L.A. Focus Newspaper April 2022

VOLUME XXVII • ISSUE 3 •April 2022 > > 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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CHURCH NEWS Service of Compassion to be held for Pastor Ticey Brown

Red Carpet Style Our Favorite Looks from This Year’s Academy Awards

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Hollywood Buzz

The Will Smith Saga Continues....

UPFRONT Tina McKinnor Lands Key Emdorsements

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contents

L.A. Focus Publications

April 2022

L-R: CA Secretary of State Shirley Weber waves to congregants at West Angeles COGIC during a visit last month (Photo Credit: Rickey Brown); State Senator Steve Bradford poses with the family of local jazz legend Barbara Morrison after presenting them with a proclamation at a celebration of life for the late singer in her beloved Leimert Park (Photo credit: Ian Foxx); Supervisor Holly Mitchell presents proclamation to newly-installed Pastor Joshua Daniels at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

4 From The Editor

10 Cover Story

“Grace Under Fire”

Commentary

The Race to Washington: Who Will 37th District Voters Elect for the Seat Being Vacated

by Karen Bass

“A Public Defender on the High Court

6 UpFront

Tina McKinnor Lands Key Endorsements in Bid for Seat Vacated by Autumn Burke; Calif.

Reparations Task Force: Lineage, Not Race, to Determine Who Gets Payments; L.A.-Area Pastors Urge Attorney General to Grant Legal Action Challenging Herb Wesson’s Appointment in Light of Term Limit Provisions; CDC Recommends Fourth Dose for Those Over 50

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Head 2 Head Two Perspectives on Will Smith and the Slap Felt Around the World

Headlines From Africa

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More Black and Latino Californians Face Outof-Reach Home Prices

Biz News Briefs BET Strikes Deal with Taraji P. Henson; Nike To Honor Kobe’s Legacy in New Partnership

On the Money No End in Sight for Gas Prices

Lisa Collins Gerald Bell,,Keith Delawder, Chez’Ney Hadley Ian Foxx Kisha Smith

Regina Hall

Red Carpet Style Oscar Awards

Eye On Gospel Judith McAllister: God is On Her Side; Kingdom Business; Marvin’s Song for Today’s Times

18 19 Through The Storm

25 In Good Taste

Gina Pickens (Black Bottom Kitchen)

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Saving Grace Kym Whitley

Game Changer

Health Dilemna Leaves Gifted Photographer Waiting To Exhale

20 Church News

AME Church Slammed with Lawsuit Over $100 Million Shortfall from Retirement Plan; Faith Leaders Hold Service of Compassion for Pastor Ticey Brown

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.

Celebrating the rich culture of the African American experience, the famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is making its return to the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion at the Music Center April 6-10.

@L.A.Focus

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 Apostle Beverly Crawford Lem Daniels Bob Blake

@Lafocusnews

23 From The Pulpit of

Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co. Bible Enrichment Fellowship Int’l Morgan Stanley Bob Blake & Associates

Cover Design: UpScale Media Group

L.A. Focus/April 2022

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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Chrystopher Grundy

Triedstone Baptist Church

Footnotes

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22 Pastor Profile

honorary advisors

staff Photographer Advertising

Will Smith to Face the Music on April 18; Anthony Anderson’s Wife Files for Divorce

Rolietta Adams

Donna Ross Jones–”Always in Transition”

Money Matters

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers

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Hollywood Buzz

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First Lady Files

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Commentary

ALICIA BANNON Guest Columnist

“A Public Defender on the High Court”

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etanji Brown Jackson will be the first public defender to serve on the Supreme Court. Here’s why it matters.

When Ketanji Brown Jackson was applying to college, her high school guidance counselor told her not to set her sights too high. Now an experienced judge, with stints as a public defender, a U.S. Sentencing Commissioner, and a lawyer in private practice, Jackson is poised to make history as the first Black woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court, as well as the first former public defender.

Jackson’s nomination is a milestone for bringing greater diversity of life experience to the bench. Chief Justice John Roberts famously described the role of a judge as calling “balls and strikes.” Less remembered is Sen. Herb Kohl’s response that “no two umpires . . . have the same strike zone.” As Kohl explained, the experiences judges bring with them to the bench inev¬it¬ably shape how they understand the contours of the law and facts in front of them.

That’s why having judges who have seen different aspects of the American experience is so important. Federal district court Judge Carlton W. Reeves put it well: “Where people come from, what they have lived through, what they do with the time they have, and who they spent that time with – it all matters.”

