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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

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March 11 - 17, 2021 VOL. 36, No. 10

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“Apryl Sims Juicing Your Life Up...” See Page 6

Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. Hails Biden Rescue Plan Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) Prepares to Welcome Students Back on Campuses IT News Wire

By Kenneth Miller, Publisher

Nearly a year to the day COVID-19 was declared a national pandemic, The United States House of Representatives passed the historical $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan on March 10 along partisan lines clearing the final hurdle before President Joseph R.

Rites Set for Perdita ‘Dee-Dee” Kennedy Brown

Biden can sign it into to law on March 13. Here at home, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. hailed the legislation as a boon for the region and small business. “America is truly fortunate for the Biden -Congress Stimulus package,”

IT News Wire

Memorial services have been set for Wednesday March 17 at 9a.m. at Inglewood Memorial Cemetery Continued on page 8

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Women’s Mental Health During Corona Virus Pandemic By Michelle Lyons, IT Writer

Perdita ‘Dee-Dee” Kennedy Brown

Butts told Inglewood Today. “This will allow American families and small business to hang on while the population is vaccinated. Inglewood residents will benefit from the stimulus bill.”

During Inglewood Unified School District’s (IUSD) Board of Education meeting on March 10, 2021, County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres shared the proactive steps and plans the District has taken to prepare for the reopening of IUSD schools. Dr. Torres was joined in her comprehensive presentation by the District’s Chief Operating Officer, Norberto Perez, and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Bernadette Lucas.

Is Coronavirus making you crazy? You are not alone. According to We Are Agenda, “Mental illness amongst women is on the rise. One in five women experience a common mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression compared to one in eight men.” Ronisha “Ronnett” Hayden, a Peer Specialist certified through Loyola Marymount University and her partner Aumahn Washington, a student at CAL State Long Beach, created Womb Stories. Womb Stories is a safe space that focuses on helping women heal themselves from traumatic past by coaching them with energy healing. Hayden believes if the psyche can return to the womb then one can be reborn.

Since 2014 Hayden has been coaching women to improve mental health by energy shifting. Energy shifting also known as energy medicine “a branch of alternative medicine based on pseudo-scientific belief that healers can channel healing energy into a patient and effect positive results”. For the past six years, each month Womb Stories host pop-ups and group counseling sessions where women gather to share their trauma, triumphs, and help each other overcome pain. “Group counseling is the best therapy. We facilitate big groups and small breakout groups with interactive discussion and creative activities that aid in self-healing.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) recently announced that L.A. County schools are permitted to reopen for in-person instruction for students at grade levels TK-6. Although the District understands that everyone is looking forward to safely returning to our school campuses, the District will take a careful, phased approach in transitioning to in-person instruction. Dr. Torres shared that “the highest priority of the District has been and will remain the health and safety of our students and staff and fostering a safe,

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JOIN US ON

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March 11 - 17, 2021

Black Americans Must Now Fight on All Fronts survive the pandemic, now is the time to understand the battles we are in and determine what we must do individually and collectively. Here are the issues: (1) We must be clear that we support a conviction in the George Floyd murder trial. Nothing less is acceptable. We must voice our call for a conviction in all our media outlets. There can be no cover up or acquittal. (2) We must look closely at each state that has a Republican Governor or legislative majority seeking to pass voter suppression laws such as limiting days and times of voting, reducing ballot drop boxes and the number of precincts available in our communities. We can’t wait to litigate. We must follow the example of the state of Georgia and register every voter possible, secure voter identification cards or help voters obtain them in advance of the state laws that are going to pass with Republican majorities in the legislatures and organize voters against Republicans seeking office or re-election in 2022 By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher of The San so that they don’t get a majority in Diego Voice & Viewpoint the U.S. Congress or the U.S. Senate. While some of us are spending Georgia set the example, now let’s our time watching the news or follow it in every state. (3) We must wondering how we are going to urge the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, H.R. 1. The Bill has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, we must now find the five or 10 votes needed in the PRESIDENT/ EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Senate to add to the Democratic votes Willie Brown necessary for passage. Every Senate and Congressional District has people PUBLISHER Kenneth Miller seeking to replace the incumbent. We must find VICE PRESIDENT those people and support them if Gloria Kennedy they support us. The late Julian Bond once said, “No permanent friends, no PRODUCTION Kenneth Denson permanent enemies, just permanent interest.” QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER We must study the White Gloria Kennedy Nationalists, and the Republicans who Inglewood Today Weekly is a legally adjudicated no longer care about the American newspaper of public circ ulation, published weekly by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. News and press releases people, only maintaining their “White may be submitted for consideration by mail to 9111 La Privilege” at the expense of the rest Cienega Boulevard, Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 or by email to itnetworks@msn.com. of America. In the midst of this, we must reassess our spending habits You can reach us at 310-670-9600 and our loyalties. We must know or by fax 310-338-9130 www.inglewoodtoday.com who financially supports those who The artistic contents of Inglewood Today Weekly are against voter participation, those are copyrighted by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. and who support police unfair treatment permission to reprint any article herein must be obtained in writing from the Publisher. of Blacks, in particular, and people of color in general and those who oppose DISPLAY ADVERTISING America helping the most needed and 310-670-9600 X107 most vulnerable among us. It sounds CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING like a big task, but we start where we 310-670-9600 X104 live and build from there. Let’s get busy. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscriptions are available by mail for $100.00 per year. Home Delivery may not be available in all areas, or gated communities.

