August 18, 2023

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VOL. 38, No. 33

‘‘The Chargers opened preseason play.” See Page 5

Clarence Avant - ‘The Godfather of Black Music’ - Passes Away at 92 The World Mourns the Loss of Amazing Business Icon

By Denver Mackey, Contributing Writer

emeritus of the Black Business

Smith and Argentine, and

and later bought the first African American-owned FM radio station in Sussex and Tabu featured many well-known artists along the likes of Bill Withers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and the S.O.S Band. In the 1990s, Avant become a patron to many Black-owned radio stations throughout Los Angeles as well as headed Motown after Berry Gordy

credit Avant for his inspiration and guidance,’’ the statement said.

Avant’s passing motivated recording artists, elected officials, community leaders and more to commend his influential impact in the entertainment, sports, and political arenas. Tributes to Avant’s legacy were expressed by former President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, Mayor Karen Bass, Motown founder Berry Gordy, legendary musician Quincy Jones, NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Jones, and many others.

Accolades were also extended by close friends and colleagues in the battle for civil rights including Danny J. Bakewell, Sr, executive publisher of Bakewell Media; Charisse BremondWeaver, president/CEO of Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade where Avant served as Board Chairman; and Earl “Skip” Cooper II, chairman

Carolina, Avant left home at age 15 and moved to New Jersey to live with his aunt and cousin. In his early 20s, he began working as a manager at Teddy P’s Lounge.

Through his work at Teddy P’s, his career was launched after he met several musicians and executives. Also, Avant became a mentee of Joseph G. “Joe” Glaser, manager of Louis Armstrong, and applied what he learned from Glaser to his career.

With the knowledge gained from Glaser, Avant soon became music manager of many artists including R&B singer Little Willie John, jazz singers Sarah Vaughn, Kim Weston, Luiz Bonfa, Wynton Kelly, Freddie Hubbard, Pat Thomas, rock and roll artists Tom Wilson, jazz producer Creed Taylor, jazz musician Jimmy

New York, Avant served as an adviser, board member, and executive of National Association of Television and Radio Announcers and was a consultant to PlayTape. In 1966, Avant went on to establish Sussex Productions, Inc., an independent record production firm featuring Johnny Nash, Terry Bryant, Billy Woods, and the Judge and the Jury.

A year later, Avant would move from Manhattan to Beverly Hills to work at Venture Records, the space for the soul acts act MGM Records Inc., where he spearheaded the first joint venture between an African American artists and major record company.

After being shut down by MGM, Avant remained in Los Angeles and founded companies Sussex Records, Tabu, and Avant Garde Broadcasting

Not only was Avant immersed into the music industry, but he was also a major figure in the sports industry. Avant was a main facilitator in making lucrative commercial deals and producing primetime television specials featuring sports legends like Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, and Clarence Avant was not only a music and entertainment mogul. He was a fierce advocate for Black people and those less fortunate. He served for over two decades as Chairman of the Los Crusade. Under Avant’s time as Board Chairman, he and Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. built the Brotherhood Crusade into Southern California’s largest nonprofit institution providing technical assistance, financial support and other services to thousands of community residents and providing millions of dollars in funding to local community organizations and programs.

Avant along with his wife, Jacquie, were annual attendees at the Brotherhood Crusade’s Pioneers of Black Achievement Dinners where Avant along with his good friends, Don Cornelius and Danny Bakewell, Sr., transformed the gala into the most prestigious event in all of Black Los Angeles.

He was also a big supporter of Skip Cooper and the Los Angeles Black Business Association. Avant often lent his talent and resources to the

Continued on page 8

“Clarence Avant was one of our favorite people. He exemplified a certain level of cool and street smarts that allowed him to move confidently into worlds that nobody had prepared him for, never doubting he could figure it out. Clarence was part of a generation that served as a bridge from a time when there was very little opportunity for Black people to a time when doors began to open. He demanded the world make room, and he paved the way for the rest of us. Michelle and I will always be grateful for Clarence’s friendship and wise counsel. Our thoughts are with Nicole, Alex, Ted, and everyone whose life was touched by a truly remarkable man.” - President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

“Clarence Avant was a legend. He was always focused on who he could bring to the table and who he could lift up. From the music industry to the civil rights movement, he brought people together so we could all move forward. Often operating behind the scenes, Clarence, affectionately called “the Godfather of Black Music”, spent his career sharing advice, making connections, and widening the path for generations of others to follow. He mentored and molded hundreds of legendary Black artists, athletes, and producers, whose signature styles and songs of triumph and tragedy continue to move millions across our nation and throughout the world.

