Cover and Inside Photo- Legendary Gospel Artist Donnie McClurkin. Photo by Kim Webster.

By Kim Webster

LONG BEACH CA –  The 17^th Annual Honoring Unsung Fathers (H.U.F.)Awards & Scholarship Brunch was held at the Long Beach Hilton Hotel on  Father’s Day June 16.  Judge Mablean Ephriam established the H.U.F. Awards to honor deserving fathers and provide student scholarships.  Comedian/actor/author Michael Colyar presided as Master of Ceremonies with entertainment provided by Grammy winner and Honorary Co-Chair Donnie McClurkin and saxophonist/musical director Mike Philips & The Band.   Celebrity presenters included:  Trina Braxton, Wendell James, and Patrice Covington.

Erica and Eric Prudholm. Photo by Kim Webster.

A Special Award was given to Eric Prudholm who was incarcerated for 37 years for a crime he did not commit and was recently exonerated.  “I’ve always known how much I’ve meant to my Dad and he knows how much he’s meant to me,” said his daughter Erica Prudholm.  Mr Prudholm developed a close relationship with his daughter in spite of the circumstances.  The following outstanding fathers were honored:  Founders Award – Dimitrius Lynch; Board of Directors Award – A. Marquis Lacey.;   Love Cares Award – Jason Sims,  Love Cares Nominee – Tony Tate; Fatherhood Forever Award – Brian Petetan; Living Legacy Award – Frank Brown; Living Legacy Nominee – Billie Jamison; 2019 Volunteer of the Year – Jeremy Glover.  High School Scholarship awardees are:  Chaniya Dunn, Emonni Mitchell, Sydney Stephens, Ziara Bell,  Amariya Price amd  Breezian Wilson; Returning Scholarship Recipients – Symone Jackson and Leigha Onqu; Howard University Scholarship – Siara Davis; MEF 2019 Nursing Scholarship – Beauty Asemota; 2019 Mablean Ephriam Nursing Scholarship – Alexis Washington-Davis.   For more info, please go to www.mableanephriamfoundation.com.

Emonni Mitchell, Chaniya Dunn and Sydney Stephens with Judge Mablean. (2nd from right.) Photo by Kim Webster.

Cover and Inside photo: Los Angeles icon and violinist Karen Briggs electrifies The Long Beach Jazz Festival, performing in two groups. Photo by Kim Webster.

By Kim Webster

This year continues with the Festival theme,”A Healthy Taste of Jazz.”  Health & Wellness Pavilion Speakers included:  Dr. Veronica Jones (Asst. Clinical Professor of Breast Surgery), Rick Kittles Ph.D, Dr. Rachal Liverman (dental surgery), Dr. Nita Landry (OB/GYN), Dr. Teri L Rhetta (medical/behavioral health), Dr. Marissa (psychologist), Margena Carter, Michelle Harthill, Kiaundra Jackson, Lenny McNeil, and Chef D.  Vivian Fullerlove hosted the pavilion.   Discussions ranged from physical and mental health to financial and motivational topics.  KJLH hosted a lounge featuring music, interviews, and a surprise visit from station owner Stevie Wonder who also performed with CJ Morton.  Outstanding McDonald’s Pavilion Stage performers included:  Brotha Phil, Abuv The Luv featuring Paul Russo, Romel Veal, The JAZZTYME PLAYAS, Sulpacio Jones, Wake Campbell& Teresa Grayson, Gabriel “Slam” Nobles, Cameron Clark & The Jazz Experiment F/Dean James, Dominique Hammons, and Gary Metz.

Eric Benet rocks the Friday show at the Long Beach Jazz Festival. Photo by Kim Webster.

Funky/jazzy guitarist David P Stevens opened the festival on Friday.  His song “The One” was spiced with a bit of “Kenny Burrell guitar sound” and he soared on George Benson’s “Give Me The Night!”  Michael Lington, Paul Taylor and Vincent Ingala aka SAX to the MAX collaborated on a mix of contemporary-urban-soulful jazz grooves.  Singer/songwriter/producer Eric Benet’s vocals mesmerized the ladies with hits “You’re The Only One,” “News For You,” and “Spend My Life With You,” and he later had everyone partying to “Georgy Porgy” and Prince’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover.”