FX celebrated the season 4 premiere of Snowfall by inviting Los Angeles to a themed car wash experience featuring a drivethru wash tunnel customized with lights, music, and effects inspired by the series which is set in 1980s Los Angeles. The carwash featured is NCM Car Wash, 3601 W. Slauson Ave.

WE ARE ALL BETTER

TOGETHER Across the nation, the Black community is disproportionately affected by COVID-19 cases.

In California, Black residents are the 4th most affected group by COVID-19, making up 4% of all California cases. Historically known as advocates and providers, Black churches across the state are stepping up to bridge the gap between the government and free access to community-based testing. As leaders in the community, the church testing sites are exemplifying the way to properly engage the Black community in providing resources and reducing the spread of COVID-19.

AACEC-CAL.ORG/COVID19TESTING

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EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON

ALEX PADILLA

JAMES BUTTS

ELOY MORALES

RALPH FRANKLIN

AROUND THE CITY

Inglewood Celebrates International Women’s Day,

COVID-19 Vaccinations Available for Inglewood’s Seniors By Francis Taylor, Sr. Writer

Each year on March 8th, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. International Women’s Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to: celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about women’s equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity, and fundraise for female-focused charities. The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is ‘Choose To Challenge’. A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. In honor of International Women’s Day, Google revealed its list of the most-searched women of 2020 and local native and tennis ace Serena Williams was the second-most

searched women in the world. Serena Williams was reared in Compton, CA and is an American professional tennis player and former world No. 1 in women’s single tennis. She has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era, and the second-most of all time behind Margaret Court (24). The Women’s Tennis Association ranked her world No. 1 in singles on eight separate occasions between 2002 and 2017. She reached the No. 1 ranking for the first time on July 8, 2002. On her sixth occasion, she held the ranking for 186 consecutive weeks, tying the record set by Steffi Graf. In total, she has been No. 1 for 319 weeks, which ranks third in the Open Era among female players behind Graf and Martina Navratilova. Inglewood applauds the accomplishments of Serena Williams. Conducting city business in the weekly council meeting the council conducted a public hearing to consider an ordinance granting Golden State Water Company a franchise to use or lay and use pipelines and appurtenances for transmitting and distributing water

under, along, across or upon the public ordinance. streets, ways, alleys and places within The council approved the Minutes of the City of Inglewood. Following a the Meetings held on July 7, 2020, and staff report, the council approved the July 14, 2020. The council adopted a resolution amending Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget to carry over unspent Community Development Block Grant CARES Act Funding in the amount of $1,000,000 that was earmarked for the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program in Fiscal Year 2019-2020. The council adopted a resolution effecting modification to the terms and conditions of employment of employees represented by IMEO/ AFSCME Local 960. It was announced that the Senior Citizen COVID-19 Vaccination Program is going well and all of Inglewood’s seniors who are participating in the home food delivery program have been contacted to receive their vaccinations. It was also reported that additional vaccines are available and interested Inglewood residents may call 310412-4380 to possibly schedule a vaccination appointment.

Gov. Newsom Calls Out “Naysayers and Doomsdayers” in State of the State Address

Bo Tefu | California Black Media

California is determined to stay on a path to a brighter future and, “won’t change course just because of a few naysayers and doomsdayers,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in his third State of the State Address as he reflected on California’s year-long battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic instability it has caused. “This is a fight for California’s future,” Newsom said. “With more compassion, empathy, and connection, we can write the next chapter in the California story.” Newsom delivered the remarks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, which is doubling as a mass community vaccine site. California was the first state in the nation to launch mass vaccine sites in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to dull the impact of the blow with which the coronavirus crisis has hit California. Gov. Newsom’s game plan to fight the pandemic also includes “vaccine equity” programs in vulnerable communities, a $6.6 billion education bill to reopen schools, and $7.6 billion in relief funds for lowincome residents and small businesses. Newsom says the stark reality of the deaths of nearly 55,000 Californians since the pandemic began in early 2020 helped to prompt the high level of investments the state has made to

help people move past the difficulties and build an economy that will be stronger and fairer than it was prepandemic. “Our journey back must also be a path to close inequities. There is no economic recovery without economic justice,” said Newsom. Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) issued the following statement: “A true leader is measured by how well they empower those around them. As Senate President pro Tem Atkins stated, we cannot return to the old normal — the one built on inequities and racism. The COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a magnifying glass on the extraordinary gaps women and minorities face in healthcare, education, business, housing, and justice. I agree with Governor Newsom, ‘it is not what we preach, but what we do.’ I am proud to be a member of a legislative body that invested $7.6 billion in hardworking small businesses and $6.6 billion to get kids back to school safely. The problems we faced a year ago haven’t changed, their impact on communities of color have just become more obvious. We have taken serious steps forward on the path to recovery for our diverse businesses and community members, but more needs to be done on criminal justice reform and equitable economic assistance to correct the failures of

