L.A. Focus Newspaper June 2023

VOLUME XXVIII • ISSUE 5 •June 2023 > > W W W. L A F O C U S N E W S PA P E R . C O M

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Biz News: Kevin Hart Opens Third Location for Hart’s House

People Yolanda Adams, Holly Mitchell Among Honorees at High Tea

SEE PAGE 10

Upfront

UPFRONT : Larry Elder on the Record About His White House Bid

Mayor Bass Gets Record $1.3 Billion to Address Homelessness >> SEE PAGE 6

contents

October 2022 June2023

L.A. Focus Publications

(Left) Assemblymember Mia Bonta, State Controller Malia Cohen and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor join Secretary of State Shirley Weber (speaking) at the Sisters on the Frontline Reception (Courtesy photo); Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Faithful Central First Lady Karmen Foster flank the winning essayists–Rachel West, Karrington Travis, Doneay Sheffield, Melissa Morris, Tirza Covarrubias, Julie Penafort, Arlena Barragan, Saaliyah Faamasino–at the 25th Annual First Ladies High Tea; Yolanda Adams and L.A. Focus publisher Lisa Collins take in the festivities.

5 From The Editor

On the Money

Considering the Full Legacy of NFL Great and Social Justice Activist Jim Brown

Commentary Celebrating a High Tea Milestone

6 8

UpFront Mayor Bass Secures a Record $1.3 Billion to Address Homelessness, Yasmine McMorrin “Shakes the Table” of Traditional Politics While Making History, Larry Elder Goes on the Record About His White House Bid

About Ron DeSantos–Two Sharply Contrasted Perspectives

Headlines From Africa

10 13

Money Matters

L.A. Pays Tribute To New Orleans with New Cultural Landmark: New Orleans Square

Biz News Briefs Kevin Hart’s Fast Food Eatery Opens Third Location; Steph Curry Expands into the Spirits Industry

Footnotes Gabrielle Union

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

21 In Good Taste Kardea Brown

22 Saving Grace Kim Fields

15 Red Carpet Style

The Little Mermaid Premiere

The Victory Streak Continues for Pastor Mike, Jr., The Mississippi Mass Choir Rises Again

16 Church News

Mt. Zion Baptist Church Celebrates the Dedication of “Dr. E.V. Hill, Sr.” Square First AME Celebrates 150th Anniversary with Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony

17 First Lady Files 18 Pastor Profile M.L. Hall

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

She was as in the words of one of her greatest hits, “Simply the Best”, and with her passing Wednesday (May 24), tributes were bountiful for the woman known as the Queen of Rock & Roll, Tina Turner, who was born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee on November 26, 1939. Wrote Viola Davis: “Rest well Ms. Tina Turner. We will bask in your legacy!”

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

advisory board

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

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Yolanda Adams, Supervisor Holly Mitchell Among Honorees at First Ladies High Tea

@L.A.Focus

Cover Design: UpScale Media Group

L.A. Focus/June 2023

Address all correspondence to: L.A. Focus, 333 W. Florence Ave., Suite C333 Inglewood, CA 90301 • (310) 677-6011 Subscription rates $25.00 per year. www.lafocusnewspaper.com

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19 People

honorary advisors

staff Photographer Advertising

Megan Thee Stallion’s Rumored Break Up and New Romance, Jonathan Major and Meagan Good Heating Up, Canceled Babyface Performance Blamed on Anita Baker

Shereece Monroe

“Love Collins: A Rising Star in L.A. Fashion World Talks Business and Her New Collection

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers

14 Hollywood Buzz

Eye On Gospel

HeadToHead

Cover Story

Where is the Money?

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Commentary

JESSICA JOHNSON Guest Columnist

“Considering the Full Legacy of NFL Great and Social Justice Activist Jim Brown” s sports articles have been honoring the football legacy of Jim Brown in the wake of his passing at age 87 last month, many tributes have included the famous 1967 photo of the Cleveland Summit, also known as the Ali Summit.

This picture featured Brown, who had then retired from the Cleveland Browns, and Muhammad Ali along with other prominent Black male athletes that included the Boston Celtics' Bill Russell and UCLA star center Lew Alcindor, who later changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The meeting was initially set up to discuss economic opportunities for the athletes in possibly backing Ali to fight exhibition matches during the Vietnam War, a government deal that would have resulted in Ali's draftdodging charges being rescinded. The athletes met at Brown's Negro Industrial and Economic Union offices. Ali biographer Jonathan Eig documented that the athletes present would have benefited financially by receiving a portion of the proceeds from Ali's fights if they could persuade him to get back into the ring. Ali refused, and Brown and the other athletes offered their support in Ali's stance against the war. Their solidarity showed the significant influence Black athletes were utilizing in strategically fighting to impact change during the civil rights movement.

I include Brown in my "Sports and Civil Rights Era Protests" segment in the African American sports history class I teach in the spring at Ohio State's Lima campus.

One of the assignments in this section is for students to watch the film "One Night in Miami," which depicts a fictional account of the hotel meeting at the Hampton House with Brown, Ali, Malcolm X and Sam Cooke after Ali won the heavyweight crown in an upset victory over Sonny Liston in 1964.

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At the time of our class viewing, Brown was the only surviving main character, and I told my students that only he knew what actually transpired in that room.

In looking back on Brown's life, he's no doubt a legendary Hall of Famer and considered by many sports historians to be the greatest running back to ever grace the field. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965, and from watching old footage of his gridiron days, I know linebackers dreaded tackling him. However, as Brown had no problem running through defensive linemen, he was a visionary in that he was literally thinking about the end game after football while still in his prime as an athlete. "One Night in Miami" provided a little insight on how Brown was already contemplating a career in the film industry and wanted to financially capitalize on his brand. He dashed the hearts of Browns' fans when he retired at 30. This was due to a disagreement with Browns owner Art Modell when the film schedule of "The Dirty Dozen" conflicted with training camp at the onset of the 1966 season.

In many ways, Brown was very similar to Ali in that he was unapologetic in his beliefs, and Brown was also

From the Editor

sensitive in how he was viewed as a man. In the 1996 HBO documentary "The Journey of the African American Athlete," Brown discussed how many pro football fans were unsympathetic to the plight of Black players during his time in the league and only appreciated them for their athletic prowess but rejected them as equals in society.

Equality for Brown not only meant equal treatment for African Americans but also economic empowerment. He co-founded the Negro Industrial Economic Union in 1966, which later became the Black Economic Union.

Within this organization, Black youth were taught financial literacy skills and mentored on how to become entrepreneurs. Brown continued working with youth in his later years, starting the Amer-I-Can Foundation in 1988, which focused on gangs and assisting young people released from prison in Los Angeles.

When thinking about all of the outstanding work Brown did in helping troubled youth, I still often wonder about his personal issues of violence against women that tarnish his legacy, which is definitely disappointing for female sports fans. Brown's Amer-I-Can Foundation first began aiding youth in my generation, but he had already been charged with assault and a rape case in the mid'80s. These charges were dropped, but Brown was arrested for threatening his wife Monique in 1999. Assault allegations against Brown date back to the 1960s, which simply reveals there were major drawbacks in his life. In the end, God is the final judge of everything Brown did, both good and bad.

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

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

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“Celebrating a High Tea Milestone”

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ryl Lee Ralph, Shirley Caesar, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the Honorable Mark RidleyThomas and our history-making mayor, Karen Bass.

Hosts and co-hosts have included KCBS news anchor Pat Harvey, Niecey Nash, Tasha Smith, the incomparable Bobby Jones, Sheila-E and of course, the incredible Apostle Beverly “Bam” Crawford.

One stand-out moment for me was the appearance of the legendary Johnny Mathis–so gracious. We had hoped he would sing (just even one line would do) but he was just there to present to Deniece Williams, so we thought let’s just play one of his biggest hits, Chances Are, as he is onstage and see if that will entice him to sing.

Well, not only did he sing a bit of “Chances Are”, but he did a little dance and duet on stage with Deneice Williams to the delight of the crowd, which had already gone crazy.

When later asked why he decided to sing, Mathis replied that he didn’t often sing for crowds like ours– most of whom he believed would have been heard him live and that it reminded him of the church he’d grown up in.

“If it hadn’t been Deniece’s moment,” he continued, “I would have given a whole show.”

I am thankful for 25 years of moments like that and the love, graciousness and generosity of heart that provided them through folks who have supported the tea over the years; and to that first group of women who got this party started.

None of it wouldn’t have been possible without the longstanding support of those like the Honorable Mark Ridley-Thomas, Napoleon Brandford and Councilmember Curren Price as well as sponsors like Walmart,

the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power.

I am reminded that life is not measured by time, but by moments, and that we should not wait for the perfect moment, but instead take the moment, and make it perfect.

In the years since we initiated that first high tea at the Beverly Hills Hotel, high teas have become commonplace in L.A.’s faith community and around the country. I am happy to have inspired such fellowship and pray that it continues particularly if it is an opportunity to engage the Black church in transformative community action and to celebrate both first ladies and the next generation of leaders.

Former U.S. First Lady Nancy has said that “a woman is like a teabag–only in hot water do you realize how strong she is”.

In our community that is hardly a surprise particularly when considering the weight of our political clout, as modeled by our Mayor, Karen Bass, who brought remarks at the Tea. I would hope that springing from such fellowship that we learn to coalesce our strength into a collective force for greater change in our community.

Keep the faith.

L.A. Focus/June 2023

oy, does time fly! Hard to believe that 25 years have passed since the inaugural First Ladies High Tea which took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel. We had no clue of how things were going to turn out–just a vision of an event that would recognize women so often overlooked and the powerful role they play in shaping the next generation of youth.

I had seen a newspaper clipping about an event in Baltimore where underprivileged girls got the opportunity to dress up in hats and gloves and attend a high tea and how it changed their lives.

When I saw that clipping, I thought it would be great to celebrate women of faith; provide an inspiring opportunity for young impressionable girls; touch on issues of critical importance in our communities; and to fellowship all at the same time and the First Ladies High Tea was born.

We didn’t know how we were going to finance it or if it would succeed, but to the rescue came a group of girlfriends–including Melanie Few, Yolanda Adams, Vicki Mack-Lataillade, and one supportive partner, the late Jheryl Busby.

Melanie brought in Revlon and the Post Office as key sponsors, Vicki contributed the hit gospel girl group, Trin-i-tee 5:7” as the headliners and Yolanda was the keynote speaker.

Its success that first year marked the beginning of what has now become a faith community tradition packed with 25 years of remarkable memories that include Vice President Kamala Harris, Maria Shriver, Nancy Wilson, Cicely Tyson, Debbie Allen, TV One founder Cathy Hughes, Donnie McClurkin, Tamela & David Mann, Cedric the Entertainer, Mary Mary, She-

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UpFront Mayor Bass Secures a Record $1.3 Billion to Address Homelessness

KISHA SMITH

Contributor

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n her efforts to address L.A.’s homelessness crisis, Mayor Karen Bass made headlines for securing a landmark $1.3 billion from the L.A. city council in what is a significant and unprecedented investment to confront what has become the city’s most persistent crisis Bass' success in securing the funding is a testament to her commitment to addressing the issue of homelessness.

“This budget will make Los Angeles more livable for all. It will aIlow us to confront the emergency of homelessness with the urgency we need and make innovative investments in bold new methods to make our neighborhoods safer. We also take steps towards strengthening our city’s infrastructure, ensuring we continue to combat climate change in a significant way and improve city services to make a Los Angeles that is stronger, healthier, happier and safer,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “This budget process has been a prime example of how working together, we can move LA forward.”

