who will represent the community, not avoid them” says Rev. Samuel Casey, Executive Director of COPE.
The press conference and rally that came as a result of the dismissal of the District Attorney drew a crowd of 30 organizational leaders and community members who discussed existing justice issues in San Bernardino. The recurring chant heard from the crowd, led by Casey “It’s time to ReThink Public Safety!” an initiative led by COPE to promote responsible, restorative, and redemptive approaches to justice reform in schools and communities throughout the Inland Valley Region. “We must transform what public safety looks like to our community. We need the DA to prosecute killer cops especially when they are killing our young sons just as police murdered Dante Yarber in a Barstow Walmart.” stated Lanae Norwood from Institute Developing Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership (IDEAL.)
The collective now is focused on their town hall set for April 30th in the City of Fontana. Their man goal is to discuss with community members solutions needed to reform the San Bernardino County criminal justice system and inform them about the role and duties of district Attorneys.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Bruce Atlas wants Inland Empire residents to refer to the Ontario Airport as “Our” Airport! Atlas, Chief Operations Officer of the Ontario International Airport, was the guest speaker at Monday’s Black Business Chamber Inland Empire (BBCIE) meeting.
He spoke of the expected growth of the Inland Empire and of the planed airport expansion. He is enthusiastic about getting local businesses involved in the vender and contracting opportunities that come with the Airports growth. Amy Goethals, the Liaison for The Ontario International Airport Small Disadvantaged Business Program, who was the other speaker, requested support in her quest to outreach and to otherwise accommodate the Airport working with local minority businesses.
The BBCIE meets three times per month. BBCIE President, Tammy Martin-Ryles, says that the Chamber will continue to expose members to speakers who are able to educate, stimulate and facilitate opportunity.
Bruce Atlas will be on Empire Talks Back (ETB) on Sunday, May 6 at 10 a.m. on KCAA 1050 AM, 102.3 FM and 106.5 FM. You can also watch the show live at kcaaradio.com.
By Naomi K. Bonman
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- How many women empowerment events do you run into? Probably more than you can count, right? Now how many men empowerment events do you come across? Yeah, not that much. When it comes to our men, especially our Black men, there are not many outlets out there that give them a voice. This is why playwright Karen Roberson created ‘The Penis Monologues: The Long Hard Truth’. She wanted to create a space for men to voice their concerns and feelings.
I recently attended one of the rehearsals for the upcoming show on May 19thand May 20th, and the rehearsals put me in awe, so I only know that the actual production is going to be remarkable! The writing of this monologue is astounding! Each cast member is in touch with character because they can relate to the stories in their everyday lives. The stories that are in this stage production are REAL and RAW. There is no sugarcoating with this one and it all comes from the male’s perspective.
After the rehearsal, Mrs. Karen Roberson sat down with me where we chatted on her inspirations to bring this creation to life and where she envisions to take it in the future.
What inspired you to write this production?
What inspired me to write ‘The Penis Monologues’ is that I feel like our men lack a platform for them. As I was telling you earlier, I can easily go to a woman’s empowerment situation like almost every weekend. There is nothing going on for our men; there is nothing that they have where they can say, ‘We are a brotherhood, we are together, and we are going to empower each other; and we are going to uplift each other, and we are going to talk about some serious issues so that we can become better.
Men don’t have that. I’m not talking about an every now and then men’s conference, I’m talking about what do they have. And so, with ‘The Penis Monologues’ I hope that I can start a movement; a movement for men. A brand for them.
After the stage production is all said in done, what else do you envision for ‘The Penis Monologues’ or for our men in general?
I would like to do conferences, tours and panel discussions. ‘The Penis Monologues’ goes way beyond the stage.
From being able to witness just a snippet of what to except from the show tonight during rehearsal, I can tell that each male resonated with their character, so for casting how did you pick out each character?
Well, for Reggie and Idrees, the dual monologues, I wrote those specifically for them. But for casting, I’m the type of person that is a feeler, I like to feel and be moved. If I’m not moved when I’m casting, then you don’t have a job. I need to feel it in my soul and these guys just came in and blew me away!
What can people except from this show? I know you did 6 previous shows last year, which all sold out, so what can we except? Did you had some twists and turns this go around?
I did add some elements of surprise. Every time I do the show I try to elevate it a little bit more. If you are a person that is returning to see the show, you’re going to see something a little different. I just feel like that’s our way of keeping our audience on their toes and looking forward to seeing what we have.
