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 18 - 24, 2021 VOL. 36, No. 11
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“Kenneth Fountain Pours Life into Hidden Humidor” See Page 6
Maxine Waters Brings Home the Money with American Rescue Plan!
Help Is on The Way!
Inglewood Today News
Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the American Rescue Plan Act. The legislation has been sent
LA Chargers bring Innovative Opportunities for Inglewood Unified Scholars IT News Wire
The Los Angeles Chargers and Brotherhood Crusade have partnered with Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD), to create a new, innovative mentorship program called Bolt-Up Academy. The Bolt-Up Academy will provide mentoring, professional learning about business etiquette, and internships for high school scholars from Inglewood High School, Morningside High School and City Honors International Preparatory School. The initial cohort of 24 students have gone through a competitive application process which included a submission of a reflective essay. Continued on page 8
to President Biden’s desk and has been signed into law. Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA43) working with President Joe Biden on the American Rescue Plan. “The historic American Rescue Plan was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and has reached
President Biden’s desk and received his signature. I am so pleased that help will soon be on the way for the millions of people struggling to stay afloat during this pandemic. “The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion package that I worked on with my colleagues, President Biden, and
Vice President Harris, that delivers for you, your family, and our community by providing direct cash payments, increased unemployment benefits, emergency rental assistance to help with back rent, support for small businesses, Continued on page 7
Find My Vax LA Expands Access to Open Vaccine Appointments in Los Angeles County IT News Wire
Find My Vax LA (findmyvaxla.com) centralizes open vaccine appointments in Los Angeles County by getting the data directly from vaccination providers’ sites, including myturn. ca.gov, carbonhealth.com/covid19-vaccines/los-angeles, riteaid. com, and kaiserpermanente.org. The platform consists of a website with both confirmed and possible available appointments, and the Twitter bot (@Findmyvaxla_bot), which tweets out new appointments as they become available. The website offers translations to a multitude of languages via google translate. Since launching on February 24th, the platform has reached thousands of Angelinos to help get eligible residents and workers vaccinated since launching on February 24th. The idea behind the site came from Andrew Friedman’s experiences getting his grandmother an appointment and seeing the issues with equity in the
current system. Andrew Friedman as the platform to assist with vaccine a recent college graduate in Political distribution during this critical juncture. Science and Computer Science used his skills to build and implement
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March 18 - 24, 2021
Biden: States Should Open Vaccinations to All Adults by May 1
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia
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Just hours after signing into law his massive $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, President Joe Biden addressed the nation and announced the implementation of his next phase of a national strategy to put the pandemic in the country’s rear-view mirror. The President declared that he would direct states, tribes, and territories to make all adults eligible for the coronavirus vaccine by May 1. In his first prime-time address since taking over the Oval Office, President Biden proclaimed a goal of getting the nation closer to normal by the July 4 holiday. “If we do our part, if we do this together, by July 4, there’s a good chance you, your families, and friends will be able to get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout and a barbecue and celebrate Independence Day,” he noted as he stared firmly into the television camera. Speaking from the East Room of the White House, President Biden said returning to normal requires everyone to continue wearing face coverings, social distancing, and getting vaccinated. More than 529,000 Americans have died since the pandemic began, and nearly 30 million have contracted the virus. “We all lost something,” the President declared. “A collective suffering, a collective sacrifice, a year filled with the loss of life. In the loss, we saw how much
there was to gain. An appreciation, respect and gratitude,” he uttered. Within his first hours in office, President Biden launched a comprehensive strategy to defeat the pandemic. He noted that in the seven weeks since, the Administration has delivered more than 81 million vaccinations and more people can visit their loved ones again. “There is more work to do,” the President reminded viewers. He promised that the White House COVID-19 Response Team has concluded that the accelerated vaccination efforts will enable prioritized vaccinations that will prove far enough along by the end of April that officials could lift all eligibility restrictions at that time. The President outlined a “rampedup effort” to create more places for people to get vaccinated, enabling officials to reach those hardest hit and most challenging to reach. Over the next six weeks, the Administration will deliver vaccines directly to up to an additional 700 community health centers that reach underserved communities, increasing the total number of participating community health centers across the country to 950, White House officials said. The Administration also will double the number of pharmacies participating in the federal pharmacy program, making the vaccine available at more than 20,000 pharmacies in locations convenient to all Americans.