Clarence supported community leaders through some of the toughest moments of the civil rights movement and helped open doors for elected officials – from those at city hall and

in the halls of Congress, to the White House. He was generous, he was funny, and he was full of heart. He was my friend. Today, Doug and my

worked closely together during my time as President of the Brotherhood Crusade, where he served as Chairman of the Board for decades.

Brotherhood Crusade

“With the passing of Clarence Avant, the world lost an icon, his family lost

prayers are with Nicole, Alex, Ted, and all those who loved him.” - Vice President Kamala Harris

“There will never be enough words to express how much Clarence Avant meant to me. He was my dearest friend, my brother, my confidant, my mentor, and my counsel for more than 60 years. Clarence always told me the truth in every aspect of my life, even when he knew I didn’t want to hear it…and in this business we all know what a rarity that is. There will never be another like Clarence Avant, and I will miss his presence every day.” -

Quincy Jones

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend Clarence Avant. Clarence has been a dear and trusted friend for many years. We

Clarence was also the recipient of the Brotherhood Crusade Pioneers of Black Achievement Award. Clarence was a relentless warrior for the advancement of Black people not only within the entertainment world but throughout this nation. His undeniable influence will forever be felt, admired, and greatly appreciated by me and the countless other people who have benefited from his work and influence. My heart goes out to Nicole, Alex and Ted and the entire Avant/Sarandos family. The one gleaming bit of happiness that I can take from the very sad time is that Clarence and his beloved wife Jacqui are together again.”-

Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., Chairman and Executive Publisher of Bakewell Media, Founder/Creator Taste of Soul Family Festival, Board Chairman of the Los Angeles

their patriarch, and I lost a dear friend. Clarence earned his reputation as the Black Godfather for good reason. People, especially musicians and artists, went to him when they were in trouble and one way or another, he would fix the problem. Clarence was continuously engaged in the things that made a difference. He loved politics and was very involved with many charities. Of his numerous professional accomplishments - Clarence was most proud of his family - his beloved wife Jacqueline, his son Alex, his daughter Nicole, and her husband Ted Sarandos. My heart goes out to them. Our Black Godfather may be gone - but he will never be forgotten.” - Berry

Gordy Founder, Motown

Inglewood’s Centinela Hospital Will Cease Maternity Care

By Breanna Reeves

Centinela Hospital Medical Center announced it will close its Maternal Child Health Services on October 25, 2023. The hospital began serving residents of Inglewood, CA in 1924 and today remains the only hospital offering maternity service in the city of more than 100,000 residents.

Despite unveiling a newly remodeled maternity unit in December 2016, the demand for labor and delivery services has decreased over the last several years, down to fewer than two deliveries a day, according to a statement from Centinela Hospital Medical Center. The updated maternity unit included six LDR (Labor, Delivery, Recovery) birthing suites, 11 private postpartum rooms, C-section operating room, triage area and dual nursing stations in one central location.

Despite unveiling a newly remodeled maternity unit in December 2016, Centinela Hospital Medical Center will cease providing maternity care on October 25, 2023. (Image: Linkedin. com)

While the hospital at large will remain open and operating, residents in need of maternity care will have to turn to neighboring medical centers like Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital in Willowbrook and St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood.

“This transfer of services, effective late October, will allow Centinela to

serve more patients and expand bed capacity to areas of community need, such as behavioral health services, general medical surgical services, and more,” read a statement sent via email from Centinela Hospital.

Centinela Hospital’s troubled history

Recently, Centinela Hospital has been under scrutiny after the death of 31-year-old Inglewood resident April

Valentine in January, who complained of pain and swelling during labor. Her daughter was born by emergency cesarean section. Her family and loved ones called for the state to investigate the hospital’s involvement in her untimely passing.

up on a complaint filed against the hospital and conducted an evaluation between February 13, 2023 and February 18, 2023, noting observations from a sample size of patients. According to the evaluation, obtained by LAist in June, the hospital failed

Continued on page 8

City Council Meeting August 15, 2023

By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor

The council adopted a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 20222023 Budget to cover the payment of invoices for services provided by the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) for the months of June, July, August, and September 2023 in the amount of $150,000, and approved the immediate payment of the June 2023 invoice in the amount of $38,420.26.

