L.A. Focus Newspaper June 2022 Issue

SAVING GRACE

Tichina Arnold Strikes

HOLLYWOOD

L-R: Special Needs Network board member Bonnie Berry Lamon and founder Areva Martin accept a $25,000 check from LA Care at the 14th Annual Pink Pump Affair; Multi-Award winning Gospel duo Mary Mary receive Gospel Icon award at the 7th Annual Black Music Honors; Dr. Jerry Abraham, L.A. Focus Publisher Lisa Collins and Community Build CEO Robert Sausedo at the 24th Annual First Ladies High Tea.

From The Pulpit

Racial Violence, Hates Crimes & Us

Blacks Lag Behind in Early Voting in L.A. Races; Pres. Biden, V.P. Harris Praise Rep. Bass for Leadership on George Floyd Policing Act; L.A. City Council Moves to Address Disproportionate Number of Missing and Murdered Black Women

To Forgive or Not to Forgive Student Debt?

The Race to Keep Our Children Safe: COVID-19 Boosters for Kids are Here

David Oyelowo to Play Legendary Lawman; Idris Elba doing double duty at the box office

Steve Harvey

Met Gala

CeCe Winans Tops This Year’s List of Stellar Nominees

Celebs Respond to Uvalde Tragedy

Tony Thurmond: Overcoming the Unimaginable to Take On the Impossible

University Christian Church Pastor Rudy Hagood

Loretta Devine, Cookie Johnson, Cynthia McClain-Hill and Dr. Jerry Abraham Honored at 24th Annual First Ladies High Tea

Brown

Arnold

Project to Help Non-Profits Gain Access to Almost $200B in State and Fed Funds Presidential Paydays

Faith Leaders Protest Police Protective League

Naomi Osaka’s Big Move; Diddy’s Next Chapter; Famous Amos To Award $150,000 in Small Business Grants

Deborah Payne

Bishop Uleses Henderson, Jr.

Last month, Karine Jean Pierre made history as the first Black person to serve as the White House press secretary. She served as the chief of staff for U.S. vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris during the 2020 presidential campaign.

Tichina

JOHN WARREN Guest Columnist

“Racial Violence, Hates Crimes & Us”

The recent slaughter of Black people at the TOPS Grocery Store in Buffalo, New York carries a number of messages for those who are paying attention, even in our grief.

First, we see another young white male, convinced that it's okay to arm himself and seek out people of color to kill for no reason other than who they are. We saw this at Mother Emanuel Church in South Carolina where a young white male entered a Black Church and killed nine people in a Bible study. We saw a white male in Texas drive several hours to a Walmart Store and target and kill Mexican shoppers for no reason other than their ethnicity. We saw a young white in San Diego County go to a Jewish Synagogue with the intent of killing many and killing one worshiper.

We have seen another church in Texas, at a different time, have 27 worshipers killed on a Sunday morning, without race or ethnicity being a factor. They were all White. We also saw that the very next day, six people were shot while at church in Laguna Woods, California with one fatality. We are told there have been more than 200 mass shootings so far this year. Hate Crimes are on the rise.

Now, the real question is: “What do we do about it.?”

The answer depends on who you are, not where you live. There are no safe places left. If you are Black, one of the first things you notice is that White mass shooters appear to be taken alive, even with guns in their hands. While Black men seem to get shot for the slightest police encounter such as an air freshener hanging from a rearview mirror or a simple traffic stop. The White teenager in Michigan who shot and killed classmates was taken

The killer of the worshipers at Mother Emanuel Church in South Carolina was taken to a McDonald’s during his extradition back to South Carolina because he was hungry. The Buffalo shooter had been to the store the day before and a Black man bought him a soda because he was thirsty. His response to that person: ‘Will you be here tomorrow?’

We saw white supremacists rally support around Rittenhouse after he killed two people during the Minnesota protest and we saw the judge manipulate the jury so that he was acquitted. Now, what is the point of all this? A reminder so that you will begin to think seriously about the Racial Violence, Hate Crimes, and how this affects each of us, as well as our options.

Second, let us realize that there is a connection between whether or not we vote and the attention, funding,

From the Editor

“Dark Days"

They say money can’t buy everything, but Rick Caruso is hoping it will make him mayor of Los Angeles and the $30-plus million he’s spent so far to drown the media in TV commercials has placed him first in the running heading into the June 7 primary.

One would think that we might have learned some lessons from the 2016 election when another businessman spouting change leveraged his millions into a successful White House bid.

The takeaway: that which is shiny, new and rich isn’t always the answer.

A little disclaimer here: I don’t know Rick Caruso, but what I believe should give us all pause is the smear campaign he’s running against a woman who has spent a lifetime creating the kind of track record that in 2020 landed her on Biden’s short list for vice-president.

What it leads me to believe is that Caruso can’t win on his own merits and that is pretty scary. In its endorsement of Karen Bass, the L.A. Times editorial board wrote, “In a climate of fear and discontent, politics can turn ugly. Opportunistic politicians pander to people’s emotions, offering themselves as the strongman to bring order… We’d like to think that Los Angeles has recognized the mistakes of the past.”

Describing her as extraordinarily qualified, battletested and mission-driven, the editorial board went on to write: “Bass brings nearly two decades of governing experience, including helping lead the state through extremely difficult times as the Assembly speaker during the Great Recession and state budget crisis. She has a reputation as a thoughtful, pragmatic, collaborative leader who never loses focus on the core reasons she entered public service –en-

suring that no segment of society falls through the cracks.”

But none of this matters if you don’t vote. Truth is at a time when our numbers in Los Angeles have dwindled to under 10%, we have to make our voices and votes count now more than ever. And there should be no excuses, given the many ways voting has been made convenient–whether by mail or in person.

Keep in mind that by not voting you are submitting yourself to the choices of others not just in this mayor’s race on critical national issues like gun control as well and with the blood shed at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, and an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas which left 19 fourth graders dead, nothing is more timely.

We must appeal to politicians who give more credence to an unborn fetus than a classroom of fourth graders being mowed down by a teen who’s gained easy access to a weapon of war in a nation where baby formula is harder to secure.

Horrifying to think that for a full 77 minutes, tenyear-olds were left to fend for themselves, with some playing dead to live through the nightmare. It’s hard to imagine what terror those children must have been feeling as they appealed again and again for help from 9-1-1 only to have 19 law enforcement officers standing in a hallway just outside the door.

Much has been said about the Uvalde massacre but none more heartfelt and on point than this thoughtful statement from Matt McConaughey:

“As you all are aware”, McConaughey writes, “there was another mass shooting today, this time in my hometown of Uvalde, Texas. Once again, we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us.

and respect we receive as members of the national community. We can’t stop those who are elected to office or hold the public trust with badges and uniforms from being racist, but we can stop them from gaining and holding office and we can vote them out of office. But we have to care enough to focus on the long-term outcome which will remove such people if we vote and let it be known that we will be voters from now on.

Third, we must come to grips with the fact that we are targets at all times, whether shopping, praying, or just going about our daily lives. This does not mean we live in fear, but in awareness for ourselves and those around us. We must discuss, develop and teach “active shooter plans”; start observing those who are observing us and consider arming our households, not carrying weapons so as to fuel the violence and efforts on the part of some to start a race war. We must rethink how and where we spend our money. We don’t have to accept “redlining” and targeted zip codes when we can question and avoid doing business with those who use such tactics against us, even if we have to be inconvenienced in our spending.

The political primary season is upon us and those who are against us are stacking the ballots and preparing for what they hope will be a political future that gives them more power. Last month’s key primary was in Pennsylvania and on June 7, 2022, it will be California’s turn. “Us” can make a difference now and change the national mood which is encouraging racial violence and hate crimes.

Where are you on this?

John Warren is a pastor and the publisher of the San Diege Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper.

The true call to action now is for every American to take a longer and deeper look in the mirror, and ask ourselves, What is it that we truly value? How do we repair the problem? What small sacrifices can we individually take today, to preserve a healthier and safer nation, state, and neighborhood tomorrow?” We cannot exhale once again, make excuses, and accept these tragic realities as status quo.

As Americans, Texans, mothers and fathers, it’s time we re-evaluate, and renegotiate our wants from our needs. We have to rearrange our values and find a common ground above this devastating American reality that has tragically become our children’s issue.

This is an epidemic we can control, and whichever side of the aisle we may stand on, we all know we can do better. We must do better. Action must be taken so that no parent has to experience what the parents in Uvalde and the others before them have endured.

And to those who dropped off their loved ones today not knowing it was goodbye, no words can comprehend or heal your loss, but if prayers can provide comfort, we will keep them coming.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Now is the time for you to show up, be prayerful in your action and in the words of John Lewis, “make good trouble”.

Keep the faith.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

UpFront

Blacks Lag Behind in Early Voting in L.A. Races

AAs of Tuesday, May 24, 5% of the mail-in ballots for the City of Los Angeles had been returned and according to the tracking, African Americans are returning ballots at a much lower rate than other groups.

“In fact”, said public policy expert Kerman Maddox, “people need to understand the election is happening now, it ends on June 7th, but people can mail in their ballots or drop them off at a location that’s convenient for them now.

“At this stage other groups are returning their ballots at a higher rate and thus outperforming African American Voters, but there is time to reverse this trend, particularly for African Americans seeking office in this election cycle.”

Maddox isn’t the only one concerned.

Pastor Norman Johnson, who works with the South Los Angeles Clergy for Public Accountability, a coalition of some of the city’s leading African American pastors, is working with other pastors to encourage early voting.

“One of the things that we did was to send a message out to members of our coalition that this Sunday and the next, that they stress the importance of having their congregants mail their ballots in early. Secondly, we’re organizing to get some boots on the ground and have some of our people canvassing neighborhoods to encourage people to get their ballots in.”

Johnson noted that with the demo-

graphics shifting and Blacks moving out of the city that it was more important than ever to have Black voters turn out in higher numbers.

“In past elections we had the benefit of African American Voter Registration, Education, and Participation Project (AAVREP) and it made a huge difference in helping to turn out the Black vote.”

Founded in 2002 by Mark RidleyThomas, the African American Voter Registration, Education, and Participation (AAVREP)’s mission was to increase African American and urban voter registration, education, and civic participation, and served to train more than 2,500 community-based team members in voter registration and mobilization while registering upwards of 200,000 voters. Additionally, the group conducted extensive focus groups and polling of African American voters in state and local elections and strategically deployed vol-

CHEZ HADLEY Staff

unteers to hundreds of precincts and polling places to help educate, persuade and turn out African American voters in local and state elections.

In its absence, groups like SCLC have tried to fill the void.

“Here in L.A.–and around the country, there are critical issues and races we–as Black people–need to be on top of and because of it we are doing all we can to encourage early voting from social media messaging to actually getting out into the community,” said Rev. William Smart, president of SCLC’s L.A. chapter.

“The early numbers aren’t good insofar as turnout,” Smart continued. “What normally motivates us is someone running or a policy instigated against us, but we have to make that transition for our people to not wait until election day and instead to vote now. The urgency for voting has begun. Doubling the black vote would transform the attention we get at City Hall and at the state house.”

On the ballot are candidates for U.S. Senate, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Attorney General, U.S. House of Representatives, State Senate and Assembly, as well as candidates for local elected positions like the much publicized L.A. Mayor’s race.

Mail-in ballot voting has been underway since the second week in May with the election concluding on June 7.

Pres. Biden, V.P. Harris Praise Rep. Bass for Leadership on George Floyd Policing Act

TLast week on the second anniversary of George Floyd's murder, President Joe Biden signed an executive order inspired by police reform legislation introduced in Congress called the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37), who is running for Mayor of Los Angeles, introduced the legislation that passed in the House of Representatives but has stalled in the Senate.

“When the Senate failed to act, [Sen. Cory Booker] and I went to the President and asked him to act,” Bass tweeted the day Biden signed the order.

“We worked closely with the White House and came up with an executive order that will help bring transparency and accountability to law enforcement,” she said.

The executive order establishes a new database for federal law enforcement officers, such as FBI or DEA agents, who have been fired for misconduct.

While state and local law enforcement agencies are not required to contribute to this database, there will be an avenue for them to participate in this process if they decide to do so.

“It will enhance accountability, improve transparency, and raise policing standards in an effort to help end the horrific incidents of violence that we often witness, like the murder of George Floyd," Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said in a state-

ment. “That the families of those impacted by police violence, law enforcement groups representing our nation’s officers, and civil rights groups are standing with the administration in solidarity to embrace this executive order shows that positive change is possible.”

Los Angeles-based activist Kelli Todd Griffin, Convener of the California Black Women's Collective, believes that this executive order is “a step in the right direction,” but that there is still more work to be done to reduce violent police encounters.

“The executive order cannot do what Congress can do, but it can still address some of the critical issues,” Griffin said. “There's got to be change in order to progress.”