The legendary Barbara Morrison performs at the Long Beach Jazz Festival. Photo by Kim Webster.

On Saturday trumpeter Willie Bradley cruised the audience playing his jazz rifts.  The Al Williams Jazz Society featuring Barbara Morrison and Alexis Joi honored the Fancy Miss Nancy Wilson with musical song. Jazz in Pink f/keyboardist Gail Jhonson, violinist Karen Briggs, and harpist Mariea Antoinette spreaded their Pink Haze of jazz, rock, fusion, and R&B on several compositions including:  “Katgirl,” “Always There,” “Gimme Your Love,”  “Pusher Man.”   The Jazz Classics featuring pianist/composer/producer/songwriter Patrice Rushen traveled to jazz land embracing classic hits and saluting the great Ndugu Chancler. It’s “Cold Duck Time” with percussionist & Long Beach Jazz Fest alumnus Poncho Sanchez and his Latin ensemble.   Guitarist/composer Norman Brown sparked the stage with energy, performing a medley from his album “After The Storm,” and jammed on  “Shaft – Let’s Take a Ride,” “West Coast Coolin’,” and “Any Love.”  Singer/songwriter Angie Stone delighted the crowd with her hits “No More Rain,” “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” and “Brotha.”

Gail Jhonson of Jazz in Pink. Photo by Kim Webster.

Angie Stone (L) and guitarist Norman Brown. Photo by Kim Webster.

Bassist Darryl Williams’ and saxophonist Bryan Thompson’s smooth, mellow sound welcomed everyone on Sunday. Special EFX All Stars guitarist/composer/producer/bandleader Chieli Minucci, violinist Karen Briggs, saxophonist Eric Marienthal, bassist Gerald Veasley, keyboardist Lao Tizer, drummer Joel Rosenblatt, and vocalist Elliott Yamin spun an eclectic jazz mix.  The Rippingtons featuring guitarist/composer Russ Freeman took everyone on an exotic jazz cruise spiced with funk, rock, and Latin grooves. What can we say trumpeter/composer/educator/movie soundtrack artist Terence Blanchard and trumpeter/flugelhornist/composer Arturo Sandoval are jazztastic!   Just when we thought the concert was winding down- wait a minute- keyboardist, trombonist, bassist, writer, composer, producer Brian Culbertson energized the stage!  Brian took us into the jazzstrophere with a medley of hits including:  “Say What,” “Colors of Love,” “Always Remember,” “Funkin’ Like My Father,” and a remix of Kool & the Gang’s “Hollywood Swinging.”   Wow what a fantastic finale!  See you all next year.

Brian Culbertson. Photo by Kim Webster.

Cover photo: Theater Patron Allen Wallace, 94 years old WW II Veteran & current Cross Guard/City of Long Beach, enjoys “Lady Day.” Inside photo- Karole Foreman and Stephan Terry. Both photos by Kim Webster.

By Kim Webster

Long Beach CA – Billie Holiday was crowned “Lady Day” by musician Lester “Prez” Young.  They often performed together but this particular evening Lady Day is accompanied only by her friend and pianist Jimmy Powers.  Ascending to the stage is a woman dressed in an evening gown with long white gloves to hide the scars of drug use.  Disoriented she approaches the mike and begins to sing “I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone.” At the conclusion she begins to sadly recall not being able to perform in her beloved New York.  She talks about wanting children, an old flame Sonny Monroe, being raped as a child, and scrubbing floors at a brothel.  Jimmy takes notice and delicately brings her attention back to the performance.

