C e l e b r a t i n g 2 7 Ye a r s o f Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities
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EYE ON THE CITY Rams
Chargers
January 6-12, 2022 VOL. 37, No. 01
By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
Clippers
Future Charger?
Devon McGrew Jr., the great grandson of Inglewood Today Executive Publisher Willie Brown, scored four touchdowns in THE Prospects by Sports Pinnacle National Championship game on Dec. 30. The nine-year old McGrew plays quarterback, running back and linebacker for the Crescent City Chargers of New Orleans. Here he is shown with his championship ring and MVP belt.
& Lakers
‘Streaking Rams set sights on San Francisco 49ers’... See Page 5
Win And In
If this was a year ago the season would be over and the Chargers would be playoff bound with their 9-7 record. But it’s not! Thus, the Chargers plan on qualifying for the post season in rookie head coach Brandon Staley’s debut they will have to beat division rival Raiders in Las Vegas on Sunday Night Football. Both teams arrive at this destination with identical 9-7 records, but that is where all similarities end. Since the teams last met on Oct. 4 at SoFi Stadium, Raiders head coach Jon Gruden was forced to resign after just five games when an email scandal revealed he made disparaging and racial comments while employed at ESPN. Deadspin dubiously selected Since then, Interim coach Rich Gruden as IDIOT OF THE YEAR. Bisaccia has also had to deal with a number of other distractions, namely the fatal drunk driving crash that forced the team to release star receiver Henry Ruggs III but had managed the keep the team focused. The Chargers won the first game 2814, as tight end Jared Cook, running back Austin Ekeler and receiver Donald Parham joined franchise quarterback Justin Herbert in starring roles. Nonetheless The Silver & Black can make its first playoff appearance in 19 seasons if they can avenge that defeat. They will have to achieve that without rookie cornerback Nate Hobbs who was arrested on a misdemeanor DUI charge. Raiders Hall of Fame Coach John Madden and NFL icon death has
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seemingly fueled the Raiders as they kept their playoff hopes alive with an upset victory over the Colts last week. Quarterback Derek Carr is the main reason the Raiders are in position. Albeit often maligned and inconsistent, Carr has been clutch when necessary and ranks 8th among QBs with 4,618 yards with 21 TDs and 14 interceptions. Herbert on the other hand has been worldly brilliant, tossing 35 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. He’s also rushed for 301 yards and another 3 touchdowns. Ekeler has been the Bolts other unsung hero, leading the team in rushing with 847 yards and 11 touchdowns. Both of these teams have been like Jekyll and Hyde. The Raiders lost to the woeful
Giants, Bears and The Washington Football Team. The Chiefs beat them by a combined 89-23 in their two meetings. However, they beat playoff bound squads Cowboys, Eagles and Colts. Meanwhile, the Chargers on one week can appear to be a Super Bowl contender and then the head scratchers. Loses to the Ravens 34-6, the Vikings at home and the Texans on the road. This is a team that beat both playoff bound Chiefs and Bengals. Go Figure… One of these teams is going to enter into an off season of disappointment. It will sting a lot more for the Chargers than it would for the Raiders which will bring in a new head coach. The Bolts were expected to be in this position and a defeat will be utter failure for this team and head coach.
Rams And Pepsi To Purchase Meals For Fans Visiting The Serving Spoon Jan. 6 IT News Wire
Leading up to the Rams Inspire Change game against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium on Jan. 9, the Rams and Pepsi are teaming up to purchase meals for fans and Los Angeles residents that visit The Serving Spoon located at 1403 Centinela Ave, Inglewood on Jan. 6 as part of Pepsi’s Dig In program designed to support Black-owned restaurants and the
people behind them. The initiative is part of the Los Angeles Rams’ Inspire Change efforts that aim to create solutions that address community barriers and highlight stories and moments in Rams’ history that have inspired change on and off the field. Launched in 2019, Inspire Change is a league-wide platform that
When & Where: Thursday, Jan. 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT (Note: Fans must visit the restaurant during the listed 4-hour time window to receive a free meal. Meals will be provided while supplies last.)