The $1.3 billion in funding that Bass has secured will be used to build new housing units for the homeless, as well as to provide support services such as mental health care, addiction treatment, and job training. This funding will also be used to expand existing programs that provide shelter and support services to the homeless population. $250 million has been earmarked for Inside Safe — the new citywide program to bring unhoused Angelenos inside. The funding was part of a groundbreaking $13

billion city budget approved to address housing and homelessness for fiscal year 2023 -24.

“This new budget will effectively help address our City’s most pressing needs surrounding homelessness, public safety, pedestrian and traffic safety, climate change, increasing opportunities for growth and reducing poverty,” said Councilmember Curren Price, who serves as Vice Chair of the Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee “With a shared commitment toward building a more fair and equitable Los Angeles, we have met this moment with great urgency and determination. I am proud to see that the Council was able to make such historic investments across the board, which will surely improve the lives of Angelenos.”

While the impact of this funding can-

not be overstated, for Bass it is only the beginning of a sustained effort that she hopes to include and impact all Angelenos.

On May 20, during L.A. Focus’ 25th Annual First Ladies High Tea, she pitched L.A.’s faith community on joining her in a plan to have churches adopt motels housing the homeless to provide essentials to those being temporarily housed.

As part of Bass’ spending plan, motels are being acquired and then converted into transitional housing. Bass also wants to create new substance abuse treatment beds and provide rental assistance to vulnerable seniors.

Says Bass, “We are trying to lay the foundation and set the stage for what I hope will be a very significant reduction, especially in street homelessness.”

Yasmine McMorrin “Shakes the Table” of Traditional Politics While Making History

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L.A. Focus/June 2023

here was no way then-attorney Yasmine McMorrin planned to upend a century-old political system in 2016 when she moved to California. However, she indeed did. Four years later, she became the first black woman elected to the Culver City Council in the former “whites only sundown town”. McMorrin then followed up with another historic victory by becoming vice mayor with more than 10,474 votes.

In an interview with L.A. Focus Magazine, she described how her political journey began, “I got involved politics advocating on behalf of my daughter who was not having the best experience in the local public school. So, I joined the PTA.” McMorrin added, “I started getting more involved form there. I co-founded a group of moms called the Culver City Community of Color Collective. We provided Black History Month, Kwanzaa, and Back to School for black families [activities]. Later, I was appointed to Vice Chair of the Culver City General Plan Advisory Committee where I worked to emphasize equity in housing and the overall constitution of the city.”

The former dean of the USC Gould School of Law was soon encouraged to run for office. McMorrin

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shared her motivation for accepting the challenge.

“At the time I decided to run, I took transit to work, the train. I was a renter.

I was a single mom. So, a lot of the jurisdiction of our local politics impacted me in a lot of different ways in terms of how I lived my life in the community. There was not much representation there. I hoped to really be serious about incorporating equity and now policies for our city.”

With the support of community organizations such as the Heart of LA Democratic Club and politicians like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, McMorrin's campaign gained momentum. She would soon take her seat on the Culver City Council.

So, how has Culver City benefited

QUITA BRIDE Contributor

from the disruptor? McMorrin has made it her business to tackle the topics that will lead to a better, more inclusive space for all who come to work, live, and play.

She has demonstrated a commitment to applying cutting-edge tactics to address homelessness and changing the local housing landscape.

During McMorrin’s first term, she supported tenant protection, minimum wage increases, and the launch of a mobile crisis unit. The latter dispatches mental health professionals to assist unhoused “neighbors” during an emergency.

As part of her mission to provide more cost-effective housing options, McMorrin was instrumental in creating Project Home Key. This initiative will create 73 affordable permanent and interim shelter beds. It is expected to open this year.

McMorrin asserts housing is essential to Culver City's quality of life, “The data shows that if folks have somewhere to live their outcomes greatly, exponentially go up. They can receive treatment. It is easier for them have a job. It’s easier for their children to be stable and have better outcomes in school.”

As vice mayor, she has also focused her attention on homelessness which has increased by 35% since 2020, according to continued to page 20

News Briefs Five Mile Stretch of Crenshaw Renamed Malcolm X Route Community residents and elected officials gathered over the weekend to celebrate the designation of a five-mile tract of roadway along Crenshaw Boulevard as “Malcolm X Route”.

"This five-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard pays homage to the legacy of Malcolm X who dedicated his life to Black empowerment and pride," said Councilwoman Heather Hutt, who was one of those spearheading the initiative along with Torre Brannon-Reese of Famli, who led the petition drive.

"Our hopes,” said Hutt, “are when you see the sign in honor of Malcolm X, it will foster a sense of pride and belonging amongst those in this community, and learning for others… Because this area of the city primarily consists of the Black/African community, the route will intersect with the Rosa Parks Freeway, Obama Blvd, Martin Luther King Blvd [and] Sankofa Park as well as Nipsey Hussle Square.”

Specifically, Malcolm X Route starts at the I-10 extending south along Crenshaw Boulevard to West 79th Street.

Among the officials turning out for the unveiling ceremony were Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Assemblymember Isaac Bryan.

“It is just as appropriate that we honor Malcolm X with this signage just as it is appropriate that we continue to fight for economic justice, self-determination, generational wealth-building and expanded access to educational spaces,” Kamlager-Dove remarked.

Atty Says Traveling Nurse Suffered a Seizure Before Fatal Crash Attorneys for Nicole Linton will argue that their client suffered an epileptic seizure when on August 8, 2022 she barrelled through at red light at upwards of 140 mph triggering a fiery crash that involved eight vehicles and left five people and an 8 ½ month-old fetus dead.

Linton has pled not guilty to six counts of murder and five counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and has been held without bail at the Los Angeles County Jail since being released from the hospital after the incident.

Her lawyer,Jacqueline Sparagna, maintains that as Linton suffers from severe mental health issues, she did not consciously disregard human life in the fatal incident.

Dr. David Millett, a neurologist specializing in epilepsy and seizures, has been hired by her defense.

His report contends that Linton lost consciousness while driving prior to approaching the accident site and regained memory after she had exited the car sitting/lying on the sidewalk.

“The most compelling explanation for this abrupt loss of consciousness, including loss of both memory and awareness of her immediate circumstances for a matter of only minutes,” he wrote, “is that Ms. Linton experienced a seizure.

Linton’s next court hearing is scheduled for July 6.

UpFront Larry Elder Goes on the Record About His White House Bid

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onservative radio talk show host Larry Elder may have come up short in defeating Governor Gavin Newsom in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election, but his showing as the lead Republican challenger in a starting field of 46 struck a chord with the GOP and energized party devotees in what was (for a time) perceived as a tight race. His popularity since in Republican and MAGA circles has only continued to grow with many in the party having urged him to run against Newsom once again in 2022, given that he’d won nearly half of the seven million votes cast for candidates vying to succeed Newsom.

In the end, however, Elder decided against rematch, but was hardly through with politics and in April, announced on Tucker Carlson’s Fox News broadcast that he was running for president.

“I feel I have a moral, religious and a patriotic duty to give back to a country that’s been so good to my family and me.

And that is why I am doing this,” Elder said.

"America is in decline, but this decline is not inevitable,” he later tweeted.

“We can enter a new American Golden Age, but we must choose a leader who can bring us there. That's why I'm running for President."

In April, a United Kingdom bookmaker, placed him fourth in tie to secure the Republican nomination, but the field of those running has grown and now even includes another Black republican, Senator Tim Scott.

But those who view his candidacy as little more than a long shot is of little consequence to the 70-year old L.A. native who has long characterized himself as “the sage of South Central” and whose tagline is “We’ve got a country to save”.

Instead, he is focused on the task at hand and his rationale for convincing voters sounds simple enough: if you like what Donald Trump did, but don't like Donald Trump and are looking for an alternative, then he’s your man.

Says Elder, “There are people who love what Donald Trump did as president but feel –for reasons that may be fair or unfair– that he cannot beat Joe Biden in November 2024, and if that's your analysis, I'm your guy. I have the same policies. I thought he did a great job as president, but I'm more likable. I'm more relatable and I've got a great sense of humor.”

Humor and likeability are hardly the traits for which Elder has become known in the African-American community. Instead, he has been–for the most part– demonized for views he has held that many in the Black community have found offensive including his disdain for “woke” politics.

Elder prefers to cite the number of blacks he says approach him on the streets to say that they approve of what he’s doing and is pleased to see the growing number of Black men for whom the GOP has increasing appeal.

“I think black people have been taught to pull that lever instinctively for the Democratic Party, because the Dem-

ocratic Party has been successful in marketing itself as a party of social justice.

The party that wants to fight against racial prejudice and oppression and they have been able to characterize the Republican Party as wearing the black hat in that fight. Maxine Waters is the prime example of that,” Elder notes. “Most left wing Democrats are examples of that.

That's how they get that 90%-95% black vote without which they cannot win at the top level. I think most black people don't realize the extent to which they've been used…the way they've been manipulated, the way they've been treated like they're victims.”

He feels that is misunderstood by Blacks and credits how he is cast in the media as part of the reason why.

“When the LA Times calls me the blackface of white supremacy… and you don't read conservative media. What are you supposed to think?

“One of the reasons conservatives are maligned is because we're not treated well by the Black press. When you have those like Tavis Smiley calling me anti-

black… If I'm black and I'm listening to s**t like that. Why wouldn't I hate Larry Elder?

“It's not fair,” he continues, “and the people who are hurt are black people.

You're yelling and screaming about wanting reparations when we're 13 times likely to kill each other than white people. 70% of Black kids without a father in the home. Black women incentivized to marry the government and Black men to abandon their financial moral responsibility. And I'm the problem?”

In fact, the biggest part of the reason many Blacks take issue with Elder is his belief that they are wrong about America being rigged against them and racism being a major problem.

“It's not,” Elder states emphatically.

“Look at the crime in our cities. Look at the schools. 85% of Black eighth graders nationwide can neither do math nor read at grade level, which means a number of 13-year old Black teens in America are functionally illiterate and people are running around talking about Donald Trump

LISA COLLINS Staff is a bigot and Republicans are racist.

“What's going on is a breakdown in the family and t h a t ought to be all we talk about every d a y , 24/7.

“What Larry is all about in America is work hard; avoid t h e Continued to page 20

HeadToHead

About Ron DeSantos—Two Sharply Contrasted Perspectives

lorida Governor Ron Dethe Justice Department sued Santis has not held back Governor Ron the Florida GOP over new votfrom antagonizing Black DeSantis' All ing restrictions, which they said Out War on Americans in the sunshine intentionally targeted Black state. But it’s what he’s done Black Florid- voters. The restrictions caused ians without a bunch of fanfare that chaos in November for Black has so many Black Floridians on Floridians who worried about edge. running afoul of the law.

Voting rights are a prime example.

It’s not just voting rights that have Since entering office, DeSantis has Black Floridians up in arms. During waged an unprecedented attack on Black Black Maternal voters and Black political power in Flor- Health Week, Deida.The accusations against DeSantis in- Santis signed a sixclude allegations that he gerrymandered week abortion ban, Black voting power into oblivion and making the procepushed through voting restrictions in an dure illegal before attempt to scare and confuse Black most people even voters into staying home. know they’re pregLet’s start with his gerrymandering nant. strategy. We now have ample reporting “This legisla- Jessica Washington from ProPublica and The Guardian that tion is playing with DeSantis was deeply involved in redraw- people’s lives. People are going to die for ing the new congressional district maps the sake of an agenda–an agenda that last year. According to reporting from doesn’t benefit people that look like me, The Guardian, DeSantis’s new map not a black woman,” said Nancy Metayer only heavily favored Republicans, but it Bowen, the first Black and Haitian also cut the number of districts where woman Commissioner of Coral Springs, Black voters had a chance to elect a can- FL., about the devastating fallout exdidate in half. pected from the law.