past policy. We must emerge from this pandemic as the Governor has promised, with equity embedded in everything.” Since California began its effort to get COVID-19 shots in the arms of people, the state has been ranked sixth for vaccine distribution worldwide. Healthcare workers have administered more than 11 million vaccine doses to Californians, including 200,000 educators, school staff, and childcare workers. “We don’t just talk about vaccine equity -- we designed our entire system around it,” said Newsom. “I agree with Governor Newsom that California will come back stronger and wiser. We will not only have economic recovery but also economic justice,” said Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), who is chair of the legislative Democratic Caucus. “And, just like our response to the pandemic, we will follow science and data. There is light at the end of this tunnel and the best is yet to come.” Toni Atkins, President Pro Tempore of the California Senate, said fiscal policy lawmakers approved has helped to “prevent major cuts during the pandemic and restore funding that was in jeopardy.” “Too many people are still just barely hanging on,” Atkins said. “They need us to do more.” Eleni Kounalakis, California’s

lieutenant governor, said one of state’s main priorities is to ensure that essential workers, who are among the 18 % of vaccinated Californians, have enough support to tackle the final stretch of the pandemic. “We can all breathe a little easier, knowing that the most vulnerable among us, especially in underserved communities are safer, and safer with each passing day,” said Kounalakis. State officials said although there were a few hits-and-misses in the early stages of the pandemic, they are driven to learn from their mistakes and work toward the safe reopening of the state. Polarized discussions about health equity have surrounded much of Newsom’s efforts as the state has taken steps to shore up a weakened economy, reopen schools against spirited pushback from large unions, and distribute vaccines to as many people as possible. Because a significant number of essential workers are Black and Latino, some critics of the governor say the state’s efforts to increase employee wages and advocate for vaccine equity have been neither timely nor forceful enough. Newsom said lawmakers are working on raising the minimum wage to $14 an hour. In response to California’s health disparities, vaccine equity is the right thing to do and the fastest way through the pandemic, he said.

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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

Wilberforce University Continues Moving Towards Excellence in Courses of Study The nation’s first, private HBCU introduces Dr. Nedra Allen, the university’s new Dean of General and Foundational Studies and the Center for Academic Support. IT News Wire

General education is an area of academics that does not target one specific course of study. Under her department leadership, freshman and sophomore students will better matriculate through their general education coursework. Direction from Dr. Allen will increase motivation for Wilberforce students who need more strategic focus in their academics. “It is my hope these young minds, through general education, will be

successful and will learn to use skills to better themselves toward their future at Wilberforce and throughout life.” Dr. Nedra Allen, Dean of General and Foundational Studies and the Center for Academic Success Dr. Allen will report to Dr. J. D. Jones, Provost and VP, Academic Affairs. “Dr. Allen comes to Wilberforce with an extensive background in general studies. That includes understanding the needs of some students who may not be quite college ready and need

extra help to navigate towards the goal of graduation. Whether that involves tutoring and/or mentoring, the university will provide the necessary avenues to get that degree.” – Dr. J. D. Jones General education courses allow diversity of study that can lead to several more specific disciplines as students advance toward their junior or senior year. Dr. Allen comes to Wilberforce University from Little Rock, AR.

Her educational background includes a B.A. degree in English from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, an M. Ed. in Instructional Technology from American InterContinental University, and an Ed. D. in Higher Education and Adult Learning from Walden University. She is the former Chair of the Literacy Skills Department in the General Education Division of Philander Smith College in Arkansas. Dr. Allen begins her employment at Wilberforce Monday, March 8th.

CALIFORNIA LAUNCHES “COVID-19 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS”

Campaign Honors African American Heroes in Local Communities IT News Wire

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The state of California in partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation has launched a “COVID-19 Community Champions” campaign to recognize COVID-19 warriors who have made significant contributions in their communities. Honorees of the campaign include medical community leaders, Dr. Elaine Batchlor, CEO, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital (Los Angeles); Dr. David M. Carlisle, President, Charles R. Drew University (Los Angeles); Dr. Rodney Hood, Founder of the San Diego County COVID-19 Equity Task Force; Dr. Adrian James, Chief Medical Officer for West Oakland Health Council; and Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett who was part of the National Institute of Health team that worked with Moderna, the pharmaceutical company that developed one of the two mRNA vaccines that have been proven to be up to 95 percent effective. The COVID-19 Community Champions campaign is in partnership with several California radio stations, including KJLH-FM and KDAY-FM (Los Angeles), KBLX-FM, KDYA-AM and KMEL-FM (Bay Area), KSSX-FM (San Diego), KHYL-FM and KDEEFM (Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto) and KKBB-FM (Bakersfield). The stations will celebrate honorees’ in 30 second pre-recorded radio spots with amplification in print advertorials and social media throughout February. Information on COVID-19 vaccine will also be included in the campaign.