News Briefs

Millions of Kids Would Lose Health Care if Covid Emergency Coverage Ends

Some 40 million children currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) nationwide are at risk of losing their health insurance once the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) expires. Declared in early 2020, the PHE provides a federal guarantee of continuous Medicaid coverage during the pandemic.

Initially set to expire on July 15, the Biden administration extended the declaration to October 15. Of the 5.7 million children covered by Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid health care program) in the state, between 800,000 to 1.2 million kids will lose their coverage once the PHE expires. States, meanwhile, will have to once again verify eligibility for those in Medicaid, including kids.

“This will disproportionately impact children of color, who are more likely to rely on Medicaid for coverage,” said Mayra Alvarez, president of The Children’s Partnership.

“75% of the more than five million kids covered are kids of color who will miss out on critical preventive and primary care services that are especially important for our youngest children.”

Under the PHE, families could stay enrolled in health care coverage through Medicaid without additional administrative renewals or having to prove their eligibility. Free COVID testing and treatments, vaccinations, telehealth access and other public programs were also available.

ALDON THOMAS STILES CA Black Media

Biden made a similar assertion during the signing event at the White House, where Bass was present.

“Members of Congress, including many here today like Senator Cory Booker and Congresswoman Karen Bass … spent countless hours on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to find a better answer to that question [of public trust and public safety]. I sincerely thank you all for your tireless efforts. But they're not over,” Biden said.

Bass's work on the bill has gained support from community leaders like Griffin.

“I want to make sure that I applaud Congressmember Karen Bass who stayed committed to ensuring this sea change moment happened,” Griffin stated. “She spent countless hours working with her colleagues, civil rights organizations and the Administration to develop an executive order that had substantial, systemic actions that can be taken. We needed her leadership and vision in this work.”

On the day of the signing, Booker took to Twitter to share a message of remembrance for George Floyd.

“He was a son, a father, a brother,” Booker said. “We all bear responsibility for a system that has allowed what happened to George Floyd to happen with such frequency. Changes are coming at the local, state, and national level. But more change is needed.”

The Los Angeles City Council Bans the Sale of Flavored Tobacco

On June 1, the L.A. City Council voted to ban the sale of flavored tobacco within the city limit, with the exception of certain hookah lounges The ordinance–which passed in a unanimous 12-0 vote–will go into effect on January 1.

The ban does not include the possession or use of flavored tobacco for people 21 and over. Instead, L.A.-based tobacco retailers will no longer be able to see either flavored or hookah tobacco. Smoke lounges, however, will be able to sell hookah products for on-site or off-site consumption.

“Our hearts are full as we stand with the great city of Los Angeles to get on record that we will no longer sell these deadly products in our communities to our children, particularly the African American community that has been so perniciously and racistly targeted by the tobacco industry for decades," said Carol McGruder, of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council and Black Leaders Against Tobacco Injustice. McGruder has tirelessly advocated against the tobacco industry that she says has aggressively targeted young people and African Americans.

In November, Californians will vote on whether or not a statewide ban on the sale of flavored tobacco should be repealed.

Meanwhile, a similar plan to ban menthol cigarettes is reportedly in the works from the Food and Drug Administration.

UpFront

L.A. City Council Moves to

Address Disproportionate Number of Missing and Murdered Black Women

t's been 136 days since the lifeless body of Tioni Theus was left discarded on the side of the 110 Freeway, but for the Theus family it has been an eternal nightmare they will never wake up from,” said Councilmember Price. “The cries of the community have called us to be the voice for a child who had her life stolen away in the most horrific way possible.”

To that end, the L.A. City Council unanimously passed a motion seeking an equity analysis on violence facing Black women and girls, while citing the disproportionate number of missing and murdered of Black women and girls in the United States.

The motion was introduced by Councilmembers Curren Price and Marqueece Harris-Dawson following the still unsolved brutal murder of Tioni Theus, a 16-year-old Black girl whose body was found alongside the Manchester Avenue onramp to the 110 Freeway. It seeks an equity analysis from the Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department (LA Civil Rights) and LAPD.

“All too often we don’t see the cases of missing or murdered Black women and girls publicized in mainstream media. Interviews with family members, law enforcement or potential witnesses are

seldom broadcast. This erasure reinforces the racist notion that the lives of Black women and girls are of lesser value–or don’t matter–in our society,” said Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson.

“The people living in the neighborhoods I represent know and feel the rates of crimes against Black mothers, sisters, and daughters,” Councilmember HarrisDawson continued. “We see it firsthand. This motion is an attempt to make other people quantify the stories and experiences we live. My hope is that once people understand the depth of this problem then we can start moving toward justice, including justice for Tioni Theus and her family."

The motion instructs the LA Civil Rights Department, with the assistance of the LAPD, to publish an equity analysis on violence and crime facing Black women and girls in the City of Los Angeles, the rate at which homicides and violent crimes against them are solved, how missing persons cases involving Black women and girls are handled, and policy recommendations for providing equity and justice for these victims and their families.

“Black women and girls face some of the highest rates of violence of anyone in our community, and they are suffering in

silence,” said LA Civil Rights Executive Director Capri Maddox. “These women deserve justice, and they deserve to have their stories told. We are grateful to Councilmember Price and Councilmember Harris-Dawson for championing this issue and look forward to providing an equity analysis on the injustice facing Black women and girls.”

Said Price, “I am pleased to see all of the collective forces in government standing united in the name of Tioni Theus and all of the other unnamed Black girls who have fallen victim to senseless acts of violence.”

In 2020, Black women and girls faced the highest murder rate of any ethnic group in the United States, according to the FBI. Approximately 33 percent of people reported missing each year are Black, according to the Our Black Girls project, which tracks and reports on missing and murdered Black women.

Meanwhile, national news coverage of missing and murdered women and girls underrepresents the issue. A 2016 study published in the Northwestern Law Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology revealed that while Black Americans make up more than a third of all missing persons reported to the FBI, they make up

approximately one-fifth of the missing persons reported in the mainstream media. By comparison, the study showed that white missing persons received slightly more media coverage than their actual share of the total missing persons population.

The LA Civil Rights Department and LAPD will publish its findings in the coming months, with recommendations for policy & other changes the city can make to ensure equity and justice for Black women and girls.

HeadToHead

To Forgive or Not to Forgive Student Debt?

resident Joe Biden must cancel the student loans now.

Black people need it and deserve it, and this is a racial justice issue.

After pressure from activists and a prolonged two-year pause on federal student loan payments brought about by the COVID pandemic, the Biden administration is considering a plan for student loan forgiveness. The White House has floated ideas such as providing relief to individuals earning $125,000 or less and couples making up to $250,000 and canceling at least $10,000 in debt per borrower–which is nowhere near enough–but not $50,000 or more, as Senate Democrats have suggested.

Americans owe a staggering $1.7 trillion in college debt, mostly federal loans. That’s nearly half a trillion more than auto loans and double the amount of outstanding credit card debt in the U.S.

The student loan payments are too damn high. We know this, and Black people know this more than most. While the need for relief from this staggering amount of debt is nationwide and runs across the entire population–including the 43.4 million people who owe federal student loans–the impact lands a particular way for Black borrowers.

Black college graduates have an average of $52,000 in student debt, which is $25,000 more than their white counterparts, according to the Education Data Initiative. Over half of Black borrowers owe more than their net worth, and monthly payments are a struggle, as they are more likely to miss payments and default on their loans. And four years after graduation, 48 percent of Black students owe an average of 12.5 percent more than the amount of the original loan!

And it is no surprise that as members of two marginalized groups and the victims of racism and sexism, Black women have more student debt than any other demographic in America. Yet, they often are students and

parents at the same time, have few resources to repay the debt. And their salaries are lower than their male and White counterparts, notes The Education Trust’s National Black Student Debt Study,

Lending money is not, as they say, rocket science.

Students Must Take Responsibility for Their Debt

right terminology. Debts don't get wiped out. They just get transferred to someone else. In the case of government guarantees, that someone else is taxpayers.

Even with income-driven repayment (IDR) plans that cap monthly payments based on one’s income, these plans do not reduce the loan principal. Defaults persisted for Black borrowers before the pandemic pause on loan repayments, and student loans emerged as a lifelong debt you can’t get out of, can’t get over, and can’t get from under.

Everyone wants to get an education to move up the ladder, get ahead and make a better life for themselves and their family. But how do you do that when you are crippled with all that debt?

Then there’s the racial wealth gap. Due to institutional racism, systemic discriminatory practices and all those years of stolen and unpaid labor and an inability to build intergenerational wealth, Black people cannot catch a break. Degree or not–and many borrowers never earned their degree–Black people make less than white people due to racism, yet they must take out more student loans while supporting their children and their parents. No intergenerational wealth.

The pursuit of education through student loans increases the racial wealth gap and fosters the fragility of the Black middle class, according to Brookings. The average white family has 10 times the wealth of an average Black family, and white college graduates have seven times the wealth of Black college grads. More debt means a lower credit score, and with no assistance

Headlines From Africa

Benin: After 130 years, France returned 26 royal pieces from the Danxomè (also called Da homey) Kingdom under an initiative to encourage better relations with African countries. The much-celebrated return of the treasures culminated in a month-long celebration of heritage and art at the Museum of the Marina in Cotonou, Benin, attracting large crowds.

Botswana: The Republic of Botswana plans to construct a $2.5 billion plant to convert coal into liquid fuels in order to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel. Operating under a public-private partnership model, the coal-to-liquids plant is expected to produce an estimated 12,000 barrels of diesel and gasoline per day during its planned 30-year lifespan.

Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso is facing its worst hunger crisis in six years, more than 630,000 people are on the brink of starvation, according to the UN.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between the army and M23 rebel group has forced more than 72,000 people from their homes, the United Nations said. The M23, a rebellion claiming to represent the interests of ethnic Tutsis in eastern Congo, is said to be staging its largest offensive since a 2012-2013 insurrection that captured vast swathes of the countryside.

Gambia: The Gambian government has said it will prosecute former President Yahya Jammeh for murder, rape, torture and other alleged crimes committed during his more than 20-year rule from 1994 to 2017. Jammeh is currently living in exile in Equatorial Guinea, which has no extradition treaty with The Gambia.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, in the last quarter of 2021, of the total of all outstanding business loans from all commercial banks, 1.08% were delinquent.

Per the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as of second quarter 2021, a little over 2% of the $1.4 trillion outstanding in auto loans were delinquent.

Yet in the student loan market, totaling around $1.6 trillion, not that different from the total size of the auto loan market, an average of 15% are in default at any given time, per the Education Data Initiative.

It should be clear what the problem is.

Auto lenders make sure that those to whom they lend can and will pay back the loan. They are careful because if the borrower defaults, the lender loses.

But if, tomorrow, President Joe Biden or Sens. Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders decide that it is not fair that there are Americans without new cars and managed to get government guarantees for auto loans, is there any doubt that there would be a dramatic rise in defaults on car loans?

Those lending wouldn't care who they lend to because they wouldn't take the loss on a default. You and I, we taxpayers, would, as we will if Biden and his party have their way to wipe out student loans.

Of course, "wipe out" is not the

Liberia: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dee-Maxwell Kemayah, has re-echoed Liberia’s support for the Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa. He emphasized that stable settlements, economic growth, and development were being undermined in all five regions of the African continent.

The concept of student loans backed by the government is another child of the allegedly compassionate 1960s. Doesn't it make sense to help the less fortunate obtain funds to pay for college?

But as many theologians and philosophers have noted, the greatest charitable act is to help another individual take control of their own life. Teaching personal responsibility is the most valuable gift that one can provide another.

Our American compassion, our moral compass, has gone awry.

A child growing up in America today looks around and finds himself or herself in a nation where debt is larger than the entire economy, and still growing.

But just as inflation shows that the costs of fiscal irresponsibility cannot be hidden, so the costs of teaching our youth that personal responsibility is irrelevant cannot be hidden. It manifests in the destructive behavior we see now.

The Wall Street Journal reported that one student loan adviser told them, "I'm seeing them say, 'I'm going to take out more loans now and go buy GameStop stock with it because it's going to get forgiven anyway.'"

A new Gallup survey reports "32% of currently enrolled students pursuing a bachelor's degree report they have considered withdrawing from their program for a semester or more in the past six months."

Thirty-six percent attribute this to

Jessica Johnson continued to page 26

: Mali’s military government says its security forces thwarted an attempted coup, led by army officers and supported by an unnamed Western state. The government’s announcement follows years of turmoil.

Mozambique: At least three people have been beheaded in a new outbreak of Islamist violence in northern Mozambique. Nearly 4 000 people have been killed and 820,000 displaced from their homes since jihadist unrest erupted in northern Mozambique in October of 2017.