The council approved an agreement with Norman A. Traub & Associates LLC (NATA) to provide preemployment background investigation services, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.

The council approved the First Amendment to Option and Structure Lease Agreement No. 21-056 with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC and approved authorization for the Chief of Police (or designee) to approve any additional, no cost amendments to the lease agreement, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney.

The council adopted a resolution offering a reward to any individual(s) who provides information leading to the identification, apprehension, and

conviction of the person(s) responsible for the death of Jose Samuel Galvez Pineda. At the request of Member Gray, Mayor Butts explained the circumstances under which the city offers cash rewards leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects.

In the wake of Valentine’s death, investigators from the California Department of Public Health followed Improvements Project, per Bid No. RFB-0157. Mayor Butts explained that intersections of Manchester and Cedar and Centinela and Market Streets had been the scene of fatal accidents justifying the Pedestrian Safety devices.

A representative from the Los

announced the D-1Small Business Economic Update which will be conducted on August 21t, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, at the Miracle Theater.

Member Padilla thanked everyone for coming out to the Annual Picnic and Chili Cook Off while extending a special thanks to the volunteers without whom the event would not have been possible. He announced that for the first time there was a tie between Greg Snead and the IPD team for the best chili.

The council approved Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 22-011 with Terry A. Hayes Associates, Inc., for Environmental Documentation and Technical Studies for the Inglewood Transit Connector Project (exercising the City’s option to extend the agreement one (1) additional year). The extension was required to study post Pandemic patterns.

The council awarded a contract and approved an agreement with Select Electric, Inc., to construct the Highway Safety Improvement Cycle 9 Program: HSIPL-5164 (035) Pedestrian Safety

Angeles County Assessor’s office addressed the council and announced that the City of Inglewood contributed significantly to the property valuation in the county with a 5.3% increase over the prior period.

Member Gray announced her Back to School event that will take place on Friday, August 18th, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, at Darby Park. The family event will feature not only free backpacks but also childhood immunizations, essentials giveaway, crafts, jobs an and health screenings. She also

Member Faulk announced the D-4 Backpack Event that will take place on August 19th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, at 11200 – 12350 Crenshaw Boulevard. She also announced the D-4 Let’s Get Healthy Dance Series which will be held on August 17, 24 and 31, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at the Crenshaw/Imperial Plaza Parking Lot. The series will feature Line Dancing, Zumba and Chicago Stepping. Member Faulk also announced the Morningside High School Alumni Weekend Activities that will begin on August 17th. A flyer, with the weekend details is available at Member Faulk’s office.

Before closing the meeting, Mayor Butts commended the City Clerk for her community outreach and activism.

Area Communities

Serving Ladera, Hawthorne, Westchester, Lawndale, Gardena, Carson

California Climate Action Corps Is Hiring!

The California Climate Action Corps is now accepting applications for its 11-month climate action fellowship starting in September 2023. Fellows will work with public agencies, tribes, nonprofits and schools throughout the state to engage communities in climate action and education.

As AmeriCorps members, selected fellows serve 1,700+ hours and learn real-world climate action skills through community projects, while being part of this unique program and statewide force of emerging leaders. Projects include urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery, wildfire resiliency and more initiatives to serve their communities.

California Climate Action Corps Fellows earn up to $43,000 in living stipends and money for school to pay educational expenses at eligible schools and training programs or repay qualified student loans. Learn how to apply.

Tina McKinnor Assemblymember

Sports & Entertainment The Chargers opened preseason play with a

34-17

win over the Rams

Here are five takeaways from the Bolts preseason opener:

Chargers.com

1. Rookies shine in debut

The bright lights were no problem for the Chargers 2023 draft class. And it was fourth-round rookie Derius Davis who stole the show early with an 81-yard punt return for a score.

Davis, who is in line to be the Bolts punt and kickoff returner, was the 2022 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year and had six career special teams scores at TCU.