We’re going to take you on a rollercoaster ride! These guys are going to strap you in for an hour and 30 minutes and you are going to have to hear what they say, but I promise you when you [women] leave that you will have a greater appreciation for men, specifically our Black men.
And when men leave, they will feel empowered and knowing that they have a voice and a platform to be heard. That’s what ‘The Penis Monologues’ is about.
How can people get tickets?
People can get tickets at thelonghardtruth.brownpapertickets.com. They can follow us on social media @thelonghardtruth on Instagram and Mahogany Girl Productions on Instagram and Facebook. You can also get tickets from the website at mgproductionsllc.com. All the information is there on the website and you can also read up on the cast and you can see what upcoming events that we have.
But listen, I want Uncle Steve Harvey to see this. I need my Aunty Oprah to see this and I just need some heavy hitters to really rally behind me to help get this on the global platform where it needs to be. If the Vagina Monologues became huge like it was, I know clearly that the messages that we’re sending can spread like wildfire!
Can you see yourself making a film from ‘The Penis Monologues’?
Yes, I do! We are in talks about film. I would love to speak with Showtime, HBO or Starz to do an actual special. I’m excited. There is no limit to what we could do. We’re going to take it to the stage, to the big screen, to the community—everywhere that it needs to hit the people, so they can be changed, uplifted and empowered. That is where this message needs to go.
As we wrap things up, I know you said this is the first play that you have done, so how was it being behind the scenes as the director and writer than from being in the spotlight? Which one do you like better?
I know right! I really like this side because I feel like, don’t get me wrong I love acting and I love singing as well but when you become the playwright and you become the creator, now I have the voice, the control and the creativity to create the things that I want people to hear and see. So, I’m really like that and it has inspired me to continue to create other content to keep bringing the people. You can always except it REAL and RAW.
I feel like it’s easy to have those feel good conversations, right? But what about the long-hard truth? What about those uncomfortable conversations that no one needs to have? So, you can always except me to keep it REAL.
Awesome. I’m looking forward to more!
The show is on May 19 and May 20 at Cal State Dominguez Hills where I’m an alumnus of their theater department, so it’s always fun bringing my stuff home and allowing the community to come out. We don’t always have to go to Hollywood to see good quality stuff. I can put my stuff in the hood and let them come and be blessed by it as if we were anywhere else.
I’m happy that it is at Dominguez. We’re going to have a good time. Come ready! All I can say be ready for an unforgettable ride.
‘The Penis Monologues’ features: Tobyus as ‘Angry Penis’; Lamont Young as ‘Broken Penis’; Samuel Simmons as ‘Devoted Penis’; Lucky Conner as ‘Loving Penis’; Marwan Granville as ‘Disappointed Penis’; Louis Kameron Jack III as ‘Empty Penis’; Reggie Myles as ‘I Don’t Penis’; Idrees Degas as ‘I Do Penis’; DeJuan Christopher as ‘My Penis Matters’; and Mike Strong as ‘Erotic Penis’.
The show premieres Saturday, May 19 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 20 at 5 p.m. at California State Dominguez Hills Theater located at 1000 E Victoria Street in Carson. Tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/PenisMonologuesLA. For more information, please call (310) 291-5315.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- The SB Pastors United will be hosting another Community Block Party on Saturday, April 28. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Highland Pacific Elementary School located at 3340 Pacific Street in Highland.
“We are bringing God back into our schools and community,” Reginald Young explains. “The Pastors in Unity and solidarity is taking a stance against violence on our youth and in our community. We invite the community to come out and join us.”
There will be free food, free groceries, free shoes, free clothes and free health checks. There will also be a life-saving message by Bishop Ernest Dowdy of Church of the Living God, as well as powerful gospel music, dancing and good fellowship, face painting, free prizes, much fun!
The SB Pastors United will also be in attendance at the San Bernardino 2018 State of the City address, on Friday, April 27 at the SB International Airport. Along with two other agencies, SBPU will be recognized for making a difference in the community.
SBPU has been devoted to making a difference in the lives of the residence in the City. You are invited to come out and see what’s going on in your city and be a part of the solution. Let us join together in unity and solitary; let’s not just talk about it but be about it.
“It’s going to take the whole village to turn our community around. SBPU is here to help make a difference in our community by providing “Healing, Change and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino. Good things are coming out of San Bernardino,” Young said.
Please preregister by phone, email or visit www.sbpastorsunited.org. To volunteer call (909) 353-7977.
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