Namibia: Namibia launched a sovereign wealth fund months after oil discoveries off its coast. “We are looking forward to the prospects and opportunities that will emanate from the recent discoveries of oil and the green hydrogen energy, which have the potential to further boost the fund’s capital,” President Hage Geingob said.

Nigeria: Thousands of churches across Nigeria recently demanded an end to sectarian killings horrified by the mob assault on a female university student accused of blasphemy. That student, Deborah Samuel was beaten to death and set on fire by fellow students at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Nigeria’s northwestern-most state of Sokoto, : The family of Paul Rusesabagina, the man portrayed in the film Hotel Rwanda, is suing the nation of Rwanda for $400 million, saying he was abducted, tortured and illegally imprisoned. Rusesabagina has been detained for 20 months on terrorism charges that human rights groups call a sham.

South Sudan: With a corruption perception index score of 11, South Sudan ranks as the most corrupt country in the world according to the latest annual report from Transparency International. It is followed by Somalia (#2); Libya (#3), Equatorial Guinea (#4); and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (#5).

Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe’s inflation rate jumped back into triple digits in May after the central bank effectively devalued the local currency by introducing a new interbank rate at which most commerce will take place.

Student loan forgiveness is a step towards racial justice

David A. Love

Star Parker

Larry Elder continued to page 26

CHRISTAL MIMS Contributor

Along with the rest of California, L.A. County is seeing a rise in overall coronavirus cases. This comes after the lifting of several mask mandates around the country. The U.S. is now averaging 100,000 new coronavirus cases a day for the first time since February, and during the month of May, the number of L.A. County COVID-19 hospitalizations rose to its highest level since March.

Five subvariants of the Omicron strain are circulating and more are developing.

More than 350 children ages 5 to 11 have already died from the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC’s count also estimates that three out of four U.S. children between these ages have been infected since the pandemic’s start.

In California, approximately 274,000 children under the age of five and more than 1.3 youth between the ages of 5 and 17 have been infected with the virus as of April 2022.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a COVID-19 vaccine booster for children ages 5 to 11. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently the only vaccine approved for children and is available for those who completed their primary series at least 5 months ago. State officials have formally supported the newly authorized booster dose and are urging those eligible to get boosted as soon as possible.

In a clinical trial of over 2,000 children between the ages of 5 and 11, it was found that the vaccine was over 90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 symptoms.

“The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is effective in helping to prevent the most severe consequences of COVID-19 in individuals 5 years of age and older,” said

Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Despite its safety and easy access, just 30 percent of 5 to 11 year olds in L.A. County have been vaccinatedwith the lowest vaccination rates being among Black and Latino children - compared to the 80 percent of teens and adults. Health officials are urging parents to prioritize getting their children vaccinated, and make sure that the over 255,000 children eligible for a booster shot receive one.

“Our bodies need a boost to remain highly protected,” said L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer at a recent press conference. “We also know that in L.A. County over the past month, cases among children 5 to 11 increased 264%. This is a faster rate of increase than what we saw in young adults ages 18 to 49 where the increase was 116%.”

Dr. Donna White Carey, who has spent over two decades in clinical medicine and is the executive pastor of True Vine Ministries in West Oakland, uses her YouTube channel, “Talking with Dr. Donna” to answer health questions about the coronavirus and more. She also led the church’s COVID response efforts, during which they were able to vaccinate almost 8,000 people. The church’s success can be attributed to her ability to effectively quell concerns and not shame those who hold what she calls, “justified mistrust.”

“It made absolute sense,” Dr. Donna White Carey told L.A. Focus. “You have a new virus. You created a brand new vaccine using brand new technology. You would be a fool to not have questions. Particularly in our community where racism and historical mistreatment of our bodies is documented for centuries.”

She believes physicians should have to earn the trust of the Black community.

“Our bodies have been misused and abused from the time of slavery until present day by the medical and scientifc community. And we cannot ignore that,” she

“We don’t know the long-term impact of COVID on our bodies. We are starting to see that now. For example, the spurt of hepatitis around the world. Half of the kids in the studies who died of hepatitis have tested positive for coronavirus in the past. We need to have a lot more open forums for parents to come and talk to professionals and get their questions answered, especially in the Black community. We need to get back to basics. I know wearing masks is annoying, but I want to stay around. And I don’t want to be sick.

said.

Booster doses are a normal part of most vaccine series and have proven to be the most efficient way to maintain immunity and protection from infection.

“The booster shot is necessary for all of us. We know that the vaccine wanes after about 6 months,” Carey said. “The booster revs back up your antibodies so if you come into contact with COVID, your body is able to fight it off.”

L.A. County health officials are monitoring several outbreaks in schools, making the necessity of booster shots even more apparent.

“While we recognize that many children who test positive experience mild illness, national trends are showing increases in cases and hospitalization rates for children and more concerns about long term impacts of even mild infection in children,” Ferrer said in a statement. “We encourage parents, students, teachers, and staff, during this time of high transmission with the most infectious strains seen to date, to wear a mask when indoors and get vaccinated and boosted when eligible.”

According to the Department of Public Health, there were 5,918 positive cases at L.A. County schools during the week ending May 15 compared to the 2,742 positive cases just a month prior. Ferrer is encouraging school staff and students to take the proper precautions after exposure.

“If we can all do our best to protect each other, and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness or death, we can safely celebrate the end of the school year and enjoy the beginning of summer,” she said.

“Vaccination with a primary series among this age group has lagged behind other age groups leaving them vulnerable to serious illness,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, in a statement. “We know that these vaccines are safe, and we must continue to increase the number of children who are protected,” she said.

A small study concluded that the approved Pfizer vaccine increased the amount of virus-fighting antibodies in young children, including those able to fight off the extremely contagious omicron variant. The omicron surge resulted in twice the rate of hospitalizations amongst children ages 5 to 11 who were unvaccinated versus kids who’d received their first two doses. Black children specifically made up about a third of those hospitalized during the alarming winter surge.

“Increasing vaccination coverage among children, particularly among racial and ethnic minority groups disproportionately affected by Covid-19, is critical to preventing Covid-19-associated hospitalization and severe outcomes,” a C.D.C. study stated, after finding that racial disparities were leaving Black children

more exposed to severe illness from the virus.

Dr. Carl Earl Lambert Jr.,MD, an assistant professor and member of the American Medical Association, believes education needs to be at the forefront of outreach efforts, not blame.

“If there’s hesitancy, we don’t get frustrated or angry. We try to see the ‘why’ behind that and handle that with an inquisitive spirit,” he said. “Are we thoroughly educating our patients about the vaccines? Are we treating vaccine hesitancy?”

Dr. Donna White Carey also believes it’s important to speak a language that people can understand and focus on not talking at them, but to them.

“Let’s break it down to where it’s just me and you, and we’re just having a conversation,” Carey explained. “I’m not talking over your head and using all this medical, scientific jargon that you can’t understand.”

The pandemic has undeniably affected everyone, but children have had to face incalculable damage socially and mentally, especially in regard to their academic growth. A Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) study revealed that Black and Hispanic children faced the worst of this impact. Black and Hispanic parents were more likely to say their household suffered a job disruption due to childcare needs since the start of the pandemic. They also revealed that the disruption had a major impact on their family’s finances and stress level.

While some studies are being done to monitor the impact of vaccination among children, health experts are calling for more. Due to the fact that children being vaccinated and boosted is the best way to prevent illness and school outbreaks, it’s crucial to know who is getting vaccinated and when. A lack of vaccination data also prevents school districts from making informed decisions when it comes to outreach and safety.

“We're making sweeping decisions across these very diverse school districts about policies,” said Dr. Rebekah Fenton, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine fellow at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “Assuming that it's safe to determine because of high vaccination rates among parents or children themselves, without recognizing the unique needs of certain communities in particular schools.”

More data can also prevent Black and Hispanic children from being left behind in vaccination efforts.

“Without that information, we would potentially get to this place where if COVID was doing well in the larger communities, that smaller communities such as Black and brown individuals will just get looked over,” she said.

A modeling study revealed that 318,981 COVID-19 deaths could have been prevented if the U.S. had

reached 100 percent COVID-19 vaccine primary series coverage, all the more reason why the CDC is also strengthening its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least four months after their first booster dose.

Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Stanford University, believes outreach messaging needs to highlight the severity of illness that children can face if they contract the virus and haven’t received their booster shot.

“I don't think people take the disease seriously in kids," Maldonado said. "We just need to keep getting that message out that children should be safe. And if we can keep them safe, why not keep them safe?”

The effects of long COVID are also relatively unknown, and there is no telling what impact it could have on a child in the long run. A child being unvaccinated ups the chances of complications in the present, and potentially in the future.

“We don’t know the long-term impact of COVID on our bodies. We are starting to see that now, since it’s been two years,” Dr. Donna White Carey told L.A. Focus. “For example, the spurt of hepatitis around the world. Half of the kids in the studies who have died of hepatitis have tested positive for coronavirus in the past.”

While children aren’t experiencing the same death rate as adults, the long-term impact of COVID on children is just as worrisome and could be harder to trace in the early stages.

“Kids may not have the vocabulary to say that they have a headache everyday, or that they're feeling tired, unfocused or unable to concentrate. But we know that kids are having memory issues and don’t have the same level of energy that they used to,” Carey said.

She believes we have a long way to go when it comes to effectively executing outreach efforts and making the best decisions to lessen positive cases, specifically amongst children.

“We need to have a lot more open forums for our parents to come and talk to professionals and get their questions answered, especially in the Black community,” she said. “We need to get back to basics. I know wearing masks is annoying, but I want to stay around. And I don’t want to be sick.”

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging every child who is eligible to get boosted, as it remains the best way to prevent hospitalization or death from COVID-19. Californians are also being encouraged to follow the state's SMARTER Steps plan, which includes continuing to wear a mask and getting tested when necessary, in order to continue to protect themselves and their loved ones.

NMoney Matters

Project to Help Non-Profits Gain Access to Almost $200B in State

on-profit organizations across California will be able to apply for funding from a pool of cash created with an initial investment of $15 million from two foundations.

The money will help local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) gain access to almost $200 billion in federal and state funding coming down the pike for economic development projects.

and Fed Funds

The Center at the Sierra Health Foundation, a Sacramento-based organization that promotes health and racial equity, and the James Irvine Foundation, a private San Francisco-based philanthropic nonprofit that advocates for Californians who earn low wages, are the first two foundations investing in the fund called the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI).

“CEMI will strengthen nonprofits working in marginalized communities and help them secure and influence the use of public funds designated to reduce economic and environmental inequities,” said Chet P. Hewitt, President and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation and The Center.

This year, California is expected to receive close to $200 billion in federal and state funding. The money will be sourced from the American Rescue Plan ($43 billion) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ($56 billion), as well as the state’s Community Economic Resilience Fund ($565 million) and its budget surplus ($46 billion).

“This is a much-needed investment for communitydriven organizations particularly those that support the most vulnerable Californians. Historically, they have not been invested in the same manner as larger organizations. Many of them were affected throughout the pandemic and need this fiscal and operational support. My hope is that there will be intentionality to be inclusive of the organizations that can have the greatest impact in our communities,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, Convenor of the California Black Women's Collective, an organization of more than 1500 Black women leaders in various professions from different regions of the state.

Biz News Briefs

With her latest move, you can just call Naomi Osaka “the boss”. With the expiration of her contract with global sports agency IMG, Osaka–the highest paid female athlete in the world with a reported net worth of $45 million–teamed up with her agent to launch her own sports agency.

"I've spent my career doing things my way, even when people told me that it wasn't what was expected or traditional, Evolve is the natural next step in my journey as both an athlete and businesswoman," Osaka told Sportico, a leading source of sports business news.

Her agency, Evolve, will reportedly operate as a small boutique that is athlete driven and “focused on big picture brand building rather than quick

CEMI is expected to begin funding the CBOs in the summer of 2022 with $14 million from the James Irvine Foundation and $1 million from the Center at Sierra Health.

“We have a golden opportunity to make sure these investments reach community-based organizations that best know the infrastructure their communities need for economic growth that is inclusive and resilient,” said Don Howard, President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation.

Howard says the funding from CEMI aligns with the James Irvine Foundation’s mission of supporting lowincome workers because it helps grassroots organizations and community advocates participate in the planning and decision-making that goes into the distribution of public funds.

“We need an economy built on inclusion, equity, and dignity for all work and workers – and that starts by making room for diverse leaders to have a say in how these once-in-a-generation investments shape their communities’ futures,” Howard continued.

The CEMI funding will provide technical assistance and training to the CBOs that qualify to build their ca pacity and infrastructure and build models for what community-driven economic development looks like, according to the Center at Sierra Health Foundation.

The funders of CEMI say they believe the or ganizations they support will grow into a strong network that can drive more “equitable economic development policy, regulation and accountability at state and local levels.”

The California Endowment (TCE), a private foundation with headquarters in Los Angeles, has also committed to investing in CEMI.