In a lawsuit, the Florida GOP was Metayer Brown isn’t being hyperboaccused of using a two-pronged dis- lic. Research shows that abortion bans enfranchisement strategy known as heavily increase rates of Black maternal “cracking” and “packing” in predomi- mortality. In Florida, Metayer Brown nantly Black districts. To simplify it a says that many Black Americans struglittle, “cracking” refers to splitting a mi- gle to access even basic health care and nority group amongst new districts to di- forcing them to go through with preglute their political power. So, for nancies without access to proper care is example, the new map split Black voters a dangerous gamble with people’s lives. in Jacksonville into two different maps, The law also risks access to health diminishing their ability to pick a candi- care on an even greater scale, says Medate. “Packing” is the opposite strategy. tayer Brown. We’ve already seen healthEssentially, you “pack” as many minor- care providers leaving states with ity voters into one or two districts so you restrictive abortion bans out of fear that can limit the number of seats the group they could face legal jeopardy. What’s to can get in Congress. The litigation is still stop providers in Florida from leaving ongoing, so we’ll see how that shakes once the ban goes into place? out.

“We’re going to see a mass exodus of Gerrymandering isn’t the only at- providers who will not be able to provide Washington continued to page 20 tack on Black political power. Last year,

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Headlines From Africa Botswana: President Mokgweetsi Masisi wants a redo of its 54-year-old partnership with diamond producer, De Beers. Botswana currently gets just 25% of rough diamonds mined under its partnership with De Beers. It is now seeking a higher stake of the profits with negotiations underway.

Cameroon: Separatist rebels have released over 30 women abducted for protesting illegal taxes imposed on them, including monthly payments from children, women and men and taxes imposed on couples before they got married.

Eritrea: Chinese President Xi has pledged to work with Eritrea to consolidate mutual support and strengthen cooperation to bring their strategic partnership to a new level.

Ethiopia: Thousands recently demonstrated in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region to demand the return of people displaced and the withdrawal of outside forces now that the conflict has ended.

L.A. Focus/June 2023

Ivory Coast: International Monetary Fund (IMF) executives have approved a $3.5 billion loan agreement for Ivory Coast that will help support the country’s transformation towards upper-middle income status” while preserving macroeconomic stability.

Lesotho: Government officials imposed an indefinite 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew nationwide in an attempt to curb violent crime. Lesotho has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, and the highest in Africa.

Malawi: About 1,200 Rastafarian children in Malawi are expected to return to state schools after being banned for a decade because of their hair. In a landmark decision at the high court in March, the exclusion of children with dreadlocks from the classroom was ruled unconstitutional.

8 Mali: The U.S imposed sanctions on the head of the Wagner group in Mali, accusing the Russian private

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lorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced he's in.

He's running for pres-

freedom to live their life as they choose.

DeSantis' list of accomplishments as governor in many important areas is long. But the headliner is his bold and courageous move in opening his state's economy and schools during the pandemic, when most other states were still closed.

He has made the point that Disney, which has fought him in his battle against sexual indoctrination among youngsters in school, profited handsomely because they were able to operate their business in Florida during the pandemic while being forced to close in California.

It speaks much about the widespread unfortunate realities of many corporations today, which on the one hand profit from freedom and capitalism and at the same time promote policies that undermine that very freedom.

One line of criticism that has been aimed at DeSantis is that he is not charismatic and that, in the words of The Wall Street Journal, "He's a cultural brawler more than a likeable unifier." The Journal suggests he adopt a little of "Ronald Reagan's self-deprecating humor."

But DeSantis is a soldier, not a socialite, motivated, as was Reagan, to do what is right for the country. He is not going to reinvent himself based on alleged wisdom from political consultants about what voters want to see and hear.

More importantly, the leadership challenges today are even greater than those faced by Reagan. Our fiscal and cultural challenges are daunting.

Our national debt today is about 100% of GDP. When Reagan ran in 1980 it was less than 25%. Federal spending today is almost 25% of GDP. When Reagan ran it was 20.6%. The federal budget deficit now is 5.4% of GDP. In 1980 it was 2.6%.

As result of dramatic expansion of government, our economy today is growing around 2% per year, well below the histoParker continued to page 20

Ron DeSantis, Real Presidential Firepower

ident.

I caught DeSantis' remarks in Orlando at the annual meeting of the National Religious Broadcasters the day before he formally announced.

It was immediately clear that this is no ordinary politician.It has been said that there are two types of people. Those who want to be someone and those who want to do something. DeSantis is clearly that latter. And at age 44, he has already done a lot.

Star Parker Yale baseball captain, Harvard Law School, Navy veteran – including serving in the war in Iraq –three-term U.S. congressman and two-term governor of Florida, the nation's third largest state in population and fourth largest in economy.

What immediately spoke to me, and probably most of the 4,000 Christian broadcasters in the room, was DeSantis started right off talking about bringing water from the Sea of Galilee in Israel to Florida to baptize his three children.

This is a man who stands firmly in cement regarding his view of the world in terms of right and wrong, and man's ability and responsibility to make the right choices.

His battle against woke culture is really a battle for freedom and against indoctrination.

And hence DeSantis' remarkable achievement of making school choice available practically throughout the whole state of Florida.

This puts parents in charge of their children's education – not politicians, bureaucrats or unions.This defines real conservativism. You start with clarity about right and wrong and then give people

A look at current news from the continent of Africa army of using the country as a conduit for arms and military equipment for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Namibia: A $10 billion agreement to develop and operate sub-Saharan Africa's largest green hydrogen project has been approved. The project is expected to produce 2 million tons of green ammonia annually.

Nigeria: Bola Tinuba has been sworn in as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Tinubu defeated 17 other candidates who took part in the election, scoring over 25 per cent of the votes in over 25 states.

Rwanda: The Rwandan government has set out a five year action plan to foster an enabling e-commerce environment in Rwanda, involving public and private sectors in the hopes that the nation will better capitalize on e-commerce for the benefit of businesses and consumers, as well as optimize the delivery of government services.

Sierra Leone: The Carter Center has launched an election observation mission to Sierra Leone in advance of the country’s national elections scheduled for June 24.

Somalia: The U.S. presented $9 million in weapons, medical supplies and other equipment to the Somali Army in their fight to liberate Somali communities suffering under al-Shabaab.

Sudan: Warring sides have agreed to extend a shaky ceasefire as more than 1 million have already been displaced from their homes.

Uganda: President Museveni signed into law the “Anti-Homosexuality Act” which would mean the death penalty for those indulging in “aggravated homosexuality” including sex with a minor and people who are HIV positive. Additionally, anyone caught engaging in gay sex could face life imprisonment and a person caught trying to commit same-sex acts could face up to 10 years in prison. The law also stipulates a 20-year sentence for anyone promoting homosexuality. Biden is calling for the repeal of the law, threatening sanctions.

SpecialReport The Real Byproduct of Gentrification: “Hate”

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he hate that landlords, wealthy developers, and even government agencies can legally give is called gentrification. It’s the kind of hate that comes when working class African American, Latino, and Asian residents are forced to uproot and restart in distant communities they can’t afford, let alone thrive in.

Elyse Valenzuela tells reporters how she lived with her mother and three siblings in a rent-stabilized apartment across the street from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for 30 years. Valenzuela’s home and seven other buildings along Flower Drive were set to be torn down to make room for a multi-use residential and commercial complex by Irvine-based Ventus Group, which acquired the property in 2015. The group got final approval in 2019 for a $455 million mixed-use mega complex called The Fig – a development that’s stirred strong opposition from community groups.

Plans for The Fig offers a cluster of seven-story buildings with a 298-room hotel, 200 units of student housing, 200 rental units, and 96,500 square feet of mixed commercial space. The apartments reportedly have 82 rental set aside as affordable.

This is the narrative too many LA residents dwelling in neighborhoods as Leimert Park, Boyle Heights, Compton, Echo Park, Baldwin Hills, and more are grappling with. Amid similar threats like Valenzuela and her family face, long-time Los Angelenos are confronting the anxiety and pressure of where to go to re-establish community, quality of life, and hopefully avoid a skid row reality.

“People are being pushed from street to street, to extended family, or community spaces,” said Damien Sojoyner an associate professor of anthropology at the University of California at Irvine.

“Many are setting up temporary housing in neighboring pay-by-day parking lots.”

There is a genuine fear that a com-

“

“Gentrification, by definition, is the displacement and replacement of the poor for profit. Gentrification is not a natural or inevitable process. Gentrification is human-made and aided in large part by government policy.”

I think we should call [gentrification] what it is—Black removal or forced Black relocation. munity like Leimert Park–where, for generations, local African Americans have gone to celebrate, engage in expressions of culture and empowerment, and even protest–could turn into something uninspired and highly expensive.

“Gentrification, by definition, is the displacement and replacement of the poor for profit,” denotes Jung Choi, Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute. “Gentrification is not a natural or inevitable process. Gentrification is human-made and aided in large part by government policy.”

“I think we should call [gentrification] what it is–Black removal or forced Black relocation,” argues Sojoyner. “It overturns a community’s history, cultural heritage and reduces social capital–all in the name of improving economic and property values, while combatting existing crime rates and homelessness.”

Proponents of gentrification decry that “no one is actually hurt,” although they tend to overlook such results as dis-

placement, evictions, forced homelessness, police violence, and destroyed communities. “That's oppression. That’s hate,” Sojoyner says.

“It’s not like you can just pack up and move to any other apartment,” says a Leimert Park resident who asked to not be identified. “You’re talking about breaking ties with the community that I have lived in for over 20 years now. The people driving gentrification really don’t care or really understand how they’re effecting hard working people like me and those who have lived here.”

While residential gentrification has been a frequent topic of family, community and policy conversations, commercial gentrification–and how it also leads to the displacement of small businesses–has not.

“Unlike housing, small businesses are not widely viewed as critical to a community’s life and livelihood in ways that justify public policy interventions,” writes Willow Lung-Amam Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at the University of Maryland, College Park. “In an economic system defined by inequality, small businesses are often left to their own devices, and people of color and immigrant-owned businesses are, unsurprisingly, the first to fall.”

“Cities that fail to invest in what works to protect and promote these businesses do so at their own peril,” continues Lung-Amam, who is also Director of the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network. “They threaten to lose the people and places that make neighborhoods economically vibrant, environmentally sustainable, and frankly, more interesting and enjoyable places to be.”

When local hair salons, barbershops and ethnic food restaurants start gradually being replaced by coffee shops, art galleries, and cafes it’s only a matter of time before rents increase, and developers and politicians fight to attract new residents and employers.

Choi says that for Black and Brown-

GERALD BELL Contributor owned businesses in gentrifying neighborhoods, the circumstances have been particularly dire. Private capital is attracted to areas experiencing gentrification by incentivized policy changes and public investments, along with new and higher-income residents.

“Many small businesses simply cannot compete” observes Choi. “Customers change–often becoming younger, with higher-income levels and Whiter. In the process, both residents and POC-owned businesses that have kept neighborhoods afloat leave – sometimes by forced eviction and other times because it simply no longer feels like home.”