Continued on page 7
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January 6-12, 2022
EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON
ALEX PADILLA
JAMES BUTTS
ELOY MORALES
DIONNE FAULK
AROUND THE CITY
Redistricting Monitors Say Their Efforts Helped Protect the Black Vote
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
An advocacy group that fights for fair political representation of African Americans in California says it is pleased with the results of the state’s recent redistricting process.
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Last year, the California Black Census and Redistricting Hub coalition, a.k.a. the Black Hub, led a grassroots initiative to ensure the state’s electoral map drawing process did not water down the voting power of African Americans across the state. Last week, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) delivered finalized maps for the state’s U.S. Congress, State Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization voting districts to the Secretary of State’s office. The maps of the state’s electoral districts -- updated once every decade to reflect the 2020 census count of population shifts and other demographic changes -will be used until 2031 to determine political representation in all statewide elections. “All things considered, the (CCRC) had an arduous task. We commend their commitment to including Black voices in the redistricting process,” said James Woodson, policy director of the Black Hub. Woodson said, in the Black Hub’s view, the CCRC did the best job possible within the rules of the “linedrawing process” to not disenfranchise “Black communities of interest.” “Even in the areas where we didn’t get the perfect outcome, their attempts to consider the feedback of Black residents were fair. We are satisfied with the results,” Woodson continued. Over the last three months, the CCRC drew four Board of Equalization districts, 52 Congressional districts, 40 Senatorial districts, and 80 Assembly districts. During the process, the Black Hub coalition submitted draft maps to the commission based on community
feedback they collected from hosting 51 listening sessions throughout California. The hub’s renderings, intended to guide the CRC’s decisionmaking process, reflected ideal boundaries for greater equity in redistricting while simultaneously identifying opportunities to protect and increase Black political representation. The Black Hub is a coalition of over 30 Black-led and Black-serving grassroots organizations focused on racial justice throughout California. Two years ago, the alliance organized another initiative to maximize the participation of Black Californians in the 2020 Census count. CRCC Chair Isra Ahmad, who is employed as a Senior Research Evaluation Specialist with Santa Clara County’s Division of Equity and Social Justice, said the commission welcomed the feedback of people across the state. “We drew district maps in an open and transparent manner that did more than merely allow public input -- we actively sought and encouraged broad public participation in the process through a massive education and outreach program, afforded to us by the delay in receiving the census data,” she explained. The CRCC is composed of five Democrats, five Republicans, and four Californians unaffiliated with either political party. They represent a variety of personal and professional backgrounds and come from different parts of the state. During the map drawing process, the commission received letters and comments from a wide range of interested citizens, activists and
advocacy organizations, all offering suggestions for how the CCRC should set geographic boundaries for districts. Often times, those requests offered opposing ideas. “This was a very complicated process to understand and there were so many people who organized calls, developed social media campaigns and distributed information,” states Kellie Todd Griffin, Convening Founder of the California Black Women’s Collective, which launched a public awareness campaign to increase Black Californians participation in the CCRC public hearings. “Their actions helped ensure that the voices of our community were heard and valued when understanding our interest and our assets. It’s important that we keep this engagement active and continue to elevate the voice of California’s Black population.” Last November, the California Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP informed the CCRC that it was “prepared to take legal action” if draft maps released to the public for comment last fall remained the way they were drafted. Rick Callender, president of the California-Hawaii NAACP, said those iterations of the Assembly and Senate district maps for Los Angeles County and areas of the East Bay would have diluted Black political power. Los Angeles County and the East Bay are regions in the state where the highest numbers of Black Americans live. During a news conference held before the commissioners delivered their final report to Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office, the CCRC said Continued on page 7
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January 6-12, 2022
“An Exceptional Man”: Black Leaders Remember Willard H. Murray Tanu Henry | California Black Media