One of the many ways that Jackson would bring overlooked perspectives to the Supreme Court is through her experience representing criminal defendants. The Supreme Court plays a major role in defining the constitutional rights of defendants – from interactions with the police, to the rights of the accused during trial, to the scope of permissible punish¬ments – as well as in in-

terpreting federal criminal laws. Every year, the Court considers thousands of petitions in criminal cases.

But while prosecutors are well-represented on the Supreme Court (on the current Court, Justices Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, and Clarence Thomas all served as prosecutors), the Supreme Court has never had a justice with experience as a public defender.

The last justice with substantial experience navigating the criminal justice system on behalf of poor defendants was the civil rights icon Thurgood Marshall, who retired from the Court more than 30 years ago. It’s part of a broader pattern: across federal and state courts,

From the Editor

judges with defender experience are underrepresented in favor of those with prosecutorial and corporate backgrounds.

This is an experiential chasm. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor described how important Marshall’s “ear of a counselor” was for the Court – someone “who understood the vulnerabilities of the accused and established safeguards for their protection.” It can be hard to see the unfairness baked into our criminal justice system from behind the bench. And not surprisingly, research suggests that judges with criminal defense experience often approach criminal cases differently.

Last year, after eight years as a federal trial court judge, Jackson appeared before the Senate for a hearing to be confirmed to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. She reflected on the “direct line” between her public defender experience and her approach as a judge, including how she took “extra care” to make sure the defendants appearing before her understood what was happening, having seen firsthand how little her clients understood the legal system. “I think that’s really important for our entire justice system.” It is.

One new voice is unlikely to transform an increasingly radical conservative majority on the Supreme Court. But giving defenders a seat at the table – and a voice in dissent – still matters. It’s a step towards achieving courts that deliver on the promise of equal justice for all, and a landmark worth celebrating.

Alicia Bannon is the Director of the Judiciary Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, where her work focuses on promoting a fair judicial system and an inclusive democracy. For more information, visit www.brennancenter.org.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“Grace Under Fire" t was the slap felt around the world and no one, it seems, can stop talking about it. Given it has become and –more than likely–will remain one of the most memorable and outrageous moments in televised history right up there with the likes of the O.J. Simpson car chase, there is little wonder why.

People were wondering what Will might have been thinking?

Will Smith seemed to be very transparent in his thoughts, words and actions. The slap itself peeled the layers off of what appeared to be years of pent up anger and ironically enough in response to a joke some have said may have been part of a script Chris Rock didn’t write.

But the reaction to it provided still another layer rightly dividing where America stands on violence.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., immediately tweeted (and then deleted), "Thank you #WillSmith Shout out to all the husbands who defend their wives living with alopecia in the face of daily ignorance & insults."

She was hardly alone in the initial approval of Smith’s slap as was reflected in responses online.

“And that’s how we do it,” son Jaden Smith tweeted.

Seems they were caught up in the same moment of bravado Will Smith was.

I would say that I don’t want to spend so much time talking about Will Smith, but the truth is the temporary insanity of that moment says a lot about where our nation and many Black people are today.

And as the events of Sunday played out, it became crystal clear that not addressing it only exacerbates the problem.

Most ironic to me was the support given to the aggressor and not the victim, and clearly Chris Rock

L.A. Focus/April 2022

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would not want to be perceived as the victim, but some of the widespread support Smith got online and the standing ovation given to a clearly repentant Smith upon his win sent a mixed signal that was equally as troubling.

To Rock’s credit, he handled the situation like a pro. He reportedly apologized later to one of the cohosts for ruining what he felt should have been their moment. How gallant given the humiliation of the moment and what it must have felt like to those who loved him along with those who abhor violence in any form.

There was a time when familial retaliation for insult was regular, and wars were even fought over words. True enough words matter, but civilized people have transcended force in favor of social etiquette.

And while I can have a bit of a temper, I am prone to steering clear of people who resolve their differences with violence as –Will Smith is painfully finding out– it only leads to greater harm, particularly and ironically for the aggressor.

As it turns out, Chris Rock, in this moment, has never been more beloved. Prices for his comedy tour have skyrocketed and he is being embraced by audiences, the comedian community and people are over the world for the grace under fire he demonstrated in a moment that could only have been one of his most humiliating, played out on social media a million times over.

I join them in commending the way he handled himself on that world stage on what was a momentous night.