He wasted little time finding the end zone for the first time in the pros when he took a punt a few minutes into the

second quarter, danced around a few Rams and bolted to pay dirt.

“We called a left return but I saw too many people on the left side,” Davis said. “I kind of slowed down a little bit to make them all gravitate toward the left.”

Davis’ TCU teammate, first-round wide receiver Quentin Johnston, also found the end zone on an 8-yard touchdown catch late in the first half.

Johnston was targeted early Saturday but couldn’t hang onto a pair of passes, including one deep down the right sideline, but he rallied with a score that came when his right shoe was actually

untied.

“It was alright,” Johnston said of his debut. “Not the best start, it was kind of rough but I bounced back with it at the end with the touchdown.

“At the end of the day, I’m not satisfied,” Johnston added. “Hopefully I’ll come back next week and do better.”

Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley added: “I love the way he got open on the long one. He really showed his separation and that was a tough one that didn’t go down. But for him top bounce back at the end of the half … get that matchup in the slot … he can make that guy miss and create separation and has

got that backline target zone we can really feature down there.”

Besides Johnston and Davis, a handful of other Bolts draft picks also fared well.

Second-rounder Tuli Tuipulotu looked sharp early and third-round linebacker Daiyan Henley had a pass breakup.

Jordan McFadden had some key blocks up front and Max Duggan helped lead a pair of scoring drives in the second half.

It was Davis though who provided the first jolt with his electric punt return.

“It felt like we were back in college,” Johnston said. “I wasn’t really surprised on the sideline.”

From the Podium: Raiders, Preseason Week 2

By Stu Jackson, Rams Senior Staff Writer

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Rams

offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn each held press conferences with local media Monday to recap the team’s preseason opener against the Chargers and look ahead to this week’s joint practices with the Raiders, as well as this Saturday’s preseason game against the Raiders.

Here are some of the highlights and key takeaways from those conversations, which you can watch in their entirety below.

“I thought, just within a series or two,

Matthew (Stafford) and I were talking about it today, just how much he settled in.” – LaFleur

LaFleur was pleased with what he saw from rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua in his first NFL action.

Nacua had three catches for 32 yards and one touchdown in Saturday’s preseason opener.

“I was really impressed with the way (Tre Tomlinson) was able to bounce up and make some of the correctable

mistakes from practice and apply them to the game.” – Morris

After experiencing some teachable moments throughout training camp playing on the outside, defensive back Tre Tomlinson showed he had learned from them in this past Saturday’s preseason game against the Chargers.

“I was sitting with the coaches (in the meeting room) and I said, ‘It was great to see some of the things that he failed at out here on some of the down the field balls or maybe getting a penalty, he was able to not get a penalty in the game,’” Morris said.

“No, that was (Tanner Brown’s), as best I can remember, I think that’s his first miss inside of 50 all of camp. So (he’s) been very accurate.” – Blackburn

BUPPIE | BUSINESS

California Study: Most Black Women Voters Are Financially Insecure

By Antonio Ray Harvey| California Black Media

A study released last week by the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CBWCEI) presents a grim picture of the financial stability of Black women voters in the state.

A total of 1,258 women participated in the poll used in the study. Their answers give insight into the web of challenges Black women across California confront daily.

“Black women in California and around the country are struggling socially and economically while serving as primary breadwinners of their households,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of CBWCEI. “The results are sobering and paint a picture of the pressures that threaten Black women’s stability and financial security. This data is a call to action for meaningful change to policymakers, advocates and community leaders to address these pressing issues and disparity gaps.”

The survey conducted by EVITARUS, a Black-owned public opinion research and public policy consulting firm based in Los Angeles, provides an in-depth analysis of Black women’s opinions about state and federal elected officials. It also reveals CBWCEI’s top policy priorities for enhancing the well-being of women and girls in California.

Top among the issues Black women face are racial discrimination, lack of opportunities for career advancement, adverse mental and physical health conditions, pay inequity, parenting challenges, among other serious issues.

EVITARUS Managing Partner Shakari Byerly served as the principal investigator and lead researcher on the study. She said the survey reveals the financial and economic burdens that Black women confront as they contribute to their families, communities and the state.