TCE is a 56-year-old foundation that supports programs that improve the health care of Califor nians living in underserved communities.

“The availability of state and federal funding

Pastor continued to page 26

SOn the Money

Presidential Paydays

o just how much does America’s top job pay? Well, according to the latest tax forms released by the Bidens, President Joe Biden earned $378,333 as president during 2021. It would have been $400,000–which is the stated salary–but was prorated since he didn’t officially take over until January 20.

First Lady Jill Biden earned $67,116 from her teaching job at Northern Virginia Community College. Both had their incomes supplemented by pensions, annuities, Social Security, IRA distributions and $61,995 in book royalties for a combined grand total of $610,702.

Ironically, it was the second family that pulled in the most cash reporting a combined income of $1,655, 563.

Harris’ salary as Vice President was just over $215,000. She made more from her books sales which totaled $400,000. Her husband, attorney Doug Emhoff, brought home nearly $750,000. The couple also netted handsomely from the sale of their San Francisco home for a cool $860,000.

In 2019, 24/7 Wall Street analyzed the finances of American presidents and adjusting the figures for inflation to December 2018 levels to comprise their peak net worths, came up with the following list of America’s top ten richest presidents:

#1 Donald J. Trump

($3.1 billion)

#2 John F. Kennedy ($1.1 billion)

#3 George Washington ($587 million)

#4 Thomas Jefferson

($236.8 million)

#5 Theodore Roosevelt ($139.7 million)

#6 Andrew Jackson

($132.6 million)

#7 James Madison

($113.3 million)

#8 Lyndon B. Johnson ($109.3 million)

#9 Herbert Hoover

$83 million)

#10 Bill Clinton ($75.9 million)

checks with a commission attached."

The four-time Grand Slam winner has equity in 12 brands as well as skincare, swimwear and sleepwear lines.

Diddy’s Next

Chapter

It’s back to square one and a first love for Sean “Diddy” Combs who appears to be having second thoughts about retiring from music with the recent announcement of a new album on Motown and the launch of a new R&B label, dubbed Love Records.

According to the announcement, the new label–in partnership with Motown– will release singles and collaborative projects from a collective of world-class artists, producers and songwriters.

Said Combs, “Music has always been my first love, Love Records is the next chapter is about getting back to the love and making the best music of my life. For the label I’m focused on creating timeless R&B music with the next generation of artists and producers. Motown is the perfect partner for my album and I’m excited to add to its legacy.”

Famous Amos To Award $150,000 in Small Business Grants

In partnership with the National Black Chamber of Commerce, famed Cookie maker, Famous Amos, is set to award three business owners with 50,000 in unrestricted capital as part of a program whose mission it is to provide the tools and resources businesses need to survive.

Applicants will take part in a pitch contest that would provide an overview of their business, why it will become a successful enterprise, and how the funds would be utilized to ensure long-term stability.

As part of The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative, candidates would also receive mentoring, coaching, and networking resources from the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

“We established the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative to support Black businesses and to honor the legacy of the brand’s founder, Mr. Wally Amos,” said Rachna Patel, Senior Director of Marketing for Famous Amos.

To qualify, businesses must be Black-owned and have been in operation for five years or less with the deadline for submissions set for June 26th, 2022. Ten finalists will be selected, judged, and narrowed down to three recipients by some of the nation’s foremost Black business leaders.

Naomi Osaka’s Big Move

TANU HENRY

CA Black Media

HO L LY W OOD

Chez Hadley

With his popular court show, Judge Greg Mathis holds the record for the longest running daytime show hosted by a Black male. The hourlong show has been broadcast in more than 100 markets around the country since its debut in 1999.

It is his streetwise, common sensical approach to making sound judgements and his tough(love) yet passionate style of administering them that has appealed to TV audiences. But beginning this month, you’ll see what life is like for this hard-knocks jurist when he takes off the robe. In a new reality TV series, Mathis is taking a break from leading with a sharp iron in the courtroom to

OUT THIS

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

showing his softer side as a father, husband, and grandfather.

“When the robe comes off, I’m just another sucka,” jokes Mathis about life with his wife Linda, four adult children and multiple grandchildren, all of whom are living in the same city for the first time in 15 years.

The series dives into each of the

Speaking out: Jamie Foxx joins the growing list of celebs making their voices heard about the tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and their two teachers dead. “Never thought I would live in A society a “Christian Society” where they would let little children die over and over again and still not change any laws… if the people in this country are leaders and so-called Christians… if they are going to heaven…I’LL PASS!” the actor posted. In the meantime, the actor has a full slate of ten film projects on tap over the next year and a half in cluding “Signal Hill” about one of the high pro file police brutality cases famed attorney Johnny Co chran won; and the re cently announced Tin Soldier, an action movie teaming him with Scott Eastwood, Robert De Niro and John Leguizamo.

David Oyelowo to Play Legendary Lawman

And the hits just keep coming for the Para mount network series, ‘Yellowstone’. It’s highly successful prequel spi noff, 1883, now has its

LIGHT SPOT

Mathis family members as they navigate through life, love, and Hollywood. From helping his adult children navigate life after divorce or as in the case of daughter Jade, managing her mental health after being diagnosed with clinical depression to chasing passions and building legacy.

“We’ll be able to show America that even if you’re a professional family–all of us are professionals–we all have our degrees, we all each have our individual problems and challenges in life as well. Just like everybody else,” Mathis told “The Real” co-host Loni Love.

The series, Mathis Family Matters, will premiere on Sunday, June 19 on E!

Footnotes

Steve Harvey

Hometown: Welch, West Virginia Age: 65

Big Break: “Showtime at the Apollo”

Recent Projects: Judge Steve Harvey

own spinoff with David Oyelowo cast in its title role. Titled 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, the limited series will key in on a legendary lawman of the Wild West who was believed to be the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. Reeves worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded. The show will also mark the first project under his and wife Jessica’s deal with MTV Entertainment Studios.

Idris Elba will be doing double duty at the box office in August when he has two films set to hit the silver screen. The first is Beast, about a recently widowed man who travels with his two teenage daughters travel to a game reserve in South Africa to heal until their journey turns into a fight for survival. Then there’s “Three Thousand Years of Longing” in which Tilda Swinton portrays a narratology professor who encounters a genie played by Elba. The film flips between their conversation in the hotel room and the Djinn’s previous adventures, while he asks her to come up with wishes he can grant.

On Life & Death: Our condolences to Master P on the death of his 29-year-old daughter, TyTyana. “Our family is dealing with an over-

whelming grief for the loss of my daughter Tytyana. We respectfully request some privacy so that our family can grieve. We appreciate all of the prayers love and support. Mental illness & substance abuse is a real issue that we can’t be afraid to talk about. With God, we will get through this,” Miller announced on social media…Finally, the 27-year-old son of rapper D.J. Quik has been arrested in connection of a fatal shooting in Downey last month. David Blake Jr. allegedly shot 33-year-old Julio Cardoza in the chest after a fight.

On A High Note: Best wishes to Shaunie O’Neal on her destination wedding last month to Houston Pastor Keion Henderson in Anguilla. Bishop T.D. Jakes officiated the ceremony that featured performances by Yolanda Adams and the Isley Brothers and was attended by Basketball Wives castmates Evelyn Lozada and Jackie Christie and 200 other guests. The couple became engaged in Nocember… Maya Rudolph has received a two-season order from Amazon Studios for The Hospital, an adult sci-fi comedy following alien surgeons (and inseparable best friends) Sleech and Klak as they take on the most challenging cases in the galaxy, including anxiety-eating parasites, illegal time loops, and deep-space STIs…Finally, congrats to Black-ish co-star Yara Shahidi on graduating from Harvard with her concentration on “Black political thought under a neocolonial landscape.” She is presently shooting the fifth season of “Grown-ish” which debuts in July.

It was a hosting stint with “Showtime at the Apollo” that got Harvey started. The gig led to TV work and eventually The Steve Harvey Show which ran for six years on the WB Network. Stand up comedy success propelled his career even further leading to a hit comedy tour and “The Original Kings of Comedy”, more TV work and a hit radio show followed by Family Feud and a successful book, Think Like A Man, which became a hit film. Harvey’s latest venture is a new courtroom series, Judge Steve Harvey. On his new courtroom series:

I’m more interested in the story of how we got to court than I am in the law”–there’s also an incourtoom audience that, unlike in real courts of law, is encouraged to let the laughs fly. There are some heartfelt moments in it; there’s some ridiculousness to it. More than anything I use the one gift that I’ve always had and the one that’s gotten me pretty much everywhere in entertainment, and that’s my gift of comedy… it’s going to be flat-out funny!

On the difference between a talent and a gift: The key is to locate your gift. It’s not your talent. Your talent has nothing to do with it. Be very careful with what you're talented in and passionate about. They sound like the same thing. What you are gifted at is your quest. It might be frying chicken. Some of y’all do hair. Some of y’all fix cars. Some of y’all paint. Go do that. Do your gift. Don’t worry about which one of them talents. The reason you’re struggling with that talent is because that ain’t what you was built to do. You were built to do your gift.

On Will Smith’s Slapping Chris Rock:

I don’t have high-level Christianity.“On a scale of one to 10, I’m like a two. That’s the level of Christianity I can work on. You slap T.D. Jakes, he’ll turn the other cheek. You slap me? If you sit back in your seat, Jada would have to move out of the way. That’s the type of Christian I am.

On his work with the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation:

My plan in general is to raise money to support kids. I’m so disappointed in the lack of care and resources for people who are less fortunate. It’s very aggravating. Marjorie and I have a goal of sending 10,000 kids to college with full paid scholarships through our foundation.

On juggling all his projects: I have one simple theory: I care about every minute of the day. Once you start caring about the minutes in the day, you can better manage your time. Most people go, “What am I going to do today,” or “What am I going to do this evening... My thing is, “what am I doing for the next five minutes, and then after that what am I doing for the next two minutes or the next 10 minutes? What am I doing in 15 minutes? I care about minutes.”

Hustle June 8 (Netflix)

Spiderhead June 17

Lightyear June 17

Block Party June 8

MONTH

“Mathis Family Matters“

RedCarpet Style

TESSA THOMPSON

was pretty in pink in this showstopping Carolina Herrera blush pink corset gown with fluffy fringes

wore this stylish 3-piece Tuxedo by Gabriela Hearst with matching sunglasses

Last month marked one of the biggest dates on the fashion calendar, the annual Met Gala. It is been dubbed as “fashion’s biggest night out” with tickets priced at $35,000 each. Here’s are some of the looks for your favorite stars.

dazzled in a Gucci crystal chain bra and chiffon skirt over a fringed miniskirt

KEYS sparkled in this shimmery black-and-silver gown and black cape by Ralph Lauren

stunned in this sweeping backless sparkly black/silver gown by Ralph Lauren with a hood

JODIE TURNER

ALICIA

JANELLE MONAE

VENUS WILLIAMS

Eye On Gospel

CeCe Winans Tops This Year’s List of Stellar Nominees Seems CeCe Winans just continues to get better with time. With a total of nine nominations for her current project, “Believe For It”, the gospel veteran–who already has 15 Grammy awards to her credit– dominated the 2022 Stellar Gospel Music Awards’ list of nominees. Nominations included Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Praise & Worship Album of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. In a recent post Winans said, “Grateful that it gets better when we are following Him!”

Trailing Winans with eight nominations each were Pastor Mike Jr. and Tamela Mann, who recently set the record for most No.1 Singles on Billboard's Gospel Airplay Chart, becoming the first artist to achieve nine No.1 singles with her song "He Did It For Me", now holding the top spot. Said Pastor Mike Jr.: “To be a new artist, independent, and have three consecutive #1 singles is unprecedented! It’s proof God is doing the impossible!”

Jonathan McReynolds + Mali Music and Todd Dulaney fol-

People

Ilowed with seven nominations, while Kelontae Gavin and Maverick City Music rounded out the list of artists with the most nominations–receiving five each. Here is a partial list of nominations: Artist of the year: CeCe Winans, Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music; Maverick City Music; Pastor Mike, Jr., and Tamela Mann

Song of the year: All Of My Help; Amazing; Believe For It; Help Me; Jireh;

Male Artist of the Year: Israel Houghton (Feels Like Home, Vol. 1); Kelontae Gavin (The N.O.W. Experience); Pastor Mike, Jr. (I Got It: Single's Ministry Vol 1); Todd Dulaney; (Anthems & Glory); Travis Greene (Oil + Water)

Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year: Bri Babineaux (The Encounter Continues); CeCe Winans (Believe For It); Kelly Price (Grace); Kim Person (Journey 2.0); Tamela Mann (Overcomer)

Duo/Group of the year: 1K Phew & Lecrae (No Church In A While); Dawkins & Dawkins (Never Gets Old Vol 2); Israel And New Breed (Feels Like Home, Vol.1); Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music (Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A.); Maverick City Music (Jubilee)

New Artist of the year: E. Dewey Smith (God Period); Evvie McKinney (This Is Evvie McKinney); Jason McGee & The Choir (Power); Josh Copeland (No Fear); Lasha' Knox (God of Miracles)

Album of the year: Anthems & Glory (Todd Dulaney); Believe For It (CeCe Winans); I Got It: Single's Ministry Vol 1 (Pastor Mike, Jr.); Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. EP (Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music); Overcomer (Tamela Mann)

Choir of the year: Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago (Praise Party Vol 1.); Jason Clayborn & The Atmosphere Changers (God Made It Beautiful); Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling (Third Round); Pastor David Wright & NY Fellowship Mass Choir (Miracles); Ricky

Celebs Respond to Uvalde Mass Shooting Tragedy

n what was a flood of emotion, anger and consolation, celebrities spoke out in the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two adult teachers dead with 17 others still hospitalized–two in critical condition. Their words channelled the grief and outrage most Americans were experiencing upon hearing of the latest mass shooting tragedy whose victims were mostly fourth graders.

“Across the country, parents are putting their children to bed, reading stories, singing lullabies–and in the back of their minds, they’re worried about what might happen tomorrow after they drop their kids off at school, or take them to a grocery store or any other public space,” Barack Obama tweeted.

“Michelle and I grieve with the families in Uvalde, who are experiencing pain no one should have to bear. We’re also angry for them,” he continued. “Nearly

ten years after Sandy Hook–and ten days after Buffalo–our country is paralyzed, not by fear, but by a gun lobby and a political party that have shown no willingness to act in any way that might help prevent these tragedies.

“It’s long past time for action, any kind of action. And it’s another tragedy–a quieter but no less tragic one–for families to wait another day. May God bless the memory of the victims, and in the words of Scripture, heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.”

LeBron James tweeted, "My thoughts and prayers goes out to the families of love ones loss & injured at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX! Like when is enough enough, man!!! These are kids and we keep putting them in harms’ way at school. Like seriously 'AT SCHOOL' where it's supposed to be the safest! There simply has to be change! HAS TO BE!! Praying to the heavens above to all with kids these days in schools.”

Halle Berry advocated that more be demanded of our politicians.

“This HAS to stop!,” she posted. “WE must demand that our government DO BETTER!”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton echoed the sentiment: “Thoughts and prayers are not enough. After years of nothing else, we are becoming a nation of anguished screams. We simply need legislators willing to stop the scourge of

Dillard (Breakthrough)

Contemporary Male Artist: Israel Houghton; Pastor Mike, Jr.; Todd Dulaney; Travis Greene

Traditional Male Artist: Charles Jenkins; E. Dewey Smith; Kelontae Gavin; Ricky Dillard

Contemporary Female Artist: Bri Babineaux; CeCe Winans; Kelly Price; Tamela Mann

Traditional Female Artist: Christina Bell; Kim Person; Martha Munizzi; Merry Clayton (Beautiful Scars) Urban/Inspirational Single: Amazing (Pastor Mike, Jr.); Believe For It (CeCe Winans); Joyful (Dante Bowe); Residue (Jason Nelson); We Win (Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin)

Rap Hip Hop Gospel Album: No Church In A While (1K Phew & Lecrae); Soul Therapy (Bizzle); Two Up Two Down (Aaron Cole); Upperhand (Indie Tribe)

Quartet of the year: Alphonso D. Bowen (He's A Wonder); The Brown Boyz (The Reintroduction); The Mighty Gospel Warriors (The Live Virtual Experience); Tim White & ReFocused (Always There: Live Virtual Experience)

Praise & Worship Song: Believe For It (CeCe Winans); Great (Kelontae Gavin); Joyful (Dante Bowe); Residue (Jason Nelson); You're All I Need (Jason Clayborn & The Atmosphere Changers)

In other gospel news: MNRK Music Group has signed GRAMMY, Soul Train, & 7x NAACP Image Awardnominated triple-threat, MAJOR. Affectionately known as “Mr. Why I Love You,” MAJOR., returns to his roots with his Urban Inspirational single debut, a reimagined version of the classic, “Whole World In His Hands.” The new single will be available everywhere music is sold and streamed on Friday, June 3rd. Finally, congratulations to T.D. Jakes, the Clark Sisters, Donnie McClurkin, Steve Harvey and Tamela Mann, who are among the 16 inductees to the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame in Atlanta later this month.

gun violence in America that is murdering our children.”

Here is what some of your other celeb favorites had to say:

KISHA SMITH Staff

LOVE virtually.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: "Has to stop man…… prayers to all the families in Texas."

Kerry Washington: “As a mother, this is the tragically unimaginable. School should be a SAFE place. My heart breaks for the pain and suffering of every family member and loved one connected to today’s events in Texas. My prayers are with you.”

Gabrielle Union: “It's BEEN enough. We've been at "enough" for centuries.”

Amanda Gorman: “It takes a monster to kill children. But to watch monsters kill children again and again and do nothing, it isn’t just insanity, its inhumanity.”

“The truth is, one nation under guns”. Chloe Bailey: “When will this end??????? when will it stop??? How do we just keep letting this happen?? 18 babies gone!

Missy Elliott: “We living in some TRYING TIMES… It’s Heavy…I am praying for everyone that is struggling MENTALLY/FINANCIALLY/PHYSICALLY that some PEACE be RESTORED! So many in the world is dealing with pain & I don’t have the answers but I send you

Offset: “Prayers for the people in Texas man those are kids that were killed smh this world needs God smh."

“This Is Us” Co-Star Susan Kelechi Watson: My heart is heavy with news tonight. Sending you all love and light this evening. Holding space in my heart for all those suffering the unimaginable.

Senator Cory Booker: "Children went to school today and were killed in a mass shooting. Another American community shattered by gun violence. Another round of thoughts and prayers. They're hollow words if we continue to do nothing to end the violent, unrelenting, preventable shootings in our county."

T.D. Jakes–At times like today, when life doesn’t make sense after another senseless school shooting, we turn to God. We pray for those beautiful souls who have been lost, for their grieving families and loved ones, and for all those affected. We pray for peace and we hold them close.

Through theStorm

“Tony

Thurmond: Overcoming the Unimaginable to Take On the Impossible”

hen I think about the way my life began, I know it is no accident and I attribute it to a higher power.”

The words are those of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, whose ascension to the post of the state’s top education official is no short of miraculous given the circumstances of his childhood, beginning with the passing of his mother when he was just six years old.

“I went from being a very young child in San Jose to moving to Philadelphia with a cousin I’d never met, who immediately became my mother figure,” Thurmond recalls. “She took me in sight unseen and my younger brother who was five and though she had no formal education, she insisted that education was the key.”

Thurmond would not only have to adapt to a new environment but to hard times as well.

“All my friends made fun of me for being on food stamps, free lunch –the whole ticket,” Thurmond recounts. “But as an adult, I realized the demo graphics of my neighborhood meant that everybody was on free lunch. We had government cheese delivered to my house and I remember it fondly now because we had something to eat and while we didn't always have enough, there was never a time we did n't have something. My great aunt Jean – who was the matriarch of our family– would often say God will provide. I didn't under stand that as a child, but God always did

tinues to provide.”

Early on, he not only excelled at school, but was impas - sioned by it.

“I saw kids going to classes that looked like some kind of college prep and I'm like, I'm gonna be in that too,” he continued. “So, my cousin signs us up to be in a lottery for what they called the academic plus school– a public school where they only allow 50 kids into the program. Somehow my brother and I both ended up on that list and were bused from our all Black neighborhood into a school in a white neighborhood.

“My cousin to her credit, went to night school, got her associates degree and brought us to her graduation. Then she went to night school, got her bachelor's and again, brought us to her graduation. I believe she was role modeling for us to have a college education.”

But his network of support expanded well beyond

“There was the Black teacher who just said you are going to get this and stayed with me when I couldn’t figure out algebra until I got through,” he noted. “There were people in my faith community who would drive us to church and bring food to our house.”

Looking back, Thurmond believes it was the combination of education and his support network that accounted for how he was able to

“I think about that in relation to today's young people trying to overcome obstacles,” he says. “We've got to provide them with that education, and they need caring adults around them who support them every step of the way.

because of my own circumstances,” he goes on. “I see it with urgency to try and help young people who are struggling and to prevent the younger kids from having to go through those struggles. That's exactly why I chose this and it's why I'm running for reelection because our families and kids have been through the most difficult experience ever– a pandemic, the killing of George Floyd, racial hate, –all these things we saw before our very eyes.

“We see a spike in depression for kids, suicide rates being double for Black kids. LGBTQ+ kids feel totally attacked because of what's happening. Even with all these things happening, I still have hope for California kids. That's what my platform for running is all about, to help kids heal from the trauma, recover academically and socially, and then allow them to thrive.”

It was in college that Thurmond first decided to run for office.

“My buddy kind of talked me into it,” Thurmond recalls, “and after getting elected, there were issues we were able to change and it's like a light bulb went off.”

But it would be 20 years before he would put his name on another ballot in 2013 and launch a successful bid to represent the 15th District (Alameda County) in the California Assembly from 2014 - 2018.

“I loved serving in the California State Assembly and was reelected with 90% of the vote,” he states. “I made a choice to leave the assembly because I realized that my politics were about helping young people and that a job like state superintendent meant working on education every day, all the time.”

What he feels makes him uniquely qualified is due in part to the relationships he’s built with Governor Gavin Newsom and members of the legislature to access critical resources and what he has been able to accom-

DR. MANUEL SCOTT JR.

Dr. Manuel Scott Jr.

Working with lawmakers in both the California Senate and Assembly, he is sponsoring and supporting a range of focused legislation that, if approved, would increase access to education opportunities and improve learning for Black, Hispanic and other children who were most affected by the pandemic.

“Our number one bill is Senate Bill (SB) 1229.” The bill, authored by Sen. Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), offers incentives to recruit 10,000 professionals to help support the growing mental health needs of students. SB 1229 provides $25,000 grants to aspiring mental health clinicians who commit to serving a minimum of two years as a mental health professional either in a school district or youth-serving community organization in high need areas.

Approximately eight million Californians, most of them from communities of color, live in areas with a shortage of behavioral health professionals.

“There's no question that our students need all kinds of support for academic recovery, but our students and families need to really heal from the trauma that is this pandemic.” Thurmond said. “We've seen a spike in suicide for Black students; we've seen an increase in hospitalizations for young people.”

Addressing childhood literacy and biliteracy, is another of Thurmond’s priorities. Last year, he announced his vision that by 2026 all California students will be literate by third grade. He pulled together a Statewide Literacy Task Force of experts and community partners to design a strategy for reaching that goal. Also, to support the initiative, Thurmond pledged to secure one million book donations for students in need and he exceeded his goal with more than five million free online books downloaded.

Thurmond is sponsoring three bills focused on literacy expansion working with two legislators: Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) and Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda). The first is Senate Bill (SB)

“I take this job very seriously because of my own circumstances. I see it with urgency to try and help young people who are struggling and to prevent the younger kids from having to go through those struggles. That's exactly why I chose this and it's why I'm running for reelection...

952 (Limón), written to help existing schools convert to dual-language immersion programs. The second, Assembly Bill (AB) 2498 (Bonta), would expand Freedom School programs -- evidence-based Afrocentric literacy programs that have been shown to help students improve their reading by one to two grade levels in as little as six weeks. The third is AB 2465 (Bonta), which would expand literacy programs to fund home visits.

There are several other game-changing education bills Thurmond is sponsoring. Among them are SB 830, which Sen. Anthony J. Portantino (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced. The legislation calls for funding schools based on school district enrollment instead of attendance. It would also finance efforts to address chronic absenteeism and truancy.

According to Thurmond, “SB 830 gives districts predictability on how they receive funding and gives them important resources to address what has been one of our most perplexing challenges: dealing with chronic absenteeism in ways we have not yet seen before. It will put students and schools on a better path to further close opportunity and education gaps.”

With the funds included by Gov. Gavin Newsom in

the state budget and passed by the Legislature, Thurmond is implementing a Universal Prekindergarten Planning & Implementation Grant program to expand prekindergarten for every four-year-old. The budget is covering a program serving two meals free of charge (breakfast and lunch) during each school day to students in grades K—12. Also budgeted is $3 Billion to establish community schools across the state that offer additional services to students and families.

Another of his priorities is Inglewood, which he has named as a partner district.

“Like Oakland, it has been saddled with debt from borrowing and sadly under Governor Pete Wilson, that debt got sold to a private entity,” Thurmond explains. “So, even if the state wanted to, it can't excuse that debt. Instead, part of what I'm trying to do is to help Inglewood get money from the state of California to pay off that debt that is strangling the Inglewood Unified School District, a district that is trying to make the turn and show they can provide quality education.”