Black leaders in California are remembering the life and accomplishments of Willard H. Murray Jr., an engineer and United States Air Force vet, elected to the California Assembly in 1988. He served in the State Legislature for eight years until he termed out in 1996. Murray died on Dec. 20 of natural causes. He was 91. “It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to our former Chair and colleague, the Honorable Willard H. Murray, Jr., who passed away yesterday afternoon,” read a statement the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) released the same day. “Willard Murray, Jr. was an exceptional man and public servant.” In the Assembly, Murray represented California’s 52nd Assembly District in Southern California. Murray and his son, Kevin Murray made history as the first father-andson duo to serve in the Assembly simultaneously. The younger Murray represented the 47th Assembly district which covered a part of Los Angeles. Later, he won the 26th Senate district seat based in Culver City. Murray worked in government for more than 25 years at various levels. Before he was elected to the
Assembly, he worked for former California Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Congressman Mervyn Dymally (D-CA-31). In addition to serving as an adviser to the California Senate Democratic Caucus, Murray also served on the staffs of former Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty and two
former Los Angeles City Councilmembers, Robert Farrell and Billy Mills. In the Assembly, he chaired the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration and served on a number of other committees. A civil rights activist in the 1960s, Murray’s political and legislative priorities included education, criminal justice, economic development and healthcare. In 1998, Murray was also elected to serve on the board of the Water Replenishment District (WRD) of Southern California. He also served on the board of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the largest water public agency in the United States. “Willard had a long, distinguished career as a leader and public servant in our state. He was giant in the water industry and a champion for the districts he served,” Dale Hunter, Executive Director of the California
African American Water Education Foundation (CAAWEF), told California Black Media. Hunter said Murray introduced African American professionals, including himself, to the water industry, teaching them the ins and outs, mentoring them, and guiding them so that they moved ahead in their careers. “Willard truly made a difference,” Hunter continued. “He was not afraid of diving into policy and making changes that needed to happen. I’m thankful for his contributions and saddened by him leaving us. I’m also grateful for his teaching. I definitely would not be where I am if it were not for his influence.” Murray earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northridge State, a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, and MBA from Loyola Marymount University. In 1956, he married Barbara Farris Murray. The couple had two children, Kevin and Melinda, who are both attorneys. “We mourn with the friends and loved ones of Willard H. Murray, Jr. and celebrate his life and tremendous legacy as a public servant,” the CLBC statement continued. “May he rest in peace.”
People Who California Sterilized Can Now Apply for Reparation Payments Tanu Henry | California Black Media
People who the state of California had a hand in forcing or coercing to undergo vasectomies or get their tubes tied are now eligible for compensation. The payments will come from a $7.5 million state fund. Some of those victims, both men and women, were sterilized without their consent or knowledge. “California is committed to confronting this dark chapter in the state’s past and addressing the impacts of this shameful history still being felt by Californians today,” said Gov. Newsom last week when he announced the program which began Jan 1 and is included as a line item in the state’s 2021-22 budget. The Governor’s office estimates that there about 600 survivors, eligible and alive, who underwent the now-illegal method of birth control either at state medical facilities or in prison. The survivors have until Dec. 31, 2023 to apply for compensation. $4.5 million of the fund will be used for payments evenly divided among people who apply and are approved. Each will receive a check for an amount up to $25,000 dollars. Another $2 million will be used for public information campaigns promoting the program. $1 million will be used to create and install
commemorative plaques at locations where “the wrongful sterilization of thousands of vulnerable people” happened, according to the Governor’s office. Last year, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) wrote and introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1007 that proposed the program and served as the basis for funding the policy, which was included in the state budget after negotiations with legislative leaders. Carillo said the launch of the program represents a victory that “comes to fruition after decades of advocacy.” She also highlighted the fact most of the victims were low-income, living with disabilities, or were people of color. “We often discuss a woman’s right to choose, which includes the choice of becoming a mother, to become a parent. California’s eugenics laws have taken that away from many people,” said Carillo. “This is only the first step in addressing this wrong.” She was referring to the practice, legal in California, that authorized state-run healthcare facilities to sterilize people that they considered “unfit for reproduction.” “The compensation finally admits that California was in violation of human rights and reproductive justice.