In 2016, vandals in low-income Boyle Heights were investigated for spray painting hate messages on the property of incoming art galleries. Activists dismissed the notion that tagging galleries represented a hate crime, claiming, “The walls in this neighborhood are the people’s newspaper” and that’s how people express themselves.

“If you’re a long-term tenant with low rent, you are walking around these days with a bullseye target on your back,” said Larry Gross, executive director of the Coalition for Economic Survival, which has been pushing a legislative package to counter mass evictions. “Because that landlord is going to do whatever they can to get you out and raise the rent.”

Gross says gentrification is an “endless and useless cycle.” “Basically, everything will be gentrified and people of color with little means will gradually be phased out.”

Note: This story is one of a twelve part series from the “Stop The Hate Campaign”-- a joint venture of the California State Li- brary and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Af- fairs (CCAPIAA) and administered by the California Department of Social Services in response to the significant in- crease of hate-related activity that has been recorded over the last few years.

D.T. CARSON

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L.A. Focus/June 2023

n a rainy day in February at the Holy Name of Jesus Christ Catholic Church, Councilmember Heather Hutt held a press conference to announce the dedication of a new cultural landmark in Los Angeles.

Said Hutt, “I’m here to introduce legislation that will declare a stretch of Jefferson [Boulevard] that goes from Tenth Avenue all the way down to Western as “New Orleans Corridor”.

The dedication is the brainchild of former Tenth District councilman Martin Ludlow, who has spearheaded the naming push in collaboration with Hutt and New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell. Three years in the making, the event is part of a larger vision that will join the two cities in the launch of an inaugural Los Angeles Jazz Festival next year, linking New Orleans and L.A. in culture and history.

“New Orleans Corridor will be a destination for people that will underscore two great migrations–one in the 1890’s and the second one was in the Jim Crow South between the 1940’s and all the way to the 70’s,” Hutt remarked. “That stretch of time was really important because it was post slavery. Black people were in a position where they didn’t have any equity or equality. But Los Angeles was considered the new “Ellis Island”.

Hutt’s father-in-law was one of millions who travelled what is known as the “Sunset Route” to Los Angeles to escape the virulent racial violence of “Jim Crow” laws in Louisiana.

Created by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1883, the transcontinental “Sunset Route” connected New Orleans directly to California. This line, the second transcontinental connection between the Southeast and the Pacific, brought not only new commerce to the rapidly growing West and shifted migratory patterns in a way that changed the relatively new state of California.

In particular, Los Angeles’ present-day black population has creole influences that directly result from migration along this “Sunset Route,” which is now

10

Staff a railroad line operated by Amtrak.

Between 1940 and 1970, roughly five million Black Americans from the south migrated westward in a period known as the “Second Great Migration.” During the Great Migration, Louisiana was the second-largest source of Black migrants in Los Angeles, just behind Texas. Approximately 15,000 Creole people traded the Gulf Coast for the West Coast, settling in Los Angeles and creating the largest Creole community in the United States outside of Louisiana.

According to researcher Faustina DuCros, a professor and researcher at San José State University, Creoles settled around Catholic parishes like Holy Name of Jesus Christ Catholic Church, Transfiguration Catholic Church and St. Brigid, in neighborhoods like Jefferson Park, Leimert Park, and West Adams and along Jefferson Boulevard in a Creole stronghold that came to be known to many as “the Jefferson Connection”.

By the 1950s, the Los Angeles enclave was located in the center of the city within the larger Black concentration, with most of the businesses located on or near Jefferson Boulevard, in proximity to the intersections of Exposition Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard. Of the estimated 212,000 black Angelenos in 1950, DuCros reports that 18 percent were from Louisiana.

The residential settlement stretched north toward West Adams Boulevard, east toward Central Avenue, south toward the city of Inglewood, and west toward South La Brea Avenue.

Some attributed the “Jefferson Connection” to the fact that parts of New Orleans were in Jefferson Parish. But for whatever the reason, it was Jefferson Boulevard– lined with bustling Creole businesses from markets and cleaners to barbershops, nightclubs and beauty salons– that became the hub.

Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education member George McKenna remembers it all too well.

He was one of those Crescent City transplants.

“I’m a New Orleans native who saw in Los Angeles

“

Jazz is one of the purest cultural expressions of Black life and you cannot tell that story without New Orleans. We’re going to be debuting the Los Angeles Jazz Festival in August of 2024 and what is really extraordinary about it is when you look around the world, there are 15 major international jazz festivals. They all have a couple of things in common. Number one, the genre of jazz was created in Congo Square in New Orleans. It is undeniably an African and African-American genre that has changed the face of music worldwide.

”

(L-R) Councilmember Heather Hutt speaks at press conference as George McKenna and Martin Ludlow watch; Harold and Belle’s; Trumpeter Irvin Mayfield the promise of new opportunities. My early life in New Orleans shaped my approach to career, family and life,” McKenna recounts. “I migrated in the sixties to get away from the segregation of Louisiana after I received my degrees from New Orleans’ Xavier University.”

He recalls the Jefferson corridor as a place of fun and entertainment.

“I know this corridor very well,” he adds. “This [Los Angeles] became a haven for us. It wasn’t Heaven but it was an escape from the oppression of Louisiana.

There were still some challenges here. There were some codes here in Los Angeles where you couldn’t buy property in certain places unless you were of a certain ethnic group.

“My own family–the McKennas–Horace McKenna ran the St. Bernard Meat Market and you could buy Louisiana hot links (the real stuff) and fish and you could buy other stuff too, but I won’t talk about that.

“Harold & Belle’s was right up the street–another Louisiana family transplanted here that has thrived right there on that corner for many years and was patronized by people from Louisiana and by other folks who discovered it.”

Harold and Belle’s was in fact opened in September of 1969 by Harold Legaux and wife Mary Belle who wanted a place where friends and family from New Orleans could gather.

Today it is run by third generation owner Ryan Legaux and his wife, Jessica, who consider the restaurant as not only “a piece of family history, but American history.”

“Creole is the only cuisine that was truly born and bred in the United States, so it means a lot to carry on that legacy,” Legaux told a reporter in 2021.

It is that history and legacy that Hutt, Cantrell and Ludlow hope to memorialize with the dedication of New Orleans Corridor on Saturday, June 17. The naming event will involve a press conference, official sign unveiling, a musical performance by a New Orleansraised Grammy-Award-winning artist, appearances from key dignitaries and an open invitation to all Angelenos whose family story involves “The Great Migration” from New Orleans to Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, as well as Los Angeles Councilmembers Heather Hutt, Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Curren Price, will join Mayor Latoya Cantrell - who herself was born in South Los Angeles in officially naming the stretch of Jefferson Blvd in front of Holy Name of Jesus Christ Catholic Church, as “New Orleans Corridor'' - creating a new cultural landmark highlighting the rich history and cultural impacts of those early migrants and their descendants on Los Angeles.

Following the ceremony, civic and community leaders will participate in a traditional “Second Line” procession during a 10-block walk from Holy Name to the iconic Harold & Belles Creole restaurant near Jefferson & Crenshaw Boulevards.

There the celebration will continue with live musical performances by multi-Grammy nominated Los Angeles super band — ‘1500 or Nothin’, Grammy nominated L.A. jazz artist, Terrace Martin and New Orleans’ own Grammy Award-winning artist, Irvin Mayfield.

Said Mayfield, “Being from a creole jazz tradition,

it is only natural that the cultural implications of jazz music and the Creole community in Los Angeles, benefit and are recognized for the contributions that have shaped the music scene here. I’m grateful for the trailblazers that went before me in jazz musicianship and honored to witness and take part in such an impactful celebration of our ancestors.”

The “New Orleans Corridor” naming event will be the first, permanent Los Angeles City commemoration of this unique history and the cultural contributions of South Los Angeles’ afro-creole community.

“The story of Los Angeles must acknowledge the contributions of the many families that migrated away from the oppression in the South to new opportunities in Los Angeles,” Hutt said. “It is the quintessential American story. One that I am happy to share.”

While most of the Creole businesses that once lined Jefferson Boulevard during the 50’s and the 60’s are now gone, Louisiana culture continues to influence California. There are the festivals, including an annual Mardi Gras celebration at the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, near the Grove shopping complex.

In May, there is a Cajun and Creole Zydeco festival in Simi Valley. And in June, there’s the Long Beach Bayou and Blues Festival.

Aside from Harold & Belle’s, there’s La Louisianne, which serves up Creole food and jazz, Uncle Darrow’s in Carson, the Bayou Grille.

“Here in the West, there is such an incredible history that is yet to be told and with this dedication, this incredible story is going to come out,” said Martin Ludlow, founder and president of the Los Angeles Jazz Festival.

Taking place during on the “Juneteenth” holiday, the event will serve as a cultural precursor for the Jazz Festival, which is expected to bring 190,000 visitors from around the world to Los and provide a robust economic boost to local tourism.

For Ludlow, the history of the New Orleans culture and jazz are inextricably intertwined.

“To me, jazz is one of the purest cultural expressions of Black life and you cannot tell that story without New Orleans,” said Ludlow, whose passion it is to to bring people together through music and live events focused on telling the stories of communities of color and how we’ve evolved as a people.

“We’re going to be debuting the Los Angeles Jazz Festival in August of 2024 and what is really extraordinary about it is when you look around the world, there are 15 major international jazz festivals. They all have a couple of things in common. Number one, the genre of jazz was created in Congo Square in New Orleans. It is undeniably an African and African-American genre that has changed the face of music worldwide and it’s one of the fastest growing genres anywhere in the world.

“Most of what we think about with jazz festivals are what we see in local communities but those international jazz festivals–whether you’re in New Orleans (365,000 people) in Montreaux, Switzerland (170,000 people). In Montreal, Canada, 1.2 million people come together every year to celebrate this genre and the largest we’ve had here in L.A. is about 18,000 seats a day so with

the work of everyone here and a large coalition that will bring it together, we anticipate in year one that over 190,000 people will be here, which will make it the fifth largest in the world.

The festival–which marks the first full-scale international jazz festival in the history of Los Angeles–will involve 29 days of free music events, including a Caribbean Street festival (which will feature a New Orleans Stage); concerts in public parks and performances inside local restaurants.

It will also include a youth camp, Coastal Cultural Tours which tell the story of “coastal racial push-out”, and a two-day Jazz Industry Conference.

“The culminating weekend of 29 days of jazz in Southern California will be on Dockweiler Beach. That in and of itself–when you think about Jim Crow and racial pushout–is one of the locations where Black and Brown families were denied access to as a public resource up until the 1960’s.”

Ludlow and his team also secured a first-ever partnership between the City of New Orleans and the Los Angeles Creole cultural community to expand music and cultural programming for at-risk youth in Los Angeles and in New Orleans to increase awareness of the African American history which binds the two cities together.

“I’m grateful for the leadership of Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt, Mayor Karen Bass and New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell,” Ludlow said.

“They are the first elected officials in history to permanently acknowledge this intersection of history and culture.”

Said Hutt, “Post-pandemic, we need feel good moments and we also need gatherings that will remind us of our roots and that’s exactly what this will do.”

New Orleans Corridor visoinart Martin Ludlow, Founder and president of the Los Angeles Jazz Festival

Money Matters “Love Collins: A Rising Star in L.A. Fashion World Talks Business and Her New Collection

D.T. CARSON Staff

T

he presence of Black culture in fashion has created billions for the everevolving, always shifting, fast-paced fashion industry. For Black designers, the cultural impact weaves a spirit of freedom as well as frustration derived from the current political and social climate and the essence of our heritage”, states fashion designer Chalise “Love” Collins.