“COVID-19 champions are our neighbors, friends and our loved ones whose actions – big or small -- make an outsized impact in our lives,” said Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California Surgeon General. “This is an opportunity to recognize these Californians’ perseverance and resilience, while paying tribute to their valuable contributions in helping our community endure during the pandemic.” The campaign will also recognize everyday COVID-19 champions in communities throughout the state. To join the campaign, Californians are encouraged to tune in to their local radio station for more information and to post a picture of their favorite local champion via Facebook or Instagram using #COVIDCommunityChampions. State and local leaders hope the #COVIDCommunityChampions campaign will help encourage the community to stay optimistic and inspired to continue practicing safe behaviors like wearing a mask, washing hands, maintaining physical distance and making a game plan to get vaccinated. Californians can visit VaccinateALL58.com or call (833) 422-4255 for information on the COVID-19 vaccine and can sign up at MyTurn.ca.gov to be notified when they are eligible to make an appointment for vaccination.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Vaccines are: SAFE

California’s top medical experts have confirmed the safety of all COVID-19 vaccines.

EFFECTIVE

Up to 95% effective to prevent COVID-19.

FREE

COVID-19 vaccines are available for free.

PRIVATE

Your personal information is confidential and protected. Even after being vaccinated, you should continue wearing your mask, washing your hands and watching your distance until the vaccine has been widely distributed.

Vaccine supply is limited. Learn more about vaccines at VaccinateALL58.com and help end the pandemic. You can also sign up to be notified when it’s your turn to make an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255.

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Lakers and Clippers chase new shooter Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell and Lakers star LeBron James By Kenneth Miller, Publisher

If there is anything that we have learned from the first half of the 2020-21 NBA season is teams that endured long playoff stretches during the COVID-19 shortened Orlando bubble have struggled with endurance and injuries. The NBA champion Lakers are the best example. Trailing the Utah Jazz for the best record in the Western Conference, the Lakers at 24-13 are 3.5 games back of the top spot and have played the tail end of the first half without superstar center Anthony Davis who has no foreseeable timeline for his return. Thus the aging LeBron James, he could not have looked any older playing in the 70th All Star Game last week, is going to be forced to play more minutes than anticipated further taxing an already overloaded engine. Bron Bron performance or lack thereof in the All Star Game was the worst performance he’s had in 17

appearances and while many of us would like to just chalk it up as a game that was meaningless and did not require his ultimate effort, it offered hints of what is to come. Other players were faster, more athletic, greater hops and more energy than the man who has been the face of the NBA. I am not by any means saying that LeBron is washed up, but if you just look at the teams enjoying breakout seasons such as the first place Jazz and the second place Phoenix Suns in the West then you can see that a youthful evolution is on the horizon in the 30 and over NBA. Meanwhile the Clippers and first year coach Tyronn Lue are right behind the Lakers at 24-14 and 4 games back. Right now it is safe to say the Clippers are the primary threat to the Jazz and Suns simply because they have yet to hit their stride and play consistent enough on both ends for one to gauge how good

Rams awarded two compensatory third-round picks, one compensatory fourth-round pick in 2021 NFL Draft By Stu Jackson

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The Rams have been awarded two compensatory third-round picks (Nos. 101 and 103 overall) and one compensatory fourth-round pick (No. 141 overall), the NFL announced Wednesday, giving them seven total selections in this year’s draft. The addition of the pair of compensatory third-round picks gives Los Angeles three in that round next month. The fourth-round compensatory pick gives the Rams a selection in that round after dealing their original selection as part of the trade package for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Each year, the NFL awards 32 compensatory picks via a formula that weighs the number of players a team

they really are. Kawhi Leonard is 10th in the NBA is scoring averaging 26 points per game, ahead of LeBron at 12ths averaging 25 points. Leonard running mate Paul George is tallying 23 per, but is firing at 49 percent from the field. The Lakers have 35 games remaining, 17 at home and 18 on the road, but the slate also includes 8 critical back-to backs. The Clippers have just 34 remaining, 18 at home and 16 on the road with 7 back to backs. NBA Notes So there will be a lot more back-tobacks. In the first half of the schedule (as played), there were 6.6 back-to-backs per team. In the second half (as scheduled), there are 8.6 per team. At least one of the two teams will be on the second half of a back-to-back in 219 (40%) of the 546 games. That’s up from 32% (168/533) in the first half (as played). Two quick reminders regarding this

season… 1. It’s a 72-game season, with each team playing two games against each of the 15 teams in the opposite conference and three games against each of the other 14 teams within its own conference. (15 x 2) + (14 x 3) = 72 2. The top six teams in each conference qualify for the playoffs. Teams 7-10 qualify for a three-game play-in tournament, where the seventh and eight-place teams play for the No. 7 seed. The loser of that game would then play the winner of a game between the ninth and 10-place teams for the final playoff spot. * Rest advantage = Didn’t play the day before. Opponent is playing the second game of a back-to-back. Rest disadvantage = Playing the second game of a back-to-back. Opponent didn’t play the day before. In the first half, teams were 78-61 Continued on page 7