Presently, Thurmond is campaigning for a second term, which most believe he will win. Those campaigning against him for the post are openly critical of the 53-year-old leader of California schools for everything from prolonged classroom shutdowns and pandemic policies to hiring policies and turnover, while groups like the California Teachers Association praise him as a fierce advocate for public education.

“If people want to serve in this job, they have to understand you don't have control over the thousand school districts in this state who are run locally with their own school boards.’ And”, he states emphatically, “they [speaking to his detractors] don't have to like the choices I've made, but I would appreciate if they just recognize that we've been working nonstop to try and do the impossible under impossible circumstances.”

In the meantime, says Thurmond, “I'm always focusing on what's the next level.”

Church News

Faith Leaders Protest Police Protective League

Adelegation of faith and community leaders gathered last month at the downtown headquarters of the Police Protective League (PPL) to protest the union’s attacks against Karen Bass. A PPL has launched a series of malicious advertisements against the mayoral candidate that community leaders have decried as consisting of lies and defamatory statements — inflaming already-sensitive relations between the community and Los Angeles Police Department.

“Crime is rising,” said SCLC Los Angeles Chapter president, Rev. William Smart. “The Police Union should focus on protecting and serving communities and not attacking our leaders and dividing our community. We’re here to say no to the false and misleading police attacks that they’re waging against Karen.”

“We want to send a message to the Police Protective League that dirty politics and attempts to mislead and divide our community are not acceptable,” said Rev. K.W. Tulloss, president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Southern California. “We’re demanding that they take these ads down even though we know they’ve already spent $3 million and we want them to know that we will not be fooled. We’re monitoring them and they will be held accountable for the falsehoods.”

Last week, an attorney for Bass issued a cease-anddesist letter to five TV stations demanding that they stop airing the defamatory campaign ads falsely claiming that Bass voted to give USC millions in taxpayer funds after receiving free tuition from the university.

Said Smart, “It was only after she received permission and a green light from the Congressional House Committee on Ethics that she agreed to take the courses at USC, so she did everything right, but still they’re attacking her.”

Smart was clear in his assertion that this was not a race issue, but a community issue.

Added Tulloss, “It’s our job as activists to shine a light on situations that are unjust so we’re sending them a strong message that this is not acceptable and if we have to continue to protest to shine light on it, we’re willing to do that.

“Karen Bass has a stellar record that reflects the highest standards along with a track record of responsiveness to those she serves and to results that speak to her effectiveness,” Tulloss continued. “For the police union to attempt to smear her in this manner really demonstrates that their candidate can’t win on his merits alone.”

“It an old playbook,” remarked Rev. John Cager, President of the Ministerial Alliance of the AME Church of Southern California, said at a press conference a week earlier.

“Karen Bass is the author of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and then the Police Union commits millions of dollars to get rid of her.

“Los Angeles has moved on from the politics of racebaiting…This is not Mississippi and Los Angeles will not stand for those tactics.”

Bishop Blake Named as Inaugural Honoree at Prestigious Museum of the Bible Gala

Bishop Charles E. Blake has been named as one of the eight inaugural honorees–including Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Tony Evans, Shirley Caesar, Dr. A.R. Bernard and Bishop Vashti McKenzie–at the Washington, D.C.-based Museum of the Bible’s gala. Dubbed the “Blessing of the Elders”, the gala will pay tribute to the faith-filled legacy of the Black Church and its historical and modern-day figures whose contributions have been foundational to America’s faith, culture and history.

Harry Hargrave, CEO of Museum of the Bible said, “Our hope for Blessing of the Elders is to honor–past and present–Black pastors who have impacted America with their significant ministry.”

The red carpet, invitation-only celebration will be led by a significant cast of presenters and gospel singers, including co-hosts Erica Campbell and Bebe Winans, Ambassador Andrew Young, Pastor Marvin L. Winans, Tramaine Hawkins, The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, Wintley Phipps, Lecrae, and Denzel and Paulette Washington.

Seven of the honorees rank among America’s most well-known pastors.

“The remarkable history of the Black Church in America demonstrates a biblical faith under pressure that should inspire people of any generation,” remarked Dr. A.R. Bernard. “We are elated that the indelible mark of our community on the fabric of American society is finally being acknowledged.”

Steve Green, Museum of the Bible co-founder and chairman of the board, stated, “I’m thrilled that the inaugural event for Blessing of the Elders is being held at Museum of the Bible. The Black Church has a unique and rich history in our country, leaning on the Bible for strength, courage and perseverance, and this powerful story of faith needs to be told. We are privileged to play a part in this pivotal event on June 23.”

This year’s inaugural event will also tell the story of historically significant figures from the Black Church, such as Rev. Richard Allen, William Sheppard, Pastor Charles H. Mason, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Amanda Berry Smith, John Jasper and William J. Seymour.

Blessing of the Elders emerged from discussions between influential Black pastors in America and the Museum of the Bible Chief Relations Officer Dr. Jon Sharpe.

“The goal,” said Sharpe, “is to highlight the significant history of the Black Church and the indispensable and symbiotic role the Bible played in this powerful American story. We can’t find our way to a hopeful future without understanding our past.”

In local church news, Bishop Noel Jones and finance Loretta Jones held a reception celebration for the congregants at City of Refuge on Sunday, May 29. The reception, taking the place of their regular Sunday service, was open to all worshippers. The wedding in early June is a much more private ceremony…Finally, L.A. Focus First Ladies High Tea proudly saluted the 2022 first ladies’ honorees: Karen Brown of Liberty Baptist Church & Judson Baptist Church, Adrienne Dixon of Center of Hope L.A., Wendy Howlett of Blessed Family Covenant, and Teresa Pleasant of Christ Second Baptist Church for their service to the community and the work they do in their respective churches.

Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center 4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Corprate Office: 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 2A, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-5571 www.agapela.org

Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Founder & Senior Pastor

Sunday School: 10:00am

Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South L.A. 10905 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566.5286

Pastor Alvin Stafford Jr.

Sunday School: 9:30am

Morning Worship: 10:30am Book by Book Bible Study (Wed.): 6:30pm

Sunday service broadcast on Facebook live Sunday school and Book by Book Bible Study services are conducted on Zoom For more information, visit www.bethelsola.com

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

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 Worship virtually: Facebook Live at Brookins-KirklandCommunity AME Church For prayer: Call or email to be added to the prayer list Bible Study Thursdays: 6pm Via Zoom call or email office:bkcamechurchla@gmail.com

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: (310) 568-8430 • 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!

Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Pastor Frederick K. Price, Jr.

Sunday Service: 9:45am

Bible Study (Tue): 11:00am & 7:30pm

Tue. Night Children’s Ministry: 7:30pm

Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7:30pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7:30pm

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#

Pastors John Cager, Doug Nelson, Frederick Howard, J. Benjamin Hardwick, E. Wayne Gaddis, Marvis Davis and Michael Eagle listen as Pastor K.W. Tulloss addresses reporters at press conference decrying the smear tactics being used by the Police Protective League against Congresswoman Karen Bass.

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 Dr. Cottle on HBN TV Wed’s 7:30am Channel 886 Dish,Smart TV Local Channel 35.2

Listen to Dr. Cottle Sundays on KJLH at 5:00am

Grant AME Church

10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027

Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Pastor Reappointed to Grant AME Church Los Angeles

Rev. Dr. James A. Rumph

Sunday School: 8am

Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church

5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996

Rev. DeNon Porter

Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am

Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm

KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 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

Macedonia LA 1751 East 114th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 569-9561 • www.macedonia-la-org

Senior Pastor Shane B. Scott

Sunday Worship Service: 7:30am|10:00am Live MondayBible Study: 7:00pm (Log-in to Zoom Meeting ID: 377-818-648 or Dial In: 346-248-7799)

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: 8:00am Worship Service: 9:15am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tues. Bible Study/Prayer: Noon & 7:00pm

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church

3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 291-1121 F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher

Sunday Worship: 8am,10am,Noon

Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Radio: KKLA 99.5 FM (Sun): 6:00pm All services stream live on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel. During the pandemic, pre-registration is requested to attend in-person services.

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

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

FIRST LADY FILES

Deborah Payne

Full Gospel/True Samaritan Baptist Church

n true southern Alabama fashion, Lady Deborah Payne, has a warm and welcoming personality that will win one over the minute they meet her. Payne is First Lady of the Full Gospel Baptist Church and True Samaritan Baptist Church both of Los Angeles. Her husband, Rev. Reginald Payne, the senior pastor of both churches, has been leading Full Gospel for nearly 30 years and True Samaritan for more than 10 years.

The Alabama native–having moved to Los Angeles when she was a little girl, was a member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church, under the late Rev. HB Charles Sr. She was led to this church by her late father before his passing.

“Even though he didn’t know, God knew and my Dad placed me right there where I needed to be.”

Payne met her husband as a young adult while they both were serving in ministry at Mount Sinai.

“One day he asked me out on a date so I went. He has always been respectful and kind and liked by the elders.”

Lady Deborah serves as the Children’s Ministry leader at both churches which she has been leading from the inception. Her love for the children runs deep. Many, now grown up, have moved away, but frequently returnto say, “Thank you” for her investment into their lives.

A true servant of God, Payne loves to work in the trenches of the community and has a vision to bring families back to church post pan demic and is currently strategizing on how best to follow through.

The Paynes have been married for 26 years and they are the proud parents of one daughter.

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: 8am

Sunday Morning Worship: 11am

Sunday School: 9:30am

Tuesday Bible Study: 11am

Wednesday In The Word: 7pm

All services streamed: Facebook and YouTube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ

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

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

Rev. Terrell Taylor

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am

Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

Phillips Temple CME Church 973 East 43rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 233-4783

Rev. Dr. Darrell Wesley, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10am Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Online: Facebook.com/ PhillipsTempleCME.LosAngeles

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org

Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:30am

Sunday classes following morning service

Tuesday Evening Family Hour Prayer Line 6:30pm

Wednesday Noon Day Hour of Power Prayer line

Wednesday Evening Bible Study: 6:00pm (Zoom & Facebook)

Sunday Exposition of Sunday School Lesson:10am

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: 10:00 am YouTube: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud

Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH-FM: 9am Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7pm (Log into zoom.us,click“join in a meeting” enter 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 W. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 • www.westa.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., Senior Pastor Charles E. Blake II Co-Pastor Sunday Service: 10:00am Sunday Radio Broadcast: KJLH 102.3 FM: 10:00am

Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org

Greater Zion Church Family

Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus)

Service Time: 10:45 Virtual Worship: Youtube

North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm)

Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily www.gzcfamily.com

Contributor

KAREN A. BROWN

Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church

1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • F: (310) 537-3149

In Compton

Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas

Sunday School: 9:45am & 10:15am

Early Morning Worship: 7:30am

Mid-Morning Worship: 11:15am New Members’ Class: 9:45am

Communion (1st Sunday): 7:30 & 11:15am

Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study (Wed)- 7pm

Broadcast (KALI 900AM - Sunday): 2pm3:00pm

Love and Unity Christian Fellowship

1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5449, Compton, CA 90224

Apostle Ronald C. Hill, Sr. Founder and Pastor

Live Stream Sunday Worship:10am/6:30pm

Live Stream Bible Studies: Wed 7:30am & 9:00am

Live Stream Prayer w /Apostle Hill: Fri: 9:00am Food For Your Soul TV Ministry

Impact Televison Network: Mon-Fri PST 6:30am The Word Network EVERY FRIDAY @ 12:30pm

Atherton Baptist Church

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

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

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

Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher

Sunday Services: 7am, 9:30am & 11:45am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com

14527 S. San Pedro Street, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 516-1433

Bishop Noel Jones

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:00pm

Bible Study (Wed): Noon & 7:00pm BET/Fresh Oil (Wed): 7:00am In

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

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

Pastor Profile: Uleses Henderson Jr.

Church: Greater Emmanuel Church of God in Christ How Long at church: Eight months

Hometown: Los Angeles Family: Wife Natoya, son, Uleses Henderson III

You come from a line of pastors. Did you always want to be a pastor?

I'm third generation church of God and Christ, so, I was just born in the church. My grandfather, Roosevelt Tuggle, was a pastor in Monrovia and I literally grew up in the pews of the church. It's pretty much all I know.

When did you first start preaching and walking into the ministry?

My mom has pictures of me in diapers with a Bible in one hand and a mic in another. I would even raise an offering. When I got into elementary school, one of my sisters played the piano so she was my musician and I would preach, but once I got into high school, the focus was on education and sports. It wasn't until I was in my late twenties when I felt the call to ministry. One of my cousins had passed away and my uncle, Bishop Wellington Bernard Henderson came out to preach the eulogy and it seemed like he was preaching directly to me. That's where I really felt the call and God just began to orchestrate things to move me in that di-

You mentioned some pretty impressive schooling –what does that pedigree look like?