Griffin, Byerly, Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), and Dr. Thomas A. Parham, President, California State University Dominguez Hills held a virtual media briefing on Aug. 8 to discuss the study’s results.

“This type of project is exactly why the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) pushed to have the California Black women think tank funded through the legislature,” said Wilson, who chairs the CLBC. “California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute received $5 million in funding from Gov. (Gavin) Newsom to launch this first-ever think tank to focus on Black women in California.”

Titled “The California Black Women Voters’ Quality of Life Survey,” the 26-slide PowerPoint presentation makes public the opinions of Black women

who took the survey between May 24 and June 6.

The results reflect political party, age, profession, income, and geographical and other demographic information about the participants.

Byerly said EVITARUS had “good coverage” in terms of selecting women who were eligible and active voters.

Eighty percent of the women who took the poll voted in the November 2022 General Election.

“We have a probability-based model used for who might be identified as Black, but then we also had a pool of the general voting public who were allowed to participate,” Byerly said.

“We did a screen to determine whether they identified as Black and also as a woman, either they were cisgender or transgender.”

Approximately 40% of those polled stated that systematic racism and discrimination have hampered their income and earning abilities, which sheds a light on the structural inequalities faced by Black women, according to the survey.

Not having enough cash saved for retirement (77%), maintaining or achieving financial stability (76%) and

being unable to make ends meet (70%) were among primary concerns.

Nearly two-thirds of Black women reported having difficulty coping with stress, reflecting the emotional toll of navigating social and economic pressures.

The study found that nearly 2 in 5 Black women work multiple jobs yet still struggle to meet basic expenses. The researchers say this is due to inflation and the rising cost of living in California. Among Black women who are employed, two-thirds are the primary breadwinners in their households.

Among other key findings, Black women are highly engaged and active participants in the democratic process. An overwhelming 90% of Black women reported voting or intending to vote in the November 2022 election, underscoring their high level of civic engagement, with 86% indicating it is crucial for Black people to vote in every election.

In addition, 89% of Black women emphasized the importance of having Black representatives in elected office, reflecting their desire for diverse and inclusive political leadership. Among California’s 2.5 million Black

population, Wilson said there are over 1 million Black women and girls in the state.

Assembly Bill (AB) 179, which was championed by Wilson, paved the way for the creation of CBWCEI, a non-profit “think tank” focused on improving structures and practices that impact the lives of Black women and girls across the state.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a trailer budget legislation in September 2022 allowing the think tank to receive $5 million from the state to conduct such studies. The think tank is housed at California State University at Dominguez Hills.

CBWCEI also serves as a resource for lawmakers, elected officials, business leaders, and advocacy organizations. The poll on Black women voters is the first public project of the think tank.

“It is essential that we do all that we can to protect them,” Wilson said. “We need real data on the experiences of Black women so that the legislators, anyone involved in advocacy positions, can make meaningful policies that would drive the change we need to improve their lives.”

“Clarence served as the Chairman of the Board of the Brotherhood Crusade for almost 2 decades. His work, support, and impact to help build and grow this institution is undeniable. With his support the Brotherhood Crusade has been able to support thousands of community-based organizations and millions of individuals. We thank Clarence Avant and the entire Avant family for their continuous support of our organization and our hearts go out to his family, Nicole, Alex and Ted during this difficult time.” - Charisse

Bremond-Weaver, President and CEO, Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade

“It is difficult to process the loss of Clarence Avant. Clarence was an ally and mentor to me and many others who followed the trail he blazed. As one of the leading architects of the Black entertainment business, he expanded opportunities for executives of color and supported us along our journey. Clarence Avant positively impacted my life the moment he walked into it, filling a void that I did not know existed. Clarence is the closest person to a father that I ever had. He often would say, “Life is about numbers… you’re born with a number, and you leave earth with a number…”. And he was right, but what Clarence also showed me is life is about the number of lives you impact while you are here.