As a state, we must and can do more to recognize the horrific impact of eugenic sterilization programs on California families, and the devastating consequences of this failed attempt to eradicate populations.” California’s sterilization law remained in effect from 1909, when the Assembly approved it, until 1979 when it was overturned. During that period, an estimated 20,000 people were sterilized. In 2003, Gov. Gray Davis issued an apology to survivors. “California led the way in eugenics as legislation was copied across the United States and used as a model for Adolf Hitler throughout World War II,” according to a statement Carillo’s office released. State-sponsored sterilizations, however, continued in California prisons at least until 2010, according to the State Auditor’s office. That policy was banned in 2014. Survivors can apply for payments through California’s Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Compensation Program, according to Gov Newsom’s office. The California Victim Compensation Board is responsible for administering the program. The board says the identities of applicants will be kept confidential and
payments will not impact a claimant’s trust, or Medicaid or Social Security status or benefits. The state will also not consider compensation survivors receive as income for state tax or child support purposes. Gov. Newsom said the program is part of a broader state initiative to redress historical injustices. “While we can never fully make amends for what they’ve endured, the state will do all it can to ensure survivors of wrongful sterilization receive compensation,” the governor said. To apply, survivors should visit www.victims.ca.gov/fiscp, reach out to CalVCB at 800-777-9229, or send an email to fiscp@victims.ca.gov to obtain an application. They can also send a letter to P.O. Box 591, Sacramento, CA 95812-0591.
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January 6-12, 2022
Area Communities S e r v i n g L a d e r a , H a w t h o r n e , W e s t c h e s t e r, L a w n d a l e , G a r d e n a , C a r s o n
Inglewood’s newest book store, “The Salt Eaters”, opens its doors By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
The wait is over in downtown Inglewood as the highly-anticipated bookshop, The Salt Eaters, is officially open for business. The December 19 opening weekend was a refreshing success filled with community support, just as expected. The company’s GoFundMe page brought in an impressive $65,000 at the beginning of its founding story, when owner Asha Grant proposed the idea via social media. “There aren’t enough words to describe how blissful this opening weekend was with you all. It was so incredible meeting so many of you who donated to help make the dream a reality and have been following us and rooting us on from the jump,” said Grant on the company Instagram page. in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. The Salt Eaters Bookshop GoFundMe The Salt Eaters Bookshop is located Asha Grant, an Inglewood native and Spelman College alumna embarked Los Angeles residents, and supporters page which helped Grant secure near the corner of South Market Street and East Queen Street. on her journey to open The Salt Eaters from all over the country, donated to funding for the Inglewood location.
California Adds Twist to New CDC Advice on Quarantines
Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media
The Monday after Christmas, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shortened its COVID-19 quarantine recommendation by half. That same day, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Twitter that California will follow suit, recommending a five-
day isolation period instead of the state’s former guidance of 10 days. “California will align with the CDC’s updated guidelines for isolation and quarantine time,” Newsom tweeted. However, California’s updated guidance differs from the CDC’s Continued on page 7
Have a suggestion for the ‘Community Chest’ column? Tell us who’s uplifting our community! Inglewood Today’s ‘Community Chest’ column is a weekly space dedicated to highlighting and recognizing those in our community who are making a positive impact. From residents’ acts of kindness, to small business owners, activists, organization leaders, community volunteers, scholars, and more, we want to hear about all of the great people in our neighborhoods who are making a difference. Contact our column writer, Brea Mitchell, to suggest or pitch a story for our Community Chest. Contact: Brea Mitchell bmitchell@ inglewoodtoday.com
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January 6-12, 2022
Sports & Entertainment Streaking Rams set sights on San Francisco 49ers
By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
On the heels of an impressive fourth-quarter comeback victory against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17, the Los Angeles Rams have one last regular season challenge: The San Francisco 49ers. Back on November 15, the 49ers gave the Rams a 31-10 beatdown on their home turf, but this Sunday, January 9, the opportunity for redemption will present itself at SoFi
Stadium. The 12-4 Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford are back looking sharp after a brief mid-season slump; and since that November 15 loss in San Francisco, have added pivotal receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to their already-stacked roster of talent. They are just on the edge of their secondstraight NFC West title. After last week’s victory in Baltimore, Rams head coach Sean
McVay was clear that his quarterback gets the job done when push comes to shove. On Sunday against the Ravens, Stafford led a game-winning 75-yard drive with a 15-yard pass to Tyler Higbee, followed by a 24-yard pass to Cooper Kupp, and a couple to Beckham, which led to a touchdown with less than a minute remaining, resulting in a 20-19 Rams victory. “I thought he was at his best when his best was required. He’s a mentally
tough guy and that’s what you want from your quarterback,” said McVay. “When we had to have it, he made big throw after big throw in a clutch situation. That’s what great players do.” The Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, January 9 at 1:25 p.m. at SoFi Stadium for their final regular season game.