As a child, Billie loved listening to the music of Louis Armstrong and admiring the strong voice of Bessie Smith.   She described her own sound as a “blues feeling with the jazz beat.”  Billie performs hit songs like “God Bless The Child,” Ain’t Nobody’s Business,” and “Strange Fruit” in between talking about many of her life experiences including racial discrimination in the music business, performing and traveling in the South, and her prison sentence.   As her intimate performance comes to an end, Lady Day’s voice fades into eternity…

Writer Lanie Robertson’s “first lover” told him a story about seeing Lady Day perform.  Although her physical appearance was ravished by years of drug use, alcoholism, and her voice diminished, she still entertained her audience.  The ICT Theatre seated audience members at café tables bordering the base of the stage; giving the feeling of being transformed back in time to the Emerson.  The play originally premiered in 1986 at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia and continues to be performed worldwide.  Director Wren T. Brown, producer caryn desai (sic), and musical director Stephan Terry (who played Jimmy Powers) presented an intimate evening with Lady Day (played by Karole Foreman) that was spellbinding!

Allen Wallace, 94 years young, celebrates Lady Day. Photo by Kim Webster.

“I think she did a great job portraying her and I congratulated her,” said theatre patron Allen Wallace, “I saw Billie Holiday in concert in Hollywood, and Las Vegas.  She was very cocky and I liked that.  I liked her because she was defiant.”  He also smiled and said, “She was a very attractive lady.”

LADY DAY at Emerson’s Bar & Grill was the ICT’s grand finale for 2019. For more info please go to www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.  See you next season.

Cover and Inside Photo: Kim Somers Egelsee. For more on Kim Somers Egelsee, visit www.kimlifecoach.com.

By Kim Somers Egelsee

In 2020 we are caught up in pop culture, politics, social media and more. Plastic surgery, Botox, high fashion and stilettos seem to define some people like a brand.
It’s easy for some to substitute material things for inner depth and beauty.

The key is to enhance, embrace, and exude your inner and your outer beauty, being and best self.

But how?

What if you feel inferior? What if you don’t know what’s wonderful about you? What if you’re caught up in comparison or in worrying what others think too much?
How do you develop confidence?
This can be your year to shift and shine!
Here’s how!

1. Start to ask for feedback from those you know, like and trust and even admire. This will help you start to see your greatness as others do. Email 5-8 people and ask them to describe you, what your gifts and talents are, and for any constructive feedback they can share about you.
2. Never leave a mirror without thinking a positive thought about yourself. Keep a list of ten things you love about you near the mirror to remind you. Have three things that are amazing about you in the back of your mind at all times so that you can let these qualities out while interacting out in the world.
3. Tune in to what you are doing, who you are with, whether you’re following your dreams, how you are feeling, and how your energy feels. Get in the habit of asking yourself if you feel 100% about each of these things. When it’s lower, let it go, lessen it or find ways to make it better with the goal of eventually living your life where everything and everyone is 100% on your list.
4. Have fun. Fun enhances confidence and makes for a fulfilling life. Try adding in fun to anything you do. What brings you joy, laughter and positive sparks of excitement? Do that.
5. STOP the comparing. 95% of people are in their heads worrying about what one another are thinking. They are always in doubt whether they look or act good enough. Choose to be different. Have that 20 seconds of courage and let out you.
6. Practice being authentic, vulnerable, real, raw, deep. Set the intention to not “try”, and instead just “be”.
7. Start today looking your best, so you will feel your best. Put on a suit, put on clothes that make you look your best. Add some lipstick. Wear a flowy skirt. Put on that extra necklace that pops. How you look definitely amps up how you feel and act.
8. Spend at least thirty minutes per day on personal development, self-help or spiritual growth.
9. Smile more!
10. Move. Your physiology shifts your mood and attitude. Do yoga, dance around your bedroom, work out. Endorphins kick in and your self-esteem gets a boost.
11. For information on my online life changing confidence course go to:

www.kimsconfidencecourse.com

Kim Somers Egelsee is a lifestyle expert and motivational speaker. She also has a critically acclaimed podcast. For more about this amazing lady, please visit www.kimlifecoach.com.

Cover photo: Clergy from all faiths show their solidarity in support of George Floyd. Inside photo- Protesters gather in front of Los Angeles City Hall to protest the senseless killing of George Floyd by police officers. Both photos by Kim Webster.