I am forever grateful for Clarence’s tough love and encouragement. I am also thankful to Mrs. Avant, Nicole, Alex, and Ted for sharing Clarence with all of us.” -

John Platt, Chairman/ CEO, Sony Music Publishing

“Rest in peace to the legendary, game changing “Black Godfather” and my great friend Clarence Avant. His accomplishments speak for themselves. As a former music manager, he found two record labels and purchased the first fully Black owned radio station. He consulted many major studios in the 1970s and advised Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama. he also served as Chairman of Motown Records, promoted Michael Jackson’s BAD Tour and is responsible for discovering many of the most incredible music artist we know today. He knew how to touch every individual he met and meet them where they were in order to get them where they needed to be. I get solace in knowing he is reunited with his love, Jacqueline once again in Heaven. We will miss you dearly my friend! Cookie and I are praying for his children Nicole and Alex and all his loved ones during this difficult time.”

- Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Basketball Hall of Famer, Businessman and Philanthropist

“I was so very sad on the passing of my good friend Clarence Avant. But I’m also thankful that I can call Clarence Avant a personal friend. My admiration for Clarence began before I moved to Los Angeles in 1972 from Oakland when he created Sussex Records, and I attended a reception for one of his recording artist’s new songs that was released. Clarence did so much for so many without recognition throughout his lifetime. I can only echo all of the accolades from so many

people throughout the world. I express my sincere condolences to his children Nicole and Alex on the passing of their father. There will never, ever be another Clarence Avant.” - Earl ‘Skip’ Cooper II, Board Chairman Emeritus, Black Business Association

“Clarence Avant leaves a legacy that will inspire music and culture forever. Mr. Avant gave so much to Los Angeles — producing a sound that influenced generations while ceaselessly fighting for civil rights and equal treatment under the law. I had the great fortune to have been able to engage Mr. Avant in insightful and valuable conversations about the top issues that our city and nation were facing and I will always be grateful for the time we shared. Mr. and Mrs. Avant changed Los Angeles with their vision, their spirit, and their philanthropy. My thoughts are with the Avant family and all who mourn this massive loss.” – Los Angeles

Mayor Karen Bass

“Clarence Avant was a mentor and friend. While most recognize him for his deal making genius, I was fortunate enough to have his wisdom, support and counsel as a political savant. He never mixed his words and always stood on the side of the people. There were no big I’s and no little you’s in Clarence’s world. He made everyone feel the same greatness he possessed. I’m grateful for the many calls returned and the many calls received from him. He is our ‘forever’ Black Godfather.” -

Minyon Moore

“Clarence Avant has left a legacy that will impact the entertainment industry for centuries because he used his personal seat at the table to change the narrative and open the door for countless generations of African Americans. He was the alpha and the omega of social activism and never once charged anyone for the millions of dollars he placed in the pockets of countless athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs. His life and commitment provided the bridge that hundreds of thousands have crossed.”

- Cathy Hughes, TV One

“Clarence Avant was a visionary entrepreneur and changemaker who redefined the entertainment industry and opened doors for countless Black artists and executives through his mentorship and guidance. Beyond his incomparable career in the entertainment world, Avant was a passionate voice for equal rights whose wide-ranging influence made an impact on important figures in politics and sports. Avant’s legacy carries on in the many lives he changed and the generations of aspiring talents he continues to inspire. Our hearts are with Avant’s remarkable family and everyone mourning his loss.” –

California Governor Gavin Newsom

“Clarence Avant’s extraordinary musical legacy has been felt for decades and will be felt for decades to come. He will be remembered as both a brilliant catalyst and protector of culture. His understated yet powerful

influence transcended music, spanning the worlds of entertainment, sports, and politics. I am profoundly grateful for his friendship and mentorship. We have lost an incomparable visionary whose brilliance, humor, irreverence, and love made the world a better place. On behalf of everyone at UMG, we offer our deepest condolences to Nicole, Ted, and Alex and to their entire family.” -

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group

“Absolutely crushed to lose you, Clarence Avant. As one of your Godchildren I don’t know a world without you since I have known you quite literally my whole life. We will miss your wit, char, encouragement, and support of others, you love for your family… What a rich and beautiful & powerful legacy you leave behind. Reunited with the love of our life…. Beautiful Jacquie. Rest well eternally, sending all my love to my Alex and Nicole and Ted and family. Rodney and I love you all and are always here for you.”