I have

Bachelor

of Science in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and while I was at Purdue, I started working at NASA as a rocket scientist at the age of 19. I did research in the area of supersonic hypersonic studies. Hypersonic is five times the speed of sound plus. We worked on the national aerospace plane. I graduated with two and a half years of work experience as a rocket scientist from NASA and it really afforded me a lot of job opportunities. I went to Georgia Tech and got my master's in aerospace engineering, came back and worked for TRW space and technology as a satellite design engineer.

You also have a law degree?

Yes, I went from engineering school to getting my JD from Loyola law school, where I was on the law review as executive editor. So, I'm also in court litigating as well on the entertainment side, I work a lot on the music side with songwriters, producers and record companies.

How do those two distinct backgrounds merge into defining the ministry you lead today?

It's interesting because when you approach ministry and preaching or teaching, you’ve got to argue a text and it's no different than arguing in court. Matter of fact, that really becomes one of my advantages. I recently concluded a 10-day trial and a couple of the jurors came up after the trial and asked for my business card. One of the ladies said, ‘You sound like a preacher’. I'm more of an expository preacher so I will take a text and walk you through the experience of the text. From that, I will pull out nuggets that are applicable and that's what you have to do in law, right? You have an issue you have to solve, and you've got this case law, and you have to figure out everyone's going to come with their case law, but it's a matter of who can do the proper interpretation.

There may be a soundbite that looks good, but you’ve got to read the case. It’s the same in ministry. You can make the Bible read whatever [way] you want to read. Oftentimes people recite scriptures that don't mean what they say it means, because they take it out of context. When you put it in a proper context, that's really how it goes together because you're arguing a text. You have to be accurate with the word. You can't be sloppy with it and also you have to be able to communicate with the audience. People enjoy walking

Sunday School: 10:00am

Services: 11:45am

Service: 7:00pm

Lock & Load Prayer: 7:00pm

Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm www.jacobladderschurch.com

through a text an being put in the position of the actual characters and what they're thinking. That's what helps it come to life.

How is your church serving the community?

We're in an area that used to be largely African American, now it's largely Hispanic. but my desire is to just be able to serve the needs within the community. I'm also a board member of the Union Rescue Mission, which is doing a lot of innovative work to address the homelessness issue.

Recently we opened a facility called the Angeles House– a first rate state-of-the-art facility housing about 80 families. They've got health screenings, dental, psychological and clinical training. They have gaming rooms for the kids and all these different resources and not one dime came from any government aid. This is all privately funded.

I have a heart and passion for assisting and helping to meet the needs of the people. Real ministry is to be able to serve your community and step outside of the four walls and be able to meet people where they are.

What best describes your church DNA?

We really try to provide a family environment where people can feel comfortable and at home. We have a heart for people. Our tagline is changing hearts to transform lives. And ultimately as we change their hearts, we'll be able to transform their lives.

Our emphasis as a ministry is to be able to meet needs that maybe others have not met and to allow them to worship in a comfortable environment where they can be fed the word.

As a Pentecostal church, we do believe in sanctification and holiness, but we don't do it in a condescending way. We want people to be able to grow towards that and it's important for us to understand that people still need to be cleansed if they really want to be changed.

What’s in store for you within the next year or two?

I have an organization called Urban Strategies where we're going to be looking at trying to get young people into science and technology, to develop those technical skills, because we're right down the street from tech beach and there's tons of opportunities. One of the other things that I do is that I'm the chaplain for the L.A. Lakers and I'm looking to do some things with the Laker

The City of Refuge

Gardena

In Hawthorne

In Inglewood

From the Pulpit:

University Christian Church

“The Fullness of Him”—Ephesians 4:13

Iam a little jet lagged. On Friday. I got on a plane with my grandson, because he's being recruited by all these schools. So, we went up to Seattle on this recruiting trip. This kid is 17 years old and everywhere he goes, there's 20 adults following him. If he makes a move, they move. We’re having all these meetings with different coaches and they're breaking down every aspect of what it means to be on their football team and how they would develop him and his growth.

Then they started talking about how to target particular muscles and got all scientific. They have the bench press connected to an iPad which tells you the right velocity. I'm just happy to get the bar. And they're like, this is the pace and the rate you need.

They were so serious about winning football games. At first, I was inspired. But then I was like, I need to repent. Here they were all in to win football games. Yet, we are the called-out body of believers–God has called us to win souls. Shame on us when we become

vance, who attack. The gates of hell have been erected and the church, the people of God are on the move to take territories for the Lord and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Ephesians 1:22-23 says, “And He put all things under his feet, talking about Jesus, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in awe.”

Jesus is the head of the church. So, if you want to understand the church, you must understand it as the body of Christ. It is the connected collective that makes up the fullness of the body of Christ. But we're not just the body, we're the fullness of him who fills all in awe.

See, we are God’s plan to take over the world. We are being spread throughout the world so that God might take over territories. Jesus is the head–yes, but who's the body? Us.

I think we need to repent. We're so busy building our own thing. We're so busy trying to be a leader in the church. We are so busy going to church, we forget to be the church. If you still have breath, I don't care how long you've been following God, God has something for you to do.

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. Online Services

Our theme quote for this series is this–what you do is your history and history's good, but what you set in motion is your legacy.

See, the church is an organism that leaves behind a legacy. Church is about

I like to make up words. It's an “usness” in the church. The church is about all of us growing up together. We are about legacy.

The text comes from Ephesians 4:13:

“Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God to mature manhood to the measure of

the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Is the church unified? No. And until we're all unified, we got work to do. Not just that, but until mature manhood, and this is saying until completion– until you are a spiritual adult. And if all of us are not that, we got work to do. Even when we get to mature manhood, it's to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. So, until we’ve reached the standard of Jesus, we got work to do.

I think about those coaches and they were into every aspect, because any little thing is the difference between winning and losing. And we come to church and are like, man, they didn't sing the song I like.

See, church is for the collective. It's not about me. It's about all of us.

Ministry is not about my program or people knowing my name. Ministry is about maturing other believers. If I'm not maturing people, I'm not doing ministry.

Leadership is for legacy. Leadership is about creating something that will create something. Is that not what Jesus said?

This is the DNA of what it means to be the church. The church leaves no one lonely, no one low and no one lacking. That's the church. Until there's a oneness, we got work to do. That's our intentionality. God has called us to be salt and light.

To truly understand this text, we need one more verse. Ephesians 4:8 says when he ascended on high, he led a host of captives and gave gifts to men. There are five gifts in this text and then there are the gifted. The five gifts are those that God has called to equip the gifted.

God has gifted all of us in the body of Christ.

Verse 11, “he gave the apostles the first gift, the prophets the second gifts.”

Apostles are those who have been sent

Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org

In Long Beach

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

Rev. Dr. Michael W. Eagle, Sr. Sunday Worship: 10:45am

Wednesday Food Bank: 9:00am-Noon

Mothers of Murdered Youth/Children: Thurs by Appt.; (B.U.S) Blankets, Underware, Shoes: Thursdays Facebook Live•YouTube•Free Conf Call

Greater Emmanuel Temple 3740 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood, CA 90262 (424) 296-0400 •www.greateremmanuel.org

Pastor Nissan Stewart

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Prayer: 6:30pm

In Lynwood

Mid-Week Refuel/Bible Study: 7:00pm (Wednesday)

Follow us: @GETFamilyNow

The Greater Emmanuel Temple App Available in App Store

Walking In The Spirit Ministries

Double Tree (Sonoma Grill)

12623 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 Tim & Leshia Brooks

Worship: 11:00am

“This lone ranger, do your own thing Christian— it's hard to find in the word of God. Oh, I know you do your own thing, but it's literally your own thing, because that ain't God.

See, Jesus is very serious about preparing God's people for works of service, for ministry, not to create spectators.

by God. The prophets are those who speak the word of God and those who stand up for the will of God fighting for people. He has grouped them together because they are the foundation of our faith.

Then there are the evangelists–what we would call missionaries. [Finally] there are pastors or shepherds and teachers–the leaders in the local body. They are gifts to the gifted for what? Ephesians 4:12, to equip the saints for the work of ministry.

I'm smiling because this mean ministry is y’all’s job. My job is to equip you to do the work of ministry. Your job is to do the ministry. That's why I show up to all the events and volunteer, because I know I'm a minister to equip the saints for the work of ministry for building up the body of Christ.

Until we all attain the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God to mature manhood to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, that's our job.

This lone ranger, do your own thing Christian– it's hard to find in the word

Continued to page 27

Arise Christian Center 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C,Westchester, CA,90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com

Pastor Ron Taylor

Morning Worship: 9:00am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Thursday:11:30am-12:30pm

In Norwalk

In Westchester

Pastor Rudy Hagood

David A. Love continued from page 11

from their family for things such as buying a home, Black college degree holders have lower rates of homeownership than white college dropouts.

Some people would tell you that Black people are simply making bad decisions about their education and piling up all this debt they can’t handle. But the debt itself is the bad idea, a uniquely American system of economic exploitation where college costs are exorbitant compared to the rest of the world, and public underinvestment in education means students pay more for their education, and the most marginalized in society pay a whole lot more.

Contrary to public opinion, educational debt is not good debt, and as the Education Trust learned in its report “Jim Crow Debt: How Black Borrowers Experience Student Loans,” Black borrowers compare their student loans to a form of racial oppression. Describing the debt as “shackles on their ankle” or “like Jim Crow,” Black borrowers say they “do their time” when they re-enroll in IDR every year, with no hope of paying off their loan balance.

President Biden and the Dems need to forgive all student debt now. The need is especially urgent for Black borrowers. As far as Black people are concerned, student loan forgiveness should be a down payment on reparations. While a student debt jubilee would ease the pain and stress and allow Black folks to breathe and live their lives with more comfort, it would not erase the rest of the institutional racism Black America faces. But it would be a good start.

David A. Love is a journalist, commentator and an instructor at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information. For more, visit davidalove.com.

Star Parker continued from page 11

financial reasons. But 76% attribute to "emotional stress."

Of course, the universities love this. What business wouldn't think the government subsidizing purchase of its product is a great idea?

Per the American Enterprise Institute, from January 2000 to December 2021, college tuition costs increased 175% and college textbook costs increased 150%. Over the same period, the consumer price index for all items

increased 65.5%; prices of cars, household furnishings and clothing remained relatively unchanged; and cellphone services were down 40%, computer software down 71% and television sets down 97%.

Per Education Data Initiative, highest default rate – 26.33% – is among arts and humanities majors attending nonselective schools. Can anyone really think such loans make sense?

We need to help our youth who want education to get it. But it must be done prudently.

Teaching our youth that they don't need to pay back debts is not a good start.

Misguided efforts by Biden and his party to cancel obligations on student loans should be vigorously opposed.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show "Cure America with Star Parker." For more about Star Parker, visit www.creators.com.

Pastor continued from page 24

foundation to provide additional support to the communities that will both further our initiatives as a ministry, as well as help them further their philanthropy efforts as an organization.

Talk a little about your experience being a chaplain for the Lakers.

Typically, in our hurry for the game, we have about 1015 minutes to meet with the players. It's not mandatory. Players can come in from both teams and what I do is to offer like a 10- to 15 minute word before every game and just share with them and then we will have prayer. I'm also available for players to come and bounce some things off me. So, I’m there to provide spiritual support. The team has a team psychologist, but at the same time I am sort of that spiritual advisor every game to kind of walk them through and lead them through a timeless, spiritual renewal.From a ministry perspective, you have to give them something that's encouraging because they're about to go play a game, but sometimes too, you do challenge them. You charge them and try to integrate certain training principles or principles that they apply even through their profession as basketball players.

The one thing that we actually go through during our time of Bible study and ministry is called the scouting report. We go through scriptures and we have offensive scripture, we have a defensive…we have a timeout. There's different concepts in terms of what those things do because before you go into a game, you’ve got to scout. We sort of integrate those principles.

Money Matters continued from page 14

provides California with an important opportunity to address critical health and economic challenges for the most vulnerable Californians,” said Dr. Bob Ross, President and CEO of TCE.

“This potential can only be realized by investing in community-led change,” Ross added.

Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the foundations for taking a leadership role in making a difference in the lives of Californians who need help the most.

“This initiative will help grow the capacity of committed organizations to continue their important work in communities across the state. This will be especially important as we focus on COVID-19 recovery and creating a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all,” the governor said.

Hewitt says the project will result in “transformative change” in California.

“The past few years have laid bare the impact of long-term disinvestment in poor communities. We must do all we can to position community institutions to grow power and create opportunity for the places and populations they serve,” he said.

Sermon continued from page 25 of God. Oh, I know you do your own thing, but it's literally your own thing, because that ain't God.

See, Jesus is very serious about preparing God's people for works of service, for ministry, not to create spectators. If we're creating spectators, we are failing and we need to repent.