Pharmacies are also directed to expand mobile operations into the hardest-hit communities to reach more people. The Administration promises to more than double the number of federally run mass vaccination centers, run by FEMA, the U.S. military, and other federal agencies in partnership with states, to ensure that we reach the hardest-hit communities in this historic effort. “Finding light in the darkness is a very American thing to do,” President Biden said. He also used the national platform to denounce racism and hate crimes against Asian Americans, whom the previous Administration targeted as the cause of the pandemic. “There have been vicious hate crimes against Asian Americans who’ve been attacked, harassed, blamed, and scapegoated,” President Biden remarked. “At this very moment, so many of them, our fellow Americans, are on the front lines of this pandemic trying to save lives and still are forced to live in fear for their lives just walking down streets in America. “It’s wrong, it’s unAmerican, and it must stop.” Photo Caption: The President outlined a “rampedup effort” to create more places for people to get vaccinated, enabling officials to reach those hardest hit and most challenging to reach.
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March 18 - 24, 2021
EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON
ALEX PADILLA
JAMES BUTTS
ELOY MORALES
RALPH FRANKLIN
AROUND THE CITY
City Council Extends Senior Nutrition Program, Council Meeting Agenda Items By Francis Taylor, Sr. Writer
The council approved a one-year agreement (with an option to renew annually up to three (3) years) with Bateman Community Living, LLC dba TRIO Community Meals to provide
meals onsite for the Senior Nutrition Program. The city council rejected the claim
by Wanda Brown for alleged personal injury Whistleblower retaliation on September 15, 2020. The Council approved the Minutes of the Meeting held on July 21, 2020. The council adopted a resolution ratifying the following appointment to
Griffin, General Manager of Republic Services, to the SBWIB to serve a term of office ending June 30, 2025. The council approved a first amendment to Professional Services Agreement No. 20-169 with Environmental Science Associates
blanket purchase order (with an option to extend for an additional year) with Vista Paint Corporation for the purchase of paint used for graffiti removal, per Bid No. RFB-0130. The council approved a renewal agreement with Enerwise Global Technologies, Inc., dba CPower, to serve as a Curtailment Service Provider for Southern California Edison’s CAISO Capacity Bidding Program Addendum. The council approved the Inglewood Transit Connector Joint Powers Authority Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“Metro”) to form the Inglewood Transit Connector Joint Powers Authority to own, manage, and oversee the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the Inglewood Transit Connector Project. The council adopted Ordinance No. 21-05 to grant Golden State Water Company a franchise to use or lay and use pipelines and appurtenances for transmitting and distributing water the South Bay Workforce Investment (ESA) to extend the expiration date to under, along, across or upon the public Board: On February 23, 2021, the City December 31, 2021. streets, ways, alleys, and places within of Hawthorne appointed Ms. Tonya The council approved a three-year the City of Inglewood.
Farewell Anthony Smith, Sr. AKA ‘King Ant By Francis Taylor, Sr. Writer
Earlier this week locals said farewell at a home-going service for Inglewood resident Anthony T. Smith, Sr., known affectionately as King Ant. Smith was reared by Charles and Ainita Smith along with his cousins. He attended schools in Inglewood and later distinguished himself as a gifted athlete winning honors as the fastest 100-meter sprinter in track in field at Crenshaw High School. At the age of 14 Smith earned a Black Belt in Martial Arts and he loved playing dominoes and later mastered the game of chess. Smith was an entrepreneur who augmented his income as a security guard and drug rehabilitation counselor. He had a penchant for fast cars and fine jewelry and enjoyed spending time with his many children and grandchildren. Smith accepted Christ as his spiritual savior and confirmed his commitment by being baptized along with his daughter Precious. He was known for having a generous heart and would look out for those who needed him. To cherish Smith’s memory are his son Anthony, daughters Precious and Bianca, and four grandchildren. Smith cherished family and friends and he leaves a bevy of family, relatives and friends to savor his memory. His daughter said, “if he were here to speak for himself, he would ask that and do your best to take care of one so we say farewell, King Ant, until we you do not mourn for him. He would another. That is how he lived his life meet again. Rest in Power!” want you to live the life you love
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March 18 - 24, 2021
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
A Message from County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres IT News Wire