- Holly Robinson-Peete, Entertainer

“Upon meeting Clarence Avant in the mid 1980s, one could see that he was a man whose letters of his name described him perfectly. He was personally Courageous, Legendary, Authentic, Respected, Essential, Nurturing, Classy & Extraordinary. That’s what we felt the first time we met him and the love of his life, Jacquie. We quickly realized that as couples we were married and moved to Los Angeles the same year, 1967. They would have celebrated their 56th anniversary this month in August. We were both collectors. We celebrated many birthdays and anniversaries together and realized we had many mutual friends and introduced each other to each other’s friends. We have fond memories most recently of when we collaborated and hosted a dinner at our home for Ms. Artis Lane. Then COVID hit, which limited time together, and a year later Jacquie was gone. It’s been hard to think of him without her and now they will be together again, this time forever. The Earth Tilted a Little as You Both Made Your Exit.

Clarence and Jacquie, we are all grateful for the blessing of your friendship. The world is a much better place because of you. May you rest in Joy, Peace, and Love. You are both missed immeasurably.” – Bernard & Shirley

Kinsey

“Clarence Avant was more than a trail blazer in the music industry, he was a Black leader who lifted others up to realize their potential. An entrepreneur, adviser to many including Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, and President Barack Obama, Mr. Avant never sought the limelight for himself - he was too busy making others shine. Clarence Avant left all of us a study in humility, perseverance, and utility. He will be missed.” - Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case # 23TRCP00282

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Petitioner: Enrico Fulton Cottle, 13813 Spinning Ave., Gardena, CA 90249, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, 1 E. Regent St., Inglewood, CA 90301, to change his name.

FROM: Enrico Fulton Cottle-TO: Enrico Abdishakur Fulton Bilal-Cottle

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on, August 25, 2023, 9:30 AM, Dept. 8, Room 504, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Publication Dates: July 27; August 3, 10, 17, 2023.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case # 23STCPO2840

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Petitioner: Juana Sosa, 1416 S. Norton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90019, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, to change her name.

FROM: Juana Sosa-TO: Joanna Sosa

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on, September 25, 2023, 9:30 AM, Dept. 26, Room 316, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Publication Dates: August 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case # 23TRCP00239

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Petitioner: Aaron Love Coleman, 13020 Kornblume Ave., #47, Hawthorne CA 90250, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, One Regent St., Inglewood, CA 90301, to change his name.

FROM: Aaron Love Coleman-TO: Aaron Lamont Troy Coleman

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on, July 21, 2023, 9:30 AM, Dept. 8, Room 504, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Publication Dates: August 17, 24, 31; September 7, 2023.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2023134885

The following Person is doing business as:

B-Clean Plumbing 339 West 91st Street Los Angeles, CA 90003

Registered Owner(s): Maynor Betancourth, 339 West 91st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003

This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on June 20, 2023.

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Maynor Betancourth, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on June 20, 2023

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

Original August 17, 24, 31; September 7, 2023

IT0042230120020377 Inglewood Today

organization to ensure that whatever endeavors the BBA hosted that it was successful and able to serve its mission of helping build and expand Black Business throughout the city.

In addition, “The Black Godfather” was always an advocate for those in need of help and fought for what’s right, even when he wasn’t trying to. No story exemplifies the honor and nobility of Clarence Avant more than the saga of Sixto Rodriguez, a Mexican American folk singer signed to Avant’s Tabu Records.

Originally, Rodriguez and his music were not very popular here in the United States; however, the fight to end apartheid in South Africa was what Sixto sang about. His music became a cultural classic, selling millions of

records underground in South Africa even though his music was banned by the government and illegal for citizens to own.

The account of Sixto and his music was eventually told in the documentary, “Searching for Sugarman,” which propelled the artist into a life of fame and birthed a cult following that originally eluded him. The resulting fame combined with the fight for freedom and an end to apartheid also justified Avant’s belief in Rodriguez’s star power.

The Associated Press reported another example of Avant’s skill in recognizing potential stars. AP wrote that Avant called former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young when Young was running for Congress in Georgia.

neighborhoods of South Los Angeles.

“He said, ‘In Georgia, you’re running for Congress?’” Young later told CNN. “He said, ‘Well, if you’re crazy enough to run, I’m crazy enough to help you.’” Avant, whom Young had never met, brought in Isaac Hayes and other entertainers for a benefit with 30,000 attending in the rain. Young added, “And he never sent us a bill.”