Sparks Re-Sign Lauren Cox LA Re-Signs the 2020 No. 3 Overall Pick IT News Wire
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Sparks announced today the re-signing of 6-foot-4 center Lauren Cox after she accepted a qualifying offer. The Sparks first signed Cox on June 30 of the 2021 WNBA season. Last year Cox made 15 appearances for LA, averaging a career-high 14 minutes per game, and posting single-game career highs in points (14), rebounds (8) and minutes played (23). “Lauren joined the Sparks midway through last season and embraced her role,” General Manager/Head Coach Derek Fisher said. “She contributed to our team’s defensive success and provided rebounding and frontcourt depth. We’re excited to add Lauren back to our roster and for her continued development as a WNBA player.” Cox was selected No. 3 overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft by the Indiana
Fever. After playing 13.1 minutes per game as a rookie for the Fever and 8.6 minutes per game through 11 contests in 2021, she was waived. The Sparks signed her three days later and she made immediate strides throughout the remainder of the 2021 season, improving her player efficiency rating, defensive rating, rebounding percentage, and block percentage. She averaged 3.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 14 minutes per game for the Sparks. At Baylor University, Cox was a three-time All-American and guided the program to the 2019 National Championship. She won Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year twice and was the 2020 Big 12 Player of the Year. Cox is from Grapevine, Texas and Professional Basketball Writers The award is given to athletes showing along with her sister Whitney, earned Association in 2020 for her community extraordinary courage and reflecting the Pat Summitt Most Courageous involvement and on-court excellence honor. Award from the United States while playing with type 1 diabetes.
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BUPPIE | BUSINESS
Asm. Chris Holden Appointed Chair of Powerful Appropriations Committee Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
On Jan. 3, California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) appointed Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) chair of the legislative body’s Appropriations Committee. Holden, a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), is the first African American in 27 years to hold the position. “I thank Speaker Rendon for appointing me as chair of the Appropriations Committee,” said Holden. “I appreciate his confidence in my ability to chair this important committee.” From 1971 to 1974, former Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown chaired the Ways and Means Committee, which reviewed and oversaw state government revenue and expenditure. In 1995, Ways and Means was split into the Appropriations Committee, which reviews the financial impact of all legislation, and the Budget Committee, which drafts proposals for government spending. Before his appointment, Holden chaired the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy for five years. During the current legislative session, he will continue as a member of that committee as well as serve on the Assembly Committee on the Judiciary, the Assembly Committee
on Communications and Conveyance, and the Assembly Committee on Environmental Science and Toxic Materials. “After serving nearly 24 years on the Pasadena City Council, and nine years in the California State Assembly, I have learned the important balance of maintaining fiscal responsibility and advancing effective public policy,” Holden said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues as we endeavor for another impactful legislative session.” Holden took over as chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee after former chair, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego),
announced Jan. 3 she is resigning from the Assembly to become the executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation (CLF). Her last day in office is Jan. 5. CLF, the country’s largest federation of labor unions, consists of more than 1,200 unions representing 2.1 million workers in areas like manufacturing, retail, construction, and health care. Gonzalez is known nationally for penning Assembly Bill (AB) 5, a controversial law that changed the status of hundreds of thousands of independent contractors in the state from freelancers to fulltime employees. AB5 codified into law a 2018 California Supreme Court
decision on labor in the case Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles. Holden kicked off the new legislative session, which began Monday, with a bang. He introduced AB 1604, a bill that proposes several measures included in AB 105, legislation that Gov. Newsom vetoed last October. Holden said AB 1604 will also equip the state’s Reparations Task Force with “more accurate data to utilize in its deliberations.” “This legislation will be reintroduced and is the first of its kind in the nation – to promote upward mobility for people of color in California’s civil services system and require diversity on state boards and commissions,” reads a statement Holden’s office released Jan. 4. The bill calls for the California Department of Human Resources to foster a more diverse and inclusive public sector in the state by setting “upward mobility” goals for African Americans and other minorities. “California has led the nation on other social justice and equity issues and now is another chance to continue that legacy,” said Holden. “My goal is to promote transparency and accountability with this bill – both in government and private workplaces as we saw with AB 979. I am hopeful for what we can accomplish together this year.”
