What it do with Lue

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Our 2017 Youth Competition Winner is What it Do!

Last year LUE Productions held a $500 youth competition titled ‘Show It Off’, and that’s exactly what Lil’ Jack did. He captured the hearts of the judges and the audience by taking First place with the classic song “Ben,” by Michel Jackson.

It’s important to sow into the lives of our young ones and support their efforts. LUE Productions is looking for more talented youth to showcase. Come to our auditions this Saturday at 1 pm. Auditions are free! For more information, please text (909) 567-1000 or contact LUE Productions on Facebook. Check out the bio of Lil’ Jack below. His name will be in lights everywhere!

Jack Musgrove Jr. is a 9-year-old singer and a proud resident of the city of San Bernardino. Jack has also proven himself to be a very talented percussionist and basketball player. He has been destined to perform on stage since he was able to crawl and join his dad, Jack Musgrove, who plays trumpet. Los Angeles area bands such as LRS, Balance, Malo and Tierra, have encouraged his musical talents and often features him on stage at local concerts.

Jack enjoys listening to different genres of music, especially old school, funk and R&B. His musical influences include Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars and Stevie Wonder. He has played all over San Bernardino including the Winter Wonderland at Perris Hill Park and Juneteenth at Anne Shirell’s Park. He sang the Star-Spangled Banner for the opening ceremony and performed at the National Orange Show.

You can see Jack perform the Star-Spangled Banner on August 3, 2018 at the San Manuel Stadium for the Inland Empire 66ers. He will also perform opening day at the Los Angeles County fair on August 31, 2018.

Jack’s dreams are to sing the Star-Spangled Banner for his favorite basketball team, the Los Angeles Lakers and to someday open for Bruno Mars. Jack is scheduled to audition for the next season of Americas Got Talent, so please wish Jack good luck!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— PACIFIC OCEAN— Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Darion Payne, from San Bernardino, California, is selected as the Sailor of the Day aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is underway preparing for its next scheduled deployment.

Justified and his daughters

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— VICTORVILLE, CA— Recording artist and community raptivist, Justified Smith, is back on a mission in the name of FATHERHOOD!

Being well known for his work in the High Desert community, Justified has taken fatherhood engagement to another level by reaching out to the Hip Hop Community to stand alongside him as “Fathers in Hip Hop (FIHH).”

Some of his Hip Hop partners active in the movement include: Lynwood natives Nephew Michael and Roc Box of Rhyme Rocca Ent; Urg 7; Tha Chill from the group Compton’s Most Wanted; Diirty Og’z; Twin brothers Big2daboy and J2DaNut; Big Doty from Gardena; Gospel recording artist 2FACE and Dunamis; amongst a host of other influential artist highly respected in their individual communities.

FIHH takes an intimate and up-close look into the testimony of various Influential hip hop artists in regard to their experiences and definitions of fatherhood. Too often these types of artist are categorized as dead-beat dads and judged by their genre of music instead of who they are as fathers.

The movement covers testimony by men discussing fatherhood from a variety of angles, exploring resources and introducing tips to better aid men in raising their children. It covers financial planning including life insurance and other means of providing security and provisions for their children’s future.

Fathers in Hip Hop brings awareness to the importance of being an active father in a child’s life regardless of the circumstances. The organization will expose the effects that carry over into adulthood stemming from the absence of a father figure.  FIHH is impacting fatherhood engagement around the world!

Follow the FATHERS IN HIP HOP on social media. Instagram @Fathersinhiphop Twitter: @Fathersinhiphop Facebook: Fathersinhiphop Website: fathersinhiphop.com

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Youth Action Project will be able to provide increased job training opportunities to our youth.

“I’m happy to accept a $30,000 contribution from Bank of America, on behalf of Youth Action Project (YAP). The contribution will allow YAP provide education and employment opportunities to more than 100 “out of school youth”, helping to drive economic opportunity for the most vulnerable in the Inland Empire.” Said Joseph Williams, chief executive officer. 

Youth Action Project was one of eleven San Bernardino area organizations to receive funding from Bank of America.