Clarence Avant also served as an adviser and worked in official and unofficial capacities for Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Barack Obama.

Avant earned several commendations in the years to follow. In 2016, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in 2018, received the President’s Merit Award as a Grammy Icon at the Clive Davis Pre GrammyGala in Los Angeles.

He was presented with the Ahmet Ertegun award in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 alongside notable inductees such as Bill Withers and was recognized by Vice President Harris and former President Obama. Avant was married to his late wife Jacqueline “Jacquie” Alberta Gray for more than 50 years. Cherishing his memory are his two children, Nicole, and Alexander. Nicole Avant is a former U.S. ambassador, political adviser, and film producer, and is married to Ted Sarandos of Netflix. His son, Alex Avant, is an agent, producer and actor based in Los Angeles.

Executive Editor Danny J. Bakewell, Jr., Managing Editor Cora JacksonFossett, Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this article.

to deliver standard of care on more than one occasion and across different services.

The report noted on multiple occasions that the hospital failed to “implement interventions to reduce the risk of blood clot formation” in four of five sampled patients in the Labor and Delivery Unit. The report also addressed inadequate nursing services and documented the hospital’s failure to “ensure adequate staffing by assigning a registered nurse to provide care to four of four sampled patients.”

Although the closure of maternity services at Centinela will mean that Inglewood residents will lose immediate access to necessary services, some believe that the hospital has not delivered the standard of care for a long time.

Raena Granberry, an Inglewood resident and the director of Maternal and Reproductive Health at the California Black Women’s Health Project, has spent years doing birth equity work in the community and beyond.

Granberry explained that the closure of maternity services at Centinela will contribute to an existing “medical desert” in Inglewood and surrounding

“It does create a void here, but at the same time, there was always sort of a void here, even with that hospital and that maternity ward being here,” Granberry said, frankly. “I’m a resident and the truth is the majority of people did not want to go to the Centinela Hospital to have their babies.”

But Granberry recognized that while some residents chose treatment at other facilities, other people with less resources in the community relied on Centinela’s maternity services. She also acknowledged that seeking maternity services at neighboring medical centers in higher income cities won’t guarantee equitable and adequate care either.

Looking back as a way forward Centinela’s decision to end maternity services may be an opportunity to return to the “ancestral practice” and utilize midwives, birth centers and other community-based practices, according to Granberry.

“There should be an investment in more communities as a model,” she said. “I really, really want to stress the need for investment in midwives. It’s just really important to me because I see the difference in the care that is provided there.”

In California, there are roughly 1,200 certified nurse midwives and 500 licensed midwives, according to a report from the California Health Care Foundation on the state of maternity care. Certified nurse midwives are registered nurses who graduate from a nurse-midwifery program and often practice in hospital settings. A licensed midwife is an individual who has undergone training and is licensed to practice midwifery in the state, and often practice in birthing centers and homes.

Studies have found that birthing people who receive midwifery care are less likely to deliver by cesarean section, less likely to have a low birthweight infant and lower rates of complications.

“In my opinion, those types of things and investment in midwifery could really help in an instance where there is no hospital nearby,” Granberry stated. “Most midwives are mobile, and they will come to you. Investment there absolutely could help outcomes in our area and just access in our area.”

Granberry participates in an initiative called Cherished Futures for Black Moms and Babies in which community advisors and hospitals collaborate on

implementation plans, discuss harsh truths and work with hospitals on finding solutions. Hospitals participating in the initiative have created Black parent committees and conducted Black patient surveys.

“Hospitals like Centinela had the opportunity to participate in initiatives like that, and they chose not to, so there’s a barrier there,” Granberry explained. “I don’t want to call it an unwillingness, but there are solutions and ways to work with their community to do better.”

Across Los Angeles and beyond, community-based organizations and community partners have made strides in addressing health equity by using community-centered models. With the growth of birth centers like Kindred Space LA, doula programs like Frontline Doulas, locally-funded initiatives such as Black Infants and Families Los Angeles and Black Infant Health Program and growing access to midwives, Granberry believes they will all contribute to the solution of improving the state of Black maternal health outcomes.

This article is published as part of the Commonwealth Health Equity Reporting Fellowship.

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