He wasn’t the only one in recent news who has exhibited grace under fire. Instead of engaging in meaningful discussions about her illustrious accomplishments and wealth of judicial experience,

GOP senators managed to turn Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearings into a circus with their disrespectful and belittling attacks on her impeccable record and her stainless character.

Because she is Black, she was tied to their onerous views of critical race theory; because she is fair, Josh Hawley accused her of being soft of crime, particularly in cases of pornography and because she of her community involvement on a school board with a hypersensitivity to issues of race she was asked if she felt babies are racist.

But as Elie Mystal at the Nation points out of Jackson, “She’s worked too hard and bested too man of the white man’s little traps to get tripped up near the finish line by senators who debase themselves and their offices for 30 seconds of attention on Tucker Carlson’s show. Jackson passed her test.”

And affirming Jackson’s qualifications after a long day of unfair attacks, Senator Cory Booker told Jackson, “You have earned this spot. You are worthy. You are a great American.” As the words moved her to tears, the New Jersey senator added, “Don’t worry, my sister. God has got you.”

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s grace under fire assures that she will become the first Black woman on the Supreme Court.

Keep the faith.

L.A. Focus/April 2022

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UpFront

News Briefs

Tina McKinnor Lands Key Endorsements in Bid for Seat Vacated by Autumn Burke

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p until recently, Tina McKinnor was one of four candidates–including vying for the 62nd State Assembly District seat left vacant by Autumn Burke, but with the recent endorsement of the L.A. Times, she has become the one to watch.

In February, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring a special election for the 62nd Assembly District–which includes Venice, Gardena, Playa Vista, Marina Del Rey, Westchester, Inglewood, Hawthorne and Lawndale– on June 7, 2022, the primary for which was set for April 5, following the sudden resignation of Autumn Burke in January.

Describing her as the best of the four running, the endorsement for the Times Editorial Board noted, “She understands the need for California to address homelessness by getting much more aggressive about building more affordable housing.

She also wants to help the natural environment by incentivizing people to use public transit and to replace lawns with drought-tolerant landscapes. Furthermore, McKinnor knows how the sausage is made in Sacramento, having worked for two members of the Legislature, including Burke.”

“I’m ready to go to Sacramento–to take our peoples issues”, McKinnor stated in an online video as she announced her run. “You need people like me who can go to Sacramento, who have all this experi-

ence in government, all this experience with the real people on the ground, and take the data, listen to our people, work with the unions to try and create some good jobs and do some real bold policy in Sacramento.”

A self-described grassroots political influencer, McKinnor serves as the civic engagement director for L.A. Voice, a multi-racial, multi-faith, communitybased organization and as founder/president of The McKinnor Group, which provides political campaign management, lobbying and public affairs.

As the former Operational Director for the California Democratic Party, Tina managed the daily operations of the $30M organization and led fundraising efforts generating over $10 million annually. Her

endorsements include Supervisor Holly Mitchell, State Sen. Steve Bradford, U. S. Rep. Maxine Waters and City Councilmember Mike Bonin, as well as the California Legislative Black Caucus and Equality California.

By all accounts her stiffest competition is coming from Lawndale Mayor Robert Pullen-Miles, who served as a district director for former Assemblymember Burke and to his credit is endorsed by Burke as well as the California Democratic Party.

“As your next Assemblymember, I will do for our district what I have already done as Mayor, and Councilmember: create good paying jobs, help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, combating our homelessness crisis, and keep our communities safe and thriving,” Pullen-Miles said in a statement.

“Business revitalization and workforce development are important priorities. In Lawndale we secured $2 million for infrastructure improvements and $4 million for the construction of a new Youth Development Center. These are real results people can appreciate, touch and use.”

Also vying for the seat are Hawthorne City Councilmember Angie Reyes English, who previously served as a Senior District Representative in the 51st Assembly District and Nico Ruderman, a former member of the Venice Beach Neighborhood Council.

If none of the four wins over 50% of the vote, a runoff is scheduled for June 7.

Calif. Reparations Task Force: Lineage, Not Race, to Determine Who Gets Payments fter a first vote failed, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans decided that lineage will determine who will be eligible for reparations.

During the first session of the eighth, two-day meeting, five members of the task force voted in favor of lineage over race as the determining factor for compensation. Four members said no 90 minutes after the first vote failed.

The measure needed a two-thirds majority of the task force’s votes for ratification.