“Black designers are looking back at our Love Collins history and going inward to honor their spirit. There has been a shift that no longer clings to maintaining trends that are dictated by editors and European fashion houses."

Experts contend that the Black community’s largest influence on contemporary fashion today arrived in the 1990’s with the emergence of the hip hop era and its impact on fashion reflected in everything from Models pose in pieces from Love Collins latest collection streetwear to high fashion.

Last month, Collins recently debuted her "an opportunity to be wholly expressive and creative in new collection, Dope + Bohemian in Beverly Hills. different ends of the fashion-sphere".

"I am in a place where I am feeling liberated as a creCollins–who once strictly designed for a higher end ative and finding my unique audience along the way.” clientele– has shifted her brand ethos to accessible Carefree and cared-for is the image of the brand that quality and creative liberation. marks Collins’ first made-to-order and ready-to-wear "I believe black designers–especially believers– collection, which artfully combines energetic colors, should occupy all fashion spaces,” Collins explains. playful shapes and textures to dress one’s “free-spirited, “There is still work to be done even though we’ve come purpose-driven, rhythmic soul.” a long way. Black designers will receive recognition, red Collins, while designing since the age of fourteen, carpet placement, editorial exposure and collaborations, began her fashion journey as a dresser for the Congresyet we are still overlooked when it comes to funding. If sional Black Caucus Fashion Show while studying fashour community shifted its dollars and street promotion ion design at Howard University. By her sophomore toward black-owned fashion houses in turn, we create year she was hired to produce the Spring Black Arts the demand ourselves.”

Festival Fashion Show. After moving to New York and However, challenges remain as those who have their attending FIT, she became a visual merchandising maneyes and talents focused on competing in designer marager and trainer Brooklyn. Once leaving the retail kets continue to hit a glass ceiling due to the risks inarena, Love expanded her fashion experience working volved for that level of funding. for and with notable companies such as New York Fash“It is another form of appropriation’, Collins notes, ion Week, Cotton Inc, Teen People, and more. Her work “Black Designers, such as Kerby-Jean Raymond for as a designer and stylist have been featured in Essence Pyer Moss, Olivier Rousteing for Balmain, and even the Magazine, Ceremony magazine, Vogue.com, Glamour, collaboration of Harlem’s Dapper Dan with Gucci, are E! Fashion Police, New York Daily News and more. receiving promotions within luxury brands as head deReturning to Los Angeles, she launched Love Collins signers.

Custom & Bridal, The Community Apparel, and now “We still make up a large buying margin of these Dope + Bohemian. Collins' family of brands gives her,

On the Money Where is the Money? Have U.S. Corporations Delivered on Pledges n recognition of the multibillion-dollar pledges Corporate America made after the 2020 murder of George Floyd, a coalition of civil rights groups announced a new initiative on the state of corporate investments in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). To accomplish this goal, the National Action Network (NAN), National Urban League (NUL), National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC), and National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP) will produce a report to track what companies have followed through on their promises and what specific actions they are taking.

A recent McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Stability found that just 40% of 1,369 Fortune 1000 companies (including new and recently removed ones) had made public statements about racial justice between May 2020 through October 2022. Companies have pledged a combined $340 billion toward racial equity over that same period, with many of those commitments coming from the financial sector. Yet it’s become harder to track what specific initiatives, such as housing or small businesses, these pledges are going toward since May 2021.

According to the study, businesses from the financial sector accounted for the majority of pledges. However, three years later, on average, less than 20% of the pledged $340 billion has been deployed to advance racial equity.

In fact, a report published by Revelio Labs earlier this year a decline in diverse hiring. While the global Black Lives Matter movement that followed Floyd’s death prompted a hiring boom for diversity, equity, and inclusion professionals, more than 300 DEI professionals departed companies in the last six months, including Amazon.com Inc., Twitter Inc., and Nike Inc., the report found.

In their letter to corporations, the newly announced coalition requested information on the commitments they made, the monies they pledged and the amount they intend to spend/continue spending on racial equity.

I

Biz News Briefs Hart House opened two locations last year in Westchester and Monrovia. A fourth location near the campus of USC is set to open this summer.

Steph Curry Expands into the Spirits Industry Four-time NBA Champion and two-time MVP Stephen Curry has entered the spirits industry with the launch of Gentleman's Cut Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

"Celebrations take on many different forms, from intimate gatherings to major milestones, and at the center of each memorable moment is a spirit rooted in history and tradition," said Curry. "I'm proud to have helped carefully craft a new signature Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Gentleman's Cut. This rich, complex and bold bourbon is the perfect offering to commemorate life's great occasions and will be part of a raised-glass toasting moment in the lives of my fans, friends and family."

Motivated by his passion for premium bourbon, Curry was reportedly involved in every step of the process — from the manufacturing and aging to the marketing of the whiskey which is priced at $79.99 per bottle.

Continued Growth Recorded for Operation Hope’s 1 Million Black Business Initiative Operation Hope, recently announced the continued

growth of its 1 Million Black Business Initiative (1MBB). In the first quarter of 2023, 1MBB signed up, engaged, and supported 88,644* new Black businesses.

Community stakeholder partners also committed to starting an additional 22,825 businesses, continuing the program's momentum in reaching its goal to stand up one million new businesses by 2030. Access to 1MBB is offered at no cost to participants.

To date, 1MBB has signed up, engaged and supported more than 257,000 businesses, accounting for nearly 5% of all Black-owned businesses in the US. With the support of financial partners, 1MBB has also secured over $26 million in small business loans to 369 Black businesses, including e-commerce retailers who have leveraged Shopify platform to reach new customers online.

"1MBB's mission to build Black businesses is not simply about selling products and services –it's designed to help families create a legacy that uplifts and transforms communities," said Operation HOPE Founder/CEO John Bryant. "That means providing access to the coaching and capital that allows them to take advantage of new enterprise models– and sustain their businesses over the long haul. This is a game-changing movement."

For more information, visit operationhope.org.

L.A. Focus/June 2023

Hart House, the plant-based quick service restaurant founded by actor, entrepreneur and comedian Kevin Hart, recently opened its third location in Hollywood on Sunset Blvd. featuring the eatery's first-ever drive-thru.

Hart House's menu serves craveable, sustainable, and plant-forward food with the mission to be "plantbased for the people''.

"Since the inception of Hart House, it's always been about creating a new option within fast food which is why I'm so excited to bring Hart House to Hollywood," said founder Kevin Hart. "At Hart House, we are in the business of making people feel good and I'm so proud of how fast we are growing and can't wait til there are Hart House restaurants all across the nation!"

Kevin Hart’s PlantBased Fast Food Eatery Opens Third Location

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HO L LY W OOD SPOT LIGHT Quita Bride “Shooting Stars” “People think they know my story, but this is our story,” says Lebron James in the opening scenes of his comingof-age film, Shooting Stars. “This is how I met my brothers and how we became family.”

Set in the 1990s, the film is a dramatization of James 2009 book–recounting the inspiring story of how the NBA superstar and his childhood friends overcame many incredible obstacles to lead the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School basketball team to three state championship, becoming the platform on which James skyrocketed to NBA superstardom.

The film not only captures the bond that made this “Fab Four” brothers, but the challenges they endured in the process: jealousy, hostil-

ity, exploitation, resentment from the black community (because they went to a "white" high school), the consequence of their own over-confidence and the battles they face not only on the court but in their real lives. They would also have to wrestle with LeBron's outsized success, all while becoming men in their quest for a national championship.

Taking on the role of a teenaged LeBron James and making his acting

OUT THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse June 2

The Blackening June 16

Megan Thee Stallion’s Rumored Break Up and New Romance

L.A. Focus/June 2023

Apparently, rapper Megan Thee Stallion has moved past the drama of last year and is making a fresh start, even in the romance department. There was speculation that “Savage” rapper and her boyfriend of three years, rapper Pardison Fontaine, 33, called it quits. It seemed like their usual PDA had become MIA after her return to the spotlight in March. A video of Fontaine dedicating a heartfelt poem to Thee Hot Girl Coach in early May restored some hope. However, a separation may have been confirmed on May 29 after the Grammy winner and Belgian soccer player Romelu Lukaku, 30, were photographed hand-in-hand at his teammate's wedding.

It's not clear whether either rumor is true.

The 28-year old rapper has said that she is taking time to heal. In the meantime, ex-boyfriend Tory Lanez awaits sentencing which is scheduled for June 13.

Jonathan

14 M a j o r s

debut is Marquis “Mookie” Cook, whose basketball skills are no act.

Cook is set to debut with the Oregon Ducks this fall.

Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things) will portray James' teammate Dru Joyce III. Avery Wills Jr. will star as Willie McGee while James' high school rival, Romeo Travis, will be played by Sterling “Scoot” Henderson.

Khalil Everage will play Sian Cotton.

The movie also touches on the challenges of their coach, a disgraced former college coach seeking redemption of his own and portrayed masterfully by Dermot Mulroney.

Shooting Stars–which will debut June 2 on Peacock– was directed by Chris Robinson. LeBron James and Maverick Carter are among its executive producers.

God Is A Bullet June 23

and Meagan Good Heating Up Actor Jonathan Majors, 33, has allegedly found shelter in the arms of “Harlem” actress Meagan Good, 41, amidst his media firestorm. The stars were pictured at LAX waiting on a private jet while holding hands. They were also captured by paparazzi at Red Lobster and an Alamo Drafthouse in LA. The rumored lovebirds have remained tight-lipped about the speculation. However, the romance appears to be blossoming as Majors prepares to defend himself against assault and harassment charges filed by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. In March, Majors was arrested after his "girlfriend" found text messages from another woman on his phone and reportedly physically attacked her. Major’s next court date is June 13.

Canceled Babyface Performance Blamed on Anita Baker Grammy-winning musician Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, 64, missed his performance in Newark, but Anita Baker, 65, caught the heat for it. On May 10, Babyface tweeted that he "was asked not to perform in order to give Ms. Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety". A number of concertgoers and celebrities expressed frustration, blaming Baker. Comedian Loni Love, who toured with the "Sweet Love" singer previously, shared that she’d “hoped she (Baker) and her team had improved for the

Indiana Jobes & the Dial of Destiny— June 30

better over the years." Legendary singer Stephanie Mills also chimed in saying, “One would think as older (artists) who are considered 'Iconic' and or 'Legendary' we would treat each other with respect and dignity.”

Baker’s two-hour late arrival on stage was also criticized online. She reportedly apologized for the tardiness.

As of today, Baker and Babyface remain on tour.

Refusing to Pay Child Support Costs Flo Rida Millions Rapper Flo Rida, known for his hit single "Low" has been ordered to provide nearly $500,000 in child support annually for his six-year-old son, Zohar. Alexia Adams, his child's mother, took him to family court after he reportedly refused to financially support or claim Zohar, who was born with disabilities. The 43-year-old was ordered to pay $14,000 in support and $2,212 in health insurance monthly.

He is required to set up a $300,000 escrow account for Zohar's needs that must be replenished each September.

Moreover, he must pay Adams $188,000 immediately to cover outstanding expenses, including Zohar's school costs. In other court news, Sean “Diddy” Combs is suing British beverage company, Diageo for overlooking DeLeón Tequila, the brand he coowns. Diddy is accusing the company of discrimination, saying that it has treated DeLeón as a “Black brand.”