New DC Renaldo Hill on Preparing for Justin Herbert: ‘You Had to Be Almost Perfect’

lost via free agency versus the number of free agents it signed. It also takes a player’s salary, playing time and postseason honors into consideration. Picks are awarded between Rounds 3-7, and while those 32 compensatory picks are not divided up equally among teams, no team can receive more than four. Outside linebacker Dante Fowler, linebacker Cory Littleton and kicker Greg Zuerlein were the Rams’ primary free agency losses last season, while defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson was the Rams’ primary free agency signing. By Chris Hayre, Chargers Reporter Hill shared his thoughts on Los Angeles’ Besides those transactions which factor Chargers defensive coordinator defensive personnel, what it was like into the traditional compensatory pick Renaldo Hill is no stranger to the AFC to game plan against Justin Herbert in West. In an interview with Chargers.com, Continued on page 7 Continued on page 7

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BUPPIE | BUSINESS

Celebrating Women’s International History Month The Apryl Sims Juicing Your Life Up One Bottle at a Time Lion Queen By Kenneth Miller, Publisher

Sea, The Goddess

By Michelle Lyons, Columnist

[Editor’s Note: This a CORRECTED version of this article previously published]

When Charlamagne Tha God, the host of the breakfast club and advocate of black mental health teamed up with Anita Kopacz, a spiritual psychologist that helps men and women overcome childhood trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking; together they produced magic in a book called, “Shallow Waters”. Shallow Waters is now available for pre-sale and debuts on August 3, 2021. Shallow Waters is about the Yoruba deity “Yemaya”, known as the goddess of the sea. Legend has said, when Africans were hoarded onto the slave ships, Yemaya came with them, thus becoming the Goddess of the Ocean. It is believed that she is a protector. To this day, she is celebrated across the diaspora. Celebrations typically begin on January 1st and go until the end of February. She is known by several names, but her traditions continue in the countries to which her people were dispersed: North and South America, the Caribbean and along the West African Coast. Kopacz, a survivor of childhood trauma, started writing to comfort her spirit. In 2010, she published, “Finding Your Way”. A book that explains life’s most basic and valuable lessons from spiritual concepts created to enrich the soul. In 2019 she started a company called, Zero F’s Given which first launched as a tee shirt campaign to help The Center for Safety & Change. The Center for Safety & Change is a nonprofit organization serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. Oprah Winfrey, Charlamagne Tha God and many other celebrities wore the t-shirts to advocate no shame for speaking up against abuse. In 2020, while Kopacz was writing “Shallow Waters,” Charlamagne Tha God launched, Black Privilege Publishing, a new imprint from Atria Books at Simon & Schuster. Charlamagne fell in love with the book and immediately wanted to publish it. Shallow Waters will debut 3 months after Black Privilege Publishing’s first book release, Tamika Mallory’s “State of Emergency”. Continued on page 7

It took quite a while for Apryl Sims to discover her own path, but if you examine a bit deeper, you’re likely to learn it really isn’t a path just for her after all. Sims a native of Los Angeles, California has forever placed the welfare and well-being of others in front of herself. A devout African American culturalist, she was educated at Manchester Elementary and Bret Harte Middle School before attending high school at predominantly white Palisades. She continued academically at Howard University in Washington D.C. that produced our first Black Vice President Kamala Harris and it is at that historically Black institution where Sims ultimately grew her dreadlocks so to speak. “I just believe in my people and always want the absolute best for my people,” Sims explained to Inglewood Today. Upon graduating from Howard in 1984 and earning her BBA in marketing she went on to work as a sales representative for an International company where she toiled for just a year. Then she abruptly left for Flint, Michigan where she got married, but just three years later in 1987 Sims returned back to the Southland and again in the sales profession, this time the manager at a computer company. Her father called on her to help with his 333 Construction Company, a family

owned business and his daughter ran the business from top to bottom, increasing revenues from $250, 000 to $4 million. A fourth generation entrepreneur who was inspired by the self-reliance of Harriett Tubman considered the “Moses” of her people as an abolitionist whose 13 missions rescued some 70 slaves in the mid 1800s, Sims wants to free her people of unhealthy lifestyles. “I’m about my people,” Sims insisted. And she was certainly about her people when she served as general manager of Simply Wholesome Health Food Store & Restaurant for 24 years. “Many of my customers would frequently discuss with me their health issues and I contemplated what I could do about it,” Sims added. Born out of many customers complaints was Apryl Sims Life in a Bottle juice beverages. The 100 percent cold press deliciously tasty liquids come in a variety of flavors and are genuinely best for nourishing the body. The juices have been her priority since 2016 and after reaving Simply Wholesome and now requires her full attention. The attention to detail in the ingredients that each bottle contains is beyond impressive, spring water, agave, turmeric juice, cucumber juice and many others that evolve into a bursting tantalizing infusion of goodness. Currently available at a half dozen locations from Canoga Park to Watts,