Dear Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) Staff, Students, Families and Community: In our continued commitment to serving our community and providing current information, we have some important updates in this week’s message. IUSD School Reopening Updates The safety of our students, staff and community continues to be our top priority. To better understand our plans for safely reopening, please view the students will take the year-end tests March 10, 2021 School Reopening based on their current grade level. This presentation to the Board that provides may include the: Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments in English language arts/ literacy (ELA) and mathematics California Science Test Summative English Language Proficiency Assessments for California or a locally determined alternate assessment as determined by the student’s individualized educational program team California Alternate Assessments for ELA, mathematics, and science In the coming weeks, we will provide additional information for families regarding these assessments, as well as ways you can support your child so they are best prepared. Please click here to access the CAASPP Parent Notification an overview of the safety plans and Letters, which is specifically designed instructional delivery options. to support parents and guardians with Critical to the reopening of our questions surrounding Spring 2021 schools is an accurate accounting of assessments. staff and students who will return Celebrating Women’s History Month to in-person instruction so that we In honor of Women’s History Month, can transition to our hybrid program we would like to highlight some reopening. Families will be offered two phenomenal women who have made instructional delivery options. Option 1 significant contributions to sports, is the Virtual Model where families can science, arts and politics. This week opt for their child to remain at home we celebrate the brilliant artist, Frida in the current 5-day virtual program, Kahlo. while option 2 is the Hybrid model Born July 6, 1907 in Coyoacan, where families can choose for their Mexico City, Frida Kahlo is considered child to transition to a hybrid model, one of Mexico’s greatest artists. Frida which will include both in-person would experience what seemed to instruction at school 2 days per week be endless hardship throughout her and virtual distance learning at home 3 childhood and life. At the age of 6, she days per week. contracted polio and was bedridden for The IUSD School Reopening Model nine months. In 1922, while traveling, Selection Form is needed to finalize Frida was in a terrible bus accident our reopening plans, so please help that fractured her spine and pelvis us by completing it to indicate your and left her in a full body cast for 3 preference. Please respond no later than months. During that time Frida started Friday, March 19, 2021. painting and finished her first self IUSD will continue to provide a portrait the following year, according virtual learning model as we make plans to FridaKahlo.org. to reopen for in-person instruction. We In 1930, Frida relocated to several will keep addressing safety measures states, including California, New and other considerations to return York and Michigan, to showcase her students and staff to school campuses art and it was during these transitions as soon as possible. that she began incorporating realistic Spring 2021 Student Testing components into her paintings. In This spring, all eligible California
1939, she was invited to Paris where her paintings were exhibited alongside famous artists, one being Pablo Picasso. During that time, she painted one of her most famous paintings, “The Two Fridas” which illustrates Frida’s two different personalities, with one dressed in traditional Tehuana attire, sitting next to an independent, modern dressed Frida. In 1953, Frida returned to Mexico for a solo exhibition and despite her limited mobility and failing health, the determination that carried her throughout her life, motivated her once more to arrive at the opening ceremony. Frida Kahlo’s life and legacy serves as an inspiration for young women, people with disabilities and the Latinx community. Her story is a symbol of resilience against oppression and adversity and her fearless, groundbreaking artistry will be celebrated for generations. Inglewood Youth Coalition Poster Contest Inglewood High School participants of the Youth United in Creative Action (YUCA) invite all Inglewood Unified School District students to participate in a poster contest for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW). The purpose of this contest is to share factual information regarding drugs, alcohol and addiction and eliminate myths among teens about drug and alcohol abuse. Posters may include a drug fact, tips for staying healthy and fun activities. In addition, posters can be handmade, digital or created through a digital application. Participants can upload a photo of their poster to Instagram and tag YUCA or email a copy to Community Organizer, Marlon Pascual at mpascual@aadapinc. orghere. To learn more about NDAFW, please click here. USC Young Researchers Program Applications for the University of Southern California 2021 Young Researchers Program (YRP) are now open! YRP is a six week summer program designed to increase involvement among students who
are traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This unique opportunity creates a network of support for high school seniors transitioning to college and future careers through virtual mentorship, workshops and STEM speakers from NASA, the National Institutes of Health, USC, UCLA, Stanford, UC Irvine, Intel, Google and many more! The application deadline is May 15, 2021 and the program begins June 28, 2021. 2021 Wellness Together Spring Event Series The California Department of Education and Wellness Together present the 2021 Wellness Together Spring Event Series and invite families and educators to participate. The series intends to equip educators, parents, and guardians to promote mental wellness for students at home and in the classroom. Presenters will share content to help increase mental health awareness, advocacy, and access to mental health services for our students and each webinar will include a live question and response session. El Camino College Computer Science Week is March 22-26, 2021 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is the fastest growing sector in the job market with a tremendous demand for Computer Science majors. El Camino College will proudly host an action-packed week of lectures, workshops and seminars that focus on careers, diversity, and the latest trends within the STEM industry. Here are just a few: “What is the Cloud?” “Getting into Robotics” “Women in Computer Science” Thank you staff, parents, students, and community members for your ongoing support and commitment to the success of our district. #WeAreInglewoodUnified Sincerely, Erika F. Torres, Ed.D., MSW County Administrator
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March 18 - 24, 2021
LeBron James Becomes Part-Owner of Boston Red Sox By Jay Connor, The Root
Since entering the NBA in 2003 as an 18-year-old phenom, LeBron James has completely transformed what it means to be a professional athlete. Aside from being dominant on the court, he frequently uses his platform to combat social injustice and has evolved into a savvy businessman whose interests extend to music, the restaurant industry, education, lucrative endorsements, and film and television, just to name a few. And now King James is expanding his portfolio to include sports franchise ownership, because what do you give the man who already has everything else? ESPN reports that the Akron, Ohio, native is joining Fenway Sports Group, which will give him a piece of the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club, Roush Fenway Racing, and regional sports network NESN. Maverick Carter, his business partner and childhood friend, will be joining in on the fun as well, with the two of them becoming FSG’s first Black partners. Those up on LeBron’s outside endeavors might note that he already owned 2 percent of Liverpool. By joining forces with FSG, I can confirm that yes, that investment will now be expanded upon. That sound you hear is LeBron’s net worth inflating and running out of elbow room. “I think for me and for my partner, Maverick, to be the first two Black men to be a part of that ownership group in the history of that franchise, I think it’s pretty damn cool,” James told reporters Tuesday night after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves. “It gives me and people that look like me hope and inspiration that they can be in a position like that as well, that it can be done. It
Illustration for article titled After Owning the Boston Celtics for Years, LeBron James Becomes Part-Owner of Boston Red Sox. Jason Miller (Getty Images)
gives my kids at my I Promise School more and more inspiration as well.” FSG was already one of the most powerful sports ownership companies on the planet. Do you know what adding someone with LeBron’s popularity and pedigree is about to do for that ownership group? This is what we call “big business.” And he’s not done either. League rules prevent current players from becoming
owners of NBA or WNBA franchises, although that didn’t stop him from mulling a potential purchase of the Atlanta Dream in January before they were eventually sold to an ownership group that includes 2020 The Root 100 honoree Renee Montgomery. But after he retires, don’t be surprised if he becomes part-owner of the Cavs or another NBA franchise. He predicted as much during NBA All-Star Weekend in
2019. “I believe if I wanted to, I could own a team or be part of a basketball team,” he said. “I know I got so much knowledge of the game that I don’t want to, once I stop playing—I just [don’t] want to get away from the game.” Congrats to LeBron for continuing to raise the bar and uplifting others along the way. We love to see it.
IN MEMORIAM: Boxing Great ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler Dies at 66 By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia
Marvelous Marvin Hagler, who ruled the middleweight boxing division in the 1980s, yet never received the recognition he deserved as an all-time great, has died. Hagler was 66. Before Hagler’s death, former boxer Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns posted on Instagram that the legend had “taken ill.” “A real true warrior,” Hearns wrote. Later, Hagler’s wife appeared to confirm his death in a post to the boxer’s Facebook fan club page. “I am sorry to make a very sad announcement,” Kay Hagler wrote. “Today, unfortunately, my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire. Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this
difficult time.” A member of the boxing hall of fame, Hagler had a career record of 63-2 with 52 knockouts – many of them of the devastating variety. He turned pro in 1973 and was
arguably the most feared fighter in the 160-pound middleweight division. Although the media and fans showered much love on fighters like Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, and others, Hagler was largely ignored.