He says that the spirits company has instead continued to heavily support Casamigos, the tequila brand cofounded by George Clooney that Diageo bought in 2017 for up to $1 billion.

Footnotes GabrielleUnion Age: 50 Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska First Break: “She’s All That” Breakout Role: “Bring It On” Upcoming: “The Perfect Find” (June 23–Netflix) Gabrielle Union first magnetized audiences in the 90s with her appearances in popular teen TV shows like Saved by the Bell and films like She's All That and Love and Basketball. Her breakthrough role in the hit movie Bring It On came in 2000. Union's portrayal of East Compton Clovers head cheerleader Isis is still celebrated today. As an activist, the “Truth Be Told” star advocates for sexual assault survivors; serves as an Ambassador of Susan G. Komen's Circle of Promise, and is involved with Planned Parenthood's Breast Health Initiative.

On playing the “more mature” love interest of a younger man in Netflix’s Perfect Find: “It really sparked something inside of me about older women and how we can oftentimes disappear from society, in terms of people looking at us as like we’re past our prime. That no one sees value in a woman over 28, much less over 35, much less over 40, but baby, I’m thriving. So, I wanted something that spoke to that that I hadn’t done before. Which is tough, because I’ve done a lot of rom-coms. This one is new. I’m thrilled.”

On her biggest regret while portraying Isis in the 2000 film Bring It On: I do think it was a mistake. I was given full range to do whatever I wanted with Isis in Bring It On, and I chose respectability and to be classy and take the high road, because I felt like that would make her be appropriate – the right kind of Black girl.

Black girls aren’t allowed to be angry. Certainly not demonstratively angry, and I muzzled her. I would have allowed her her full humanity, and part of being a full human is the ability to express rage when harmed.

On aging: My best anti-aging tip is the ability to say no, no, and hell, no. We run ourselves ragged saying yes to every freaking thing, whether it’s to our family, spouses, or careers. I sleep eight hours a day and don’t let myself stress out. A lot of people call it selfish, but I don’t have any wrinkles.

On the backlash her transgender daughter, Zaya, receives: I think someone else's opinions of us are none of our business. There's a lot of hurt people out there and a lot of scared people out there who project their hurt and fears and unfortunate childhood trauma onto other people. I think that's what we're seeing across the board, so I pray for those people while we celebrate ours.

On what she hoped people took away from her viral NAACP Award speech: “That your kids are worth fighting for. Your children are not disposable and even when faced with something that you might not be as familiar with or comfortable. When they come for one of us, they come for all of us, and don't ever forget that.

RedCarpet Style

HALLE BAILEY channelled Ariel in this strapless, sparking Valdrin Sahiti gown to resemble water

KELLY ROWLAND was a hit in this colorful printed and caped Prabal Gurung gown

The magic of Disney brought out the princess in all of the looks spotted on the red carpet at the premiere last month of “The Little Mermaid”. Here are some of our favorite looks.

CHLOE BAILEY wore a sparkling yellow gown by South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee

MARSAI MARTIN stunned in this Giambattista Valli gown with sleeves that resembled pufferfish

TAMERA MOWRY looked like a Disney princess in this off-theshoulder ombre gown

Eye On Gospel The Victory Streak Continues for Pastor Mike, Jr. Eleven-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike, Jr. leads the field of nominees for the 38th Annual Stellar Awards–honoring the best in gospel–with ten nominations. The trailblazing Gospel artist earned recognition this year for his work on the album “Winning” in the key categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Urban Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year.

Following close behind is Tye Tribbett with nine nominations, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Top Male Artist, Contemporary Male Artist, Contemporary Album, Rap/Hip Hop Song and Ur-ban/Inspirational Single/ Performance for his work on his release, “All Things New”.

Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin earned six nominations for keeping the praise party elevated on their project “Kingdom Book One”, nominated in the categories of Artist of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus, Song of the Year, Producer of t h e Year,

Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year.

Stellar Awards 2023 co-host Tasha Cobbs-Leonard received five nods for her work on “Hymns” in the categories of Artist of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist, Praise and Worship Song, and Praise and Worship Album.

Also earning five nominations each were Zacardi Cortez for his work on “Imprint” and DOE, nominated for the first time as a solo artist for her work on the album “Clarity”. DOE is going head-to-head with Cobbs-Leonard, Maranda Curtis, and legends CeCe Winans and Tamela Mann in the prestigious Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year category.

Mann was nominated this year in four total categories for her project “Overcomer Deluxe”, including Album of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year and Contemporary Female Artist of the Year.

Other artists earning multiple Stellar nominations at the event, taping on July 15 at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena–include: Travis Greene & Forward City, JJ Hairston, Maranda Curtis, Bishop S.Y. Younger feat.

Sounds of the Ramp, and Brent Jones.

This year’s James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award will honor Milton Biggham, founder of the Miami Mass Choir, the Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir, and the Georgia Mass Choir.

“I am elated to celebrate this landmark 38th year of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and its premiere July 24 on our very own newly-launched Stellar TV network,” said Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards . “Our flagship show is one of the longest-running nationally televised African American awards programs in history — we couldn’t be more proud to bring this new inspirational network to viewers, while honoring the work of Gospel music artists and industry professionals who use their gifts to lift the spirits of many during troubling

times.”

The Mississippi Mass Choir Rises Again It has been 10 years since the Mississippi Mass Choir has released new music, and radio is quickly taking notice of the choir’s new single, “The Promise.”

“We are ecstatic about the response to ‘The Promise,’” says Mississippi Mass executive director Jerry Mannery, who co-wrote the song. “After a decade away from recording, we knew God was calling us to release new music. This song is an extension of Mississippi Mass Choir's roots: 200 voices lifted in harmony with a fresh sound and renewed energy, reminding people that the promises of God are still yes and amen.”

One of those voices is lead singer and co-writer Stan Jones, who also produced “The Promise”. “This is 100% a song of faith,” says Jones. “Even in the midst of the enormous chaos and confusion going on around us, we have to hold on to the promises of God.” “The Promise” also features the electrifying vocals of Myron Butler, who says the song is “a powerful anthem for the world right now, put forth by a powerful, historic ensemble.” “I am proud to be a part of this moment in Mississippi Mass history,” adds Butler.

“The Promise” was part of a much-heralded Mississippi Mass Choir live recording at Word of Life Church in Flowood, MS, that also included special guest(s) Tina Campbell, Brian Courtney Wilson, Crystal Aikin, Rev. Milton Biggham, and Paul Porter. That project, “We Still Believe,” will be released later this year and will be the 11th Mississippi Mass Choir album.

Currently celebrating 34 years of ‘serving God through song,’ the Mississippi Mass Choir has received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Award nominations, Billboard Gospel Artist of the Year recognition, a Soul Train Music Award and induction into the Mississippi Music Museum Hall of Fame.

ChurchNews

Mt. Zion Baptist Church Celebrates the Dedication of “Dr. E.V. Hill, Sr.” Square

L

ast month, nearly 100 members of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church turned out as Ninth District Councilman Curren Price dedicated the corner of 50th & Hooper Ave as “Dr. E.V. Hill, Sr. Square”.

Hill– once honored by Time magazine as one of the seven most outstanding preachers in the U.S.–was the church’s longest tenured pastor. One of the most prominent African-American clergy of his time, Hill was also known for breaking barriers with his appearances on TBN and influence with white Evangelicals.

“It was a historic day as we witnessed the dedication of Dr. E.V. Hill, Sr. Square and Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Square,” said Pastor Joshua Daniels.

“Thank you to Councilman Curren Price and the 9th District for honoring the legacy of Dr. Hill & the history of Mount Zion. It was also great to have Dr. Hill’s grandson, Edward Hill III there for this celebration.”

First AME Celebrates 150th Anniversary with Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony First AME Church is set to conclude the yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary with a black tie gala and awards ceremony later this month (June 30) at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood. Honorees include Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray (Education of Legacy Award), Danny Bakewell, Sr. (Community Engagement Award), Darrell Brown (Financial Empowerment Award), Areva Martin (Community Service Award), Dr. Jerry Abraham (Health and Wellness Award), Clifton Albright (Law and Justice Award) and

Wilfred Marshall (Black Business Development Award). The event–hosted by KCBS news anchor Pat Harvey and KJLH radio personality Aundrae Russell– will also celebrate the leadership of Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, who is set to retire from ministry later this year.

Kirk Whalum will provide the entertainment and among the honorary chairs is Ambassador Eric Garcetti.

“We are honoring our rich heritage and celebrating the blessings bestowed upon us here at FAME over the last 150 years,” said Boyd.

First AME Celebrates 150th Anniversary with Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony The Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship–pastored by James McKnight– is one of 35 historic Black churches around the country set to receive part of the first round of funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.

The fund was established in 2017 to support the preservation of historic African American sites across the nation. In 2021, the fund launched the Preserving Black Churches initiative, a $20 million program to revive Black churches and congregations. In its first round of grant funding, Black churches are being supported with funding to address such issues as renovation and restoration projects, deferred maintenance and demolition threats. In other local church news: On June 25, as part of its 50th year Jubilee Celebration, Crenshaw Christian Center will welcome Apostle I.V.

Hilliard of Houston, Texas…West Angeles is teeing up for its 29th Annual Golf Tournament. Funds raised from the tournament–slated for Monday, June 19 at the Brookside Golf Club–will benefit the West Angeles Boy Scouts and various Youth and mentoring programs.

Sad to report the passing of Deborah Ellis, first lady of True Gospel Missionary Baptist Church (Pastor Henry Ellis). Ellis had served as the President of the Pacific District Association Ministers' Wives and Widows and as a member of the Gardena Ministers' Wives and Widows.

In National News: In his latest book, Bishop T.D. Jakes is encouraging people to think disruptively and find the courage to challenge the status quo with this mindset-shifting guide to meaningful change.

The book, titled “Disruptive Thinking” was released last month and Jakes has been on a promotional blitz last month in support of it.

He characterizes the book as a daring strategy to challenge traditional ways of thinking that keep people stagnant in order to change how they live, lead and love.

Said Jakes, “Until we, as a Black community, disrupt the old constructs we were taught and exposed to, we will deprive ourselves from exploring the vastness of our innovation or creativity.”

"If we always think as we've always thought we will always be where we've always been. It may be time for us to unite in a concerted effort, lift ourselves up, stand as equals, and negotiate from a position of strength."

Mt. Zion members gather for the dedication of Dr. E.V. Hill Square; Councilman Curren Price poses with E.V. Hill III and Pastor Joshua Daniels; Congressional Church of Christian Fellowship

Our Chur Directory 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 Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church 3719 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-5610 • www.bkcamechurchla.org Rev. Mary S. Minor, DMin,Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 AM (in-person and virtual) Thursday Bible Study with Pastor Minor (via Zoom): 6:00 PM Please call the church office for virtual information.