By Kim Webster

LOS ANGELES CA – Hundreds gathered on 1^st and Broadway to memorialize George Floyd on June 8, 2020.   He was murdered on May 25, 2020 by Minneapolis MN police officer Derek Chauvin who held his knee on Mr Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.  Mr Floyd pleaded saying, “I can’t breath,” and called for his Mother as he lay dying.  Symbolizing the 8 minutes and 46 seconds, clergy from various denominations prayed for 8 minutes followed by the crowd kneeling for 46 seconds in silence.  Afterward everyone chanted as they marched to rally at Los Angeles City Hall.

The Fountain of Praise church in Houston TX held the final home-going celebration on June 9, 2020.  Mr George Floyd was laid to rest near his Mother Larcenia Floyd at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Pearland TX.  May he rest in eternal peace as his spirit has inspired people around the world to seek Justice…

Protesters kneel for 8:46 seconds- the time a rogue officer held his knee on George Floyd’s neck until he died. Photo by Kim Webster.

Protesters of all religions, faiths and races gather in support of George Floyd. Photo by Kim Webster.

All Photos by Kim Webster.

By Kim Somers Egelsee

A Short Inspirational Message from an Inspirational Speaker

In 2020 we are dealing with a lot of darkness, politics, frustration and unfairness. Many times it can look and feel like the opposite of peace and love. It can be tempting to lash out, scream or give up. However, there is still a lot of good. We have laughter, kindness, nature and good people. We have animals, the ocean, smiles and entertainment.

We must hone In on the troubled souls, hurting youth, essential workers, stars and celebrities and those who can’t reach out. We need to reach them, teach them, tune into their troubles and send healing helpful vibes of grace, hope, faith and love. The smallest acts of spreading kindness make a difference.

Nothing is ever impossible. Please don’t give up. You can triumph, solve, heal, help and create change within yourself, your life and inspire others. Day by day, step by step the dance is possible, real and can be fixed and transformed.

Let go of guilt, grief, ask for help. Who cares? It’s so worth the pressure. No ego, no image, no brand, no reputation is worth discounting your emotions, your feelings, your life.

Find a reason to live. You deserve it. We deserve it.

Kim Somers Egelsee.

Kim Somers Egelsee is a top-selling author, life coach and inspirational speaker. See her article published in The Scoop LA, “14 Ways To Flow Through Fear.”  She also has a terrific podcast. For more information, visit her website at kimlifecoach.com.

Cover photo: Having trouble managing fear in these turbulent times? Read these tips to handle fear. Inside photo- Kim Somers Egelsee.

By Kim Somers Egelsee

There is a lot of chaos and turbulence going on all over the world. Being in fear only adds to the low vibrations. If we can work on shifting our mindset, we can shift our energy and add a positive vibration to the collective consciousness.

The only rational fears are those that truly protect us from danger.

Otherwise the good news is that fear is merely an illusion. Fear is something we invent. The only thing that gives it any power is when we listen to it.

So, since we create fear, that means we can shift it. Fear loses its power over us if we stop listening to it.  We can develop a huge foundation of positive power, love, confidence, enthusiasm, fulfillment, gratitude, wisdom, knowledge and more and flow through this emotion of fear.

Here are 14 ways to flow through fear:

1. Be true to yourself. Say no more. Only do the things and see the people that are 100% on your list. This adds joy, direction and focus, and because you are passionate and excited by all you’re doing and who you’re with, it’s very difficult for real fear to enter.

2. Know truly what you want in life, why you want it, who will help you, and what it will look and feel like when you get it. Knowing this for each goal, will fuel you and make you stronger than any fears that come up. Find out what’s been blocking you; doubts and objections that pop up, and create solutions for those. Think outside the box. What are 5 different ways I can make this happen?

3. Turn fear into childlike curiosity, fun and wonder. A lot of it is not knowing, so imagine the best, as a child would do. Make a vision board for added emphasis and place it where you can see it each day.