Funds from Bank of America will be used to match a recent workforce development grant awarded to YAP by the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board. YAP will help the County implement the GenerationGo program by providing work-based learning opportunities to out of school youth, ages 16 to 24. Youth will have access a variety of career and educational services through Youth Action Project. YAP workforce services are designed to help enhance job skills, develop leadership qualities, explore career options, participate in adult and peer mentoring opportunities, and take advantage of work experiences.

“Bank of America aims to remove the barriers to economic mobility and likes to partner with organizations that are really having an impact in the region”, said Al Arguello, Inland Empire Market President for Bank of America. “Bank of America is committed to working with organizations that put those who have served on the path to economic self-sufficiency.”

Bank of America made the check presentations at its San Bernardino branch during a short ceremony on Tuesday, June 19.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK, ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Congressional Candidate Sean Flynn attended the San Bernardino Pastors United Annual Community Block Party at La Placita Park on Sunday.

“It was an incredible event filled with food, fun, prayers, and celebration,” said Flynn.  “I enjoyed meeting and talking to families and community leaders from Ecclesia, New Hope, Temple, and the Black Chamber.”

Sean Flynn is running for the 31st Congressional District representing all or portions of Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, San Bernardino, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, Colton, and Rialto.

Sean Flynn is the best-selling author of Economics for Dummies.  He is also coauthor of the world’s best-selling college economics textbook, Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies.  An avid martial arts enthusiast, Flynn is also a former U.S. National Aikido Forms Champion and coach.  Flynn is a small business owner and founding board member of a local non-profit, Employment Means Success.

The General Election on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

For more information on the Flynn campaign go to www.SeanFlynnforCongress.com.

Left to Right: Sean Flynn, candidate for the 31st Congressional District, poses for a picture with Carl Dameron Founder and CEO of the Dameron Communications at the Pastors United Community Block Party on Sunday in San Bernardino.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— And yet, still, you are in need of milk. Shame on you! “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God…” [Hebrew 5:12-14]. I tell you, you got to grow up! Over and over we are told that God wants us to grow up. [Ephesians 4:14-16] “For we can no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ-…”

You know the author in Hebrews was desperately concerned about those who were lagging behind in their spiritual growth: The Hebrew Christians were lazy. The writer of Hebrews expected them to grow up, learn the foundational truths, and be well on their way to maturity. But by their own choices, they’d quit. They were stymied, moving backwards on their spiritual journeys.

Paul was both brokenhearted and angry at the many Corinthian Christians who had decided to remain spiritual babies: “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly…[1 Corinthians 3:1-3].

I tell you, there is a clear and present danger in not growing up. You see, Satan never bothers with half-hearted people who are content with a ho-hum spiritual existence. As long as you live with one foot in the world, living according to the world’s values and for the world’s goals, Satan won’t trouble you. You can go to church and even pray and read your Bible, and he won’t mind. But the minute you wake up from your spiritual lethargy, shake off the worldly mindset, and commit yourself to radical obedience to Jesus Christ, you will not only encounter spiritual opposition, but you will know that you have chewed meat.

I tell you, as a believer you must move beyond the basics of the Christian faith and grow up in Christ. God’s plan is birth, growth, and maturity. The Word of God: It corrects, it convicts, it cleanses, it equips, and it confirms to us what the Lord has said. The days of coming to church and not understanding the Word is over. Why sit in church just to die on the vine? Grow up!

By Lawrence Carey, III

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— UPLAND, CA— On behalf of the men of Victory Community Church and Pastor Tommy Morrow, I’d like to personally invite you to share in our upcoming 2^nd Annual Men’s Forum and Youth Leadership Summit.  This one-day empowerment for men and youth boys will take place on Saturday, July 21 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Victory Community Church and the Inland Valley News Conference Center located at 2009 Porterfield Way, Suites C, D, E & F in Upland.

The theme for this year’s Forum is “Men Pressing for the Prize”, Philippians 3:13-14. Attending this Forum can be beneficial, considering our current social and political climate toward African American Men and Youth. This Forum will empower, encourage and strengthen the Men and Youth Boys in our communities.

We will have experts leading workshops in the areas of Family, Health, Wealth, Mental Health, Business and Faith. The workshops for teenagers will be on Social Responsibility, Decision Making, Manhood and Respect. One of the highlights will be our panel discussion on What It Means to Be a Man. Our keynote speaker will be Mr. Ed Taylor, CIF Hall of Fame Coach and community leader.

Come and meet other Brothers who will be recharged, refreshed and renewed. This one-day of workshops, panel discussions and fellowship will go a long way in the lives of those who participate. The cost is $45 for Adults and $25 for Junior High & High school students. The cost is all inclusive and includes catered lunch, workshop materials, panel discussions, the keynote address and other amazing activities. 

Also, new this year, we’re proud to present a special Women’s panel discussion entitled, “What We Really Wish the Men in Our Lives Knew about Women.”  This frank and candid discussion is designed to explore issues that are at the very heart of women at various stages of life and how they wish to be loved and respected. You don’t want to miss it!

Take a moment to look at the website www.vccmensforum.org . Please be kind enough to come and be a part of this extraordinary day for Adult Men and Young Men. Please encourage the men in your experience, friends and family to join with you in attending.

For more information and to RSVP please contact Joann Washington at Victory Community Church at (909) 981-1195 or email info@vccupland.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Hundreds of children all across the Inland Empire are starting their Summer Break with brand new books to enjoy! They are having fun reading with their families and friends while keeping their academic skills sharp during the school break.

Children from San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda and other regions of the county attended the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) Summer Book Fest 2018 and Resource Fair on June 9 at CAPSBC.

Assemblymember Elois Gòmez-Reyes stopped by to support the event and presented a certificate of appreciation stating, “This event celebrates the joy of reading and reinforces important skills that will prepare our students for successful futures.”

Thousands of new, colorful children’s storybooks and activity workbooks were given to kids for pleasure reading and family learning time during the Summer break from school. The books feature fun Disney themes and characters, including “Frozen,” “Star Wars” and “Snow White.”

10,000 new books ? enough to fill a library shelf the length of two football fields ? were granted by the Molina Foundation to CAPSBC as part of their “Launch into Learning” campaign. The books, valued at $84,000, provide free educational resources to help children, parents, and caregivers create word-filled homes this summer through reading and learning together.

CAPSBC Board Chairwoman, Dr. Margaret Hill stated, “With this wonderful donation from Molina Foundation, we were able to provide books to children in families for whom a book purchase would otherwise not be financially feasible. These books go a long way in helping children in our disadvantaged communities to learn and read with their families.” 

The Molina Foundation, based in Southern California, believes that book distributions can be an effective way to reinforce storytelling at home and create opportunities to build home libraries.

“We care deeply about helping children in their academic and personal achievement,” said Foundation President and Founder Dr. Martha Bernadett about the Launch into Learning initiative. “We know that giving out books and learning materials can have a wonderfully positive impact on the kids and their families.”

At the event, children were able to choose free age appropriate books and parents received a free Thermos travel mug. A resource fair with over 30 agencies were on site to give goods, services and information to help families. Kids were entertained by reading butterflies, got their faces painted, did crafts with Home Depot, and participated in the Super Raffle of prizes. There were lots of smiles and fun which can be seen on both CAPSBC and Molina Foundation Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/capsbc and www.facebook.com/MolinaFoundation

The event was designed to fight the “Summer Slide” when children are out of school for summer break, and are not as academically active. According to Oxford Learning, students lose 2 months of reading skills over the summer and 2-3 hours of reading per week is needed to prevent any learning loss.  CAPSBC wants parents to have the resources to help their kids achieve success.

Research shows that there continues to be significant academic achievement differences between children in poverty and their more affluent peers. In San Bernardino County, 26% of children under 18 years of age live in poverty. 

The Molina Foundation is dedicated to the mission of reducing disparities in access to education and health. Since its inception in 2004, the Foundation has partnered with more than 2,000 organizations and schools around the country to promote literacy and wellness. In addition, it has donated more than 5 million new children’s books in English and Spanish, and hosted hundreds of free workshops and programs for educators, families, and children.

CAPSBC, which was established in 1965, works with our low-income communities to address barriers to economic stability. This is accomplished under an array of services and assistance including food/nutrition, home energy and family development.  For more information about CAPSBC, visit www.capsbc.org

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— REDLANDS, CA— On Saturday, June 16, the City of Redlands held its first annual Juneteenth celebration at Israel Beal Park. To commemorate the momentous occasion, the city unveiled the memorial honoring the late Israel Beal, who was an African American who helped in founding the city.