Dr. Helen Chavis Othow April 21, 1932 – January 1, 2022 Inglewood Today News
Seed-Time Dr. Helen Chavis Othow was born to the late Benjamin Franklin Chavis, Sr. and Mrs. Elisabeth Ridley Chavis on April 21, 1932. She departed this life on January 1, 2022. She was the second of four children: her sisters, the late Mrs. June Chavis Davenport and Dr. LaRhoda Francine Chavis and her brother, The Rev. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Chavis, Jr. Growth and Service She was reared in a loving home and attended St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church in Oxford, N.C. since childhood, where she was a member of the Choir, the Altar Guild, and the Vestry. She attended the public schools of Oxford, Angier B. Duke Elementary School and was graduated from Mary Potter High School in 1948. As a lifetime career teacher, she wanted her church to become more involved with the schools and youth in Oxford to help students achieve at a higher level. In February 2010, she sponsored through the Granville Arts Council an Artists-in-the-Schools
program at Northern Granville Middle School and Mary Potter Middle School. In 2009 she coordinated the Centennial Celebration of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church. Over the years she also coordinated several summer enrichment programs for underserved students at St. Cyprian’s. She attended St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, attaining the B.A. Degree in English and French in 1952; the M.A. Degree in English from North Carolina
College in 1958; and the Ph.D. Degree in English from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin in 1971. It was there that she met her late husband, Paul Anade Othow from Sudan in East Africa, while they attended the University of Wisconsin. They were married in Gambela, Ethiopia in 1971. To this union was born her beautiful daughter, Ajulonyodier Elisabeth Othow in 1973. The three members of the family toured East Africa, and in the 1980’s, Helen and Anade taught at the University of Juba in the southern region of Sudan. Through their efforts the couple brought over 30 refugees to reside in the United States, from Sudan; Ethiopia; Sierra Leone, West Africa; and the Dominican Republic. Dr. Othow was Chairperson of the Division of Humanities at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, from 1974 to 1979 and Chairperson of the English
Department at St. Augustine’s College from 1984 to 1996, where she directed the Bush-Hewlett Writing Across the Curriculum program. As a Professor of English, she received tenure from St. Augustine’s College in 1999. In addition to teaching at St. Augustine’s College, she has taught English at several colleges and universities throughout the United States: North Carolina Central University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Wisconsin, Meredith College, North Carolina State University, and Howard University in Washington, D.C. After her retirement in 2001, she taught online at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia; Louisburg College in Louisburg, North Carolina; and Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. She received numerous awards for her scholarly endeavors and contributions to society. Her biography appears in Twentieth Century Writers, 2005; Who’s Who Among African Americans, 2000; Certificate of Completion, the Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, Delaware, 2001; Vermont Studio Center Continued on page 8
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Continued from page 1: Rams And Pepsi...
showcases the collaborative efforts of players, owners and the NFL to create positive change in communities across the country. Throughout the year and as part of Inspire Change, the Rams will recognize individuals that are doing critical work in their communities to
PUBLIC NOTICE
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2021270898 The following Person is doing business as: Kara-Marie Hall 2900 Sunset Place, Apt. 121 Los Angeles, CA 90005
Registered Owner(s): Kara-Marie Orellana, 2900 Sunset Place, Apt. 121, Los Angeles, CA 90005 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on December 14, 2021. 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.) Kara-Marie Orellana, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on December 14, 2021. 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 January 6, 13, 20, 27, 2022 IT0042230120020183 Inglewood Today
PUBLIC NOTICE
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2021258074 The following Person is doing business as: Your Branding Compass 10339 Croesus Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90002
Registered Owner(s): Natasha Warren, 10339 Croesus Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90002 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on November 24, 2021. 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.) Natasha Warren, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on November 24, 2021. 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 December 16, 23, 30, 2021; January 6, 2022 IT0042230120020182 Inglewood Today
address education disparities, food and housing insecurity, criminal justice reform and community-police relations. Through the Pepsi Dig In program, PepsiCo has committed $50 million over five years to help set Black
restauranteurs up for success. As part of Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders the initiative, PepsiCo advises owners Team Mascot Rampage on how to access capital, how to set up The Serving Spoon owners Angela a successful delivery operation, how and J.C. Johnson to use marketing tools to make their Pepsi Representatives presence known and more. WHO:
Continued from page 4: California Adds...