Compton and in between theses juices don’t require the expertise of its owner to get out of the fridge and into your hands. So good are these juices they sell itself and the mere fact they are even better for you than anything else you can buy makes it an absolute essential during and beyond COVID-19. @aprylslifeinabottle www.aprylslifeinabottle.com

Lawyers Ramp Up Advertising Under COVID... Why? By Victor Gomez, Executive Director of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse

Under the current economic slowdown, most Americans have spent time thinking about how they will cut personal spending, how they will pay their rent or mortgage, and some are also asking themselves how long they can endure this economy that is hanging on by a thread. Our local small business owners have worked hard to find new ways to keep their restaurant or retail store afloat, cutting back as much as possible so that they can raise themselves out of this economic disaster as soon as it is safe to do so. Most of us have cut spending..... except trial attorneys. Since March of 2020, lawyers, law firms and other legal advertisers have inundated the advertising waves with ad’s encouraging anyone who wants to make a quick buck to give them a call. Since states and counties launched shelter in place orders back in March of 2020, lawyers have spent more than you can imagine on ads mentioning

COVID-19. These entrepreneurial personal injury lawyers saw yet another opportunity to profit off of a national crisis and they have not been shy about spending the money in ads to get your attention. This was a strategy, not an accident. Early in the crisis, law firms specializing in frivolous lawsuits organized and formed the “Coronavirus Litigation Task Force” to identify targets and theories for litigation. Before you knew it, new law firm websites started springing up left and right, inviting people to blame their illness or family member’s death on someone rather than on the virus. Some websites provide a roadmap for suing for contracting COVID-19 at work. From March through December of 2020, 176,053 advertisements for legal services and/ or soliciting legal claims mentioning COVID-19 or coronavirus aired in the United States at an estimated cost of $34.4 million. As of February 1, 2021, 8,200 lawsuits related to COVID-19 have been filed in the United States. Recent data from the American Tort

Reform Association shows just how important it is for state legislatures to seek legislative solutions to support health care workers, businesses, and their employees who have been on the frontlines, responding to the pandemic. Another poll shows broad bipartisan support for elected officials to respond to pandemic-related issues, rather than lawyers filing lawsuits to address these concerns. Key findings show 74% of respondents said the government should support small businesses affected by COVID-19 with grants or loans, versus 6% who said lawyers should help small businesses pursue legal claims instead. To date, 21 states and the District of Columbia have enacted some level of COVID-19 liability protections. Unfortunately, California is not one of them. This needs to change. I challenge our local delegation of legislators to stop kicking the can down the road and provide liability protection before it’s too late for our small business community.

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Continued from page 1: Inglewood Mayor...

Continued from page 1: Women’s...

In the House and the Senate, Democrats approved the sweeping legislation while Republicans overwhelmingly opposed it, although more than 61 percent of all American are in support of the bill. Republicans contended that less than 10 percent was directly going towards COVID-19 and while that’s true, the entire bill addresses complications that are a direct result of the coronavirus. The most notable aspect is the direct payment of $1,400 to roughly 85 percent of all Americans, families will also receive $1,400 per child, and adult children claimed as dependents would also receive $1,400. Unlike previous stimulus payments, single tax filers making at least $80,000, or couples earning more than $160,000, will not receive a check. The bill allows for the first $10,200 of unemployment payments tax-free, and those who receive food stamps will see a 15 percent increase in those benefits through September. Families whose children’s schools have remained closed are also in line to receive EBT benefits through the summer. The legislation sends about $20 billion to state and local governments to help low-income households cover back rent and utility bills. It also contains a provision that allows families with minor children to claim a larger tax credit this year. Those who qualify would receive a child tax credit of $3,600 for each child under six. Families will also receive $3,000 for each under age 18, up from the current credit of up to $2,000 per child under age 17. The American Rescue Plan also provides $15 billion to the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan Program, which provides long-term, low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration. Severely impacted small businesses with fewer than 10 workers will be given priority for some of the money. Additionally, more people will qualify for higher premium subsidies through the Affordable Care Act. [Stacy M. Brown, NNPA National Correspondent contributed to this report]