“The Ayes have it and the motion carries,” task force chairperson Kamilah Moore said following the vote. “So, the community eligibility will be based on lineage determined by an individual being African American, the descendant of a (person enslaved as chattel) or descendant of a free-Black person living in the United States prior to the end of the 19th century.”

Task Force members Moore, vice-chair Amos Brown, pastor of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, and president of his local NAACP branch; University of California-Berkeley professor Jovan Scott Lewis; and San Diego City Councilwoman Monica Montgomery-Steppe voted in favor of the lineage qualifier.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gar-

L.A. Focus/April 2022

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Senator Steve Bradford

dena) broke the tie. He abstained from the process during the first round of voting, which ended up with four in favor, three against lineage, and two abstentions, the other being attorney Don Tamaki.

Tamaki, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Los Angeles-based attorney Lisa Holder, and Loyola-Marymount professor Cheryl Grills, voted in favor of race.

In February, the Task Force voted 5-4 to postpone the vote on whether race or lineage would be the determinant to have more time to listen to experts and weigh the requirements.

During the March 29 meeting, members listened to 11 genealogy experts’ perspectives and insights on the eligibility considerations before the vote.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber who authored the legislation es-

ANTONIO RAY HARVEY CA Black Media

tablishing the task force, Assembly Bill (AB) 3121 in 2020 — while serving in the Assembly — presented to the panel in January. She argued that compensation should be limited to African Americans who are descendants of Africans enslaved in the United States.

“Reparations are designed to repair and heal the damages done to Africans for 400 years who (suffered) through Jim Crow (laws),” Weber said in January.

“Reparations are for those who are descendants of slavery. Their ties are permanently severed from their homeland and their ability to return to Africa is almost impossible. We are truly Americans.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 3121 into law in 2020. The task force is charged with studying slavery and its lingering effects on African Americans with a “special consideration” for descendants of persons enslaved in the United States, the bill language instructs.

AB 3121 also requires members to recommend what compensation should be, who should receive it, and how it should be paid. A panel of economists contracted by the task force will give their input on the financial aspects of compensation and impacts.

“We will use this community of eligibility standard to establish the economic consultant team with the next steps,” Moore said.

Biden Signs Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Bill into Law On March 29, President Joe Biden signed into law the Emmett Till Antilynching Act of 2022, which makes lynching a federal hate crime.

Named after Emmett Till, a 14-yearold African American savagely murdered by a group of white men in Mississippi in 1955, the legislation received push back from just three Republicans — Andrew Clyde (GA), Thomas Massie (KY), and Chip Roy of Texas.

Each were the lone votes against the bill.

Emmett Till’s murder sparked the civil rights movement which ultimately led to bills like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and other social justice laws.

“I could not have been prouder to stand behind President Biden as he signed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act into law,” National Urban League President Marc Morial stated.

“The act of lynching is a weapon of racial terror that has been used for decades, and our communities are still impacted by these hate crimes to this day,” Morial continued. “This bill is long overdue, and I applaud President Biden and Members of Congress for their leadership in honoring Emmett Till and other lynching victims by passing this significant piece of legislation.”

The legislation makes lynching a federal hate crime, punishable by up to life in prison.

Gov’s Relief Plan Would Send Over $9 Billion in Direct Payments to Californians Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed an $11 billion relief package to assist Californians struggling with the skyrocketing costs of gas, food and other commodities. The plan includes a mix of direct payments to individuals; suspension of public transportation fares tax rebates; and support for state, county and municipal programs that align with the governor’s goal to make California a zero-emissions state by 2035.

The state will provide about $9 billion in funding to cover $400 direct payments to car owners whose vehicles are registered in the state -- with a limit of two rebates per person. The payments will be sent to car owners on debit cards.

“We’re taking immediate action to get money directly into the pockets of Californians who are facing higher gas prices as a direct result of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine,” said Newsom.

“But this package is also focused on protecting people from volatile gas prices and advancing clean transportation — providing three months of free public transportation, fast-tracking electric vehicle incentives and charging stations, and new funding for local biking and walking projects,” he added.

UpFront

L.A.-Area Pastors Urge Attorney General to Grant Legal Action Challeng- CDC Recommends Fourth ing Herb Wesson’s Appointment in Light of Term Limit Provisions Dose for Those Over 50 he South Los Angeles Clergy for Public Accountability (SLACPA), a network of pastors representing more than 50,000 congregants in South Los Angeles, announced it had obtained the signatures of 28 pastors–including Bishops Charles Blake and Kenneth Ulmer, civil rights legend James Lawson and Pastors K.W. Tulloss, Xavier Thompson, Edward Anderson and Norman Johnson– on a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta urging him to permit the Southern Christian Leadership Conference — Southern California and Los Angeles City Council 10th District constituents’ to challenge the City Council’s appointment of a ‘temporary’ councilmember. The plaintiffs allege that appointment of Herb Wesson as ‘temporary’ councilmember fails to comply with the City Charter’s term limit provisions.

