C e l e b r a t i n g 2 6 Ye a r s o f Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities
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EYE ON THE CITY Rams July 16-22, 2020
Chargers VOL. 35, No. 29
As coronavirus devastates Hispanics Eva Longoria rally to erase inequities
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“LA Lounge in Inglewood” See Page 6
Inglewood Today Kobe Edition Featured at NNPA
Actress Eva Longoria speaks at the launch of “LA Collab” with Mayor Eric Garcetti in Los Angeles on Jan. 13, 2020. Leon Bennett / Getty Images By Suzanne Gamboa NBC Latino/NBCNews.com
Actor and philanthropist Eva Longoria Bastón is leading an array of influential Latinos to marshal their clout and the voices of the nation’s second largest population group in a quest to erase inequities that have made the impact of COVID-19 more devastating on Hispanics. Longoria Bastón said Monday the Testing for COVID-19 can be available through your primary healthcare provider or you can contact cityofinglewood.com nation is now listening and engaging in social justice so “now is the time to capitalize on that momentum” through the launch of Momento Latino, a coalition of groups focused on health, In its first year as a member of of Kobe Bryant was among just three has received rave reviews for issue education, economy and politics to rally for the nation’s estimated 60 million the prestigious National Newspaper publications highlighted at the first both regionally and nationally. Latinos, parts of which have long been Publisher Association, Inglewood virtual convention in the 80-year Today newspaper’s special edition history on July 8-9th. Inglewood Today overlooked and underserved. The inequities that permeate the Latino population were not caused by COVID-19, Longoria Bastón said. “It took a pandemic to tell us that farmworkers were essential,” she said. “This is not about setting up a single fundraiser and walking away. It’s a movement and we want it to become a movement for the Latinx community,” she said. PR News Wire Her cofounder Henry Muñoz, WASHINGTON-- Gallup announces a philanthropist and Democratic the launch of the Center on Black fundraiser and the cofounder of SOMOS Voices, an unprecedented ongoing study Health care, a New York-based health of Black life in America. Leveraging care provider network for Medicaid decades of existing Gallup findings, enrollees, said the group hopes it can put the Center on Black Voices expands on itself out of work. previous research to give a fuller picture “We wish we could tell you that the of the experiences and perspectives of INDIAN OCEAN -Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Melvin impact of COVID-19 on our community Dominguez, from Los Angeles, directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the more than 40 million Black Americans. was lessening but that is not the case,” Dambusters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, on the flight deck of the Navy’s The Center on Black Voices Muñoz said. “It’s not going away any only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during flight establishes key measures to track and time soon.” operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combatreport progress on life outcomes, access A recent Centers for Disease Control ready force that protects and defends the United States, as well as the collective to opportunity and wellbeing. maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo and Prevention study found that as of
Gallup Center on Black Voices Makes 100-Year Commitment
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by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erica Bechard)
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July 16-22, 2020
Thousands View NNPA’s First Virtual Convention
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent
The first virtual convention in the 80year history of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) earned a thumbs-up from partners and sponsors. The successful event’s website, vitualnnpa2020.com, generated more than 55,000 pageviews to conference attendees in only two days.
Several hundred thousand additional impressions were generated by social media posts and livestreams on Facebook and YouTube. “We share in your excitement and applaud your efforts in successfully executing the first virtual NNPA Annual Convention,” Lester Booker, of General Motors Communications, wrote in a congratulatory email to NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. Continued from page 1: As Coronavirus...
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June 13, COVID-19 hospitalization rates among Latinos are four times the number of hospitalizations compared to whites. About a fourth of Latinos said in May they know someone who has COVID-19 and a third reported knowing someone who died from the coronavirus, according to a poll released last month. That data was collected before the most recent surges in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the states of Texas, Arizona, Florida and California— states with large Latino populations. On its website, Momento Latino declares that “America can’t recover from COVID-19 until the Latino community recovers from COVID-19.” “COVID-19 has had a disproportionate effect on the Latino community’s health, education and economic stability, including a lack of Spanishlanguage resources. The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated longstanding inequalities,” Momento Latino website states. U.S. Rep. Joaquín Castro D-Texas, twin brother of former 2020 presidential candidate Julián Castro and one of the Momento Latino cofounders, announced on Twitter last week he had lost his stepmother to COVID-19. Julián Castro told MSNBC’s Chris Hayes that his father now has the virus and can’t be around other people as he grieves for his wife. Latinos have the highest rate of people lacking health insurance; the greatest share of uninsured Latinos are in Texas—where coronavirus has surged.
“Over the past two days, I’ve had the opportunity to view some of the convention and was impressed with its content, execution, and professionalism,” Booker continued, noting that GM officials continue to value and appreciate the company’s more than 50-year partnership with the Black Press of America. Several other partners and sponsors joined General Motors, including Pfizer Rep. Castro urged that the newly formed group rally Latinos to pressure the U.S. Senate to pass the “HEROES Act”, a $3 trillion-dollar coronavirus relief package that includes another round of stimulus payments, aid for local and state governments, the unemployed, renters and business owners, among other things. It also includes funding for coronavirus testing, which has been less accessible in some minority communities, according to a recent report by Science magazine. “Passing the HEROES Act and marshaling our voices is going to be critical,” Joaquín Castro said. The call also included cofounder Chef José Andrés, who has been providing free meals to people during the pandemic, and young actors Jessica Garza and Johnathan Nieves, who play Josefina Vega and her brother Mateo Vega in “Penny Dreadful: City of Los Angeles.” The “Penny Dreadful” actors encouraged young Latinos to seize the moment and join in. “It isn’t enough to just, like, see what is going on and to recognize it and see inequalities and to just move on with our day,” Nieves said. He said taking actions through the group “gives us a foundation to invest power into ourselves. “When we do that, we validate our stories, we have the power to rewrite history, we have the power to fight against the negative narratives that can go in our own minds against ourselves, against our own community,” he said. “It gives us a path to be more full within ourselves as a community.”
Rare Disease, RAI Services Company, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the NFL, Facebook Journalism Project, AARP, Black Hollywood Education Resource Center (BHERC), Hyundai, Wells Fargo, Molson Coors, Volkswagen, The United States Census, Comcast Universal, Compassion & Choices, API, Ascension, Nissan, and Continued on page 8
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July 16-22, 2020
EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON
By Francis Taylor, Senior Correspondent
ALEX PADILLA
JAMES BUTTS
ELOY MORALES
RALPH FRANKLIN
AROUND THE CITY
Business As Usual: Treasurer ‘Acts-Out’ Again
At the beginning of this week’s city council meeting Mayor Butts announced the telephone number for anyone who would like to call in for public comments on items on the agenda or later on any other matter. The council set a public hearing to consider extending the Moratorium established by Ordinance No. 19-15 up to an additional 180 days on any selfstorage facilities in the City or upon the effective date of a self-storage facility ordinance. The council approved Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 14-142 with SERCO, Inc., to modify scope of services and increase maximum annual compensation amount as follows: for the contract year beginning June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021, increase the maximum annual compensation from $2,802,844.60 to $4,131,154.40, including one-time fees; and 2. for contract years 2021-2024 reduce the maximum annual compensation from $4,131,154.40 to $3,888,154.40. The council awarded and approved a contract for a one-year agreement (with the option to extend four (4) additional one-year terms) with RideCo, Inc., to assist with the operation of a pilot shuttle service, per RFP No. 0142. The council adopted a resolution to apply for, accept, and implement the State of California Housing and Community Development (HCD) Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) program. The council set for July 21, 2020 a public hearing be set to receive public comments, and take final action on the draft Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan; to initiate proceedings for the annual levy and collection of assessments for the Morningside Pk.
Maintenance Assessment District No. 1974-2; to initiate proceedings for the annual levy and collection of assessments for the In-Town Maintenance Assessment District No. 1975-1,for the annual levy and collection of assessments for the Inglewood Street Lighting Assessment District No. 1980-1, and for the annual levy and collection of assessments for Darby-Dixon Maintenance Assessment District No. 1987-1. The City Treasurer was granted one minute to express herself and, as she has done in previous meetings, made numerous false statements including those pertaining to the city’s unfunded liability, the City of Inglewood’s comparison to the City of Santa Monica and proposed layoffs of city staff. Similarly, she did not adhere to proper meeting protocol and decorum
by refusing to end her remarks when her time was up and repeatedly, rudely interrupting others as they attempted to speak. Mayor Butts swiftly debunked the Treasurer’s unfortunate and false assertions by explaining the difference between projected unfunded liabilities and the City of Inglewood’s healthy fiscal position as well as her assertion that the city is already planning layoffs, furloughs and closures. Council Member Dotson encouraged everyone to continue to adhere to COVID-19 recommended safety guidelines. Member Padilla thanked Inglewood Park Cemetery for their contributions to St. Margaret’s Center to help local families in need. Member Franklin applauded Mayor
SENIOR CITIZEN UTILITY TAX REFUND PROGRAM CLAIM FORM SCHEDULE WHERE TO FILE: CITY HALL CUSTOMER SERVICE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ANY SENIOR CITIZEN, INGLEWOOD RESIDENT, THAT IS 62 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2019, WITH AN INCOME OF LESS THAN $17,700 PER YEAR, PER HOUSEHOLD, IS ELIGIBLE TO FILE A CLAIM FOR REFUND OF THE UTILITY USERS TAXES PAID DURING THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2019 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2020 IN THE NAME OF THE APPLICANT(S). DUE TO COVID19 AND FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR STAFF AND SENIORS, THIS YEAR IN PERSON APPOINTMENTS WILL NOT BE CONDUCTED. HOWEVER, FINANCE DEPARTMENT, CUSTOMER SERVICE WILL BE PROCESSING APPLICATIONS
IN-HOUSE. APPLICANTS WILL NEED TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 310-412-5500 AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO START THE REFUND PROCESS AND TO VERIFY PROGRAM QUALIFICATION. AT THE TIME OF THE APPOINTMENT, CUSTOMERS WILL NEED TO PRESENT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION IN ORDER TO VERIFY PROGRAM QUALIFICATION; BIRTHDATE VERIFICATION, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, AND INCOME FROM ALL SOURCES WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD. IN ADDITION, ALL UTILITY BILLS SHOWING LOCAL OR CITY TAX PAID, MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT IN BILLING MONTH ORDER. CUSTOMER SERVICE WILL
Butts for reassuring city employees that despite the Treasurer’s statements, the city is not planning layoffs, furloughs or closures. Member Morales, echoing the admonitions from his council colleagues said that it was unfortunate that some employees may have been made to feel that their job was in jeopardy based upon the Treasurer’s comments. Before closing the meeting Mayor Butts said that it was unconscionable that an elected official would announce the name of a city employee in a public forum with false information and that the city’s reserves are in good shape and not at all comparable to the City of Santa Monica as the Treasurer alleged.
Continued from page 1: Gallup Center...
“We’re making a 100-year commitment to report on the Black experience in America,” said Jim RETAIN THE REFUND CLAIM Clifton, Chairman and CEO of Gallup. FORM AND ALL UTILITY BILLS “We’re going to listen for 100 years, TO COMPLETE THE REFUND gathering stories and perspectives from PROCESS. Black Americans that can help bring ONCE THE REFUND CLAIM about meaningful change in our society.” FORM IS COMPLETED AND The Center’s purpose is to benchmark, APPROVED, CUSTOMER SERVICE record and make available the voices WILL CONTACT YOU. YOU and experiences of Black Americans to WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF inform leaders in making thoughtful, RETURNING TO CITY HALL FOR evidence-based decisions. Gallup A CASH REFUND OR A CHECK BY aims to do this through establishing, MAIL. tracking and reporting on newly created STAY SAFE AND BEST sustainable development goals within REGARDS, the Black community. “The Gallup Center on Black Voices FINANCE DEPARTMENT, will study and report on the nuanced and REVENUE DIVISON varying experience of Black citizens, their access to opportunity and a life well-lived. Our research will highlight and track the disparities of life outcomes and serve as a source of information on the state of racial equity in America,” said Camille Lloyd, the Center’s director and a senior consultant at Gallup.
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July 16-22, 2020
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
Wells Fargo Commitment Could Potentially Result in Billions for Small Businesses By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent
In April, Wells Fargo announced it would donate gross proceeds from the Paycheck Protection Plan to nonprofits working with small businesses. This month, the bank has ramped up its efforts by unveiling the details of an approximately $400 million initiative to help small businesses impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to help keep the doors of small businesses open, retain employees, and rebuild. Through Wells Fargo’s new Open for Business Fund, the company will engage nonprofit organizations to provide capital, technical support, and long-term resiliency programs to small businesses, emphasizing those that are minority-owned businesses. “We realized early on that small businesses were taking the brunt of what was happening with COVID-19 and the economic slowdown that occurred,” said Jenny Flores, Wells Fargo’s head of small business growth philanthropy. “We also noticed that diverse individuals were having a very negative impact, and with the data, it was coming to 41 percent or 450,000 Black-owned businesses closed when COVID hit. That is a disproportionate impact not only to the entrepreneurs but also to the employees they have and the pocketbook,” Flores stated. Through June 30, Wells Fargo funded loans under the PPP for more than 179,000 customers, with an average loan amount of $56,000, totaling $10.1 billion. Of the loans made, 84 percent of those are for companies with less
than ten employees; 60 percent were for amounts of $25,000 or less; and, 90 percent of these applicants had $2 million or less in annual revenue. Given the federal government’s extension of the PPP, Wells Fargo will reopen its PPP loan application process to eligible customers as soon as possible through a link in Business Online Banking, the bank noted in a news release. Additionally, the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund’s initial grants will allocate $28 million to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), also known as nonprofit community lenders. The grants are aimed at empowering Black and African American-owned small businesses, which the National Bureau of Economic Research said are closing at nearly twice the rate of the industry. Among the first grantees are Expanding Black Business Credit Initiative (EBBC), which will support the launch of a Black Vision Fund to increase the flow of capital to Blackfocused CDFIs for transformational work to close the racial wealth gap in African American communities. The CDFIs will also receive capital for urgent deployment to impacted businesses in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Midwest. Further, a Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) will provide grants and low-cost capital to more than 2,800 entrepreneurs, focusing on preventing loss in revenue, sustaining employment, and averting vacancies among vulnerable small business owners in urban and rural markets nationwide. “This is an extension of the
Given the federal government’s extension of the PPP, Wells Fargo will reopen its PPP loan application process to eligible customers as soon as possible through a link in Business Online Banking, the bank noted in a news release.
commitment we had to diverse businesses,” Flores noted. “Small businesses need cash to open again, and we are putting $260 million for community development financial pocket lenders that have a track record of reaching diverse communities. We want them to be able to do new loans and to have grant money.” Wells Fargo counts as one of the top PPP lenders in the country and has spent a lot of time understanding various strategies to assist small businesses, Flores declared. “We have key members across the country, and I talk to entrepreneurs directly,” she said. “This reflects a very thoughtful approach, one that is based on really
putting the customer right at the center, listening to what they need. This has potentially $1 billion of impact in a three-year period,” Flores added. “When they get the loans and recycle that and then for every million CDFI loans out to small businesses, they can support 18 businesses and create 31 jobs. “Hence, if you take the $250 million and work through it, it’s thousands of businesses we’re impacting in such a positive way. We’re really proud of the opportunity we have to collaborate with CDFIs and particularly those who are led by diverse entrepreneurs.”
Rep. Waters Honors Memory of Zindzi Mandela IT News Wire
WASHINGTON –Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, released a statement upon learning of the death of Zindzi Mandela in a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Zindzi Mandela. Zindzi was the beloved daughter of anti-apartheid activists, President Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela, as well as an author, a diplomat, and a dedicated political activist like her parents before her. “Zindzi Mandela was only 18 months old when her father was sent to prison by South Africa’s apartheid government.
She endured years of harassment and intimidation as she was growing up, while her father remained in prison on Robben Island during the height of the struggle to end apartheid. Yet, through her own strength and courage, she grew to become a poet, a leader, and an advocate for social justice in her own right. When then-President PW Botha offered to release Nelson Mandela from prison with unacceptable conditions, it was Zindzi who read aloud her father’s rejection of the offer at a public meeting in February of 1985. “Once the racist system of apartheid was abolished, Zindzi Mandela went on to serve as the First Lady of South Africa from 1996 to 1998, during her
father’s historic tenure as South Africa’s first black president. She continued to advocate for social justice and went on to serve her country as South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark from 2015 until her unfortunate death. “My heart goes out to her husband, her four children, the entire Mandela family, and the people of South Africa, who have lost another of their brave heroines on this tragic day. I hope their memories of Zindzi’s life of activism, commitment, and service will bring them comfort at this difficult time.”
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July 16-22, 2020
Sports & Entertainment All 11 Pro Sports Teams Unite as Allies In New Collaboration
Chargers.com
In a collaboration to pursue change in communities of color and develop meaningful programs, the 11 professional sports organizations in greater Los Angeles have joined together to launch The ALLIANCE: Los Angeles, a comprehensive fiveyear commitment to drive investment and impact for social justice through sport. Following the recent protests nationwide, the 11 teams have united to address racial injustice, develop educational opportunities, and support other important issues facing communities of color, particularly Black communities. The 11 teams will advocate for social justice, address disparities and take actions to help end racial inequality. This commitment includes supporting the Play Equity Fund’s social justice movement in communities across greater Los Angeles, and in Orange County amplifying the work of Accelerate Change Together (ACT) Anaheim. These innovative cooperative response models of engagement are aimed to inspire similar actions nationally. The 11 professional sports teams that form The ALLIANCE: Los Angeles include the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Chargers, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Football Club, LA Galaxy, LA Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Sparks. The ALLIANCE: Los Angeles was formed in addition to the robust efforts of the teams’ community affairs
departments and foundations, which will continue their charitable activities across the region. “The ALLIANCE: Los Angeles has been forged specifically to create positive change in underserved communities, with an emphasis on Black communities,” said a spokesperson for The ALLIANCE: Los Angeles. “All 11 teams are united in their dedication to this effort and recognize driving change is a long-term commitment. Through sports and social programming, we aim to work in communities to affect structural changes on levels that have a lasting impact.” The ALLIANCE: Los Angeles is partnering with the Play Equity Fund to manage this initiative in greater Los Angeles. A 501(c)3 public charity, the Play Equity Fund was established in Los Angeles to drive social change across communities through sport. It is the only nonprofit worldwide dedicated to Play Equity as a social justice issue
to bring the transformative power of sport and structured play to youth – regardless of their race, socioeconomic status or gender – who have been left behind by the current system. The Orange County-based franchises will expand upon their established partnership of investing in organizations and programs making positive change. Formed in 2013 by the Ducks, Angels and Disneyland Resort, the Accelerate Change Together (ACT) Anaheim collaborative was created to address the urgent needs of Anaheim’s at-risk youth and families. “The ALLIANCE: Los Angeles is an unprecedented collaboration by sports organizations recognizing the impact they can have by working together, and they should be commended for seeking to make significant changes in communities of color,” said Renata Simril, President of the Play Equity Fund. “The Los Angeles region is one of the world’s most competitive
markets, and sports is one of the world’s most competitive industries. But these organizations are putting their competitive instincts aside to work collaboratively for social justice.” The term social justice can be broadly defined as the degree of fairness or justice in the opportunities and access to resources, wealth, political representation, and privileges within a given society. In neighborhoods with high poverty rates, opportunities to play – a globally recognized fundamental human right of childhood – oftentimes do not exist, particularly for kids of color. Barriers include the elimination or reduction of enrichment of programs, budget challenges for afterschool programs including sports, safe passage to playgrounds, transportation, lack of trained and well-paid coaches and the rising costs of athletics and intramural programs. These factors severely limit access and opportunities for kids of color to build a pathway to lifelong wellbeing. The pro teams of the ALLIANCE: Los Angeles are united in their determination to combat this injustice. The ALLIANCE: Los Angeles and the Play Equity Fund will hold a Sports for Social Justice Symposium on July 22, to coincide with National Youth Sports Week, which is July 2024. This webinar will include leaders from the sports organizations, as well as social justice leaders and sports commentators.
Rams legend Kurt Warner hopes movie “inspire and impact people” Therams.com
Scheduled to hit theaters Dec. 18, “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” will be based on parts of Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season, as well as separate interviews with the Rams legend. The possibility of his journey being made into a movie never crossed Warner’s mind during it, but as he reflects on it many years later, he understands why and hopes it continues to inspire and impact people. “We look at it now, how grateful we are for the journey. A long, big part of it, we weren’t really feeling grateful for the journey, we were wondering, ‘Why me? Why do I have to take this route to get to where I want to go?’” Warner told theRams.com in a phone interview Thursday morning. “But looking back now, it’s a once in a lifetime-type journey, and I think that’s one the reasons that A) you get a movie made about you, but B) it’s had such an impact on so many people, because
it crosses the lines of the football field and resonates with a lot of people, that life isn’t always easy and life’s not always perfect. And sometimes you got to do what you got to do while you’re waiting to do what you were born to do. “So those things happen in life, and so many people I believe can associate with our story because it is different, because it is unique from other athletes, but similar to what most people go through. Just grateful for the journey, grateful that we find ourselves here, and grateful that we get another opportunity to use the platform and the story to hopefully inspire and impact people.” While Warner’s football career is an important part to the story, it is really the story of both he and his wife Brenda, given they’ve been by each other’s side throughout the journey as well as the prominent role she’s had. Before becoming a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion and Hallof-Famer, Warner’s journey to the
Rams included: Signing with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 1994, then getting cut during training camp. Returning to Northern Iowa after getting cut to work as an assistant coach while also working shifts at a local Hy-Vee grocery store to support Brenda – at the time his girlfriend – and her two kids. Playing three seasons in the Arena Football League with the Iowa Barnstormers. Playing one season with NFL Europe’s Amsterdam Admirals. Off the field, Brenda’s parents were tragically killed in a tornado in Continued on page 7
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July 16-22, 2020
The Lion Queen
B U P P I E | B U S I N E S S LA Lounge in Inglewood reaching new heights Cigar club embraces social responsibility
POSITIVITY
WINS 2020!
By Michelle Lyons, Columnist
Norman Vincent Peale once wrote a book entitled, “The Power of Positive Thinking”. This philosophy is needed today more than ever. Everywhere you turn from social media to television we are inundated with negative images which become negative thoughts. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words and your words become your behavior and your behavior becomes… your destiny”. I know we are living in unprecedented times: experiencing a great depression, a pandemic and a revolution all during an election year. For MANY this is a lot to handle, some stressing about paying bills and others worried about catching Covid-19. These are valid concerns, but we must elevate our minds. Franklin Delano Roosevelt is regarded by many scholars to be the best U.S. President ever, elected four times to The Highest Office in part because of his mantra “The Only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. Positivity wins, not only the game of life but also elections. The bible even states, 2 Timothy 1:7 “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and selfdiscipline.” Back in February I had the privilege of attending Oprah’s 2020 Vision with Jennifer Lopez. Lopez talked about daily affirmations. Oprah asked Jlo, “how do you look so great at 50 years of age”. Jlo responded, “I do daily affirmations”, she believes that thoughts become words and words create her universe so she chants everyday “I AM AGELESS”, along with other chants about success, health and her children. These affirmations can be applied to everything in life, especially for what’s going on in The World right now. We need to start Continued on page 7
By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
Four friends, Deno Duplessis, Aaron Moore, Brad Rush and Larry Solomon were just looking for a place where they could smoke cigars while engaging in introspective conversation. Moore had the perfect resolution to their dilemma. Let’s just transform one of my office buildings into a cigar lounge. Because each of the men represent much more than being avid cigar smokers, collectively they insisted on being socially responsible. “There are so many ways that we can impact the great City of Inglewood,” Duplessis said. “The mayor (James Butts, Jr.) has already stepped up to the plate to make this city among the most attractive in the nation, so we thought if we were going to have a cigar lounge it had to represent his great vision. Hence we have the best top echelon cigar lounge in the region.” The LA Lounge first opened its doors five years ago and made added improvements each and every year and can now accommodate 300 people, includes an outdoor seating and eating section and the exquisite indoor amenities that are surely to be most desirable. However, while this membership only club is also a great location for private meetings and promotional gatherings,
the four men who are partners in the venture have made time and committed resources to also feed homeless, distribute mask during the ongoing coronavirus crisis and looking to do more. The LA Lounge is located at 2521 W. Manchester in Inglewood. For more information call (424) 2610209
California Is Hooking Small Businesses Up With Free E-Commerce, Online Marketing Help Quinci LeGardye | California Black Media
Gov. Newsom says he wants to help small businesses. Combined, they are a major economic engine in the state. He wants them to get online quicker and expand their markets to reach new customers in cyberspace. This is as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hammer their bottom lines and change the way we shop. To that end, the governor declared July 2020 “California for All Small Business Month” in a proclamation issued July 8. “With local businesses across the state working to meet unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 crisis, California for All Small Business Month is an important time to recognize their essential contributions to our state, and each do our part to help California’s diverse small businesses recover and
thrive,” reads the proclamation. African American business owners and advocates across the state are optimistic. The much-needed assistance Gov. Newsom has announced in a time of crisis, they say, will enable them to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global marketplace. “95% of the world customers are outside of the United States. As small businesses learn to pivot as a result of the Covid pandemic, it is imperative that they have the online presence and access to capital to reach those potential clients,” said Gene Hale, president of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC). “ Supporting local businesses will help stimulate those communities and invigorate job growth.” The Small Business Month proclamation coincided with the start of “Calling All Californians: #ShopSafeShopLocal,” a new campaign
“Life is messy but when we get through the mess we find out who we really are..”
the governor’s office is leading. The #ShopSafeShopLocal campaign encourages shoppers in California to help small businesses operate safely during the pandemic. It also provides small business owners with resources to help them improve their online presence, including free website development and digital marketing. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has partnered with leading tech companies in the state, including Google, eBay, Square and Yelp, to provide services to small businesses, including free online advertising, free websites, and COVID-19 relief. They will also connect California businesses with under 750 employees to shipping companies that can help them set up e-commerce deliveries. “Local has taken on a new meaning Continued on page 8
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July 16-22, 2020
Real Estate/Classified PUBLIC NOTICE
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2020097106 The following Person is doing business as:
Saint Mother Studios 5249 Thornburn St., Los Angeles, CA 90045 Registered Owner(s): Karis Renee Dolberry, 5249 Thornburn St., Los Angeles, CA 90045 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on June 19, 2020. 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.) Karis Renee Dolberry, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on June 19, 2020. 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 June 25; July 2, 9, 16, 2020 IT0042230120020132 Inglewood Today
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2020093492 The Following Person Is Doing Business As: Khaki Noir 326 S. Serrano Ave., #3 Los Angeles, CA 90020 Registered Owner: MAJR LLC, 326 S. Serrano Ave., #3, Los Angeles, CA 90020 This business is conducted by a company. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on June 10, 2020 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.) MAJR LLC, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on June 10, 2020. 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 July 2, 9, 16, 23 20200 IT0042230120020133 Inglewood Today Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2020102125 The Following Person Is Doing Business As: Elite Signing Services 2200 W. Century Blvd., # 470736 1544 W. 111th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 Registered Owner: Marquis Lamont Cox, 1544 W. 111th St., Los Angeles, CA 90047 This business is conducted by a company. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on July 8, 2020 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.) Marquis Lamont Cox, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on July 8, 2020. 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 July 16, 23, 30; Aug 6, 20200 IT0042230120020134 Inglewood Today
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Arkansas in 1996. When Kurt left to play overseas in NFL Europe, Brenda, while pregnant with their third-oldest child Kade, received results of a Pap smear which came back positive, potentially jeopardizing her ability to deliver a healthy baby. Fortunately, she delivered a healthy Kade, and a biopsy doctors conducted on a piece of her cervix shortly thereafter revealed no cancer. Zachary Levi has been cast to play Kurt, but whoever gets cast to play Brenda will also have a prominent role in the film. “Her life journey was way more difficult than anything that I dealt with,” Warner said. “Strength, the ability to endure and overcome I think is a big trait. The ability to show that strength but also be very compassionate and very loving. That’s kind of a unique contrast, because a lot of times when we think of people being strong, we don’t see them as being as compassionate, but Brenda has both qualities. So I’m excited. I think it can be a powerful role. It’s going to take a unique individual to play it and pull it off.” Though the Warners initially weren’t grateful in the early stages of their journey, what got them through it and continues to give them perspective today is their Christian faith. Kurt said they feel it is their calling to display Jesus in whatever way they have to, and “to be able to connect with people where they’re at, not just where you’re at.” Additionally, It was important to them during the process to work with people who understand that faith as an underlying theme in a movie can be portrayed in different ways, and that the film didn’t have to look like whatever someone automatically thinks of when they initially hear faith-based movie. According to https://variety. com/2020/film/news/kurt-warnermovie-lionsgate-1203492457/” target=”_blank” >Varietyhttps:// variety.com/2020/film/news/kurtwarner-movie-lionsgate-1203492457/” target=”_blank” >’s Dave McNary, Kurt and Brenda are co-producing the movie alongside directors Jon and Andrew Erwin. Developed by Lionsgate, the film is being produced by the Erwin Brothers through their Kingdom Story Company with partner Kevin Downes. It is being written by David Aaron Cohen (“Friday Night Lights”), Jon Gunn and Jon Erwin. The Erwin brothers previously collaborated with Lionsgate on faith-based films like the 2018 drama “I Can Only Imagine” and the March 2020 biopic on Christian musician Jeremy Camp. “I think that for us becomes the challenge and the exciting part of this movie, is we’ve got people involved that understand that,” Kurt said. “We want to make a movie that reaches as many people as possible, with the true essence of what the story is and who
we are. That to me is why we’re excited about our team and what they know and what they understand about the story, and who they are as people. I believe we have a chance to do something extremely unique and special because of those perspectives, and bring the right story to the big screen, whatever that looks like.” Warner played at the highest level of professional football and won one Super Bowl, during that miracle 1999 season, while appearing in two more. However, he said winning a Super Bowl – among other qualifiers that the world uses to deem a person as successful – is not the only definition of a successful life. He hopes the movie not only teaches that, but also inspires viewers and fans to find a great confidence and be very content in whatever their dreams are, regardless of what the world says. “The bottom line is, we want people to believe that with faith in yourself, with faith in something greater, that all things really are possible,” Kurt said. “That even though circumstances might say something different or people, outside forces may say something different, those things do not have to define us, and define who we are and what we can be.”
Continued from page 6: POSITIVITY...
telling ourselves daily, “We are healthy, we will live long, our needs will be met during this time and our best years are ahead of us.” Then we need to “take action”, let go and let God match our vibration. One of my favorite movies is Star Wars. Yoda, one of the main character states, “Fear is the path to the dark side, fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate and hate leads to suffering”. Our leaders have exposed that many are suffering. To unsuffer ourselves we must think and act positively. Personally, I have started filtering what I expose myself to and for how long. I am actively campaigning for women, but in order for anyone to win this presidency he MUST adapt to the spirit of positivity. After all, it was HOPE that got Obama elected and GREATNESS that got Trump elected. This election will be a battle of who can get the most people on a positive frequency. Because positivity wins elections, positivity can overcome a virus, and positivity will bring back our economy. NO Negative Can Beat A Positive!
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July 16-22, 2020 Continued from page 2: Thousands...
UAW. “The NNPA overall is pleased with the impact, the reach and the engagement across the United States and throughout the world for our first virtual convention,” NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., stated. “This represents a tremendous step forward for the Black Press of America. We note that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Press of America has been able to overcome many of the obstacles that the pandemic continues to present. We plan to rebroadcast the virtual NNPA 2020 convention as soon as we conclude some post-production edits and additions.” Chavis added that the NNPA remains most grateful to its corporate sponsors for helping to make the first virtual convention a success. “We intend to let the world know that we appreciate our partners and sponsors and their support,” Chavis declared. Claudette Perry, the NNPA’s executive administrator, stated that she’s breathing a sigh of relief that the convention was well-received by so many viewers. “I was very delighted that many of the celebrities whose stories have been conveyed through the Black Press for decades showed their appreciation for our publishers with their congratulatory sentiments on our first virtual convention as well as their recognition of 193 years of the Black Press,” Perry said. “To the NNPA in-house production team, I say thank you for all the great content and design you brought to the convention virtual space. You are awesome. I thank also the young people on the technology panel who had great advice for us ‘beyond millennials.’” Perry continued: “To our corporate partners and sponsors I extend my deepest appreciation for their support of our 2020 convention. The NNPA will continue showing its support for each of you, post-convention and throughout the year.” Sparking the interests were several important topics and a host of celebrity guests, including livestream interviews and performances by Deniece Williams, Anthony Hamilton, Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana, Sandra “Salt” Denton, Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman, and journalist Jemele Hill. “The livestreams were amazing with all of the big names that we had it really brought an element that you don’t always see at a conference, and it really has helped to shine a spotlight on our publishers,” NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards declared. “The shoutouts to the Black Press from people like Magic Johnson, Sen. Kamala Harris, Rep. Maxine Waters, Attorney Joey Jackson, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the others were simply delightful.” Richards noted that she’s grateful to
the partners and sponsors of the NNPA, and she’s elated that each continues to support the publishers of the Black Press of America. “That’s who I’m so happy for today,” Richards said. “Our publishers work so hard, and they have fought the good fight for so long, this conference and what NNPA has put together and accomplished with digital has let the world know how vital the Black Press is and always have been.” Following opening remarks by Chavis, Richards, and NNPA Convention Chair Terry Jones, Wells Fargo presented a discussion titled, “Navigating Finances through COVID-19,” which was followed by a webinar titled, “Hope, Misinformation, Fear, Sickness and Death: Physicians Discuss the Impact of COVID-19 on Black Communities.” That physicians’ webinar included nationally-renown African American physicians Ebony Jade Hilton, LeighAnn Webb, Taison Bell, Cameron Webb, and Rochanda Mitchell who all are members of the NNPA Coronavirus Task Force. Terry Jones emphasized, “The Virtual NNPA 2020 Annual Convention was impactful across the nation and throughout the world via print, online and social media. The Black Press retains its relevancy as the trusted voice of Black America.” A webinar about the Black Press of America’s future engagement and empowerment, included Mississippi Link Publisher Jackie Hampton, AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances Draper, Cincinnati Herald Publisher Jan Michele Kearney, “Make it Plain” host Mark Thompson, and Washington Informer Editor D. Kevin McNeir. “I thought it was time we show the larger scale folks that we do the same kind of work they do,” McNeir stated during the webinar. “I’ve been with the Black Press for 25 years. I believe we have a story that is unique and significant, and it has not gotten old. We give the Black story, that’s who we are.” Day 1 of the conference concluded with the NNPA National Townhall titled, “Education and the Future of Black America, From Pre-K to High School and onto College.” The education town hall panel included Dr. Peggy Edwards-Jones, Kathryn Procope, and Dr. Elizabeth Primas, program manager of the NNPA Education Public Awareness Program. The second day of the convention featured webinars on “Technology and Innovation: The Challenges and the Opportunities for the Black Press,” that included data scientists Enchanta Jackson and Jamercia Gray, computer scientist Perry Busby, New York Beacon Associate Publisher Ashley Smith, and Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry Sr. The final webinar of
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the convention was “Black Millennial Voices and Visions for Transformation,” hosted by Houston Forward Times award winning Associate Editor and BlackPressUSA columnist Jeffrey Boney. The millennial panel included Micha Green, Editor of the Washington, DC AFRO; Lafayette Barnes IV, Editor of The Bridge and Assistant Editor of The Washington Informer; and Franklin Chavis, founder and curator of Black Millennial Voices. The conference concluded with a star-studded awards ceremony and performances that included a stirring rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend,” by The Temptations, who dedicated their performance to the Black Press, two special songs by Supremes legend Mary Wilson and a pre-recorded performance by Ziggy Marley. Wilson received the NNPA Lifetime Trailblazer Achievement Award, and Marley received the NNPA Global Icon Award which he dedicated to his legendary parents, Bob and Rita Marley. “I’ve received many awards throughout my life, but this one feels special to me,” Marley stated in accepting his award. “Music is a powerful tool. Human beings have powerful beings. We can achieve whatever we wish to achieve if we are willing to do what it takes to achieve it. Standing up or kneeling down.” Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Attorney Ben Crump, Hip-Hop Legend MC Lyte and Congresswoman Karen Bass, Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, were also among those receiving awards. “Receiving the Outstanding Congressional Leadership Award, I am humble. The work that we have done together over the last few years have been so important to us as a nation, but also to me personally,” Representative Bass stated. “I will take this award and continue to work on behalf of Black America.” Before concluding the night with a special recorded music mix by DJ D-Nice, hip-hop legend, actor, and entrepreneur Ice Cube received the Artist of the 21st Century Award. “It’s an amazing honor and would like to thank everyone responsible for getting me this award,” Ice Cube stated. “This is a very cool honor from the Black Press of America. I’ve learned from some of the artist who’ve come before me that just being an artist and not trying to move the social landscape forward in some way, shape, or form is a waste of opportunity.” Photo Caption: “Our publishers work so hard, and they have fought the good fight for so long, this conference and what NNPA has put together and accomplished with digital has let the world know how vital the Black Press is and always have been,” said NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards.
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and California’s beloved small businesses need our help now more than ever,” said Isabel Guzman, co-chair of the Small Business Subcommittee and Director of the state’s Office of the Small Business Advocate, in an OpEd she co-authored with Sarah Friar, who is co-chair of the Small Business Subcommittee and CEO of San Francisco-based Nextdoor. The Press Enterprise, a Riverside County media outlet, published their statement. Nextdoor is a San Francisco-based company that provides a hyper-local social networking platform to connect people with each other and to businesses and resources in their community. “Supporting nearby stores, business owners, and local employees, as they modify operations to slow the spread of COVID-19, is an essential commitment to our community,” Guzman and Friar wrote. In addition to resources from business partners, the campaign’s website includes links to state and county industry guidance, free business consulting, and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association’s personal protective equipment (PPE) marketplace. The online portal links California businesses with COVID-19 safety equipment. “California’s small businesses are adapting to the new marketplace, integrating technology at higher rates than ever, developing creative ways to connect with clients digitally and repurposing to serve their communities with innovations that meet the moment,” said Gov. Newsom. “California remains committed to helping all of our diverse small businesses become more resilient and thrive.” There are nearly 4 million small businesses in California. In good times, they make up over 99% of all businesses in the state and employ nearly half of the state’s workforce — over 7.1 million people, according to U.S Small Business Administration’s 2018 numbers. Before the pandemic, across the United States, African-American and Latino women-owned businesses were experiencing the fastest growth, according to 2012 U.S. Census Bureau data. But COVID-19 is presenting new financial and operational challenges, especially for businesses owned by African Americans and other ethnic minorities in California. “According to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, in the last 4 months, there has been a 15 percent drop of active business owners across the nation,” Guzman and Friar shared. “That decrease is nearly double for Black-owned and operated businesses at 26%, and at 19% for Latino, 21% Asian, and 25% immigrant. The governor also emphasized the importance of maintaining social distancing protocols while shopping. “Critically, amid the ongoing emergency, we must all do our part to keep small business employees, owners, and others safe by wearing face coverings when we go out, practicing safe shopping and following public health protocols.”