in one important way. The state is recommending that people who quarantine after a positive diagnosis take a follow up test and get a negative result before ending isolation. The CDC’s guidelines do not include taking another test after quarantining. The CDC said its decision, in part, is based on science that shows people are most infectious during the first five days of catching the virus. In an interview with NPR, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said another rationale for the new shortened guidance is the concern for keeping industries that are critical to the national economy operating.
Sharing this concern, Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian, along with the company’s Medical Advisor Dr. Carlos del Rio and Chief Health Officer Dr. Henry Ting, sent a letter to Walensky less than a week before CDC’s updated recommendation, requesting a fiveday isolation period for Delta’s fully vaccinated employees. The letter argued that the previous guidelines were out of date and did not account for vaccinations. It also argued that the former 10-day isolation period would hurt business because with the spread of the Omicron variant, vaccinated workers who do catch COVID-19 would be out for a
longer period of time. “With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the 10-day isolation for those who are fully vaccinated may significantly impact our workforce and operations,” the letter read. “Similar to healthcare, police, fire, and public transportation workforces, the Omicron surge may exacerbate shortages and create significant disruptions.” In December 2020, the CDC shortened its previous recommendation of a 14-day isolation period to 10 days. California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.
Redistricting commissioner Derric Taylor (Republican), a Black investigator with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and active volunteer, mentor, coach in the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley areas, told CBM that the only way to address Callendar’s and other interested parties’ concerns was by reading reports by the media. If the concerns were not voiced in a public meeting, the commission had to adhere to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act. California’s BagleyKeene Open Meeting Act requires all state boards and commissions to publicly notice their meetings, prepare agendas, and accept public testimony in public unless specifically authorized to meet in closed session. “The commission is bound by Bagley Keene,” Taylor said, adding
that CCRC members could only discuss or address public comments “in a meeting or open forum to adhere to transparency.” Because the federal government released the U.S. Census data the commission relies on to draw maps late, the CCRC made a request to the California Supreme Court to move their Dec. 15 deadline for final maps back by nearly a month, to Jan. 14. The state Supreme Court compromised and set the deadline for Dec. 27. “I want to thank the Redistricting Commissioners for their hard work under challenging circumstances. We will now send these maps to the Legislature and to all 58 counties for implementation,” Secretary of State Weber responded after her office received the final maps.
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it stood by its work and and took pride in the fact that the maps were drawn by hand. CCRC commissioner Trena Turner (Democrat), a pastor and the Executive Director at Faith in the Valley, a multi-cultural, multi-faith community organizing network in the San Joaquin Central Valley, said the commission read as many public statements and news articles about redistricting as it could. Turner said specific feedback like that heightened the commissions’ awareness. “What that did, by writing the articles that they did, they served noticed. So, we were mindful that we were hearing their voices,” Turner told California Black Media (CBM). “‘let’s make sure we’re not breaking up historical areas’ to the best extent possible.’”