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

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

Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Dr. Frederick K. Price LiveWorship Service:Sun 10:30am,Tues 11:00am and 7:30pm at faithdome.org, Facebook, Roku, YouTube and the EIFM app (Download in Apple Store and Google Play)Website: faithdome.org Giving Options: Text to 28950, type EIFMO and amount you wish to give (ex.,EIFMO 50) or mail to: P.O. Box 90000, Los Angeles, CA 90009 Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowshipla.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sunday LiveStream: 10:00am (facebook.com/christianfellowshipla) Sunday Conference Call: 10:00am (310-372-7549 / code: 342408) Tue/Thurs Morning Word & Prayer: 7:00am Wed. Bible Study w/ Elder Stephen Brown (701-802-5001 / code: 825252#

God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ / Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org •gfdjc@att.net Dr.Ruby I. Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor/Teacher Services every Friday: 7:00pm We meeet at: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018 Watch us on KXLA Thur’s @ 9:30am on Chanel 44, HBN TV Mon’s @ 7am & Wed’s @ 7:30am on Chanel 35.2 Listen to us on Sunday’s on KJLH 102.3 at 5:00am

Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027 Rev. Dr. Timothy o. Coston, Jr. Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm

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

Grace Temple Baptist Churchh 7017 South Bramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 • gracetemplebaptist7017@gmail.com

FIRST LADY FILES

Shereece Monroe

Rev. Rodney Howard Sunday Worship Service: 9:00am Sunday Life Group: 11:30am Wed. Night Intercessory Prayer: 6:30pm Wed. Night Bible Study: 7:00pm

Greater Ebenezer 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 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: 10:00am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tuesday Refueling : Noon

Word of God Baptist Church L.A.

T

he role of first lady comes as second nature for Shereece Monroe, First Lady of Word Baptist Church, who was able to watch her mom, First Lady Patricia Monroe (Redeemer Baptist Church) master the role growing up.

“My mom has always been very hands on, so for me first lady meant that she was in the trenches with my Dad helping in whatever capacity she could,” Monroe said. “Watching this, I started to develop a love for ministry as well. So, when I became a first lady it was very easy for me to slide into that position and when my husband (Bishop Louis Monroe III) became a pastor, I didn’t want to sit on the front row and look cute. I was like let’s go to work.”

Today, the mother of three and luxury real estate agent (with nearly $100 million in sales) serves as a trustee and gives oversight to the church’s real estate matters. She also heads up the women’s ministry, a part of which is a Bible study she teaches with her Mom. “My role as a first lady is two-fold,” she adds. “It’s not just me serving at the church, but it’s me being a wife to my husband at those times when he needs me the most.

“My relationship with the Lord is first. Being a wife is second and then taking care of my children is third and then the work of the church has to come after that.

“Sometimes people think that your relationship with the Lord and the work serving are one in the same and they’re not. My relationship with the Lord has everything to do with me worshipping him, praying with him–my quiet time with Him and then I serve.”

Big on entrepreneurship, Monroe hope that her biggest contribution is to inspire women “to do something they never thought about doing before that would better their life and the lives of their families”.

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sun. Worship: 8:30am Sun. Classes follow morning service Tues Eve Family Prayer Line: 6:30pm Wed. Noon: Hour of Power Prayer line Wed. Bible Study: 6:00pm (Zoom & Facebook) Exposition of Sunday School Lesson:10am Trinity Baptist Church 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., L.A., CA 90018 • (323) 735-0044 F: (323) 735-0219• trinitybaptistchurchofla.org Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship Services: 10:30am YouTube: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH-FM: 9am Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7pm (Meeting ID: 480-271-5449.

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

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

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

In Compton Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 12930 S. Lime Ave, Compton, CA 9022 (310) 638-0536 • email: citizensofzionmbc@gmail.com Rev. Bobby L. Newman, Jr., Pastor Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:45am (In-person & Virtual on Youtube) Wednesday Bible Study: 12pm (In-person or dial in at: (774) 267-8085) Wednesday Evening Bible Study: 7:00pm (via Zoom, Call church office for information) Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm) Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily www.gzcfamily.com

New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 • www.newantiochcogic.org Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Worship: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

L.A. Focus/June 2023

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 Phone (323) 291-1121•F: (323) 291-1133 office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am,10am Tuesday Night( as scheduled): 7:15pm All services stream live on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Call for any pandemic-related questions.

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PastorProfile: M.L. Hall Church: God Inspired Worship Center How Long at church: 34 years Hometown: Los Angeles Family: Wife Vernessia, two adult children How did you come to be called to ministry?

It was around the year 1981 when the lord put on my heart the desire to really reach out to his people’s salvation. I voiced the desire to my Pastor, but nothing much came of it and I kept doing what I was doing. But God kept pressing it upon my heart, so I went back to my pastor again. So, my pastor said, “Okay not a problem, if God presses upon your heart, what I want you to do is to first go to school.” And that’s what I did. I started my ministry education at LA Bible College.

Eventually I received my Doctorate degree in Divinity from the Ministry Training Institute and ended up at a church called Mt. Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church where I pastored for two years before, sadly, the pastor who originally inspired me suddenly passed away. I returned to my home church, God Inspired Worship Center, to fill his position. That was 1989 and I’ve been here ever since.

When you say that early on God was calling you, what did that feel like?

Well, I was raised in church, but it isn’t like you hear some voice or whatever. He just presses upon your spirit and your heart the desire to reach people. It isn’t about the money. It isn’t about the fame, the wealth, the fortune. It isn’t about any of that. It’s about the people. I believe the downfall of Christendom as we see it now is because everybody is looking for capital in ministry.

Are you referring to the rise of the mega church and the televangelists?

Exactly. There are a lot of young men out there that are interested in the revenue from the church. They’re looking for the glamour. They want people to say, “Oh, he’s a pastor!” But when God presses upon your heart to accept a call to the ministry, he’s calling you to put your love and spirit into the people, to care and concern for the people and their waywardness. To bring them back to God–that’s what it’s about.

Is it your belief that smaller churches function better?

Yes. I learned an interesting fact during the course I completed at the USC Theological Seminary. The average church in America has about 50-60 members who are deeply involved. It’s smaller churches that are making a great impact on people’s lives. With mega churches, people go to network and see the show and things like that, but that isn’t what God has called us to do.

Neither are you a small church of 50-60 members?

We have 250 to 300 members–which is about at capacity, so we are a bit bigger than some of the smaller churches. In fact, we had to start overflow seating in the building next door where our media ministry reaches people over there so they can see the service on the TVs. But still, I basically know everyone in the church. I’ve received many offers to preach at mega churches and I’ve turned them all down.

Actually, I haven’t taken a check from the church in over a decade. I’ve also focused the community outreach to meet the needs of the community, including giving away food and toys to about three thousand people every December through our CDC. We have made it a point reach out– outside our four walls. When you think about it, Christ wasn’t stuck in a church. He was out with the people. He had to be. I believe in the coming years that Christendom as we see it in a building is going to collapse.

What makes you say that?

Social media is going to become more of a profound factor in the next five years than the church building.

Millennials aren’t going to church like my generation. In my opinion the breakdown of the two-parent household has had a lot to do with the change. And now you have these Millennial kids who really aren’t connected to the Church as we know it, as in the building. They’re more connected to Facebook and Twitter.

I also believe that social media can be an effective tool in saving people–that we can use the media and social media to preach the Word of God and gravitate the masses toward His Word.

95% of people in my church don’t bring their bible to church. They bring their phones and download the scriptures. If pastors and bishops cannot make that transition, they’re going to be lost.

What do you stress as key factors in Christian growth?

I believe my greatest strength is to inspire people to aim for success–and the number one thing that empowers us to be successful– is education. Secondly, you have to make good decisions. Third, you have to be able to joint venture with somebody–you have to have connections. You have to have relationships to be successful because there are some doors you can’t open on your own. These are the things I’ve been focusing on in my teachings at God Inspired, how to maximize your resources and maximize your wealth.

My mom had ten kids and with 10 of us we didn’t get to go to McDonalds. She couldn’t afford to take 10 kids to McDonalds. We didn’t get to go to Disneyland because she couldn’t afford to take us. So, wealth and inheritance didn’t start with my mom, but since I am my own person, I made sure that it starts with me, that I might leave my children’s children something.

I believe it is important to show people, especially the youth, that they can have a positive impact on the world. Otherwise, they can’t see past their neighborhoods and will get caught up in drugs, sex and violence and fall further from God. Is that the big picture for you?

Hey, there is a major world out here that we can impact. That is why youth are getting drawn into where they are and not into, “Okay, I can be something great…you know I can be the next president or the next congressman…the next senator.” If there is nobody else to tell them this, how will they find out?

Is that what you’re equipping people for at God Inspired Worship Center — and what’s the big reward for you?

At the end of the day, my whole mindset is to make people fit for everlasting life. We want to make sure that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior, but we also want to make sure that you have an abundance of wealth so that you can live comfortably and not become a burden on society or the government, which in time will shift the government.

When I started pastoring at my church, nobody had a college education. Now, I’m proud to say, that 85% of my church are college grads. I love walking through my congregation knowing where everyone went to college. That has been the most rewarding thing for me, when I look at all the educated people and I don’t think my living is in vain.

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

In Gardena

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PeopleYolanda Adams, Supervisor Holly Mitchell Among Honorees at First Ladies High Tea

L-R: Mayor Karen Bass with Yolanda Adams • Areva Martin w. First Lady Florence Boyd• Councilman Curren Price with First Lady Thembekila Smart • Tramaine Hawkins performs

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ver 700 women, faith leaders and elected officials turned out for the 25th Annual First Ladies High Tea over the weekend to celebrate the outstanding achievements of those making an impact in the community.

Five-time Grammy-Winner, actress, and nationally syndicated radio host Yolanda Adams was feted with the Legacy Award for her contributions not only in the entertainment industry but for how she has inspired communities across the nation through her faith and philanthropic efforts.

What made the event even more special for Adams–who was making her fourth appearance at the event, was being there at the inaugural First Ladies High Tea in 1998.

“To see this from the first year to the 25th is absolutely amazing,” said Adams, who went on to encourage a sold out audience to stay true to their faith and God in setting out to transform their communities.

Said Adams, “Let me tell you that you are called according to the gifts that God has given you and the talents you have. As the mayor said, what you do makes so much difference in your communities that without you there would be a deficit.

Walmart VP Tony Waller was the recipient of the Focus Award and L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell was honored with the Spirit Award for her Community Service.

“From the bottom of my heart thank you for what you do each and every day,” Mitchell said. “As you first ladies bring love to your congregations, we bring love

to the constituents we serve every day. I ask on behalf of my sisters in government that you pray that He continue to order our steps in times for women in politics as challenging as these because we need to feel your hands on our backs every day.

Presenting the award to Mitchell was Mayor Karen Bass, who took time out to both thank the crowd and solicit their help.

“Let me just say that when I walked into this room, I remember being in this room twelve months ago when I was in a big fight with a whole lot of people,” Bass said. “I remember the love and the encouragement and prayers and the support I felt from everybody in this room and it helped me to get to the finish line and I just want to thank you for helping me get there. And since December 12, I have felt nothing but love and support and prayers, cause I need every single one of them because we’re getting our people off the streets...and there’s a role each one of us can play.”

First Lady honorees Florence Boyd of First A.M.E. Church, Patricia Monroe of Redeemer Baptist Church, Pastor Thembekila Coleman-Smart of Christ Liberation Ministries, and Angel Price, Crenshaw Christian Center, were recognized for their service to the community and the work they do in their respective churches.

Co-hosting the program were actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and First Lady and KBLA/Talk Radio Personality Dr. Shalonda Crawford. Others on the program or in attendance included Erica (Mary Mary) Campbell, Congressmember Sydney Kamlager-Dove,

City Councilmembers Curren Price and Heather Hutt, LADWP Chair Cynthia McClain-Hill, and Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor.