I'm sitting there in these football coaches' office and they are making sure everything happens that needs to happen in order to put themself in position to win.

God has called us to be the fullness of him who fills all in awe. We are his plan to reach the globe and we have become spectators.

Leaders are here to equip or perfect, to raise up to cause people to move towards maturity. The goal of all of this is to edify or to build up the body of Christ.

Church is not something you attend. Church is where you ascend. This is where God does a work in you and you look in the mirror and can't recognize you. That's church.

All believers are ministers with gifts God gave you for the purpose of building up the church and leaders are to lead until the entire church ascends towards unity,

maturity, and legacy. Why? Because we are the fullness of Him.

See, church is for the collective, ministry is for maturing, leadership is for legacy. The church leaves no one lonely, no one low and no one lacking.

I'm not saying I can bat 1000 or reach perfection. I'm saying I’m responsible to be intentional about having systems in place where we're all cared for and connected. That's my responsibility. I can't make you participate, but I have to make sure I create the possibility for you to be connected, because the church leaves no one lonely leaves, no one low and no one lacking. We’ve got to do better.

Verse 14, “So that we may no longer be children.” Church is supposed to cause you to become something else. That's why the first line in our mission is make disciples, because we are called to raise you up into something.

Some scholars believe that the five gifts are the ligaments holding the body together. I can't find that in the text, but it sounds cool. But this is it: when each part is working properly, it makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Growth is based on all of us. The leader's job is to equip the gifted. The gifted’s job is to grow the body of Christ. Paul emphasized church growth, not individual growth. The purpose of our individuality is to contribute to our unity, maturity and legacy. I grow to equip you.

Peter Strople said ‘legacy is not leaving something for people. It's leaving something in people.’ That's Christianity and you can't win the game from the sidelines. Christianity's not a movie. It's a movement. We storm the gates of hell.

Don't say what's wrong with the world. Go be what God designed you to be. And if you're not ready, call on the shepherds and the teachers. It is their job to equip you. My job is to hold you to what God called you to and in doing so every joint and ligament grows up into the fullness to be the body of Christ.

So, on your block in your neighborhood, you should be figuring out how do I be salt and light? How can my neighbors know I love God? How can I be there so when they have a rough day, I can pray and lift them up and talk through what God has shown me?

He tells His story through us. That's not a cute thing. That's the plan of God.

Happenings

Loretta Devine, Cookie Johnson, Cynthia McClain-Hill and Dr. Jerry Abraham Honored at 24th Annual First Ladies High Tea

Lisa Collins, publisher of L.A. Focus and founder of the First Ladies High Tea hosted the L.A. Focus 24th Annual First Ladies High Tea with presenting sponsor the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the County of Los Angeles, on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Emmy Award-Winning Actress Loretta Devine received the Legacy Award; Cookie Johnson, NY Times bestselling author, founder of CJ, a premium denim line, and wife to Earvin “Magic” Johnson received the Spirit Award; renowned Dr. Jerry Abraham, a visionary leader in increasing vaccination rates for the most vulnerable received the CDPH Community Award; and LADWP Board President Cynthia McClain-Hill received the Corporate Award.

L.A. Focus First Ladies High Tea proudly saluted the 2022 first ladies’ honorees: Karen Brown of Liberty Baptist Church & Judson Baptist Church, Adrienne Dixon of Center of Hope L.A., Wendy Howlett of Blessed Family Covenant, and Teresa Pleasant of Christ Second

Baptist Church for their service to the community and the work they do in their respective churches.

Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Game, Insecure, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story) and Apostle Beverly “BAM” Crawford, Pastor, Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church–who served as

EDNA SIMS Contributor

co-hosts– kept the event moving and in a joyful mood. The featured performances 4x Stellar Award-winning artist Kurt Carr and gospel great Kathy Taylor transformed the packed house into a church atmosphere. The program featured special guest appearances by actress Angela Lewis starring in FX’s hit show Snowfall, actor Richard Roundtree, Congresswoman and L.A. mayoral candidate Karen Bass, L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and L.A. City Councilmember Curren Price.

One of the afternoon’s highlights was the announcement of the winners of the L.A. Focus Annual Essay Contest. Open to girls 16-18, five winners received monetary awards to be used to further their education. This year’s essay theme was “Rising Above the Noise.” The Afternoon Tea event hosted 700+ plus attendees that were served a traditional Afternoon Tea Menu. Other sponsors included Union Bank, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Black Leadership Aids Crisis Coalition, and the L.A. Department of Water & Power.

Co-host Wendy Raquel Robinson with Congresswoman Karen Bass

Honoree Cookie Johnson with “Snowfall” co-star Angela Lewis High Tea

Co-Hosts Wendy Raquel Robinson & Pastor Beerly “Bam” Crawford

Mark Ridley Thomas with Honoree Cynthia McClain Hill & Robert Sausedo

Gospel recording artist Kurt Carr, Honoree Loreetta Devine, Publisher Lisa Collins and Richard Roundtree

InGoodTaste

Two years ago, the National Newspaper Publishers Association–comprised of Black newspaper publishers, including L.A. Focus– launched a new series on its newswire by Paris Brown, a then 13-year old teen, Paris Brown who loved to cook and whose sugary sweet recipes kept her busy during summer breaks. Favorites include her Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies and Fantastic Fig Newtons.

“I love baking because it brings so much joy, not only to me but to those who help me bake and to those who eat it. It’s also a distraction from all the negative from the outside world.”

Chef Spotlight Paris Brown

latest confection, so welcome to Paris Brown’s “The Bake”.

This month’s recipe is a simple breakfast favorite of hers — chorizo and cheese bread pudding.

“I know that usually, people associate bread pudding with being sweet, but I wanted to do something different and delicious,” Paris writes. “These chorizo bread puddings are perfect for an on-the-go breakfast. You can make them ahead of time and throw them in the fridge. Then once morning comes, microwave them for a stress-free breakfast. You can customize these by adding whatever toppings you like or replacing one cheese for another.

With summer just around the corner, Paris, 15, is back with her

Chorizo Bread Puddings

1 ½ cup ground chorizo

¼ red bell pepper,diced ¼ yellow pepper,diced ¼ green bell pepper,diced ½ cup mushrooms,diced ½ cup yellow onion,diced 2 cloves garlic,minced 1 cup Oaxaca cheese

Ingredients:

1 cup mozzarella cheese

1 cup brioche bread,diced 2 cups milk

2 eggs

1 tsp thyme

Salt, to taste

Black pepper,to taste 2 tsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F

2. Butter or spray a muffin tin.

3. In a medium skillet, add olive oil and onions. Season with salt and pepper and cook until onions turn translucent. Then add peppers and mushrooms and cook until they turn soft. Add chorizo to the pan with thyme and garlic and cook until brown and there are no pink spots left. Remove from pan and cool completely.

4. In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and both kinds of cheese.

5. Gently mix bread, chorizo, and milk mixture in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.

6. Put mixture into prepared muffin tins and bake for 1520 minutes or until golden.

“It’s all up to you! I’m sure that whatever way you make them, they’ll be delicious!”

Photo by Talia Brown

SavingGrace

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold can hardly contain her enthusiasm about all that is going on in her life and the more one talks to her, the more infectious it is. But for Arnold–who has starred, opposite Cedric the Entertainer in the CBS hit series, “The Neighborhood” for the last four seasons–the enthusiasm is as much who she is as what she’s excited about. And the simple truth is that the 30-plus year show biz veteran has got a lot to be excited about this month, not the least of which is the much publicized reunion of the late '80s/ early '90s sitcom Martin, in which she co-starred with Tisha Campbell, Carl Anthony Payne and Martin Lawrence.

The 90-minute special from BET+ that is set to bow on June 16, will look back on the show's most hilarious moments, revisit the iconic characters Martin made famous and pay an emotional tribute to the late Tommy Ford.

Also on Arnold’s docket is directing a 20-minute drama for BET HER which will premiere during Minority Mental Health Month in July. Under the “Her Stories” banner, the project spotlights women-centered short films and highlights the next generation of Black women filmmakers.

But what she’s most excited about is a series of musical performances she’s headlining with her 18-yearold daughter, Alijah Kai, as part of a residency at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills this month.

“I love music and music was my first love,” Arnold says. “Now is the time to share the gift of song that God has given me and now has given my daughter as well. So, we are looking forward to doing this residency for one month –four

The Queens, New York native who was raised Pentecos -

“Before I landed the role, there were a lot of doors closed in my face—doors that I just knew were a slam dunk for me, —slammed in my face. You start questioning yourself like, ‘Wow, am I in the wrong business?’ But I kept going because this is all I know. God had something else and he had something better.

tal–directing the church choir, playing the drums on Sunday mornings– grew up singing.

"I told my mom at the age of 3, 'I want to sing.'

“The reason I’m in show business is because I was a very creative child,” Arnold says. “I used to write shows and plays and make paper doll houses and just do all these things that kept me occupied because I had a lot of energy. Show business helped me channel those energies.”

Arnold got an early start debuting on the New York stage at the age of eleven in "The Me Nobody Knows". At 15, her singing skills helped land her a plum role in a remake of the cult film classic "Little Shop of Horrors" starring Steve Martin and she parlayed the attention it generated into a near three-year co-starring stint on the ABC soap, “Ryan’s Hope” followed by a year on ABC’s All My Children. All told, by the time she was 20, she’d done two soap operas, had been featured in three movies, worked on the New York stage and been approached by Madonna to do background vocals.

Says Arnold, “My quest was to do what I love, and that was to be in show business–sing, dance, act, whatever and that’s why I don’t focus, even to this day, on being on a hit show. To me, being a star comes from the inside. Like it’s so rewarding for me to hear people say “You know Tichina, I’ve seen you in a lot of things and you do really good work. To me, that’s stardom. Sure, I love the perks of being a celebrity, but I want to be recognized for being good at what I do.”

In 1996, she earned one of those perks with an NAACP Image Award Best Supporting Actress nod for her portrayal of Pam on the Fox sitcom, "Martin", a role she played for more than five years.

Though comedy is her forte, Arnold made the most of opportunities to exercise her vocal talent, including penning and singing the theme song “Everybody Loves Chris”

“I have tried to make an album fifty times and the music industry just does not do me right. It’s disappointing, but I ain’t upset,” she told L.A. Focus back in 2009. “It is what it is. And I know nothing comes to me on a silver platter.”

In fact, her career had hit somewhat of a slump before it got its second wind with a co-starring role on Everybody Hates Chris, which ran for four seasons.

“Before I landed the role, there were a lot of doors closed in my face–doors that I just knew were a slam dunk for me, slammed in my face. You start questioning yourself like, ‘Wow, am I in the wrong business?’ But I kept going because this is all I know. God had something else and he had something better.”

These days, Arnold takes little for granted, even with the success of her current CBS series, The Neighborhood, in which she plays the wife to Cedric the Entertainer's Calvin, who is appalled by the prospect of gentrification when a white family moves into his African-American neighborhood.

"It's about humanity and how we all can figure out some way to respect each other, learn to love each other, and always find the funny in everything. It makes things easier," Arnold explains.

“It always feels good and especially to be a part of a body of work that you can believe in and you love, and you love the people that you work with.

“I’ve been blessed to have enough balance in my life to where I made a lot of good decisions, and I’ve made some bad ones, but my bad decisions have not determined the person that I am,” adds the 53-year old actress whose 70-plus acting credits, include recurring or starring roles in eight TV series. “I was a fast talker but that’s about it. You’re talking to someone who’d never been away from their mother until I came out to California on my own on a wing and prayer.”

She’s quick to admit that her Christianity is tested daily.

“What church did was to give me rules and guidelines. As I got older, I placed those guidelines where they need to be placed in my life. Show business forced me to grow up early because I am around a lot of drugs, –a lot of people who live a different lifestyle and what church did was to give me the grounding so that even being around it, I was still protected.”

“A lot of times you’re tricked into being in situations and not seeing the situation for what it is. Now, I’m older and motherhood made me a lot wiser, so my instincts and my third eye is very open. But I know God has always had a covering on my life, because I’m a speedster. I should have been dead a long time ago. I used to race cars, motorcycles, anything. I was just a daredevil. I always thought I’ve been a big kid, but I’m an adult now– I’m somebody’s mama.”

A mom who is as excited about her daughter’s vocal talents as she is her own.

“I never planned on being a single mom,” says Arnold, “but now it’s time for her to fulfill her destiny and I’m just a vessel.

“My motto is “Everybody wants to be a star!” But it’s not about being a star. It’s about what are you contributing? At least that’s what it’s about for me and my true test is her. To make sure that she comes out to be better than me, far better than me…”

Part and parcel of that mission is the nourishment of her own spirituality.

“I need the word to get me through,” Arnold states emphatically. “God is my saving grace. He’s everything and I pray for him to keep my mind grounded in faith every day.”