Women can overcome their struggles with depression and anxiety when they know they are not alone”, says Washington. In March 2020, Hayden was featured on Ted X: ComptonBlvd Women’s Empowerment Edition. Hayden spoke about the journey from “Womb to Worthy”. This is a series in Womb Stories where their clients discuss their journey from the womb to feeling worthy. Hayden believes that a woman’s lack of worthiness is the cancer of society. She says, “The hardest part for most women is pinpointing when they started devaluing themselves. Scientific research even shows evidence that many of our behavioral patterns started in the Womb. We help women tap into their wombs with meditation, reiki, and emotional tools that have been tested and proven to change their narrative; leading them to a life of vitality and self-love”. Prior to Covid-19, Womb Stories had a constant flow of clients since its inception. However, since Covid-19, their clients have doubled and are about to triple. Coincidentally, Hayden did Ted X when Covid-19 first began so that helped promote the company, but Hayden believes the increase of depression is what is driving her business expansion. “Covid-19 has caused everyone to isolate. Which means everyone must deal with themselves. A lot of people are struggling with depression right now. The good thing is, we each can build a healthier relationship with ourselves. If you are always on the go it is easy to run from your issues. When you are still, you are forced to face your shadow side. The part of you that needs love and attention for you to release, grow, and heal,” says Hayden. At Womb Stories, everyone is held accountable to their wellness goals and guided through the process. Because Covid-19 is not making people depressed, it’s revealing depression that’s been suppressed. Fortunately, Womb Stories transitioned online to a Zoom platform at the beginning of Covid-19. “Ironically, everything just fell right into place. I had known for years we were missing out on revenue because so many of our clients work and were missing our workshops, so I had already planned to launch online after my Ted X. Everything just lined up. Now, we have doubled our clientele, and after Covid we will have both options, in person or on Zoom,” says Hayden. To Schedule a counseling session with Womb Stories go to www. ourwombstories.com or call Ronnett Hayden at 310-654-7678.

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formula, the Rams were also one of four teams provided a special compensatory selection (No. 103 overall) through a recent amendment to the Collective Bargaining Agreement promoting equal employment opportunities and an inclusive workforce within NFL clubs. If one minority employee gets hired as a head coach or primary football executive (general manager) by a new club, the employee’s prior club receives a special compensatory third-round pick in each of the next two drafts; if two minority employees get hired for those roles, each of the next three drafts. Former Rams Director of College Scouting Brad Holmes was hired by the Lions as their next general manager in January. The 2021 NFL Draft will be held April 29-May 1 in Cleveland, Ohio. Continued from page 5: New DC...

2020, his relationship with head coach Brandon Staley, and more. Below are a few highlights. As the Broncos’ defensive backs coach in 2020, Hill had to help put together a game plan for two games against Herbert and the Chargers. Here’s how he described the play of the Offensive Rookie of the Year. “The biggest thing you see in this league, obviously his size,” Hill said. “You see his raw skill set on the outside, but when you start digging into the film you start seeing that he has command of the offense. He understands look, looks of the defense. You could feel that it wasn’t too big for him. Those are the things you got from him. “But when you start seeing him make all the throws, you see him making all the reads, you knew you had a long game that you’re going to have to prepare for. You knew you had to be almost perfect on your end to get it done because we knew he could create plays with his legs or he has the big arm to change the game in a matter of a second.”

“Now, thanks to Black Privilege Publishing, we don’t just read and write—we read, we write, and we publish our own narratives,” said Charlamagne. Kopacz, whose mother is from the West Indies where Yemaya is

celebrated, wrote “Shallow Waters” to bring this deity of the sea to life in a fantasy novel about the power of black resilience, love and feminine strength in Antebellum America.

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for the beloved and cherish Perdita Kennedy Brown, the wife of Inglewood Today Founder and President Willie Brown. Mrs. Brown died on Jan. 5 after suffering complications from COVID-19. She was 70 years old. Mr. Brown issued his first statement since losing his wife of 45 years. “Dee Dee was my wife, lover and my partner. She was my best friend and soulmate and is in heaven now. I am heartbroken and hurt to be without her, but I know she is in a better place. I know she will be dancing with the heavenly angels. Rest in Peace.” Perdita Kennedy Brown was born to Willie & Yvette Kennedy in Chicago, Illinois in 1950. She was an only child. At the tender age of one, her parents uprooted and decided to move west the Compton, California near the bustling entertainment capital of Los Angeles and Hollywood that would eventually become the eye of Perdita’s desire. After graduating high school, she went on to graduate from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. Thereafter she would land employment at NBC in the news room where she subsequently spent 32 wonderful years before retiring. She met the love of her life Willie Brown, an advertising and marketing professional in 1977 and a year later they wed and spent every dusk till dawn together until Perdita succumbed. Years later after Willie founded Inglewood Today first as a magazine and eventually as a newspaper, she provided him with her wisdom and unyielding support essentially serving as the de facto editor in chief. She monitored the drop off locations, opined on the content and was the face of the publication at numerous events. She always believed that destiny is not a matter of chance, but rather a matter of choice Also known as Dee Dee and Da Da, she lived her life to the fullest. An avid lover of the arts, music, concerts, travel, dining, swimming, church and adventure, activities that she enjoyed with Willie until the end. Perdita accepted Christ at a very