Gospel legend Tramaine Hawkins gave a dynamic performance while another of the afternoon’s highlights was the announcement of the winners of the L.A. Focus Annual Essay Contest. Open to girls 16-18, ten winners received monetary awards to be used to further their education. This year’s essay theme was “Faith Over Fear: Unleash Your Potential.”

Sponsors included the County of Los Angeles, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC), the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Walmart, the California Library’s Stop The Hate Initiative, L.A. Dodgers, D3 Entertainment, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, L.A. City Councilmembers Curren Price and Heather Hutt, Assemblymember Chris Holden, Mark Ridley Thomas Committee for a Better L.A. Also supporting the event with door prizes were Target, the L.A. Clippers, and Truxton American Bistro.

Founded in 1998, the annual afternoon tea is a redcarpet affair that has become an annual tradition. In the twenty-five years since its inception, the tea has served to inspire women to join forces and create a movement of service towards each other, the communities in which they live, and God while also providing scholarships to at-risk youth. Past honorees include U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Maria Shriver, Cicely Tyson, Debbie Allen, Shirley Caesar, and Mary Mary.

L-R: Erica Campbell with Publisher Lisa Collins • Tony Waller with LADWP Chair Cynthia McClain-Hill • First Lady Pat Monroe • Co-host Wendy Raquel Robinson • First Lady Angel Price 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

In Long Beach

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

Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:40am Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7pm

House of Refuge Church of God in Christ 1446 W. 36th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323)515-9022•Email:info@horcogic.org•www.horcogic.live Pastor: Dr. Pierre Codio First Lady Shavon Codio Sunday Services:11:00am Sunday School: 9:00am Thursday Online Bible Study:7:00pm (via Facebook & YouTube) Friday Morning Online Prayer:10am Prayer call-in # : (516) 259-9968

Walking In The Spirit Ministries In Norwalk Double Tree (Sonoma Grill) 12623 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 Tim & Leshia Brooks Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)

Call 310.677.6011 Ask for Kisha

L.A. Focus/June 2023

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

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

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McMorrin continued from page 6

Workshops, a space to dream and imagthe city’s website. According to McMorrin, ine systems that “meet our needs and the city's "housing failures" would be make us all safe”. She also invites resbetter resolved with financial investment idents to attend regular city council and "care first solutions." At a virtual meetings. press conference, she explained: “I believe When McMorrin is not on the fronthousing is a human right and I do think lines, she serves as the Director of Eduit’s a policy failure that in the richest na- cation Equity for Children's Defense tion, the richest space in this country that Fund. we have folks who are living on the street, Elder continued from page 7 children, veterans, victims of domestic vi- criminal justice system; don't make bad olence, our neighbors, community moral mistakes. Don't get somebody members that have fallen into homeless- pregnant before you're 20 years old. Get ness.” married first. My message is if you do Her priority list does not stop there. those things, you'll be fine.”

Culver City's growing traffic problem is For those who believe he might be another concern of the Vice Mayor. With positioning himself for consideration as 744 fatalities and crashes in 2021, Los vice president, Elder’s response is negAngeles County topped the state's aver- ative. age. She welcomes discussions about bus “I'm angling to be president,” he deand transit systems to promote safer clares. “If, however, I fall short and if the travel. nominee asked me to be his or her run“It’s really important to me to ning mate, would I consider it? Absostrengthen and make sure our roadways lutely. But that's not why I'm running. and infrastructure are safe no matter how I'm asking people, no matter what their folks are getting around.” race is, to vote for me for the reasons I This is just a small sampling of mentioned–inflation, crime, the borders, McMorrin's many objectives. However, gas prices, the way that Biden pulled out Culver City's people remain at the center of Afghanistan, which I think inspired of all of her efforts.

Putin to invade Ukraine. He's been a dis“I have a lot of areas I am passionate aster on every level.” about,” she laughed. “But, at the core, its But does he really believe he could making sure this community is one where win? no matter where folks are from and no Without hesitation, he states, “I matter how they are showing up that wouldn't be doing it if I didn't think I had they are welcomed and have the opportu- a chance.” nity to really thrive in our community.”

Washington continued from page 7 To accomplish this, McMorrin asks the care that our communities need,” other changemakers to join her. She hosts says Metayer Bowen. monthly Culver City Community Care

As a contender for the Republican Presidential primary, the war he’s waged against Black political power and reproductive rights in Florida could be a troubling window into a DeSantis presidency.

Jessica Washington is a senior reporter at theroot.com covering race, gender and politics.

Williams continued from page 8

ric rate over 3%.

As a result of the breakdown in traditional values and family, the country is aging. The percentage of Americans over 65 stood at 16.9 % in 2020, compared to 11.3% in 1980.

The birth rate of babies to unwed mothers is now 40%, compared to 18% in 1980.

If there is any hope in turning it all around, it's more important that our leadership is tough than jovial.

From what I have seen so far, Ron DeSantis has exactly what America needs in 2024.

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

Colling continued from page 8

brands and the response isn’t investing in the brilliant creators instead its hire them."

“My hope,” Collins continues, “is that the moments to support black designers become a movement. I want young artists to know that is their duty to pursue, explore, and use every inch of their creativity because they are the vessel in which the gift must flow through. Black creatives in this billion--dollar industry are the exception, but the door is open, and their gifts are the prerequisite of forward movement in this arena.”

You can also follow Chalise “Love” Collins at @ilovecollins or visit www.lovecollins.com

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King and her parents explore the world of “The Little Mermaid” with Ariel at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on May 26, 2023. Martin Luther King III, Arndrea King and Yolanda, celebrating her 15th birthday, were among the first guests to meet Ariel from the live-action story at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Amy Smith, photographer)

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L.A. Focus/June 2023

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L.A. Focus/June 2023

rom fledgling child star to an accomplished actress/director, Kim Fields, 53, has built an enviable career and reputation. Her resume spans nearly 50 years, stacked full of starring roles and director credits that prove she’s TV gold. While she undoubtedly made it look easy, Fields had to overcome poverty, loss, and the infamous child-star curse to sustain her footing in life and Hollywood.

It all began in Harlem, New York in the early 1970s where Fields lived with her mother Chip, a singer and burgeoning actress. Chip, who was taking acting classes, often found herself too low on cash to hire a babysitter. Fields would have to accompany her mom to class. Over time, Chip decided to enroll her young daughter into classes as well. Fields took to the training and it led to her first, small role on the long-running PBS show “Sesame Street” counting numbers. Eventually, Chip set her sights on greener pastures in California and used all she had to get her and Fields there. The young mother borrowed money for airline tickets and got a ride from her acting teacher to the airport.

Fields explained that she and her mother traveled to California with about 35 cents and stayed with friends. The 53-year-oldagreed with a friend’s assessment that God was indeed watching over them. She also credited his divine hand with helping her land her first major commercial for Mrs. Butterworth's syrup.

She said, "We went on an audition for Mrs. Butterworth's and when we got back to our friends', where we were staying, they called and said something had gone wrong with the taping and could we go back. But the buses had stopped running. So, my mother took me out and began to hitchhike. A guy in a sports car stopped at a stoplight and she explained to him that her daughter had received a call back and needed a ride. He took us to the audition and then he waited and then he took us home. And, I got the commercial. God bless that man, wherever he is."

From there, Fields landed small roles in popular series like “Good Times” where her mother Chip had a recurring role, “Mork and Mindy”, “Diff’rent Strokes”, and “Roots II”. In 1977, she stepped into the spotlight as Angie Ellis on the short-lived sitcom “Baby, I’m Back”.

Two years later, Fields auditioned for the role of Dorothy "Tootie" Ramsey in "The Facts of Life". She almost passed up the opportunity.

Fields told Fox News: “Landing the role of Tootie, I almost didn’t stay for the audition because I was very intimidated, quite honestly. I was a little girl, I was a little black girl, and I walked into this sea of

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Kim Fields television-ready white girls. The perfect blonde hair or brown eyes, blue eyes. And I just felt like, ‘I’m not supposed to be here.’ And my mother took me to the bathroom and she said, ‘Listen, don’t you let anything or anyone intimidate you, including your own mind.’”

Despite the nervous energy, Fields won the coveted part and played Tootie from 1979 to 1988. Fans were moved by the onscreen representation.

“Truth Be Told” actress Gabrielle Union, who played Tootie in NBC's 2021 live version stated, "Tonight I have a once in a lifetime opportunity to honor the QUEEN @kimfieldsofficial and her iconic role of Tootie on “Facts Of Life” As a Black girls growing up in the 1980s we had very few role models on TV and film, but we had Kim. Thank you for leading and showing us how amazing we actually are. Please show love and praise to the ICON KIM FIELDS.” While she enjoyed fame, notoriety had its costs. As she matured physically and emotionally, she was harshly judged.

“Well nowadays they call it body shaming and there was certainly no social media at the time, but when we were growing up and developing in a lot of different ways and areas with our bodies, some of the media wasn’t very kind,” she explained.

In those turbulent times, Fields credited her family’s support for grounding her. She said her village helped her sidestep the fate that some of her peers fell victim to, such as the late Dana Plato (“Diff’rent Strokes”). “[They] supported me, let me cry on their shoulders when I was frustrated. When I was unsure, when the waters just seemed to be so uncharted… And so for me, I didn’t want to be a statistic. I didn’t want to be a has-been.

There was a little ego involved.”

When “The Facts of Life” ended, Fields stepped away from entertainment to pursue a degree in communications and film at Pepperdine University.

T h r e e y e a r s a f t e r graduating, she

snagged a starring role on Fox’s “Living Single”.

As Regine Hunter, she was a classy, sassy, self-assured character with a variety of fabulous wigs. The comedy won multiple NAACP Image Awards. In 1995 and 1996, “Living Single” receive Primetime Emmy nominations. In the wake of her recent divorce from actor/producer Johnathan Franklin Freeman, Fields was again shaken by the show’s cancellation after five seasons.

Fields told Bustle, “I wasn’t angry at God, but I was severely disappointed. I remember thinking, ‘What are y’all doing up there with me? I felt like I planted tomatoes and I got telephone poles in my vineyard. It felt so foreign.”

She added, “I went through a stage where I completely shut down. I had these blackout drapes in my house, and I closed the drapes and stayed in the bed for about two weeks, maybe longer. I kept running down my resume to God: I’m a tither, I’m a worshiper, I’m faithful, I’m a good person, I was a good kid – all the things that should not equal me being here. I didn’t claim depression, but if I’m being real with myself, I’m sure there was a little bit of that there.”

Despite disappointment, her faith was restored, “I saw an interview with Liza Minnelli, who talked about how she got herself together after a tough time.

She said, “I looked at my father’s work, and I realized I come from that stock.” That shifted my atmosphere.

I went outside and looked at the mountains and the sky, and that was me looking at God’s work. I said, “I come from this stock.” It’s not like I’ve never been severely disappointed since then, but now I can recognize it and to a certain extent, I know how to deal with that disappointment.”

Since then, the mother of two has appeared in more than 40 projects and directed more than 20. Fields’ recently directed shows like “Raven’s Home”, “That Girl Lay Lay”, and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”.

In 2017, she published Blessed Life: My Surprising Journey of Joy, Tears, and Tales from Harlem to Hollywood. The book is a reflection of her feelings, experiences, and lessons she’s learned along the way.

Fields shared, “What I’ve come to terms with is that as long as I’m moving forward ... I’m winning at least half the battle.”

Currently, Fields stars in “The Upshaws”. Her coffee line, Signature Blends by KF, is a fullservice wholesaler/distributor of coffee, teas and coffee dry rubs.