Even inside the ring, judges appeared to view Hagler with a skewed eye. That was no more apparent than his bouts with Vito Antuofermo. Despite Hagler brutalizing the thenchampion in their first bout at the old Boston Garden in 1979, judges declared the lopsided contest a draw. The decision allowed Antuofermo to retain his WBC and WBA Middleweight titles. Antuofermo subsequently lost the titles to Alan Minter, whom Hagler destroyed in a September 1980s bout. In the 1981 rematch with Antuofermo, Hagler punished his foe, scoring a fifthround TKO. Still, Hearns, Leonard and Duran – each a welterweight that would ultimately move up in weight class Continued on page 8
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March 18 - 24, 2021
BUPPIE | BUSINESS
Kenneth Fountain Pours Life into Hidden Humidor By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
The buzzer rings at the brick enclave nestled just off Carson and a few blocks east of the 110 Freeway, the door swings open and I am greeted by Hidden Humidor owner Kenneth Fountain. Immediately, I become impressed as I glance towards right of the door and observe the massive glass enclosed humidor with a variety of cigars that would impress the most experienced aficionado. For those who know, cigars are an experience and more importantly a connection to the well to do people in and relaxation,” Fountain business and life. shared with Inglewood That’s precisely why Fountain, the Today. son of a generation of brick masons The club has 19 and construction company owner members which represents decided that he would venture into the professionals such as cigar lounge world. doctors, nurses, hairstylist Although the Hidden Humidor is a and casual working people. boutique lounge in size, it showcases “It’s a great thing. wall to wall big screen televisions, a To be able to relax and booming sound system, a refreshment collaborate and have a bar, an oak oval table for eating and “I opened the Hidden Humidor good time among either family, friends table games, it is a big deal for the three years ago because cigars is a industry that is becoming a growing hobby and the passion that I have for or business associates,” he added. Fountain’s establishment is private, population for Black entrepreneurs. creating an environment of comfort
Want or Need to Retire Early? Tips on How to Pay For It By Alan Becker
Delaying retirement has become common for many Americans, either because they saved too little or they just want to continue working because they enjoy it. Others go in the opposite direction. They retire early – sometimes out of choice but often because their health or the economy forces it. While early retirement might sound appealing, it can be a struggle for those who don’t have sufficient income to pay their bills. That is why if you are weighing the pros and cons of early retirement, you need to get a good handle on your potential sources of income. You may find you lack what you need – an especially unnerving conclusion if early retirement isn’t really a choice. But don’t despair just yet. It’s also possible you have more income options than you realize. Those can be broken down into the categories of bridge income, fixed income, guaranteed income, and speculative income. Let’s take a look at each to see whether they fit into your situation – and possibly your early retirement plans. Bridge income. To support yourself in early retirement, you may need to tap into your assets sooner than planned – essentially bridging the gap until your other expected retirement income sources kick in. Fortunately there are ways to do that without incurring penalties for early withdrawal. For example, if you retire before you’re
eligible for Social Security and Medicare, you can withdraw money from your traditional IRA before age 59½ without paying the 10 percent penalty. That’s because of something called the 72(t) provision. Similarly, the Rule of 55 allows you to withdraw money from your 401(k) or 403(b) without penalty if you are between ages 55 and 59½ and have been fired, laid off, or quit your job. (This applies only to the retirement plan sponsored by your most recent employer, not an older plan from a previous employer. Also, while you avoid penalties with these strategies, you still have to pay taxes on those withdrawals.) Fixed income. One example of fixed income is real estate rentals. Certainly, there are downsides to being a landlord, but those who manage it right and carefully screen tenants may find this can provide a reliable income. Owning rental properties can come with tax advantages. Beyond that, the property’s value typically appreciates in a strong market, making it a potential long-term investment. If need be, you can sell it later in life to pay for such expenses as health or long-term care costs. If you don’t like the idea of handling upkeep and dealing with tenants yourself, you could hire a property management company, but that of course adds to your expenses. Another situation to be aware of is that during COVID-19 some states put a temporary ban on Continued on page 7
but he is quick to inform that it is a place open to the public or for small events and anyone is welcome. Located at 236 W Carson Street in Carson, The Hidden Humidor welcomes mature professional adults of any persuasion. Fountain’s father, Samuel Fountain is the first Black construction company licensed in the City of Compton and the legendary Martin Masonry is also a family foundation. Martin Masonry is responsible for laying the bricks for both the 105 Freeway and the 10 Freeway. Now that Kenneth Fountain has added a cigar lounge to his growing business portfolio, the 56 year old can reflect on what giant shoulders he has always stood.
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March 18 - 24, 2021
Continued from page 1: Maxine Waters...
and so much more. The historic nature of this legislation cannot be overstated. “To be specific, this bill provides a $1400 direct payment, expands the child tax credit from $2000 to $3000 per child and directs the Treasury Secretary to issue the credit as an advance monthly payment for some parents, and $130 billion to help safely reopen our nation’s schools. The bill also provides $300 of federal unemployment benefits per week until September 6. In addition to the $25 billion in emergency rental assistance I secured in the December package, as Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, I also worked extremely hard to secure $27.5 billion in additional assistance for renters and $10 billion in direct assistance to homeowners in this bill. This is going to help people remain housed until our nation emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides support to all, including mom-and-pop landlords who have been suffering. “For all of us, this month marks a year to the date at which life drastically changed. We lost the ability to visit with many of our loved ones, social distancing measures became widespread, and many other normal parts of our lives came to a screeching halt. With this rescue package, we can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. “Not only will your pockets directly benefit from the bill, but there is also substantial funding to help our nation rebuild. The package includes $20 billion to enable more people to get
vaccinated quickly, $350 billion for state and local governments to continue important services, $7.25 billion for small businesses and nonprofits to have increased access to the paycheck protection program, and $28.66 billion for a restaurant revitalization fund. “From the very beginning of this pandemic, despite Republican obstruction, Democrats have worked every single day to deliver this type of relief that assists you and helps to get our nation on a path to a speedy recovery. Along with President Biden and Vice President Harris, I made getting this type of assistance to you my number one priority, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of your needs as we move forward. “As always, let us remain vigilant and let us follow all of the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and defeat this pandemic. With President Biden having signed the bill, I look forward to relief communities soon.”
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In Support of Black Votes Matter By John E. Warren, Publisher, The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
By now all of America, and Blacks in particular, are aware of the “Voter Suppression” legislation introduced in more than 28 states with more than 108 and legislative proposals introduced to restrict voter participation aimed at African Americans in particular. These legislative proposals introduced and passed already in some states are the products of Republican controlled state legislative bodies. The New York Times has already said that these efforts represent the worst attack on voter participation since Reconstruction and Jim Crow. Those measures led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which was gutted in part by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013. It appears that the call for action against these efforts is coming out of the State of Georgia, just as it gave us the two U.S. Senators needed to give control of the U.S. Senate to President Biden and Vice President Harris as the tie breaking vote in the senate. The answers appear, in part, to rest with the newly created “Black Voters Matter” campaign. This effort is placing pressure on some of the largest corporations in America to stop funding those members of the legislature backing these measures
and to use their collective lobbying influence nationwide to withdraw support from those legislators who support voter suppression laws. The companies so far identified include: Coca Cola, UPS, Home Depot, just to name a few, with others being added to the list. Black Voters Matter organizers believe that these and other Fortune 500 companies can force change by withholding financial support and lobbying against such laws. Black Voters Matter should spread across this country just as Black Lives Matter did. The idea is not one of calling for “boycotts” but rather the support of those who support voter inclusion and the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. The Black Press can play a major role in this movement by helping our communities know who are the legislative members supporting the proposed voter suppression laws. Many of these laws, as proposed in Georgia, would: limit voting to the hours of 9am to 5pm daily; eliminate Sunday voting, reduce polling sites in black and communities of color, reduce ballot collection boxes and require State voter identification cards, which many seniors would not be able to obtain since they don’t always have access to birth records.
Page 8 Continued from page 1: LA Chargers...
Upon completion of the 10-month program, students in the Bolt-Up Academy will receive a paid internship based on their prospective career field of choice. In addition, students will serve as ambassadors during the home games of the Los Angeles Chargers at So-Fi stadium. Chargers head coach Brando Staley, recently presented new incoming students with a Microsoft Surface Notebook, as a welcome reward to the Continued from page 6: Want or Need...
evictions for tenants who meet certain criteria, which could make it hard to collect on rent in those situations. Guaranteed income. It’s important in retirement to have some income that arrives each month, regardless of what’s happening in the market. The most common source of guaranteed retirement income is Social Security. For those considering early retirement, it’s worth knowing you can begin drawing Social Security as early as age 62. But there’s a caveat. If you claim the benefit before you reach full retirement age (between 66 to 67 for most people), your monthly benefit is reduced and that reduction is for life. Another source of retirement income some people still have is a pension. If you have one, determine whether it provides a reduced benefit (or any benefit at all) to your spouse after you die. If not, you may want to weigh whether to take a lump-sum payment rather than your regular payout, if that choice is offered.
March 18 - 24, 2021 program. IUSD County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres shared that “The Inglewood Unified School District is grateful to the LA Chargers and Brotherhood Crusade for this innovative partnership. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students. They deserve it and are excited to participate in the Bolt-Up Academy.” Following this inaugural year of the Bolt-Up Academy, future student cohorts will be established, along with an increased number of participants. Finally, an annuity – either fixed or indexed – can provide you with a monthly check as well. Some annuities do come with fees and various rules and limitations, and you also want to research the claims-paying ability of the insurance carriers being considered. So study them carefully before making a decision. A properly licensed financial professional can help you figure out what’s best for you and your circumstances as you make that decision. Speculative income. One of the risks of retiring early is that you are even likelier than the average person to outlive your savings. That means you may want to keep at least a portion of your money in the market so it can grow. Yes, that does mean you could experience market volatility, but it’s worth remembering that historically, after significant market drops, the market has strong recoveries. Still, you and your financial professional should take steps to minimize your risk exposure.
Continued from page 5: IN MEMORIAM...
to challenge Hagler – were the media darlings and the sport’s favorites. Hagler agreed to a 1983 bout with Duran, who was coming off his infamous “No Mas” loss to Leonard. Duran went the distance with Hagler, who won the decision, but the media still scolded him. “Hey, how about giving me some credit?” Hagler pleaded after beating Duran. “I beat a legend. I thought I did a good job. I have to give myself a pat on the back.” The 1983 Ring Fighter of the Year, Hagler had little competition in his division and contenders too afraid to offer up a challenge. Then came the fight that finally earned Hagler the recognition he rightly deserved. Hearns, the tall and powerful puncher from the Motor City, challenged Hagler for the Middleweight Championship on April 5, 1987. It was billed as “The Fight,” but in boxing lore, it remains known as “The War.” Although the match lasted only three rounds, it was arguably one of the most violent fights in boxing history. Hearns and Hagler traded vicious blows, never taking a break. Both fighters were bloodied and, after an accidental head-butt that caused the ring referee Richard Steele to consider stopping the fight in Hearns’ favor, Hagler unleashed a nonstop flurry to finish his foe. After several more title defenses, Hagler sought the biggest of paydays, and there was just one name that could
fulfill that desire for the Broxton, Mass.based warrior, and to quench his thirst for acceptance as the sport’s premiere superstar. That person was ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, who had retired in 1982 after suffering a detached retina. Always calculating, Leonard had intently watched and even served as a commentator for HBO during several of Hagler’s bouts. Last year, Leonard told NNPA Newswire that he spotted Hagler’s weakness and wanted to fight him. “I called my business partner, Mike Trainer, and told him I wanted to fight Marvin Hagler, and he asked me had I been drinking,” Leonard reminisced about the time leading up to his April 6, 1987 bout with Hagler. “When I told my brothers that I wanted to fight Hagler, they couldn’t believe I would even think of it,” Leonard recalled. “They asked, ‘Who would be my tune-up (for Hagler)?’ and I told them, ‘Hagler.’ I fought Kevin Howard before fighting Hagler, and he knocked me down, and people thought Hagler would kill me. Back then, I was on the wrong side of the street, doing cocaine and drinking heavily,” Leonard revealed. Hagler was regarded as a brawler with incredible power and the sport’s most dominant slugger. Leonard needed Hagler to believe that he had to prove to the world that he could also box. However, Leonard went on to win a 12-round decision over Hagler and claim the world middleweight championship. Hagler, who never fought again after the Leonard loss, was still named the Boxer of the Decade.