March 11 - 17, 2021 early age as indictive by the schools she attended and always put God and church first in her life, as a regular attendee of church in West Los Angeles and Inglewood. She was a passionate member of Inglewood Line Dance Club, member of a local book club, a board member of St. Elmo Village, a regular at the Playboy Jazz Festival and many other popular events. She had a very unique style that was eloquent and foxy with fashionable hairstyles. Her parents preceded her in death and she is survived by, her husband Willie Brown of Playa Vista, CA; step children Willie Brown Jr. and Karen Brown; grandchildren Chez Brown, Martez Brown, Nicholas Brown, Jontez Brown, Angelica Brown, Shyanta Brown, Janta Brown; sister and brother in-laws, Juliet Hanzy, Mary Ann Burrell, Joseph Simpson, Lorene and Anita. A host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved deeply.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We appreciate your calls, cards, donations, emails, flowers, hugs. kisses, texts, and visits have made our loss much easier to bear. Please know that your support and acts of kindness has not gone unnoticed. We are rejoicing and thanking God that Dee Dee entered eternal rest in the Lord. You have helped to reinforce the love and memory of our precious Dee Dee. The sharing of your thoughts represents a significant contribution to her legacy of love for her fellowman. For this, we are truly grateful, please continue to pray for our family as we pray for you. The Brown family

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welcoming, and nurturing learning environment for all.” A critical component to the safe reopening of IUSD schools is the accessibility and distribution of vaccines. Dr. Torres proudly announced that “we partnered with Beach Cities Health District to distribute vaccines to our staff. For our staff who are unable to secure an appointment through their own health provider or with one of the community distribution sites, we are making vaccines readily available through our partnership with Beach Cities Health District. Today, Inglewood HS was opened as a vaccine distribution site for our Inglewood Unified staff only.” The District’s plan to reopen schools will be done on a phased approach starting with the youngest grades. Chief Operating Officer, Norberto Perez, shared that “the pandemic has necessitated new thinking around the use of space, cleaning and disinfecting, ventilation and response to a possible outbreak, among other things.” In the Spring of 2020, Inglewood Unified convened a Reopening of Schools Task force and has worked collaboratively with multiple stakeholders — board members, district staff and administrators, labor partners, students, parents, community partners —to take the recommendations and requirements of federal, state, and county public health officials to develop a comprehensive IUSD “Health and Safety Plan.” The plan describes in detail the protocols and measures IUSD is taking to ensure the health and safety at our district and school facilities. Families can find this Health and Safety Plan on the district’s website at www.inglewoodusd.com in the COVID-19 Updates section. The District understands the importance of supporting every area to ensure students are learning in a safe environment. The areas IUSD focused on in their reopening plans are Family & Community Engagement, Health & Safety, Instruction, Operations, and Social Emotional Support. The District’s leadership team focused their presentation during the Board meeting on Health & Safety and Instruction. Health & Safety The team presenting reassured the

school community that all LACDPH guidelines will be followed for reopening. Some of the ways that the District has prepared include: ● All classrooms will be set up based on the LACDPH guidelines to follow the 6 feet social distancing guidance. ● Appropriate signage will be posted at all high traffic areas to identify sanitizing stations, promote social distancing, reinforce hand washing, face mask requirements, and more. ● Cleaning schedules will follow sanitization guidelines. Employees, parents and guardians, students, and visitors will be required to conduct a daily self-screen at home before reporting to school or work. All staff and students will be required to enter any school or district property ONLY via identified points of entry. Everyone will need to adhere with all safety guidelines, including temperature checks and wellness pre-screening questions. Sanitizing stations and dispensers will be allocated in high traffic areas. Social distancing will be enforced with signage throughout our campuses. If an employee or student should develop symptoms while at school or work, they will be isolated and sent home in adherence to safety protocols. These were just a few highlights from the Health and Safety plan that have been developed. Instructional Delivery Options Current Full-Time Virtual Learning vs. Hybrid Model The presentation continued with the District’s Chief Academic Office, Dr. Lucas, who shared that when the school district reopens, students will be offered two instructional delivery options. Option 1 is the Virtual Model where families can opt for their child to remain at home in the current 5-day virtual program, while option 2 is the Hybrid model where families can choose for their child to transition to a hybrid model, which will include both inperson instruction at school 2 days per week and virtual distance learning at home 3 days per week. Dr. Lucas reinforced that the District is committed to the guiding principles for reopening schools as developed by the Reopening Task Force. ● Ensuring access and equity to high quality instruction and learning to all students ● Ensuring the health, safety, and social emotional well-being of all students and staff ● Ensuring that all stakeholders are actively engaged in the development of our IUSD comprehensive school reopening plan: To ensure families have the opportunity to choose from the two options, Dr. Torres encouraged parents and guardians to fill out and submit the Reopening Model Selection Form by March 19, 2021, to indicate their preference for continuing in the current virtual model or transitioning to the hybrid in-person model. The District’s dedication and mission to serving the youth and families of the District is clear - Inglewood Unified cares for their community, is committed to providing high quality instruction and is ready and excited to welcome students back on campus.