4. Immerse yourself into positive, energized focus with each task, goal and activity. Be so into it…so in the now you don’t have time for fear. We as humans experience this when doing things we love. A way to practice is to walk in nature and ask yourself; what are 3 things I see, 3 things I hear, 3 things I touch, 3 things I smell?

5. Be immersed and absorbed in what you do; in the flow. Breathe. Focus on love. Think of 5 things you love throughout the day. It is impossible to be in fear, while focusing on love.

6. Have awareness of what you’re afraid of. Where is it coming from? Next, shift it to the positive opposite. For example…if you are scared of what clients are thinking, you’re mixing worry with pessimism. Instead shift it into optimism, faith and confidence. Even if your mind argues with you, as long as you believe it even a little, it will create a shift.

7. Get feedback throughout. Ask for feedback from those you trust on how you’re doing and how you can be better. Get ideas from others on your gifts, talents and ways to succeed or overcome adversity.

8. Be persistent; it pays. Have a knowing that it will work out as its meant to. Let go more.

9. Have low self- centeredness; instead practice connection and collaboration, love, kindness and giving.

10. Visualize your outcome. See, feel, hear and experience it. Your mind doesn’t know the difference between what’s imagined and real, so imagine the best. This is why athletes do this.

11. Follow your heart, inner scale and intuition. Get grounded. Go out onto the grass with bare feet and imagine roots from your feet going deep into the earth. At the same time imagine your crown chakra (the top of your head) is connected to divine, and breathe. This will activate your intuition, center you and decrease fear and stress.

12. Expand your horizons, push yourself to go bold; train your mind that you are courageous.

13. Think of ways you conquered fears in the past. Think of one now…how did you feel? Remember past memories of you- be bold, brave and fearless.

14. Name each situation you are afraid of. Now re-frame it into a positive sentence. For example, I am scared of losing money. Instead you can state it as ; This situation is making me bold and brave, and thinking outside of the box for ideas and will serve me later with extra wisdom and strength. I am abundant and creative. Next imagine white light all around and within you pushing out any fear or darkness. Do this throughout the day.

I hope you can take these tips and create a transformation in your mind, heart and soul that will not only affect you positively, but those around you. Sending you all peace, love, health and prosperity.

-Kim

Happy Spring! In this challenging time, we all need to be uplifted and inspired and shift into higher consciousness. My podcast with Eden Sustin called Talk Purpose and Truth is a powerful way to grow, heal, awaken and evolve.

Binge listen to all 45 shows on iTunes, Spotify, iheart radio or click:

https://www.launchpaddm.com/pd/talkpurposeandtruths-podcast

Kim Somers Egelsee.

Kim Somers Egelsee is a top-selling author, life coach and inspirational speaker. Also, check out her article, “Triumph and Rise,” also in The Scoop LA.  She also has a terrific podcast. For more information, see above and visit her website at kimlifecoach.com.

Cover and Inside Photo- Bishop Rance Allen at the BET Celebration of Gospel published in 2013. Photo by Kim Webster.

By Kim Webster

On Saturday morning, October 31, 2020, I was listening to 102.3 KJLH radio when it was announced that Bishop Rance Allen, 71 years old, founder of the Rance Allen Group had made his transition.  According to VIBE on-line he was recovering from a “medical procedure” at Heartland ProMedica in Sylvania OH when he passed away.   He resided, with his wife Ellen, in Toledo OH where he founded and ministered the New Bethel Church of God in Christ in the mid 1980’s until his death.

The multi-talented vocalist, songwriter, guitarist and pianist was born in Monroe MI and created The Rance Allen Group in 1969 with his brothers Steve, Thomas, and Esau according to “Soulville, USA, The Story of Stax Records,” by Rob Bowman.  They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998, received several Grammy nominations, and were awarded Quartet of the Year and Traditional Group/Duo of the Year at the 2012 Stellar Awards.  In 2019 Snoop Dogg received the BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational Song, titled “Blessing Me Again” which featured Bishop Rance Allen.

It was always exciting when the The Rance Allen Group graced any event.   How wonderful that they performed at the White House for President Barack Obama in 2015. Memorable songs like “I Belong To You,” “Miracle Worker,” and “Something About The Name Jesus,” coupled with the release of over 20 albums cements The Rance Allen Group into gospel history.   Additionally, “Im So Glad It’s Christmas” was just released on October 30, 2020.  On a personal note, this photojournalist will truly miss Bishop Rance Allen’s smile on the red carpet.   Sincere condolences to his wife Ellen and his relatives.  May Bishop Rance Allen rest in eternal tranquility and peace…

The Rance Allen Group at the BET Celebration of Gospel, published in 2011 in The Scoop LA. Photo by Kim Webster.

Cover photo: Lovely, Mom Lakisha and Derrion Kennedy. Inside photo: D Jay, Father Josef, Alshell, Teaonna and Tyler Taylor. Both photos by Kim Webster.

By Kim Webster

LONG BEACH CA – It wasn’t the usual flurry of children being escorted by Santa’s Helpers to pick out toys, shoes and other items they wanted.  Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic the Christmas Store was a drive-thru held on the outdoor parking lot of the Hilton Hotel.  All items were pre-packaged and everyone wore masks.   Initially, Brenda Wilson and her twin sister Lynda Moran were not going to have the event this year because of the pandemic.  “We had so many calls from social service agencies saying  you got to do it,” said Ms Wilson.  “So we’re here to make it happen for our homeless and low income population,” she added.   Brenda Wilson and her twin sister Lynda Moran are the owners/operators of New Image Emergency Shelter in Long Beach.  They assist the homeless, low-income families, medically challenged head of household families, fire victims, and families affected by domestic violence.

Christiana & Mom Vida De Arce. Photo by Kim Webster.

The agency also assists the needs of individuals living in encampments.  During the holiday season they will be delivering toys, diapers for the babies and various other items.  “It saddens me that with such a need and requests that even today we’re probably serving just 50% of the number in need.  It’s strange times, strange times,” said Lynda Moran.   Anyone who needs assistance may call 562 822-7657 or go to www.newimageshelter.org.

L-R Lynda Moran, Brenda Wilson, Athena, Michael & Mom Annisa Intveld. Upper Background Lead Elf – Carla Johnson, Santa – James Lee and Security Elf Kimberley Davenport. Photo by Kim Webster.

Cover and Inside photo: Kim Somers Egelsee. Photo: Glenn Marsden.

By Kim Somers Egelsee

Author, Motivational Speaker Kim Somers Egelsee, who has a book, “Getting your life to a Ten Plus, Tips and Tools for Finding Your Purpose, Being in Your Power and Living an Amazing Life,” has some amazing tips on how to have your best 2022!

1. Make space for greatness by evaluating where you are now, how that is working for you, and where you would love to be next year.

2. Create 3 BIG goals you will achieve; “No Matter What” for 2022 and add the steps needed to achieve them. Add in why you want this to happen, what you’ll do differently to make these happen and how you’ll feel once the magic occurs.

3. Make a list of the people in your life now. Analyze who you want to spend more and less time with. Additionally, figure out who you want to add in.

4. Make a list of all of your best qualities inside and out. Now, place stars next to the attributes and qualities you will embrace, emphasize and let shine even more. Add in new items where you will improve and grow. Maybe you will become a better writer, or begin wearing brighter colors more often.

5. Plan your retreats and travels for the year ahead. This will motivate and inspire you to look forward to adventures, and fuel you to manifest the $ to do so.

6. Decide who will be your coach or mentor. We all need one to think outside of our own brain power. Also, join a mastermind group or find an accountability partner to talk with often to soar toward success. For more info go to www.kimlifecoach.com

Kim Somers Egelsee.

Kim Somers Egelsee is a top-selling author, life coach and inspirational speaker. Also, check out her article, “Triumph and Rise,” also in The Scoop LA.  She also has a terrific podcast. For more information, visit her website at kimlifecoach.com.

Cover: Glenn Marsden