Page 8
January 6-12, 2022
Hate Speech, Religious Doctrine, and the Constitution
By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
Recently, an issue came before the San Diego County Human Relations Commission (HRC) that asked for a vote on an LGBQ Resolution. One member of the Commission, who happens to be a member of the Clergy, voted against the matter when put to a vote. When pressed by other members as to the reason for his vote, he expressed that the matter was against his beliefs as a member of the Clergy following Christian doctrine as presented in the Bible. He cited chapter and verse. Eventually, in sequent meetings, there was a call for his removal from the Commission which only the appointing Board of Supervisors could do. The matter failed but raises a much bigger issue for the HRC because the explanation given came from the Bible and was subsequently called Hate Speech. First, let it be clear that a disagreement with one’s lifestyle, religious beliefs, or the lack thereof based upon the stated doctrine of a religious belief is not hate speech in and of itself. While the Mosaic laws of
the Old Testament did speak violence against lifestyle choices that also spoke against sex outside of marriage, the New Testament reality of grace and forgiveness left the issues of choice, in terms of what was considered sin or salvation, to the individual. If God allows personal choice with the statement of future consequences with love and forgiveness on the table, there is no need for man to go beyond God. The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution follows this concept of choice. It says “Congress shall make no laws abridging the right of religion”. This simply means that there can be no “State Religion”. Each person is free to choose the religion or lack of religion of their choice. Likewise, each person is free to choose the lifestyle of their choice without interference from the state or their fellow man. This does not mean we have a right to attack those who disagree with us any more than they have a right to attack us because they disagree with us. It is imperative that the Human Relations Commission and its members understand these points of difference if they are to succeed with their mission of healing and understanding, which does not require the abandonment of individual points of view, but a tolerance for the differences. The final mission is to register differences and disagreements and move forward.
Continued from page 6: Dr. Helen Chavis Othow...
Fellowship for Writers in Johnson, Vermont; St. Augustine’s College Outstanding Faculty Plaque and Trophy; United Negro College Fund Faculty Research Grant; Plaque for Scholarly Achievement, Presented by the North Carolina Central University Faculty Senate in 2007; and numerous National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminar Grants for College Teachers. She is the author of John Chavis: African American Patriot, Preacher, Teacher, and Mentor 1763-1838, published by McFarland Publishers in 2001; a novel, Flight to Gambela; a book of poems, Lift High the Ramparts; and A History of the Chavis, Ridley, and Satterwhite Families of Oxford, North Carolina, published by the Library of Congress. Her dissertation The New Decorum: Moral Perspectives of Black Literature, the University of Wisconsin, 1972, is also published by the Library of Congress. Through God’s help she also coordinated the installment of the Historic Highway Marker for Dr. G.C. Shaw and Mary Potter Academy in Oxford. She was the Founder and President of The John Chavis Historical Society and assisted in the unveiling and rededication of the new Historic Highway Marker for John Chavis in Raleigh, N.C. on July 11, 2010. She is also responsible for the installation of a permanent sign at the likely gravesite of John Chavis located on the former Willie P. Mangum plantation, having found it after extensive research, along with that of numerous other unmarked graves for enslaved people in Rougemont, North Carolina. She was a member of the Nature Lovers Garden Club; Les Gemmes,
Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; The College Language Association; The Association for the Study of African American Life and History; The Langston Hughes Society; The Zora Neale Hurston Society; The Anna J. Cooper Society; The North Carolina Writers Network; The MidAtlantic Writers Association; The National Council of Teachers of English; The Toni Morrison Society; The Oxford Women’s Club; The National Mary Potter Alumni Association; and The John Chavis Historical Society. Through the John Chavis Historical Society, she coordinated Oxford’s First Annual International Festival, which in its fifth year is bigger and better and is now held in beautiful downtown Oxford. Harvest-Time She leaves to celebrate her life, her brother, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. (Martha); her sister, Dr. LaRhoda Francine Chavis; her daughter, Mrs.Ajulo Othow Norman (Collis) and grandson, Collis Raymon Norman Jr.; an adopted sister, Carol Faye Payton of Houston, Texas; four step-granddaughters, Abigail Norman, Mercedes Norman, Jasmine Norman and Princess Norman; five nieces: Marva Elisabeth Davenport, Ana Elisabeth Chavis, Paula Chavis Jones, Nicole (Nikki) Bullock, and Renita Peace Timberlake; four nephews, Benjamin Franklin Chavis, III, Franklin Chavis, Reginald Louis Chavis, and John Mandela Chavis; great nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. Contributions may be made in care of the John Chavis Historical Society to the Dr. Helen Chavis Othow Scholarship Fund to St. Augustine’s College and to the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin.