L.A. Focus Newspaper October 2023

VOLUME XXVIII • ISSUE 8 •October 2023 > > W W W. L A F O C U S N E W S PA P E R . C O M

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UPFRONT D.A. Fani Willis Addresses Racial Threats Amid Trump Prosecution

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ: Kerry Washington Gets Real in New Memoir

SEE PAGE 10

Upfront

Councilman Curren Price Maintains His Innocence Ahead of October 13 Arraignment

SAVING GRACE Jamie Foxx

>> SEE PAGE 6

contents

October 2022 October 2023

L.A. Focus Publications

(Left) Laphonza Butler administered oath of Senate office by Vice President Kamala Harris alongside her wife, Neneki; Middle: Magic and Cookie Johnson are joined by family members E.J., Elisa, Lisa and Andre Johnson as they were honored last month at the 4th annual Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS; Left: Community Build CEO Robert Sausedo is presented a first edition John Lewis postage stamp by a U.S. Postal Service representative in recognition of the Lifetime Acheivement Award recently received from President Biden.

4 From The Editor

Biz News Briefs

“The Promise”

America’s First Black Female Billionaire to Release Kevin Hart’s Tequila Brand Celebrates New Milestone; Alicia Keyes Launches Line of Wellness Teas

Commentary

Biden Makes No Apologies for Efforts to Support HBCUs

Pricing the Nation’s Top Ranked HBCUs

6 UpFront

Price Maintains Innocence Ahead of Oct 13 Arraignment; Fulton County DA Fani Willis Addresses Racial Threats Amid Trump Prosecution; Beverly Hills Police Sued for Targeting Blacks; Court Order Sought to Block L.A. County’s Controversial Zero Bail Policy

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On the Money

14 Hollywood Buzz

Kerry Washington Gets Real in New Book; Mo’Nique Sounds Off on Unpaid Residuals; The Yellow Brick Road Leads to Broadway

Footnotes Tracee Ellis Ross

HeadToHead Differing Perspectives on the Impact of Rising Costs

Headlines From Africa

Special Report California’s Critical Shortage of Black Teachers

10 Cover Story

Governor Gavin Newsom Keeps His Promise and Appoints Emily’s List President Laphonza Butler to Dianne Feinstein’s Senate Seat

12 Money Matters

Taking the Sting Out of Medical Debt

15 Red Carpet Style

Lisa Collins Gerald Bell, Quita Bride, D.T. Carson Ian Foxx Kisha Smith

@Lafocusnews

25 In Good Taste 26 Saving Grace Snoop Dogg

Jamie Foxx

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Eye On Gospel

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Church News

Donald Lawrence Honors Twinkie Clark with New Album; Erica Campbell’s Third Solo Project is a Family Affair; Take Me to The King is Certified as Double Platinum

First AME’s Biddy Mason Wellness Center to Offer Health Care Services to Underserved

19 First Lady Files

Presidents Biden, Obama and Clinton were among those congratulating 19-year old Coco Gauff on her recent U.S. Open Victory, making her the youngest American women to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999. Gauff is now ranked third in the world by the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association).

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West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. City of Refuge Greater Zion Church Family Southern Saint Paul Church Faithful Central Bible Church Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Baptist Minister’s Conference Inglewood Minister’s Assoc.

Bishop Charles Blake Bishop Noel Jones Pastor Michael J.T. Fisher Rev. Xavier L. Thompson Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer Pastor Emeritus Melvin Wade Pastor K.W. Tulloss Bishop Robert T. Douglas Sr.

advisory board

Napoleon Brandford Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co. Apostle Beverly Crawford Bible Enrichment Fellowship Lem Daniels Int’l Bob Blake Morgan Stanley Bob Blake & Associates

Cover Design: UpScale Media Group

L.A. Focus/September 2023

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Days of Dialogue Launches New Series of Community Talks Around Race & Equity

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Carolyn Baskin-Bell

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Rochelle Settle

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers

21 Pastor Profile 22 Spotlight

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Commentary

STACY M. BROWN Guest Columnist

“Biden Makes No Apologies for Efforts to Support HBCUs” resident Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held a roundtable discussion inside the Roosevelt Room of the White House with the Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The meeting included key figures like Dr. Tony Allen, Chair of the Board of Advisors and Delaware State University President, and Mayor Steve Benjamin, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.

Biden, humorously recalling their past collaborations, commended Allen’s contributions and emphasized the transformative impact of HBCUs. Allen, highlighting the unprecedented support from the current administration, lauded their $7 billion investment in the Department of Education. He underscored the vital role of HBCUs in enabling low-resourced African American students to ascend to the middle class.

“HBCUs produce 40% of all Black engineers in America, 50% of all Black lawyers, 70% of all Black doctors and dentists, and 80% of all Black judges,” Biden asserted.

“And HBCUs are engineers of economic mobility helping to increase the Black middle class. When the middle class does well, everybody does well. That’s why it’s critical we invest in these universities.”

During the meeting, Allen revealed a list of recommendations, all centered on four crucial tenets set by President Biden and Vice President Harris: 1. Infrastructure Investment: This encompasses physical and technological infrastructure, aiming to align the quality of living and learning spaces with the top-tier education that HBCUs offer.

2. Research Capacity Building: Dr. Allen emphasized the unique expertise across diverse disciplines in HBCUs. 3. Connected Pathways: The President and Vice President’s advocacy for industry collaboration ensures that HBCU students have genuine opportunities from matriculation to graduate studies.

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4. HBCU Preservation/Growth: Given their pivotal role in African American students’ upward mobility, preserving and expanding HBCUs remains paramount.

Addressing misconceptions about funding cuts, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to historic investments in HBCUs, including research allocations and significant increases in Pell Grants. He emphasized the necessity of advanced facilities, particularly laboratories, to bolster competitiveness in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Biden also touched on the urgency of supporting HBCU students through increased Pell Grants, reiterating their vital role in enhancing access to higher education. He said he’s worked for bipartisan support in helping HBCUs. “Just a few months ago, the Speaker of the House and I agreed to spending levels for the government. We were up right to the very edge, almost reneged on our debt, and – that we could fund essential priorities and still cut the deficit by $1 trillion over the next decade.

“Now, a small group of extreme House Republicans, they don’t want to live up to that deal, and everyone in America could be faced with paying the price for that. We made a deal. We said, ‘This is what we’re going to do,’ and

From the Editor

now they’re reneging on the deal, which is not much of a surprise these days, and the Black community, in particular, is going to suffer if that occurs.”

Harris, the first HBCU graduate to ascend to vice president, expressed her deep appreciation for the Board’s, underscoring HBCUs’ role in cultivating academic excellence and their potential to drive innovation across critical fields, from public health to artificial intelligence.

Harris also emphasized the need for diverse perspectives in shaping decisions about emerging technologies and the relevance of HBCU voices in media, ensuring comprehensive representation in storytelling.

“I strongly believe that our HBCUs are extraordinary centers of academic excellence and must continue to be supported, not only because of the historical role that they have played in building and helping to contribute to America’s leadership and global leadership, but also because, as the President has said: As we look forward, we know that our HBCUs are also pipelines for very extraordinary young people to enter the fields of work that we require to cure disease, to create that which we have not imagined, to supply us with the innovative approaches that will allow us to continue to work on the strength, prosperity, and security of our nation.”

Biden and Harris both highlighted the profound impact HBCUs have on the nation, emphasizing their role as engines of progress for all Americans.

“Everybody does better in the whole United States when the potential of HBCUs is realized. Everybody. I make no apologies for the kind of effort we’re expending on HBCUs.” Stacy M. Brown is the senior national correspondent for the Black Press of America and author of the new book, "Celebrity Trials: Legacies Lost, Lives Shattered, So What's the Real.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“The Promise” ithin hours of the death of Dianne Feinstein came major headlines across the nation– from the Washington Post and New York Times to Politico and CNN about who Governor Gavin Newsom would pick to take seat and whether or not he would keep the promise he made in 2020 to appoint a Black woman to the U.S. Senate if given the opportunity to do so.

The eyes of the nation were on him, particularly since the governor had been all over the news lately upping his national profile with moves many believe are setting the stage for a presidential run.

With the senate in a tight spot, the pressure to appoint someone quickly was at fever pitch.

The governor stirred controversy earlier last month when he announced that if and when he did have to make a choice to fill Feinstein’s seat, he would be picking a caretaker–someone who was not going to be able to stay in the seat as the incumbent.

Simply put, Congresswoman Barbara Lee would not be his choice. That he felt, would provide an unfair advantage since Lee, who has already filed as a candidate for the seat, was already in a high stakes race against Congressman Adam Schiff and Congresswoman Katie Porter.

But even if he did pick a caretaker, there would be no legal grounds on which he could bar them from deciding to run in the general election for the seat, even if they assured him that they would not run.

Problem with that is that when he made the promise to Black women, it wasn’t for a caretaker.

It was to replace Kamala Harris, an assertive and L.A. Focus/October 2023

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outspoken advocate for Black women and a compelling and dynamic politician. Hardly a placeholder.

So the choice–to satisfy those he’d made the promise to–couldn’t just be anybody, particularly given that the names of Black women who’d made history in those storied U.S. Capitol chambers were political warriors.

The question was who would he pick? The names that came into question included Supervisor Holly Mitchell (who was flattered that her name was in the mix, but not interested); Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Mayor London Breed and reportedly former California Surgeon General Nadine Harris Burke. Carol Mosely Braun, Barbara Jordan and Shirley Chisholm among them.

Whoever he chose would have to speak for us and not him.

That all, while many were wary of the selection he would make given his desire to not tip the Senate race already in full swing, the Governor did the right thing.

In fact, he made the perfect choice in Laphonza Butler, who you can read all about in our cover story starting on page 10.

Butler is straight out of the vein of a Barbara Jordan or young Shirley Chisholm in her political savvy and grit, her ability to connect with people and deliver a message that resonates and her passion to insure equity for all.

Workers have her to thank, in part, for the battle she helped lead in raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour–and in the process making California the first state in the nation to do so.

She is both bold and bright and will perform well in the high stakes arena of the U.S. Senate. She will–as

G o v e r n o r Newsom has said– carry the baton left by Senator Feins t e i n (dubbed “the lioness of the Senate”) and continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C. She is a gamechanger and Newsom didn’t want to tip the scales in the Senate race, he probably shouldn’t have chose Butler. By all accounts, should she decide that she wants to keep the seat and officially enter the Senate race, it definitely changes the game. She knows how to raise money, she’s an expert strategist, and as president of Emily’s list, she knows how to galvanize women. And lest we not forget her credentials as a former leader of the state’s largest labor union.

“It changes the equation of the election if she decides to run for the seat,” former L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaraslavsky told CBS News. “She’s got tentacles in a number of spaces that are important to anyone who wants to run statewide in California”.

She has until December 8 to decide, and an undercurrent of support is already bubbling up to the surface with people hoping she will do just that. I am among them, and I believe in miracles.

Keep the faith.

UpFront

News Briefs

Price Maintains Innocence Ahead of Oct 13 Arraignment the rhythm of jazz from world-class musicians and honoring the history of jazz on the West Coast. It was an absolute delight to see first-hand the significance this event has for the community in District 9, Los Angeles and beyond.”

Price has–at least on the surface–remained upbeat in the wake of the criminal charges brought against him Price with wife Del Richardson Price at Central Ave Jazz Fest by the L.A. District Attorney’s office.

A. City Councilman Curren Price The 72-year-old city councilman was remains on the job, recently mak- charged with five counts of grand theft by ing an appearance as the host of the embezzlement of government funds, three Central Avenue Jazz Festival counts of perjury, and two counts of conahead of his now twice-delayed arraign- flict of interest on June 13. ment.

The criminal complaint against Price “COVID-19 caused us to reimagine states that he sent payments to his wife this festival virtually for the last several that totaled more than $150,000 between years, there is no better feeling than being 2019 and 2021 from developers before he back in person,” said Councilmember voted to approve projects. He’s also acPrice. “This was a time to reconnect with cused of failing to list the money his wife dear friends while immersing ourselves in received on government disclosure forms.

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L.A. Focus/October 2023

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state to find additional votes, targeting an election worker with baseless fraud allegations, and attempting to sway Georgia lawmakers to disregard the voters’ will.

This latest indictment in Georgia brings the total felony counts against Trump to 91, spanning charges in Florida for mishandling classified documents, in New York for falsifying business records, and in Washington for attempting to subvert the 2020 election.

Recently, a New York judge ruled that Trump also committed fraud and subs t a n t i a l l y exaggerated his wealth. New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued the Trump organization for $250 million and successfully argued that his company should be barred from doing business in the state.

Staff

In addition, he is accused of having the city cover roughly $33,800 in medical premiums for Del Richardson, to whom he claimed to be married, although he was still married at the time to Lynn Suzette Price.

Price continues to maintain his innocence. In an earlier letter to City Council President Paul Krekorian, he characterized the charges as unwarranted.

“I did nothing wrong here. I am still working to clear my name,” Price told L.A. Focus.

In June, the L.A. City Council’s Rule Committee met to consider suspending Price but the committee voted to defer the motion as CD 9 residents and stakeholders came out in force to have their say.

Pastor Shep Crawford and Dr. Jerry Abraham were among the many who spoke out in support of Price.

“I understand how hard this may be.

But if you suspend him, and he’s found innocent, then you would have done him wrong,” Crawford said. Abraham adds, “We need to send a message to Black and Brown men in our community that you are innocent until proven guilty, and we must believe in that justice system.”

Councilmember Price’s new arraignment date is set for October 13.

Fulton County DA Fani Willis Addresses Racial Threats Amid Trump Prosecution ulton County District Attorney Fani Willis revealed that she has become desensitized to racial slurs hurled at her due to her prosecution of former President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Revolt World Festival in Atlanta, Willis candidly stated, “I’ve been called the N-word so many times, I don’t even think I hear it anymore.”

Willis shed light on the nature of the threats she has received, emphasizing that they are intended to intimidate her and her family. “A lot of ugly and nasty things about me, but just with the purpose of – you should go intimidate and threaten this person and their family because of certain prosecutions,” she said.

Last month, Willis made headlines by charging Trump and 18 associates with various offenses related to their attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. The charges include racketeering and allegations of involvement in a “criminal enterprise” to maintain Trump’s hold on power.

The detailed 100-page indictment outlines numerous actions Trump, and his allies took to challenge his electoral loss, including pressuring Georgia’s Republican secretary of

ELGIN NELSON

UN Human Rights Experts Denounce Systemic Racism in US Criminal Justice System UN human rights experts decry US jail practices as racist and a violation of human dignity, according to a report published in September 2023. The experts called for significant overhauls to the criminal justice system to battle systemic racism, following testimonies detailing inhumane treatment, such as black pregnant women being shackled during childbirth. There were also reports of "plantation-style" forced labor conditions. The report was based on firsthand testimonies from 133 individuals across five U.S. cities and detention centers.

“Our findings point to the critical need for comprehensive reform,” noted one expert.

The report also referenced issues with policing– noting that despite 1,000 cases of police killing people each year, just 1% resulted in charges for the officer, while noting vast racial disparities when it came to police brutality.

UN experts made 30 recommendations to U.S. authorities, including that armed police officers not be the “default” response to mental health crises, homelessness, traffic, or school discipline. They also called for a reparations commission .

Former O.J. Simpson Prosecutor Chris Darden Announces Candidacy for L.A. County Superior Court Judge

STACY M. BROWN

NNPA Newswire

Separately, a civil jury in Manhattan found the disgraced former president liable for sexual assault against a journalist. Among the criminal charges that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought against Trump were alleged hush money payments he made to a porn star to cover up his extra-marital affair with her. Those payments helped to precipitate the alleged financial crimes Trump is accused of.

Despite the threats and vitriol aimed at Willis, she declared that she’s resolute in pursuing justice against the twice-impeached former president. Willis firmly defended her position when questioned about the criticisms she faced from House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan over her RICO charges against Trump.

“To threaten me is a waste of time. It’s a complete waste of their time, and it’s not going to get anyone results,” Willis asserted. “I’m an equal-opportunity prosecutor. If you come into this community and you violate the law, you’re going to be held accountable.”

Willis also revealed the toll these threats have taken on her family. Despite being divorced for years, her ex-husband has faced harassment, and her children and father were doxxed on a Russian website where racist abuse was directed at her. She characterized these attacks as “unfair” but affirmed, “It’s not going to stop anything that I’m doing.”

Former L.A. County prosecutor Christopher Darden has announced his candidacy for L.A. County Superior Court Judge. Darden is a New York Times best-selling author whose name will forever be synonymous with the 1994 O.J. Simpson murder trial where he served as a co-prosecutor.

In what was a milestone media moment, Darden suggested that Simpson try on a pair of black gloves during the infamous trial of the century. The move backfired, opening the door to Johnnie Cochran’s classic “if it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” soundbite.

Darden was deemed a traitor and “Uncle Tom” for his role in the prosecution of O.J. Simpson by some in the Black community.

In a 2017 interview with NBC, Darden said that he found this to be extremely painful and even shameful as he was “only trying to do his job.”

Since 1995, he has worked as a criminal defense attorney specializing in white-collar crimes, narcotics, gang cases, and homicides. He also teaches law at Southwestern University and appears on CNBC, NBC, CNN, and Court TV as a legal commentator.

The election will take place on March 5, 2024.

SpecialReport

ANTONIO R. HARVEY

CA Black Media

California’s Critical Shortage of Black Teachers umerous studies have shown that Black teachers can improve Black students’ academic outcomes, but in California, where Black Students are the lowest performing subgroup of all ethnic groups, the state has an extremely low count of African American instructors working in school districts across the state.

According to the California Department of Education’s 2018-2019 Ethnic Distribution of Public-School Teachers, Black teachers disproportionately make up 3.8% of the state’s 12,000 public school classroom instructors. Blacks account for about 5.7% of California’s total population of almost 40 million people.

“Addressing the educator shortage is one of the most important things we can do to support student achievement,” stated Tony Thurmond, the state’s Super-

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intendent of Public Instruction.

“We must increase compensation, prioritize training, improve working conditions, and pursue all strategies that can help our schools add staff to help our students thrive,” Thurmond continued.

Thurmond made this assessment at a news conference before he hosted a Teacher Recruitment Summit at the California Department of Education (CDE) in Sacramento last month.

The Teacher Recruitment Summit was opened to individuals from all organizations focused on reducing the teacher shortage. The event formally launched a coalition to engage in direct recruitment of teacher candidates statewide, The summit included information about teacher credentialing programs affiliated with school districts and county offices of education, pipeline programs,

and AmeriCorps programs.

CDE is addressing the needs of Black educators but there some people who found channels to enter the profession outside of the traditional process, including Nisha Britton who is employed at Angelo Rodriguez High School in Northern California.

Britton, 37, is a Special Education specialist at the school located in Fairfield, 45 east of San Francisco. She just started her first year working with special education students where there are about five Black teachers among the faculty.

Britton, who has a bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism from Morgan State University -- a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Maryland -- says she is aware about the shortage of Black teachers in the state. She’s motivated to combat the issue on multiple

levels.

“There is a lot of diversity at this school, but I feel like these kids need someone like me,” Britton told California Black Media. “I want to help these kids figure out what they want out of life.”

Angelo Rodriguez High School–located in Fairfield–opened in 2001 and is the newest of the three comprehensive high schools in Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District.

Britton is not fully certified as an educator. She found a pathway through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing program (CTC) which certifies her for two years. CTC is committed to ensuring the integrity, relevance, and high quality in the preparation, certification, and discipline of the educators who serve the state’s diverse students, according to the organization’s website.

There were more than 10,000 teacher vacancies across California during the 2020-2021 school year. The state has allocated $3.6 billion in funding over the last four years to improve recruitment, training, and retention.

Dr. Travis Bristol, Associate Professor of Teacher Education and Education Policy at Berkeley School of Education, was one of the guest speakers at Thurmond’s news conference.

Through his extensive research, Bristol has been at the forefront of increasing Black male participation in public school education. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s the State of Racial Diversity in the Educator Workforce,” educators of color account for less than 10% of all public-school teachers across the country. Black males represent 1.9% of that total.

Based on CDE’s 2018-2019 figures, Black male teachers in California accounted for one percent of 307,470 instructors.

While doing research in Boston, Bristol discovered that Black male educators had one of the highest rates of turnover. Most of them left the profession due to poor working environments, feelings of isolation and the perception that they are the overseers of problematic students rather than educators, and the inability to receive adequate tools from school administrators.

Bristol and other Black educators have facilitated professional learning networks across the state where Black male teachers can discuss their challenges. s.

Bristol, who majored in English as an undergrad at Amherst College, expressed gratitude and urged caution in recruitment, saying that there are other “critical issues” as to why there is a low count of Black men and women educators. The UC Berkeley professor said he does not advocate for a “replacement theory.” White students perform well academically and benefit from having Black teachers, too.

“The research and evidence are clear that when students of color have a teacher of color they persist in school.

They are less likely to get suspended, and have higher achievement,” Bristol said.

“But as we spend some time thinking about recruitment, let us not lose sight of thinking about and pushing for recruitment, supporting and sustaining ethnic racial diversity in the workforce.”

HeadToHead

Differing Perspectives on the Impact of Rising Costs

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Census Bureau data expenses." The failure of Conreleased earlier this Sharp Rise in gress to extend the enhanced Poverty Remonth showed an inchild tax credit last December is quires a Call being considered as one of the crease in the number of to Action Americans who are living in main reasons for more children poverty, and one of the most disturbing falling back into poverty. findings is that the percentage of chilAs I have read reports on poverty indren living in households that struggle creasing in America, I am weighing all to provide their essential needs doubled. this quantitative data with what I am Using the Supplemental Poverty Meas- seeing daily on the streets of Columbus, ure, which calculates the economic hard- Ohio. In Columbus, there is an affordship of families not able to sustain a able housing crisis, and the increase in basic standard of living, the Bureau re- homelessness in the port revealed that 5.2% of children under state, which is up 18 were poverty stricken in 2021 com- 20% from last year pared to 12.4% in 2022. The SPM pov- according to the erty rate for adults ages 18 to 64 was city's Community 7.9% in 2021 and rose to 11.9% last year. Shelter Board, has The SPM, like the official poverty resulted in more measure, determines the poverty status people living in "of people and families by comparing shelters and dantheir financial resources against poverty gerous areas out- Jessica Johnson thresholds that are valued in dollars," side. Nineteen percent of Columbus according to the Congressional Research residents are currently living below the Service. Families whose means fall federal poverty level. below the thresholds are categorized as I have noticed from simple observapoor, and the primary difference in using tions of commuting to work, driving to SPM calculations is how it defines re- church and going to grocery stores that sources. For example, the Congressional there are more displaced people in parkResearch Service explains that for 2020 ing lots and more people on street the SPM counted the stimulus payments corners holding signs begging for money that were sent to families during the or food. In some Walmart parking lots, COVID-19 pandemic while including its one trend I have seen is that people livstandard computation of tax credits and ing out of their cars park far away from other federal benefits those with chil- store entrances. Their vehicles often apdren receive. pear to be broken down and are stuffed As parents got significant financial with boxes of their belongings, mainly assistance from the expanded child tax clothes. I have also seen children with credits during COVID, child poverty adults who are asking for help, and I'm rates declined by SPM assessments. sure their parents are hoping and praySPM poverty rates were also lower for ing that people will have more compasworking adults who received stimulus sion looking upon their kids in need. payments during the pandemic com- Others have been very creative in the pared to the official measure, which only way they ask for money. One young man uses pretax cash income as a resource. who particularly stood out to me during The stimulus help provided for adults re- the summer is a talented musician, and sulted in more income to be factored he was playing the violin in the parking after the SPM deducted "work-related Johnson continued to page 24

Headlines From Africa Botswana: First Lady of Botswana Neo Jane Masisi was recently designated as a UNAIDS champion for the empowerment and engagement of adolescent girls and young women in Botswana. Masisi champions an initiative launched to prevent HIV infections through free universal, quality secondary education for all girls and boys in Africa.

Burkina Faso: A coup attempt against Burkina Faso’s military rulers was thwarted. In a statement Burkina Faso’s military rulers said that army officers and others had planned to seize power and plunge the country into “chaos”. More than two million people have been uprooted by the fighting in Burkina Faso.

L.A. Focus/October 2023

Ethiopia: Tensions between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egpyt continue with a second round of negotiations over the controversial mega-dam which has been built on the River Nile by Addis Ababa. Sudan and Egypt fear the massive $4.2-billion dam will greatly decrease the share of Nile water they receive and haveasked Addis Ababa to stop filling until they can come to an agreement.

Gambia: Political and religious leaders in The Gambia are actively campaigning to decriminalize female genital mutilation. Despite being banned in the West African country since 2015, this harmful practice continues to be practiced secretly.

Ghana: Facing bankruptcy, Ghana has been forced to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund to prevent it from defaulting on debt repayments once again. The IMF provided a U.S.$3 billion loan to help the country's economy but it was subject to the Ghanaian government getting its public debt down to more manageable levels and also needed a buy-in from bond holders.

Kenya: The government has said it will deploy a police force to Haiti by January 2024, to quell the ongoing gang warfare and restore order. Last year, Haiti's government sought international assistance due to escalating gang violence, with gangs exerting control over more than three-quarters of the capital.

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many families struggling to make As the cost of living continues to rise in America, The Rising ends meet, and it's even worse for those who live in large cities. many families are strugCost of The impact of these economic gling to make ends meet. InLiving trends on everyday Americans flation and wage stagnation have made it increasingly difficult for everyday cannot be overstated. A recent Primerica Americans to keep up with the rising survey found that three-quarters of midcosts of necessities such as housing, gas, dle-income Americans said their earnings health care and food. The severity of this aren't enough to pay for their cost of livissue is impacting millions of hardwork- ing. Many are cutting back on expenses ing Americans looking for relief amidst such as restaurants and takeout meals, while others are skipping upgrades to economic uncertainty.

"Over the last three their phones and other technology bedecades, American cause of inflation.

The rising cost of living impacts milfamilies have experienced a rise in the lions of Americans, making it increascosts of many neces- ingly difficult for them to attain economic sities that has made security. It is time for policymakers to it difficult for them to take action to address this issue and enattain economic secu- sure that all Americans have the opporrity," said a 2021 tunity to thrive.

Star Parker The burden of the rising cost of living brief by the Council of Economic Advisers. "Researchers esti- falls disproportionately on vulnerable mate, for example, that 80% of families populations. Low-income families, in parsaw the share of budgets dedicated to ticular, are grappling with the harsh respending on needs such as housing and ality of choosing between essentials like health care increase by more than 7 per- rent and health care. The lack of affordcentage points between 1984 and 2014, able housing options and the soaring potentially crowding out spending on costs of medical treatment have turned other categories like leisure, longer-term these decisions into impossible dilemmas. investments in education, and saving for Children growing up in such circumstances often face limited access to proper retirement."

Inflation has also played a significant nutrition and quality education, hamperrole in the rising cost of living. In July ing their chances of breaking the cycle of 2023, consumer prices were 3.2% higher poverty, and often leading to a life of than the year before. This has increased drugs, crime or a combination of both.

However, it's not just younger Amerithe cost of goods and services, making it more difficult for families to afford their cans who are feeling the wrath of today's cost of living; it's also our nation's senior basic needs.

Wage stagnation has further com- citizens on fixed incomes. Today's seniors pounded this issue. "Since the early are finding it increasingly challenging to 1970s, the hourly inflation-adjusted cover their medical expenses and mainwages received by the typical worker tain a decent standard of living, eroding have barely risen, growing only 0.2 per- their retirement savings at an alarming cent per year," according to a 2017 Har- rate.

The geographical disparities in the vard Business Review report. This means that while the cost of living has continued cost of living further exacerbate the issue.

Williams continued to page 24 to rise, wages have not kept pace, leaving

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A look at current news from the continent of Africa Liberia: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced visa restrictions for individuals who he says were undermining democracy in Liberia ahead of the African nation’s October elections.

Mali: The Malian military government announced that the nation is delaying a presidential election scheduled for February, that would have returned civilian leaders to power in the conflict-ridden West African nation. Among the reasons given for the delay were issues linked to the adoption this year of a new constitution and a review of electoral lists.

Malawi: President Lazarus Chakwera has launched a large-scale crop production initiative known as “mega farms,” aimed at boosting the country’s agriculturalbased economy and help end persistent food shortages. According to a recent report 4.4 million Malawians,(22 percent of the country) face food shortages.

Nigeria: Nigeria's two biggest workers' unions called for an indefinite strike beginning October 3rd to protest a cost-of-living crisis. Prices have risen sharply, including the cost of food, transport and power.

Rwanda: “What the west thinks is not my problem”, says President Paul Kagame of the criticism received from the U.S. and others after announcing he’d run for a fourth term next year. Kagamehas prolonged his rule after successful efforts to lift a two-term limit.

Sudan: Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, warned the United Nations that months of war in his country could spill over into the region, and he called for international pressure to be placed on the paramilitary forces he is fighting, including their designation as “terrorists”.

Zimbabwe: A white women— Brooke Bruk Jackson— recently crowned the title of Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023 sparked internet criticism given that she will represent an African country with a massive black populace.

UpFront

ELGIN NELSON Staff

Beverly Hills Police Sued for Targeting Blacks

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Beverly Hills police task force designed to “crackdown on fraudulent purchases” is now at the center of a $500 million lawsuit spearheaded by prominent attorneys Ben Crump and Bradley Gage, alleging that while Blacks constitute just 1.5% of Beverly Hills’ population, they account for 90% of the task force’s arrests.

Approximately 1,088 Blacks were arrested by the Beverly Hills Police Department from August 2019 to August 2021, but only two resulted in convictions.

Crump and Gage recently held a press conference to discuss the Rodeo Drive Task Force and their alleged history of racism in Beverly Hills.

“The task force wasn’t there to deter crime… it was to send a message to Black people that we don’t want your kind around here,” Crump said.

Jasmine Williams and Khalil

White–among the six defendants in the lawsuit– were visiting Los Angeles in 2021 when the Rodeo Drive Task Force arrested them on suspicion of riding on a scooter through Beverly Hills. According to the lawsuit, the two were “seized without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, suffered excessive force, and/or maliciously prosecuted on false charges.”

The two were joined by four other defendants at the press conference including Lakshia Swift who claimed to be stopped for just being Black, and Shepherd York, a law clerk, who said he was pulled over while driving to work because of an alleged expired license plate. “I spent three days in jail… it was humiliating, scary, and sad,” York said.

Both lawyers alluded to the decades old racism in the Beverly Hills Police Department. “Nothing has changed,” according to Gage, “if anything it has become worse.”

The city of Beverly Hills denies any wrongdoing. “The role of the Beverly Hills Police Department is to enforce the law, regardless of race…the statistics presented referencing the number of convictions is a mischaracterization of the evidence in this case,” according to a statement released by the city.

Calls to the Beverly Hills Police Department were not returned.

Court Order Sought to Block L.A. County’s Controversial Zero Bail Policy

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new controversial policy, officially dubbed the zero-bail system and set to take effect this month, eliminates the existing cash bail system for all but the most serious crimes committed in Los Angeles County.

The policy is aimed at reducing the overpopulation in L.A. County jails along with the economic discrimination often experienced by people of color and poor communities can’t afford to pay bail in spite of the crime they are accused of or their innocence.

While there is no evidence linking cash bail reform to high crime rates, law and order hardliners insist that ending cash bail could have serious ramifications–sending the wrong signal to criminals– and leading to an uptick in crime, most notably the smash-and-grab incidents that have plagued Los Angeles.

On Friday, September 29, twelve cities in L.A. County announced a lawsuit against the policy as an injunction to postpone the implementation of the new bail system.

Those cities include Arcadia, Artesia, Covina, Downey, Glendora, Industry, Lakewood, La Verne, Palmdale, Santa Fe Springs, Vernon, and Whitter, whose mayor expressed disdain toward the new policy.

“This zero-bail schedule is just another

policy that leaves us less safe than we should be,” Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri said in a statement announcing the lawsuit.

L.A. County Sheriff Richard Luna ahs also expressed concern.

"It's frustrating, but what we're trying to do is give this new process a chance,” Luna recently told Eyewitness Newsmakers.

The new bail schedule will apply to misdemeanors and specific non-violent felonies. Those who are arrested on suspicion of non-violent or non-serious offenses are cited or booked and released at a police or sheriff’s station with strict orders to appear in court for arraignment once charged with an actual crime, according to a news release from the L.A. County’s Superior Court office.

The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department stated that those arrested for sexual offenses, domestic violence, and offenses involving weapons will be exempt from the zero bail policy.

L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell said the zero-bail system that took effect does not mean that criminals are off the hook in terms of punishment.

“It’s really dangerous for us to conflate bail with accountability,” Mitchell said, adding, “Bail means I have the resources to pay my way out of jail.”

LISA COLLINS Editor

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L.A. Focus/October 2023

Within hours of breaking news on the passing of California Senator Dianne Feinstein, came letters and calls to Governor Gavin Newsom reminding him of the promise he made in 2020 to appoint a Black woman to the U.S. Senate if a vacancy should arise.

On October 1, Newsom followed through on that promise announcing the selection of Laphonza Butler – the President of the nation’s largest organization dedicated to electing women, EMILY’s List – to complete the United States Senate term of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein.

“As we mourn the enormous loss of Senator Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for – reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence – have never been under greater assault. Laphonza will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C.,” said Newsom in a statement released Oct. 1.

Butler, a longtime senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, will make history as California’s first openly LGBTQ+ U.S Senator and the first Black lesbian to openly serve in the U.S. Senate. She would be the second Black woman to represent California in the Senate following Harris and only the third Black woman in history to serve in the Senate chamber.

“An advocate for women and girls, a second-generation fighter for working people, and a trusted adviser to Vice President Harris, Laphonza Butler represents the best of California, and she’ll represent us proudly in the United States Senate,” Newsom continued.

"I applaud Gov. Newsom on keeping his promise and appointing a phenomenal black woman to fill the California U.S. Senate seat,” said Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP) Chair, Mark Gonzalez.

“Her lifelong dedication to workers’ rights, social and economic justice, and equality has left an indelible mark on our Golden State, and this next chapter will strengthen California as that beacon of hope. She embodies our state’s diversity, equity, and leadership

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readiness. Laphonza will be a champion for working families and is a true reflection of what makes California a golden state."

“I'm honored to accept Gov. @GavinNewsom's nomination to be U.S. Senator for a state I have made my home and honored by his trust in me to serve the people of California and this great nation,” Butler posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The pressure had been on for Newsom to not only appoint a Black woman but to act quickly in doing so. Yet, he would stand firm in his resolve to not select Lee as a replacement given that she was running for the seat against two other Democratic contenders: U.S. Reps.

Adam Schiff and Katie Porter.

“I don't want to get involved in the primary,” said Newsom, who would be opting instead for a interim appointment or caregiver.

“It would be completely unfair to the Democrats that have worked their tail off,” the governor reasoned. “That primary is just a matter of months away. I don't want to tip the balance of that.”

Lee responded. “Black women deserve more than a participation trophy. We need a seat at the table.”

Within hours of Feinstein’s death, Newsom was receiving letters about her replacement. The NAACP wrote, “Now the time has come for you to keep your promise and not let Californians or the nation down. We look forward to an African American woman being appointed to the seat.”

Hours before naming Butler, Newsom received a letter from the Congressional Black Caucus urging him to appoint Lee, citing her as “the only person with the courage, the vision, and the record to eradicate poverty, face down the fossil fuel industry, defend our democracy, and tirelessly advance the progressive agenda.”

Newsom had expressed that his appointee would not participate in the 2024 election out of respect for the candidates already running. However, his position on that changed as well and the decision to run in the 2024 election lies with Butler. The deadline for candidates to file for the office is Dec. 8.

“

She is formidable.

She’s got tentacles in a number of spaces that are important to anyone who wants to run statewide in California if that’s what she’s planning to do. It changes the equation of the election if she decides to run for the seat.

”

Right: Laphonza Butler with Vice President Kamala Harris: Middle: Butler at an SEIU event while serving as President of Local 2015; Left: Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, Mayor Karen Bass and California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis at an Emily’s List affair.

The timing of Newsom’s selection was critical given the narrow Democratic majority in the Senate chamber.

“Governor Newsom’s swift action ensures that Californians maintain full representation in the Senate,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Laphonza Butler has been a strong voice for working families, LGBTQ rights, and a champion for increasing women’s representation in politics. I’m honored to welcome her to the United States Senate.”

Butler will join 47 other Democrats and three independents who caucus with the Democrats in the Senate for the remainder of Feinstein’s term, which ends in December 2024.

“I am always excited when a Black Woman is elevated.

Laphonza Butler will represent California well and will bring a perspective to the US Senate that is desperately needed as a Black, LGBTQ+, mother, organizer, and labor leader,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, founding convener of the California Black Women’s Collective.

“My goal is to lift up the voices and needs of Black Women throughout state,” continued Todd Griffin.

“That's what we did three years ago when we created Keep the Seat and what we did in this case. We will keep pushing for what we believe is right regardless of the outcomes.”

Prior to joining EMILYs List–the 3-millionmember strong fund-raising powerhouse for female candidates, Butler served as Director of Public Policy and Campaigns in North America for Airbnb. She also was a partner at SCRB Strategies, a political consulting firm where she was a strategist for candidates running up and down the ballot in political offices across California and nationally, and a senior advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.

She also served as a senior advisor to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in California during the primary and general elections and was key in the campaign to elect Holly Mitchell to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors.

Said Mitchell, “I first met Laphonza more than a decade ago when she was President of SEIU 2015, one of the largest unions in the nation. I quickly realized that she is a once-in-a-generation leader, and as I led the California Legislative Black Caucus, we recognized her in 2013. Gov. Newsom has made a great choice with this appointment. Laphonza is grounded, immensely capable, and no stranger to taking on and winning tough fights to improve the lives of all Californians.”

By all accounts, those who know Butler say she has what it takes to go the distance. The only question being whether or not she chooses to

formally enter the race to stay in the seat once Feinstein’s term expires.

“She is formidable,” noted former L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who presently serves as director of the Los Angeles Initiative at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.

“She’s got tentacles in a number of spaces that are important to anyone who wants to run statewide in California if that’s what she’s planning to do,” Yaraslavsky told CBS News. “It changes the equation of the election if she decides to run for the seat.”

Butler cut her political teeth in Los Angeles. Arriving in California in 2009 as a relatively unknown labor organizer, she rose through the ranks to serve as president of the biggest union in California, and the nation’s largest homecare workers union, SEIU Local 2015.

Elected to the position at just 30 years old, she would become one of the most powerful black women in the state; establishing herself as a key player in Alist political circles –while earning the support of some of the state’s most powerful politicians.

She was the leading voice, strategist, and architect of efforts to address pay inequity for women in California and a top advocate for raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour — the first state in the nation to do so, benefiting millions of working women in low wage jobs. That effort also gave hundreds of thousands of home workers access to paid time off.

Under her leadership, California long term care workers won several significant victories such as the passage of mandatory CNA staffing levels in nursing homes, the right to sick pay, overtime, wait time and travel time for home care providers, and strong contracts for hundreds of thousands of caregivers who provide vital care to seniors and people with disabilities.

She was also a leading figure in several causes which helped improve conditions for all working families, including: the successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act and expansion of MediCal to cover millions more Californians; the passage of Propositions 47 and 57 which helped restore real second chances to those caught in the criminal justice system; and the historic fight which passed the nation’s first $15 minimum wage legislation, improving the lives of over 6 million Californians.

For her work, Butler was named a “Champion for Change” by President Barack Obama.

“Laphonza Butler is one of our nation’s most influential leaders,” says organizer and community leader, Pastor K.W. Tulloss of Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church. “She has made an incredible mark for labor-in the vein of A. Philip Randolph and other labor leaders who have made a significant contrib-

ution to civil rights.”

A native of Magnolia, Mississippi, Butler began working for the SEIU as an organizer after graduating from Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and spent eight years organizing workers around the country in all of the different industries that SEIU represents.

Butler comes from a working-class family. Her father – a small-business owner – was diagnosed with a terminal illness and died when Butler was 16 years old. Her mother was the household’s sole provider, working as a classroom aide, a home care provider, a security guard, and a bookkeeper to provide for Butler and her two siblings.

“My mother, who grew up in Louisiana and Mississippi never had the opportunity to be in a union,” Butler recounted to L.A. Focus in 2018. “She never had health insurance until the Affordable Care Act became law and had none of the securities of being a long-time union worker.

“What I saw in Los Angeles with the home care workers was the opportunity to work for women like my mom and give so many young caregivers in this profession who deserve that opportunity and deserve to have a different story to tell their children and grandchildren than my mother does,” she continued. “As a child growing up there was nothing, I could do to help my mom. I believe now, every day that I wake up is an opportunity to help women like her.”

While she said that serving as president of SEIU Local 2015 had been the job of a lifetime, she always knew that it should not be a job for a lifetime, and she stepped down in 2018 to pursue other opportunities including an appointment to the University of California Board of Regents by Governor Jerry Brown.

“The future is so bright, and my commitment to my daughter is that I’m going to do everything so that her future is as bright as possible,” said Butler, who raises daughter Nylah with wife, Neneki.

“There’s still so much work to be done in California and across the country to lift up the voices of young black girls, and those in the community that have been voiceless for so long. I am committed and feel in my purpose that this is what I’m going to be doing-- I don’t know what that looks like at this moment, but that is the space in which I’ll be.”

Upon joining Emily’s List in 2021, Butler said, “As the first mom and first woman of color to lead EMILY’s List, my vision is for my daughter and all of America’s daughters to know that they belong anywhere, to know that they can change the game, to know that they are the face of American politics. Black women, Latinx women, AAPI women, LGBTQ women, young women, older women, all women … this is where our power lies.”

With her selection to the Senate, Butler will step down from her role as president of EMILY’s List and is expected to be sworn in on October 4.

Antonio Ray Harvey of the California Black Media contributed to this article.

Money Matters Taking the Sting Out of Medical Debt ast year, the three major credit bureaus in the United States - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion have announced plans to remove medical debt from credit scores. The move would provide relief to millions of Americans financially burdened by healthcare costs and would improve the credit scores of those affected, resulting in better lending terms and opportunities.

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the subject during a recent teleconference, sharing that she had met with families from across the nation who suffering under the weight of medical debt.

“President Biden and I are firm in the belief that access to healthcare should be a right and not a privilege just for those who can afford it. And that means that no one in our nation should have to go into debt just to get the quality healthcare that they need,” Harris said.

“Right now, in our country, one in three adults – some 100 million Americans – struggle with unpaid medical bills,” the Vice President continued. “They just can’t afford those bills. A disproportionate number are Black, Latino, or live in rural areas. Many of these debts people have accrued are due to a medical emergency – a student with a burst appendix, a grandmother who took a nasty fall – and, years later, they are still paying off tens of thousands of dollars in bills that they didn’t plan to have.

“For years, this medical debt has also harmed people’s credit scores. And this is a point of emphasis: We know credit scores determine whether a person can have economic health and well – well-being, much less the ability to grow their wealth. Because think about it: Credit scores determine whether a person can buy a home, whether they can buy a car, rent an apartment, or own a small business.”

Harris said she had focused on the issue since taking office, ensuring that consumers knew they had the right to contest inaccurate charges on their medical bills, while also cracking down on debt collectors who

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On the Money

D.T. CARSON

Pricing the Nation’s Top Ranked HBCUs

Contributor

threaten, harass, and deceive consumers, and directing consumers on how to file a dispute.

“We cancelled or refunded about $1 billion in copays for more than one and a half million veterans, and we continue to work to bring down the cost of healthcare,” she reported.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) 2022 Medical Debt Burden in the United States Report, $88 billion of outstanding medical bills are currently in collections — affecting one in five Americans.

In fact, medical debt is the most common collection type reported on consumer credit records, and consumers report being contacted by debt collectors about medical debt more than any other type of debt.

To that end, the CFPB has proposals under consideration that would help families financially recover from medical crises, stop debt collectors from coercing people into paying bills they may not even owe, and ensuring that creditors are not relying on data that is often plagued with inaccuracies and mistakes.

“When someone gets sick, they should be able to focus on getting better, rather than fighting debt collectors trying to extort them into paying bills they may not even owe,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra.

In July, the CFPB met with and listened to people from across the country on the impact poor medical billing practices and coercive credit reporting have on patients and families. The CFPB, in partnership with other agencies, is currently reviewing information submitted by the public on medical billing practices, including high-cost specialty financial products such as medical credit cards and installment loans. However, the CFPB continues to receive complaints from the public about illegal debt collection and credit reporting practices related to medical billing.

If one cannot afford to pay certain hospital or medical bills, depending on your income, they may be entitled to free or reduced care. Uninsured patients or patients

Money Matters continued to page 20

pelman College has emerged as the leading institution in the U.S. News & World Report's acclaimed ranking of the nation's top historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Despite its position among the higher-priced HBCUs, Spelman College boasts an impressive roster of alumni, including politician and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker, known for "The Color Purple", civil rights advocate Bernice King, actress Latanya Richardson, children's rights activist Marian Wright Edelman, and acclaimed actress Esther Rolle.

Claiming the second position is Howard University, located in Washington, D.C. Its fame is amplified by its distinguished alumni such as Vice President Kamala Harris, actor Chadwick Boseman, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, entertainment mogul Diddy, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, and actress Taraji P. Henson.

Florida A&M University earned the third place on the list with a notable list of alumni that includes Common, Will Packer and Anika Noni Rose. Tuskegee University, home to the iconic Tuskegee Airmen and alma mater to artists like Lionel Richie and Ralph Ellison, author of "Invisible Man", came in fourth.

Rounding out the top five was Morehouse College. Its alumni list is equally impressive, featuring names such as Martin Luther King Jr., actor Samuel Jackson, filmmaker Spike Lee, Senator Raphael Warnock, actor John David Washington, and civil rights activist Martin Luther King III. To be eligible for the U.S. News rankings, an HBCU must be an undergraduate baccalaureate-granting institution that primarily enrolls first-year, first-time students. It must also be a school that is part of the 2024 Best Colleges rankings.

But what does studying at one of these top-ranked HBCUs cost? The latest tuition fees for these prestigious institutions are provided below:

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Spelman College Howard University Florida A&M University Tuskegee University Morehouse College

$30,058 $31,050 $5,785 – 17,725 $22,679 $29,468

Biz NewsBriefs Sheila Johnson, BET cofounder and the first Black female billionaire in the U.S., unveils her journey in the business world in her forthcoming memoir, "Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph." In a recent interview with Fortune Magazine, Johnson detailed her career, from co-founding BET to the challenges and victories of her professional life and how she fought back against negative and inaccurate portrayals of her story.

Johnson because a billionaire status when BET was sold to Viacom for $3 billion in 2000. Her memoir touches upon the rise and fall of BET and her separation from co-founder Robert Johnson. Today, Johnson's estimated worth is approximately $840 million, with investments in hotels, planes, real es-

L.A. Focus/October 2023

America’s First Black Female Billionaire to Release Memoir

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tate, and sports teams. Her stakes in WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards, and NHL Capitals make her the only Black woman to own shares in three professional leagues. In Florida, Johnson owns the 900-acre Innisbrook Golf Resort, an annual host of a PGA Tour championship.Kevin Hart’s

Kevin Hart’s Tequila Brand Celebrates New Milestone Comedian and business mogul, Kevin Hart, celebrates a promising start to the football season as his brand, Gran Coramino Tequila, becomes the official luxury tequila of the Philadelphia Eagles. Hart, who owns the brand with tequila producer Juan Domingo Beckmann, has secured a multi-year partnership with the team.

The Gran Coramino bar, located at the Eagles' home Lincoln Financial Field, will be serving drinks throughout the season. The partnership will also feature Gran Coramino in in-stadium signage and on various digital platforms. To further engage fans, a sweepstakes with prizes including season tickets and an exclusive tequilatasting event with Eagles Legends will be organized.

Hart had recently collaborated with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Global Brand Equities to launch The Coramino Fund, providing grants to sup-

port Black- and Latinx-owned small businesses.

Alicia Keyes Launches Line of Wellness Teas Grammy winning singer-songwriter, Alicia Keys, has embarked on a new venture with the launch of her own line of wellness teas. The teas are part of her broader wellness brand, "Keys Soulcare," which aims to inspire self-care and self-love. The tea line reflects Alicia's holistic approach to health, blending traditional herbal ingredients to support both physical well-being and emotional balance. Each tea blend is crafted with intention, embodying Alicia’s belief in the transformative power of rituals that nourish the body, mind, and spirit.

Byron Allen Makes $10 Billion Bid for ABC-TV and Other TV Properies Media tycoon Byron Allen has reportedly proposed a $10 billion bid for ABC-TV, a selection of local stations, and particular cable channels, according to Bloomberg. This move appears amid Disney's efforts to trim its non-core assets and bolster its streaming focus. Talks are still at an early stage. Allen's bid remains tentative and could vary based on eventual earnings figures. Besides theGrio, Allen's portfolio includes The Weather Channel, and multiple local TV stations. Earlier this year, Allen considered buying a controlling stake in BET.

HO L LY W OOD SPOT LIGHT Quita Bride “The Burial” As a Marine pilot in World War II and former Biloxi, Mississippi Mayor, Jeremiah O’Keefe was not one to back down from a fight. But when debts force him to sell parts of his funeral business to a corporation rapidly buying up funeral homes, cemeteries, and insurance companies and handshake deal goes sour, O’Keefe (played

by Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones) enlists charismatic, smooth-talking attorney Willie E. Gary (Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx) struggle to hold onto his family business in the face of heartless corporate exploitation.

Here's the rub: while Gary is a successful –and flamboyant– personal-injury lawyer who hasn’t lost a

case in 12 years, he knows little about contract law and is up against a hot shot team of defense lawyers. The lead attorney–portrayed by Jurnee Smollett–has also not lost a case and is nicknamed “the python.” All of which makes for what is an electrifying David and Goliath courtroom drama based on a true story.

Tempers flare and laughter abounds as the two bond while exposing racial injustice, corporate corruption in the multibillion-dollar death care industry and sharing a kind of faith and fighting resolve that wins hearts over.

Ironically enough, in the midst of the racial history brought forth in the case, the National Baptist Convention is a key factor is how things turn out.

Pamela Reed, Dorian Missick, Amanda Warren, Alan Ruck, Mamoudou Athie and Lance Nichols are among those rounding out the stellar cast.

This movie–two decades in the making–is worth the wait. See it in theatres on October 6 or online beginning October 13 on Prime Video.

OUT THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Lupin: Part III October 5

The Exorcist: Believer October 6

Kerry Washington Gets Real in New Book

'Scandal' star Kerry Washington released her memoir, Thicker Than Water. In the book, she discusses her childhood trauma, mental health struggles, and Hollywood career. Washington revealed that she suffered from panic attacks, had an abortion in her 20s, and was conceived with the help of a sperm donor. Additionally, the 47-year-old discussed why her character most notable character to date Olivia Pope. In her words, Pope "represented a version of Black excellence that allowed us to see ourselves in our smartest and most powerful forms."

Mo’Nique Sounds Off on Unpaid Residuals

L.A. Focus/October 2023

Mo'Nique continues to call out Paramount and CBS over unpaid residuals from “The Parkers” (1999-2004).

The Oscarwinner and her husband Sydney Hicks took to Instagram to explain how Mo’Nique and her

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The Burial October 6

former cast mates were owed 24 years of residuals. They claimed the popular sitcom grossed over $700 million through syndication and streaming services. Mo’Nique’s former TV daughter, Countess Vaughn, echoed the claims on social media by saying “give us our money". In April, the "Precious” actress filed lawsuit for breach of contract against the company and network.

The Yellow Brick Road Leads to Broadway A revival of the 1975 musical The Wiz will open on Broadway on April 17, 2024. The production will star Wayne Brady in the title role, newcomer Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Deborah Cox as Glinda and Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene. Kyle Ramar Freeman plays the Lion in The Wiz, while Phillip Johnson Richardson portrays the Tinman, and Avery Wilson plays the Scarecrow. It will run as a limited engagement at the Marquis Theatre in New York City, with previews beginning March 29.

Among the notable producers are Real Housewives of Atlanta stars Kandi Buruss and her husband/producer Todd Tucker.

Little Mermaid Star Announces $10,000 Scholarship Opportunity Halle Bailey, 23, a Grammy-nominated singer and actress, has launched the “Angel Scholarship” program to support Black women in

Miracle in East Texas October 20 the arts. The new initiative will award $10,000 to four young women pursuing education in the performing arts.

Bailey's "Angel Scholarship" was established in honor of her debut solo record, "Angel" which delves into her personal experiences as a Black woman in public life...Meanwhile her sister– “Mercy” singer Chloe Bailey –recently revealed the name of her secret crush during an interview with The Dotty Show.

“I’ll say it…Michael B. Jordan. That’s my celebrity crush. I’ve said that in interviews, even, like, years ago,” Bailey said. Although the singer did not hide her feelings for Jordan, she said she had no plans to pursue him.

Despite no serious romantic relationships confirmed, the “Praise This” actress has been linked to rappers Gunna and Quavo.

Bank Sues Chris Brown Over Popeyes Chicken Singer Chris Brown is being sued for $2 million over an unpaid debt related to his Popeyes investment. In total, he reportedly owes $2,140,901.74 in unpaid principal and interest as a "personal guarantor" on the 2018 loan.

This is the first known lawsuit against Chris Brown as a food chain investor. According to reports, he owns 14 Burger King restaurants in Virginia. In other news, former First Lady Michelle Obama reportedly walked away with $741,000 after delivering a one-hour speech on diversity and inclusion at the annual Bits and Pretzels in Germany, a three-day fest for founders, investors, and decision makers.

Footnotes TraceeEllis Ross Age: 50 Hometown: Los Angeles First Break: Lifetime’s “The Dish” Breakout Role: Joan on “Girlfriends” Current Projects: “Candy Cane Lane” Showbiz has always been a part of who Tracee Ellis Ross is. Her legendary mother (Diana Ross) was an international icon. Ross has, however, built her own notable reputation in the entertainment industry since 2000. She began her career as a daytime host on Lifetime's “The Dish”, before becoming Joan Clayton on "Girlfriends" for eight seasons. The Brown University alum also had a similar extended run on "Black-ish" as Dr. Rainbow Johnson earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe award nominations. She is the owner of Pattern Haircare.

On not becoming a brat despite her famous mom: I’ve always been taught that you work for the things you want. My mom always joked: ‘I’m not leaving you guys any of this money. I made this money for me! I’ll make sure there’s a roof over your head. You can have health insurance and food.

But other than that…’ I mean, I had a job in high school. I worked as a salesperson at Ralph Lauren.

My mom was like, ‘If you want to keep buying those clothes, you’re going to have to figure out how to pay for them.’ There was a commitment on her part to a normalcy that I have taken into my adult life.

On how her docuseries "Hairtales” describes hair discrimination as a form of racism: When you look at the CROWN Act, people don't understand it's a civil rights issue and that in the discrimination against hair, you’re actually limiting an identity and humanity from being able to live freely. The Hair Tales is a space where we’re hoping we can give context to an experience and identity so often decontextualized and told through the lens of struggle and hardship, and instead look at it through the lens of joy and celebration.

On what beauty perception she would change on social media or in Hollywood: I don’t understand the obsession with antiaging. I think it is an honor to age. I love getting older. I look at women who are steps ahead of me and see so much beauty and wisdom in them. This obsession with youth is confusing to me because I wouldn’t go back if you paid me. There’s nothing wrong with being young. It’s beautiful. But trying to stay that way, I never understood. If we would let go of that, people could just revel in how much deeper and more beautiful they get as they get older.

On her haircare company, Pattern Beauty: Our hair connects us to our legacy, and our physical appearance is how we present ourselves to the world,” she says. “For some people, it means nothing; for others, it’s an actual language. There are stories in our hair. My goal is to meet us where we are and have products that not only work but expand the possibilities of what we can do with it.

Pattern Beauty is centered around celebrating Black beauty. I’m not a founder and a CEO interested in making things just to make them. I make them because they actually meet a need.

RedCarpet Style

GRACE JONES turned heads in this Black tuxedo slack ensemble with show stopping hat

GABRIELLE UNION know how to make a statement in black with this one shoulder gown

This year’s fashion week in New York City —held last month—offered the clearest vision from top designers of post-pandemic dressing. Then there were their celeb guests who stole the show with their looks. Check out some of our favorites.

ELLA MAI MARSAI MARTIN sported this adorable black is proving she’s all grown up and white mini to the Caroline in this sparkly black pant Herrera fashion show ensemble with bra top

HALLE BERRY turned up the heat in this low cut black dress with a high slit and boots

Eye On Gospel Donald Lawrence Honors Twinkie Clark with New Album

L.A. Focus/October 2023

So just how highly does Donald Lawrence hold Twinkie Clark in esteem? Well, dedicating his latest album to her music and impact on gospel might just give that answer away.

In fact, Lawrence’s latest full-length album–Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark– honors the legendary Twinkie Clark’s early solo work with the reimagined 8-track release packed with bold, sonic melodies on new covers of Twinkie Clark’s songs from her classic 1981 Power album.

Making a powerful celebration with the Clark family’s iconic voices and other beloved musical greats, some of the album’s featured stars include performances from The Clark Sisters, Kierra Sheard, Yolanda Adams, Sir the Baptist, PJ Morton, J Moss, among others. The album’s two lead singles are “In Him There Is No Sorrow” (with Yolanda Adams) and “Fix Me Jesus” (feat. Sir The Baptist, Jason Ferdinand & The Jason Ferdinand Singers). Along with the new album, newly-released is a lyric video for the song “Awake O’ Zion” (feat. J Moss & Daniel Weatherspoon), which premiered on YouTube.

The Grammy®-winning legendary producer performs an impactful soulful rendition with the history-making gospel group The Clark Sisters, in the title track “Power” (feat. The Clark Sisters & Mr. Talkbox).

The reinterpretation conveys a powerful message of faith, empowerment, and the significance of the

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Holy Spirit. Bridging different generations of gospel music together, all the artists in collaboration with Lawrence present their own fresh interpretations on Twinkie Clark’s classic songs, paving the way for her songs to continue impacting the next generation of gospel artists and fans everywhere, with songs like “My Soul Loves Jesus” (feat. Shirley Murdock, Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr & Kelontae Gavin), “Praise the Lord” (feat.

PJ Morton), and more.

Erica Campbell’s Third Solo Project is a Family Affair The title of Erica Campbell’s third solo project is I Love You, but what makes the highly anticipated release so special is that it is a family affair, including not only her famed sister, Tina Campbell and celebrated husband, Warryn Campbell, but it includes all of her sisters and her three children.

"The "I Love You" record is special to me because it is a culmination of me totally receiving God's love. I've grown to understand that He loves me as I am, but loves me enough not to let me stay as I am. These songs have taken time to record and write, and I believe it will reignite our desire for love and God's love. Unfortunately, many people are hopeless and don't have high expectations because of past trauma, but I promise you, this love record will reconnect you to God's love. I am excited about my collaborations with PJ Morton and D Smoke. Also, with all of my sisters and my children, Krista, Wozy and Zaya, being a part of this record, it feels like love to me, and I pray that's what people feel when they hear it," said Campbell of the album that was released last month.

Two lead singles–“Positive” and “Feel Alright”–already have scored success on the gospel airwaves. "Positive" spent four consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Charts

and was nominated for a 2023 Grammy nomination for Best Gospel song and won the 2023 NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding Gospel Christian Song." "Feel Alright (Blessed)" just spent three weeks at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Charts simultaneously.

In addition to her continued success as a music artist, the multi-Grammy Award-winning singer also touches fans’ lives as the host of the syndicated morning radio show, Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell. Currently available in 40 markets nationwide, the show– is now in its seventh year.

Campbell also serves as the First Lady of the San Fernando Valley-based, California Worship Center and is the author of the book “More Than Pretty: Doing the Soul Work that Uncovers Your True Beauty”.

Take Me to The King is Certified as Double Platinum Grammy and Stellar award-winning vocalist Tamela Mann is celebrating the latest RIAA certification of her record-breaking, chart-topping single, "Take Me to The King." The song, written by gospel icon Kirk Franklin and featured on her album, Best Days, is receiving the highly coveted honor of Double Platinum certification with more than two million copies sold since the track was release June 12, 2012.

“What an amazing blessing to receive this very special recognition. I'm honored Kirk and I got to collaborate on this song and I’m so thankful for the love and support of our fans who helped make this happen. I couldn’t have done it without everyone,” said Tamela.

Tamela, along with Franklin, her husband, actor/comedian/singer David Mann, The Clark Sisters, Israel Houghton, and Tye Tribbett, are headlining the Reunion Tour, with special guests New Breed, Texasbased choir The Family, and God’s Property. The tour kicked off Thursday, September 28th in Connecticut and continues into November, hitting Miami, Atlanta, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Houston, and many other cities.

Join our online community: www.lafocusnewspaper.com

ChurchNews

First AME’s Biddy Mason Wellness Center to Offer Health Care Services to Underserved

executive director of SLADEC. “When I did the research, I was flabbergasted by the stats of the people in this community who are not receiving quality health care or even basic health care.

That is why we’re opening the Biddy Mason Community Wellness Center, to provide to this community a service that is so desperately needed.

“We want them to know that they are still entitled to the dignity of great medical care, but we want them to experience these services as essential tools to maintain wellness and great mental health care.

Our slogan is “let the healing begin,” she continued. “So, once you walk into the center, I want you to feel relaxed and to know that you’re in a FAME Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, SLACDEC Director Judi Wor- safe space where you can get the help that you tham, Dr. Cynthia Davis and Charles Drew University Presneed. You may not be able to get everything right ident David Carlisle celebrate soft opening of Biddy Mason there, but our doctors–where necessary– can Wellness Center refer you to somebody who can fulfill those medin Friday, September 29, SLACDEC cal needs.”

Charles Drew University is partnering with (South Los Angeles Community DevelSLACDEC on the project with Providence Health opment & Empowerment Corporation)– & Services among the project sponsors. the non-profit of First AME Church –will mark The center will also feature a community garthe official opening of the Biddy Mason Comden, the vegetables and fruit from which will be munity Wellness Center with a ribbon-cutting cerutilized in cooking classes the center is slated to emony and special guests, including Charles Drew provide.

Wortham was particularly proud to anUniversity President David Carlisle, First AME nounce that Thema Bryant would be heading up Pastor J. Edgar Boyd and Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant the mental health segment of the center’s prowho was recently named president of the Amerigramming. can Psychological Association.

Said Wortham, “She’s hosting her first group The center will offer health care evaluation on October 12 and they’re going to meet every secand assessments, screenings, nutrition classes ond Tuesday, from 1pm to 2:30pm and everyone and mental health counseling along with other is invited to attend.” services for those in the community who are un“Community empowerment is a central part of derserved and underinsured. everything that we do here,” said Pastor J. Edgar “With the Biddy Mason Community Wellness Boyd.

“So, whether it’s offering free exercise and Center, we are providing hope to people that don’t cooking classes in housing developments, being an have hope. Many are them have been negatively active partner in the fight against tobacco, or helpimpacted by taboos and myths surrounding meding residents in need access public transportaical care,” said Rev. Judi Wortham, who serves as

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Our Chur Directory Agape Church of Los Angeles / Three Oaks Baptist Church Corporate Office 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (O) 323-295-5571 •www.agapela.org Bishop Craig A.Worsham - Senior Pastor Worship Center: 8109 South Hoover Street Los Angeles, CA 90044 Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word -Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church 3719 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-5610 • www.bkcamechurchla.org Rev. Mary S. Minor, DMin,Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 AM (in-person and virtual) Thursday Bible Study with Pastor Minor (via Zoom): 6:00 PM Please call the church office for virtual information.

Bethesda Temple Apostolic Faith 4909 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 299-2591 • thevoice4904@att.net Pastor Kyron S. Shorter Sunday Morning Prayer: 9:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Children’s Church: 11:00am Sunday Evening Service: 6:00pm Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Pastor Dwaine Jackson Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:15 am Bible Study (Tues): Noon Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 6:00pm

Calvary Baptist Church 4911 W. 59th Street,Los Angeles, CA,90056 (323)298-1605•F: (323) 298-4867 • calvarybaptistla.org Rev. Dr. Virgil V. Jones Sunday Prayer: 8:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 12:00pm & 7:00pm We are the Church on the Hill where the Light Shines Bright!

tion…we’re here, our doors are open, and the work is being done.”

The center will be open weekdays from 9am to 6pm. A website is in the works. In the meantime, those desiring additional information, can contact SLACDEC at (323) 419-3369.

New Bill Could Be A Gamechanger for Churches A bill that could allow churches to build affordable housing on their parking lots and surplus lands passed the California Legislature on Sept.

11. If Gov. Gavin Newsom signs Senate Bill (SB) 4 thousands of unused urban lots could potentially be used for housing development.

“SB 4 will open up 170,000 acres of land for affordable housing. It’s a game-changer,” Sen. Scott Wiener (D—San Francisco) posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The bill successfully passed the Senate floor with 32 votes in favor and two against. In the Assembly, it received overwhelming support with just a single vote against it.

The bill applies to churches, mosques, synagogues and other faith organizations. The organizations utilizing their land for construction would be able to bypass local zoning restrictions or discretionary approval processes.

Opposition to the bill has come from some local governments and environmental justice organizations. The city of Beverly Hills argued that localities are better equipped to address the needs of their residents. Environmental justice organizations have advocated for more protections that would prohibit construction within specified distances of freeways, industrial areas and oil and gas facilities.

The bill was amended in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee to improve environmental protections near oil wells.

Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • www.faithdome.org Dr. Frederick K. Price Please Join Us! Sunday Service: 10:30am Wednesday Bible Study: 11:00am & 7:30pm Thursday Intercessory Prayer: 7:30pm faithdome.org @elfministries

Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowshipla.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sunday LiveStream: 10:00am (facebook.com/christianfellowshipla) Sunday Conference Call: 10:00am (310-372-7549 / code: 342408) Tue/Thurs Morning Word & Prayer: 7:00am Wed. Bible Study w/ Elder Stephen Brown (701-802-5001 / code: 825252# God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ / Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org •gfdjc@att.net Dr.Ruby I. Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor/Teacher Services every Friday: 7:00pm We meeet at: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018 Watch us on KXLA Thur’s @ 9:30am on Chanel 44, HBN TV Mon’s @ 7am & Wed’s @ 7:30am on Chanel 35.2 Listen to us on Sunday’s on KJLH 102.3 at 5:00am

Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027 Rev. Dr. Timothy o. Coston, Jr.

ONE LA Potter’s House Church 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • hello@one.online Pastor Touré and Sarah Roberts The ONE Experience Online: Sundays: 7A |9A |11A |1P |6P Thursdays: 5P |8P (PST) @toureroberts @sarahjakesroberts @one.online ONE.ONLINE

Sunday School: 8:00am Worship: 9:30am Wednesday Bible Study: 11:30am & 6:00pm

Grace Temple Baptist Churchh 7017 South Bramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 • gracetemplebaptist7017@gmail.com Rev. Rodney Howard Sunday Worship Service: 9:00am Sunday Life Group: 11:30am Wed. Night Intercessory Prayer: 6:30pm Wed. Night Bible Study: 7:00pm

Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 • www.gembcla.org Rev. DeNon A. Porter Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10am Facebook/YouTube Livestream: @gembcla Radio-KALI 900AM: Sundays 7-8pm Bible Study: Tuesday 7pm

Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Email: holman@holmanumc.com Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday Radio: KJLH 102.3FM at 11am Sunday School: 9:30am (Children/Youth) & 9:45am (Adults) Bible Study: Every Thursday @ Noon We Gather,Grow,Go and Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 • www.mccartychurch.org Senior Pastor Edward Anderson Sunday Worship: 10:45am Bible Study: Tues @12:30pm/Wed @6pm Zoom Call: (605) 472-5454 Access:188857 Online Stream Live: Sundays@10:45am to www.mccartychurch.org Give: Text 77977 Instagram@mccartyconnect Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964 Rev. Johnteris Tate-Pastor Sunday Church School(In-Person): 8:30am Sun. Baptist Training Union:7:30am Worship Service(In-Person): 10:00am Tues. Refuel/Bible Study/Prayer: 12Noon (Conference Call: (330) 207-7446) Weekly Mission Assembly/Bible Study:7:00 (Conference Call: (339) 207-7446 Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 Phone (323) 291-1121•Fax: (323) 291-1133 office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am & 10am Tuesday Night(as scheduled):7:15pm All services stream live on our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.

Call for any pandemic-related questions.

Our Goal: To glorify God by winning more Christians and developing better Christians. (Matt. 28:18-20)

Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm www.mtzionla.org

Rochelle Settle Ward AME Church

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or Rochelle Settle, the title of First Lady just doesn’t seem to be enough. Fact is, she's also an ordained minister and itinerant elder, forming a dynamic duo with her husband, Pastor Barry Settle at Ward AME Church.

Ironically, the Alamogordo, New Mexico native–who met her husband in a single’s ministry at Ward AME some 28 years ago–was the first of the two to answer the call to preach.

“We surrendered our lives to Christ around the same time. It was like a few months later, when I felt the call to preach”, Settle recounts. “Within that same year, he went into ministry.”

Today, they do ministry together, with her subbing on some of the days when he’s not there.

“Although we have probably about 8 - 10 people on staff, he looks to me because I know what he likes in ministry, and most of the time if he’s not there, it falls on me to lead . A few weeks ago, we both preached at the same time.”

To that end, it’s rare to find Settle sitting on a pew during church services. She’s either in the pulpit, directing the choir, or singing on the praise team. And if she’s not at church on a Sunday, she could very well be at another church on a preaching assignment.

“I'm not against first ladies who just sit there in a supportive role. I'm just very active because of my call,” says the mother of three who is employed by UC Riverside and views being a First Lady as a demanding yet rewarding calling.

“It is a tough job because you are always on display.

And sometimes, unfortunately, you are placed on a pedestal, which at times you cannot live up to that and so you have to deal with people's disappointments when your humanity shows which it will in various ways.”

“It should be the job of the First Lady to convey that, but don't put me on a pedestal. God has blessed me to be the pastor's wife. But give me some grace just like I give you grace.”

Trinity Baptist Church 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., L.A., CA 90018 • (323) 735-0044 F: (323) 735-0219• trinitybaptistchurchofla.org Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship Services: 10:30am YouTube: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH-FM: 9am Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7pm (Meeting ID: 480-271-5449.

Or call 1-699-900-6833; give zoom ID Sign-in at 6:55pmrchofla.org

Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 • F: (323)264-6601 • www.wellerstreetlive.com Pastor K.W. Tulloss Sunday School: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com

West Angeles Church Of God In Christ 3600 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 733-8300 • Office Hrs: M-F 8:30am-5:30pm • westa.org Senior Pastor Charles E. Blake II Sunday School: 10:00am Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10:00am

In Compton Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 12930 S. Lime Ave, Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • email: citizensofzionmbc@gmail.com Rev. Bobby L. Newman, Jr. Pastor Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:45am (In-person & Virtual YouTube) Wednesday Bible Study: 12pm (In-person or dial in at:(774)267-8085) Wednesday Evening Bible Study: 7:00pm (via Zoom (Call church office for information) Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm) Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily www.gzcfamily.com

New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 • www.newantiochcogic.org Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Worship: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Tuesday Bible Study: 11:00am Wednesday In The Word: 7:00pm All services streamed on: Facebook and YouTube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ

Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • www.holychapelbc.com Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Morning Worship: 8:00am Sunday School: 10:30am Wed. Mid-Week Bible Study: 7:00pm Sun. New Members’ Class: 10:45am Communion/1st Sunday: 8:00am Broadcast KALI 900AM - Sun:2-3:00pm

Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net Rev. Terrell Taylor

Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5449, Compton, CA 90224 Bishop Ronald C. Hill Sr., Founder/Pastor Sunday Worship:10am/6:30pm Wed. Bible Studies: 7:30pm Prayer w /Bishop Hill: Fri: 9am Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact TV Network: Mon-Fri PST 6:30am The Word Network Fridays @ 12:30pm

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wednesday Virtual Bible Study : Noon & 7:00p Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

L.A. Focus/October 2023

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1300 E. 50th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 235-2103 Rev. Joshua Daniels, Pastor Morning Worship: 10am (In Service and Online Live Stream Worship) Sunday School: 8:45am

FIRST LADY FILES

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sun. Worship: 8:30am Sun. Classes follow morning service Tues Eve Family Prayer Line: 6:30pm Wed. Noon: Hour of Power Prayer line Wed. Bible Study: 6:00pm (Zoom & Facebook) Exposition of Sunday School Lesson:10am

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L.A. Focus/October 2023

PastorProfile: Carolyn Baskin-Bell Church: First AME Santa Monica How Long at church: 4 years Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Family: Husband Larry Bell, two daughters How did you come to be in ministry?

My parents were devout workers, leaders in the church and our family is full of preachers. Three of my brothers are in the ministry. My mother was a missionary, I remember at nine years old, knocking on a door and saying, ‘Hi, my name is Carolyn Baskin and I want to invite you to church this Sunday.’ I loved church. I was president of the junior mission, sang in the choir, and was very active going to all the conventions. I remember the last thing my mother told me before God called her home was to continue on the path and stay with the Lord, and here I am still delivering the word.

You grew up Baptist, what brought you into the AME church?

I married into the AME Church. My husband was AME and after we went through marital counseling, and the marriage counselor had instructed that husband and wife should share in the same ministry. He put it this way: ‘You need to eat from the same table spiritually’.

We followed that advice years ago and it was a part of God's divine plan. So, I joined Grant AME Church. I loved the church. I loved the choir, where I served until I received the call in January of 1996. It was at a women's ministry conference and when I walked down the aisle, everyone was saying, ‘What took you so long?’

What did take you so long?

I loved the camaraderie of the women in the Missionary Society and the work we were engaged in and the advocacy for children because I also worked for the L.A. County office of education as a speech language pathologist. So, working with children is close to my heart and I felt that was my calling. As the call [to ministry] got stronger came, I tried to resist, but I just could not say no, because the Lord had placed on my heart to preach His Word and I could not rest until I said, yes.

I guess everybody was able to see that I was struggling with the call, and also knowing that for women in ministry, it's a big challenge– especially married women.

What did that challenge mean for you?

Well, I got married in 1983 and after 13 years, God called me to preach. I prayed before I told my husband and he said, if God is calling you to preach, you better preach. When my husband and I go places and people address him as the pastor, he says, ‘No, she's a preacher. I'm the spouse.’ So, he's the first man. That was one relief. The next relief was my dad, because he was a deacon in the Baptist Church and many Baptists don't honor women in the pulpit, but my father became my strongest advocate.

Every time I came to Cincinnati my father would tell the pastor, my daughter's preaching onSunday. That was even before I was o r -

dained. I just praise God for the support of two of the most important men in my life.

What kind of a challenge does being in Santa Monica present to you?

Santa Monica was quite a transition for us and it was right before COVID. Four months after my arrival (with me barely knowing the congregation), COVID hits. But we immediately went virtual and that's where the relationship with the membership began to develop. We never missed a Sunday and didn't miss a beat. We continued to work hard in the ministry, developing the people and that's one of my gifts– working to train and to teach and preach. We went back to in person worship in November of 2021, and it's given us a chance to really stabilize.

You’re in an area of Santa Monica once home to a community of Black folks...

Many of our members were displaced, and are now living in different parts of LA. We have a few members who are still residents of Santa Monica. We really treasure the history and maintaining an African American presence is important to us. The church is certainly a great testament of our history there in Santa Monica and the work, because the church is 102 years old and is just one of just three African American churches in Santa Monica.

How are you outreaching to the community, given the community has changed so much?

We've done prayer walks in the neighborhood and we've collaborated with the Interfaith Council. So, it’s going into communities, passing out toiletries and providing different types of assistance for the homeless, because there is a homeless population in Santa Monica. Regardless of the demographics, it's important that we follow the Great Commission. In my seminarian training, we've learned that the church should reflect the community where it exists and because of YouTube, Facebook, and our outreach, we have people coming from all over L.A. county.

Does being on a dead end street in a location off the beat and path present a challenge?

In my experience, even as a church planter, I’ve found that oftentimes you can publicize, but the best mode of evangelism or getting people to know about your church is word of mouth. We've really encouraged the membership to extend a personal invitation to someone. You don't have to go far to evangelize. It might be the person in the next room. And as a church, It's important to connect with community, especially those government officials and individuals in other faiths as well so I've been collaborating with other faith communities in order that to get the word out.

What kind of leader are you?

I characterize myself as a compassionate leader. I have a pastor's heart. I love people. I reach out when I see a need. I'm the kind of pastor who if I don't see you in church two Sundays in a row, I'm going to call you or send you a text to find out whether or not you’re okay and what's going on with you. I'm also an advocate of making sure that every individual, if you have a gift, it needs to come to the table. I believe that everyone should be involved. So, I'm a cheerleader– a developer, a mentor.

Is there a recurring theme to your ministry?

Praising the Lord–giving all glory and honor to God, because I'm merely a vessel. So, I always acknowledge who God is, and that everything will be as according to God's amazing grace.

In Gardena

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:00pm Bible Study (Wed): Noon & 7:00pm BET/Fresh Oil (Wed): 7:00am

The Liberty Church 4725 S. Gramercy Place, Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 715-8400 Pastor David W. Cross Morning Worship/Livestream:10:00 am Hispanic Ministry Worship/Livestream:12Noon Word Power Wednesday/Livestream: 7:00pm The CROSSWORD with Pastor Cross: YouTube

Atherton Baptist Church In Hawthorne 2627 W. 116th Street Hawthorne,CA 90250 (323) 757-3113 • www.athertonbc.org F: 323-757-8772 • athertonbaptist@sbcglobal.net Pastor Larry Weaver Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7:00pm

Bible Enrichment Fellowship International In Inglewood 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer: 5am, Noon & 7:00pm Wednesday Pathway: 7:00pm Thurs Bible Study: 10:00am Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am

Blessed Family Covenant Church 325 North Hillcrest Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90301 (310)-674-0303 • F: (310)-674-0303 Pastor Wendy Howlett Sunday Morning Worship & Word: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study: 7:00pm View Sunday Worship: www.youtube.com (Under Blessed Family Covenant Church) www.blessedfamilycovenant.org Center of Hope LA 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 #centerofhope•#cohla•Info@GO2HOPE.com Give: Text COHLA to (833) 246-7144 Pastor Geremy L. Dixon Service Times: 8:00am & 10:00am Watch Via: Facebook|YouTube|Live Stream Closer To People...Closer To God! www.GO2Hope.com

Faithful Central Bible Church 333 W. Florence Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035 Pastor J. P. Foster In-Person Services: 7:00 am & 9:30am Online Services: 7:00a, & 9:30am Wednesdays, The Download: 7:00pm Facebook + Youtube+ Website The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc.

1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760 Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr. Sunday Fresh Start & Prayer 9:00am Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7:00pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm www.jacobladderschurch.com

L.A. Focus/October 2023

What are the goals you’ve set for First AME Santa Monica and are you on track with them?

We have worked really hard in our development of Christian education. That has been one of the biggest goals and we're pretty much on track. Our adventure now is ministry that connects us more with the community. COVID shut down all activities so we're reactivating so that we can make a difference in the lives of those we come in contact with wherever we are.

The City of Refuge 14527 S. San Pedro St, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 516-1433 Bishop Noel Jones

21

Spotlight

ELGIN NELSON • D.T CARSON Staff

Days of Dialogue Launches New Series of Community Talks Around Racial Equity and Healing

R

acism, bigotry, and homelessness in Los Angeles were preeminent topics at this year’s Days of Dialogue luncheon this past Saturday.

A new dialogue series, Tackling Homelessness Through Collaboration, was announced as L.A. Black politicians gathered to examine the issues that affect their respective communities — and last year’s leaking of the video recording of Los Angeles City officials –including former L.A. City Council President Nury Martinez and L.A. City Councilman Kevin DeLeon–engaging in a conversation that included racially-disparaging remarks in a planning session for re-districting that supported racial bias–underscored the importance of this event.

“Having a dialogue is critical. Many times, we think we can solve these problems in a vacuum, but it takes real discussion. It’s collaborative events like these that provide the opportunity for us to make real change in our communities,” Sen. Steve Bradford (CA) said.

Avis Ridley-Thomas has served as Executive Director of Days of Dialogue since 2011 and explained how this year’s luncheon will help Los Angeles move forward as a city given its systemic racial issues surrounding bigotry and homelessness.

“This year’s event is so important because we are focusing on launching a new series. This new series tackles homelessness through collaboration because it seems that homelessness is so intractable to everybody. People are discussing it all the time but are we discussing it collectively?” Ridley-Thomas said.

The latest dialogue series aims to address the “75,000 Angelenos experiencing homelessness today.” It also looks to renew Measure H, a multi-million revenue stream designed to address homelessness. Team members on the new initiative also urged all faith-based organizations of all denominations and other social action organizations to pledge any resources.

In attendance at the luncheon was Mayor Karen Bass, who stressed the importance of this new initiative,

“Days of Dialogue started almost 30 years ago, and it started at a time of particular turmoil in a city—and of course the number one issue that’s impacting black folk is homelessness, considering we are 8% of the population but 30% of the people living on the street. So, I think it’s a perfect time for it to start this,” Bass said.

Since 1995, Days of Dialogue has held events to tackle racial disparities among Los Angeles communities. It began with former Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas calling a meeting with “20 prophetic leaders and community activists to defuse escalating tensions from the O.J. Simpson case.” That meeting eventually gave birth to a non-profit, non-partisan organization that acts as a bridge between active dialogue and community engagement in tackling sensitive racial issues.

Today, racial trauma is evident in the rise in hate crimes across the nation. Following the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., there were nearly 1,500 reported incidents of anti-Asian racism in just one month. Reports included incidents of physical and verbal attacks as well as reports of anti-Asian discrimination in private business.

In 2018, 38% of Latinx people were verbally attacked for speaking Spanish; were told to “go back to their countries”; called a racial slur and/or treated unfairly by others.

Over the course of one year, Twitter saw 4.2 million anti-Semitic tweets in just the English language alone.

These tweets included anti-Semitic stereotypes, promotion of anti-Semitic personality or media, symbols, slurs, or anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, including Holocaust denial.

However, African Americans remain the top target of recially motivated hate crimes.

In 2022, California experienced a 20.2% increase in reported hate crime events.

A new report released by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University San Bernardino, found that Black people were the targets of

more than one-fifth of all hate crimes reported in major U.S. cities last year, the highest share of any ethnic group.

Whether fueled by toxic and weaponized rhetoric, gentrification, online hate speech, turf wars, or the growing movement of White nationalism or the proliferation of hate in media coverage, it should come as little surprise that hate crimes are on the rise in Los Angeles.

In 2021, 596 hate crimes were documented in LA—the highest number ever reported and from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2022, nearly 350 hate crimes were reported to the Los Angeles Police Department, a 16.7% increase from the first half of 2021, and more than double the equivalent period in 2020.

Brian Levin, Director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino, warned that a further increase of hate crimes could be coming to L.A., linking the claim to the approaching elections when divisive political rhetoric intensifies.

“We saw a reversal of a decline in anti-Black hate crimes in 2020,” said Levin. “It’s now gone back up.”

Racial trauma, or race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) refers to the mental and emotional injury caused by encounters with racial bias and ethnic discrimination, racism and hate crimes.

The first meeting for “Tackling Homelessness through Collaboration” will be held with Bishop and Mrs. Sylvester Washington at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on Saturday, October 28th at 9:00 a.m.

Note: L.A. Focus is proud to partner with Days of Dialogue in latest series of meetings, thanks to funding from the California State Library and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA). The views expressed in this series produced

by L.A. Focus do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CSL, CAPIAA or the California government.

Learn more at capiaa.ca.gov/stop-the-hate"

Left: Avis Ridley-Thomas • Middle:Mayor Karen Bass offers remarks • (Right) L.A. County Department of Health Director Barbara Ferrer poses with Mark Ridley-Thomas

True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 7901 South Van Ness Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 750-7304 Rev. James A. Perkins Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:45am Bible Adventure Hour (Tues): 6pm Bible Study (Tues): 7pm Bible Study (Thurs): Noon

Antioch Church of Long Beach 350 Pine Ave. ,Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 591-8778 •www.antiochlb.com Senior Pastor Wayne Chaney, Jr.

In Long Beach

Online Services Stream live: Sun 10:00am at antiochlb.com Give: text antiochib to 77977 Social Media: facebook.com/antiochlb instagram.com/antiochlb youtube.com/antiochlongbeach

Christ Second Baptist Church 1471 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-3421 • Fax: (562) 599-6175 • www.csbclb.org Rev. Welton Pleasant II, Senior Pastor Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:40am Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7pm

Grant AME Church 1129 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 437-2567 • Fax: (562) 599-6175 • www.csbclb.org Rev. Dr. Michael W. Eagle,Sr.,Ed.D, Community Activist Sunday School: 9:00am Worship Service Sundays: 10:45am (On Facebook Live, YouTube) Free Conf Call: 857 232 0156 877511 Zoom:438 996 2703 Where all receive attention, affection & love

House of Refuge Church of God in Christ 1446 W. 36th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323)515-9022•Email:info@horcogic.org•www.horcogic.live Pastor: Dr. Pierre Codio First Lady Shavon Codio Sunday Services:11:00am Sunday School: 9:00am Thursday Online Bible Study:7:00pm (via Facebook & YouTube) Friday Morning Online Prayer:10am Prayer call-in # : (516) 259-9968 Tuesdays Substance Abuse Counseling:6:00pm Walking In The Spirit Ministries In Norwalk Double Tree (Sonoma Grill) 12623 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 Tim & Leshia Brooks Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)

Johnson continued from page 8

lot of Giant Eagle grocery stores with a huge sign stating that he needed funds to pay his rent.

City leaders in Columbus are optimistic that the money provided from local and federal agencies to tackle poverty will assist more residents in getting back on their feet. On a national level, much of the discussion has been on the need for wages to increase to meet rising housing, food and medical costs.

While policy wonks will continue to examine the best approaches to alleviate poverty, I am a firm believer that we must also take time to minister to the emotional needs of people struggling to survive, something that my pastor heavily emphasizes in our church's community work. Proverbs 14:21 tells us that those who have mercy on the poor are happy and blessed. Every time I see a person on the street, I know that they are much more than a statistic in studies and reports. Being destitute has crushed their spirit, so their dignity needs to be restored as we provide a pathway for them to acquire the resources to become self-sufficient.

Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus. Email her at smojc.jj@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JjSmojc.

Williams continued from page 8

While inflation and stagnant wages affect everyone, those living in metropolitan areas face even greater financial strains due to the inflated costs of housing, transportation and other necessities. The dream of city life, once synonymous with opportunities and advancement, is now accompanied by the harsh reality of financial stress and the constant struggle to make ends meet. This phenomenon also has wider societal implications, as the diversity and dynamism that urban areas bring to the cultural landscape are threatened when only a privileged few can afford to partake in them fully.

The current state of affairs demands a multifaceted approach from policymakers, community leaders and businesses alike. Policies aimed at boosting affordable housing initiatives, wages that keep pace with inflation, and health care can significantly alleviate the challenges faced by American families. Investments in education and workforce development are equally crucial, as they empower individuals with the skills needed to secure

higher-paying jobs and navigate the evolving economic landscape. Additionally, fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation can create new avenues for economic growth and job creation, potentially counteracting some of the negative effects of the rising cost of living.

The rising cost of living is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. It is a multifaceted issue rooted in factors such as inflation, wage stagnation and the lack of affordable resources. The impact is far-reaching, affecting families across income levels and geographical locations. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy reforms, investments in education and health care, and efforts to stimulate economic growth. By working collectively toward a more equitable and sustainable economic landscape, America can ensure that all its citizens have the opportunity to thrive and lead dignified lives.

To find out more about Armstrong Williams and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Medical debt continued from page 12

with high medical costs who are at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply for a hospital’s charity care or discount payment policy.

Charity care is available even when your bill is past due. Hospitals cannot sell your patient debt to a debt buyer unless you are ineligible for financial assistance, or you have not responded to a hospital’s attempt to offer assistance for 180 days.

Hospitals are required to provide a specific notice before transferring a hospital debt to a debt collector. The notice should include a copy of an application for free or reduced care under that hospital’s policy. In their first written communication, debt collectors are also required to send a copy of the notice.

If the Biden administration has its way, consumer reporting companies would be blocked from using medical debts and collection information on consumer reports. Creditors would also be barred from using medical debt for underwriting decisions and debt collectors would no longer be able to use what the CFPB referred to as “coercive collection practice.”

California Black Leaders Pay Tribute to Sen. Dianne Feinstein Condolences and tributes poured in from California’s Black community after the passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Lawmakers, business leaders, and political service organizations expressed their condolences and sympathy to family, friends, and staff of U.S. Sen. Feinstein, 90, who died of natural causes in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 28.

“I am saddened by the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein, one of our nation’s great leaders and someone I was blessed to call a colleague and friend,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer on whose shoulders I, and women in elected office all across America, will always stand. She worked harder than anyone I knew on Capitol Hill, and she will be remembered as one of the most effective and impactful Senators in American history.”

Feinstein made history as the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from California, served over three decades in the U.S. Congress and was the oldest lawmaker on Capitol Hill.

“California lost a trailblazer and a giant today,” wrote Rep. Barbara Lee (DCA-12). “Senator Feinstein broke glass ceilings for women in politics and fought fearlessly for safer communities free of gun violence. My deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones.”

Feinstein built a reputation as an independent voice, working to find practical solutions to issues confronting California and the nation. She was the first woman to chair the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and in 2017, Sen. Feinstein became the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee — the first woman to assume that role — where she helped shape policy on criminal law, national security, immigration, civil rights and the courts.

“We have fond memories to cherish of the work accomplished together on behalf of our most vulnerable and underserved communities. The Senator is truly a trailblazer,” stated Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) founding member and state President Dezie Woods-Jones.

Feinstein was instrumental in helping another Black political organization grow and become a force to be reckoned with in California politics, the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) dedicated to amplifying the

ANTONIO R. HARVEY

CA Black Media

economic, social, and political influence of the Black community in California.

According to BAPAC Sacramento Regional Director Rory Kaufman, BAPAC’s growth and influence were bolstered by the support of former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, former two-time Gov. Jerry Brown, and Feinstein. The organization was founded by Percy Pinkney, an outspoken champion for solutions to challenges facing Black Californians, who also served as a senior state field representative for Feinstein.

“The bottom line is that Dianne Feinstein helped keep BAPAC alive because she had Percy Pinkney on her staff,” Kaufman said.

The California Black Women’s Collective (CBWC) also issued a statement on the passing of Feinstein. CBWC serves as a resource for lawmakers, elected officials, business leaders, and advocacy organizations.

“We are all saddened by the passing of Senator Diane Feinstein, who paved the way for women to serve their communities in California and nationally,” states Kellie Todd Griffin, founding convener of CBWC. “It is imperative that we all take a moment to honor her contributions that positioned California as a beacon for others to follow.”

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), vice chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) ,called Feinstein an “icon for her service and leadership.”

“Senator Dianne Feinstein dedicated her life to public service. As the longestserving woman in the U.S. Senate, she was a trailblazer who served our state with strength, vision, and compassion,” said Bradford. “Her career was forged through the tragedy of gun violence which fueled her unwavering resolve to pass groundbreaking gun control. A true giant has left us.”

InGoodTaste

Fried Chicken Snoop Dogg’s Ingredients:

Guest Chef Snoop Dogg

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$1,665,000 • 6579 Bradley Place Don't miss this one it won't last!

L.A. Focus/October 2023

Sunny , spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bath, Contemporary 2-story in the highly desirable "Heights" in Ladera Heights community. Wonderful cul-de-sac location walk to shopping and restaurants. Expansive Bonus Room upstairs with a large closet can be used as a 5th bedroom or great room. Dramatic entry way with vaulted ceilings, step down living room opens to formal dining room. Remodeled Island style kitchen which opens to the family room with fireplace. Upstairs double door entry to a huge primary suite with updated bath with dual vanity and loads of closets. Great private backyard with brick patio finishes and retractable canopy. Chandeliers are excluded.

Call today to schedule a tour.

25

SavingGrace Jamie Foxx

T

L.A. Focus/October 2023

here are some entertainers whose success cannot be understated, and Jamie Foxx is one of them. The Oscar-winner has dominated several areas of entertainment over the course of his 30-plus year career. In syndicated shows like The Jamie Foxx Show and In Living Color, Foxx delivered knee-slapping laughs. He also gave us sensational drama in critically acclaimed films like Ray and Django Unchained.

Musically, he’s been just as much of a magnet.

Four of his songs have reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100: "Unpredictable", "Blame It", "Slow Jamz", and "Gold Digger". He has accomplished so much in his life that this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Despite Foxx's success, he has had some hardships along the way.

Back in April, the actor–born Eric Marlon Bishop–was suddenly overtaken by a “serious illness” while filming a Netflix movie, Back in Action, with Glenn Close and Cameron Diaz. Fans first learned of the news on Instagram from his daughter Corinne, 29. Friends/superstars such as Kerry Washington, Martin Lawrence, Taraji P. Henson, LeBron James, and Kevin Hart responded by posting emotional messages on social media for nearly a month.

The “mysterious medical condition” he suffered from remained unknown despite rumors abounding.

There were multiple reports that the actor was in grave condition and unlikely to recover. However, this was not the case. Foxx’s family said it was “quick action and great care” that made his imminent recovery possible. However, he made it clear he'd been through hell in a taped statement in July.

The Golden Globe award winner revealed, “I know a lot of people were waiting or wanting to hear updates but to be honest with you, I just didn't want you to see me like that. I want you to see me laughing, having a good time, partying, cracking a joke, doing a movie, television show. I didn't want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was gonna make it through.”

Foxx attributed his recovery to those he loved the most.

“To be honest with you, my sister Deidra Dixon, my daughter Corinne Marie saved my life. To them, to God, to a lot of great medical people, I’m able to leave you this video,” he said.

Three years before this life-threatening health scare, Foxx was on a promotional tour for his critically acclaimed film “Soul”. This animated feature went on to win two Golden Globes and two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. At the same time, he was dealing with a heart-breaking loss. His younger sister DeOndra, a global Down Syndrome Foundation ambassador, was only 36 years old when she passed away.

The 55-year-old shared the news with his millions

26

of followers on Instagram when it first happened. He said, “My heart is shattered into a million pieces,” the actor began, “my beautiful loving sister DeOndra has transitioned... I say transitioned because she will always be alive... anyone who knew my sis... knew that she was a bright light.”

Foxx concluded by saying, “DeOndra you have left a hole in my heart... but I will fill it with all of the memories that you gave me ... I love you with every ounce of me... our family is shattered but we will put the pieces back together with your love... and y’all please keep my family in your prayers.”

It has been a challenging road to healing in both instances, but Foxx remains steadfast. The foundation of his strength could be traced back to his childhood, family, and God. In his 2021 book, Act Like You Got Some Sense: And Other Things My Daughters Taught Me, he gave readers a deep dive into his parenting of daughters Corinne and Annalise. It also gave a closer look at his childhood. He was adopted by his strict-but-loving grandmother Estelle Marie Talley.

When speaking of Talley, he explained their relationship dynamic. Foxx said, “She was my buddy.

You know what I'm saying? If you could go to heaven right now and say, 'Where is Estelle Talley' Do that interview. Because that's who knows me. Nobody else.”

Foxx recalled that his grandmother made him take piano lessons. She also introduced him to the Bible and encouraged him to seek faith in Jesus that promotes unity and inclusivity.

Growing up, she often made him attend church.

Now, he hosts his own church services at his home where he promotes the message of God's love and mercy.

"I've always had this vision, and I've done it in certain things where I have people come to my house and we have church at my house, not shown on television or anything like that. But my idea is that at a certain point, Back church, white church, Hispanic, everybody goes to church together.”

Talley passed away in 2004 at the age of 95 at her home in Terrell, Texas. Following his success in "Ray," Jamie returned home for the funeral, but he was so distraught that he was unable to deliver the eulogy. Their bond developed after the pistol-toting granny adopted Foxx because his mother "wasn't ready for parenthood."

Foxx recounted waiting for his mother to arrive for Christmas, only to

have her never show up. It is also revealed that the actor did not have a stable father figure in his life.

For years, he struggled with his parents’ rejection.

However, their absence from his upbringing shaped him as a caring parental figure for his own children.

Foxx shared in a previous interview, “You can do two things. You can let it cave you in, when things didn't go right as a kid. Or you can say, 'Oh, when I get my shot, I'm gonna make sure I do this. When I got my shot to raise my kids, those things that I felt like my biological parents didn't do necessarily right, I said, 'Oh, I know what it is now.”

Early difficulties did not prevent him from succeeding, but instead made him even more determined. As a result of his comedic stylings, Foxx appeared on Def Comedy Jam and Roc. He also landed his own specials Straight from the Foxxhole and I Might Need Security. By the start of the new millennium, the In Living Color alum had his own sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show. It ran for five seasons.

After that, his career as an actor took off. He starred in 90s classics such as Sprung, Any Given Sunday, and The Great White Hype. By the 2000s, he had become an A-lister, earning as much as $12 million per movie.

In 2014, he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Electro in The Amazing Spiderman 2. Despite his busy schedule, he managed to release five studio albums. Two went platinum.

The current year has also been busy. For someone who is constantly on the front lines of life’s challenges, Foxx continues to bounce back. This year alone, Foxx has starred in four films (Story Ave, Tin Soldier, God is a Bullet, They Cloned Tyrone, and Strays). Fans can also expect two more projects: Not Another Church Movie and The Burial.

Faith is Foxx’s saving grace. When once asked by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt asked if he was a vegan.

“I am Baptist, I have been Baptist my whole life,” Foxx replied. “To me Jesus is the foundation.

Nothing against other vegans, I don’t know where they go as far as heaven and hell is concerned but I know where I’m going as far as heaven is concerned.”