SLACPA’s letter signals the controversy surrounding what many consider an example of voter disenfranchisement with its attendant legal and political challenges is not going away soon. The letter to Bonta follows another letter signed by 12 pastors to City Council President Nury Martinez early last month urging her to be more transparent about her motives and reinstate CD10’s duly elected councilmember, Mark Ridley-Thomas. The Council “suspended” Ridley-Thomas last October less than a week after a grand jury handed down an indictment alleging

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Pastor K.W. Tulloss

criminal activity when he was on the Board of Supervisors in 2018. The Council move came with just 24 hours public notice and no evidentiary hearing in what observers decried as an effort made purely at the discretion of the Council to disenfranchise CD10 voters and deny Ridley-Thomas due process and the presumption of innocence.

“The judge did not make a ruling on whether the seating of Herb Wesson was legal or illegal. The judge stated that we must first get permission from the California Attorney General before we proceed against the City Council to challenge Mr. Wesson’s appointment. We filed the necessary papers with the Attorney General’s office, and we are attempting to get this issue expedited because we agree with Judge Strobel who earlier stated, in the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

stage, that there would be irreparable harm unless this appointment were not stopped in its tracks,” stated John Sweeney, counsel on behalf of SCLC-SC and CD10 plaintiffs. “We urge the California Attorney General to expeditiously grant the application for quo warranto as soon as possible so a court can decide whether or not Mr. Wesson’s ‘temporary’ appointment was lawful.”

As stated in the letter: “The City Council action to appoint a term-limited former councilmember as CD10’s interim representative in violation of the City Charter continues a process of disenfranchisement of CD10 constituents and nullification of their voices…The subsequent appointment process used to fill the incumbent’s unoccupied seat created by the City Council’s suspension lacked transparency and inclusivity. Furthermore, the process compromised the interim representative’s accountability to CD10 constituents.”

“The Council President’s appointment process whereby a ‘temporary’ replacement was named lacked transparency and excluded important members of the community,” added Rev. Dr. Beverly A. Crawford. “We’ve already seen personnel actions taken by the interim representative that are having a deleterious impact on constituent services and representation. Our community is watching. Our voices will not be silenced.”

The Centers for Disease Control recently updated their recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial mRNA booster dose at least 4 months ago to be eligible for another mRNA booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19.

“Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster 4 months after their prior dose to increase their protection further,” said CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time. CDC, in collaboration with FDA and our public health partners, will continue to evaluate the need for additional booster doses for all Americans.”

The expanded eligibility acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease in certain populations including those who are elderly or over the age of 50 with multiple underlying conditions, along with the currently available data on vaccine and booster effectiveness.

Further, emerging evidence suggests that a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 is not associated with new safety concerns.

HeadToHead Two Perspectives on Will Smith and the Slap Felt Around the World

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ear Mr. Smith, ross our nation — and exacerBob’s Blog: First of all, congratulabated by the COVID pandemic.

An Open tions on your winning the The research tells us that young Letter to Will people are feeling more angry, Oscar for your role in King RichSmith ard. It was a terrific and inspirdepressed, stressed, anxious, isoing film, and I derived great joy lated, and disconnected than in watching you play the lead role. ever before. And of course, young people This open correspondence to you is of color are disprocatalyzed by your now well-publicized portionately imencounter with Chris Rock – and may pacted by this seem presumptuous of me, given the crisis.

Affirming topic. But it emanates from the heart of the message that an African-American physician and “we all need help former public health executive, and one from time to time” who has spent much of my career advo- – that we all encating for the health and well-being of counter moments young people of color. However you of vulnerability or choose to navigate the fallout of this in- isolation or even Robert K. Ross cident in the days and weeks ahead, I rage – will be important for our nation’s offer three thoughts as a frame for your young people to hear from you. The own response. They are as follows: stigma surrounding the matter of men1. Thank you for Your Statement Con- tal health and well-being remains a demning the Use of Violence. Young stubbornly pervasive barrier in seeking people in America generally — but young counseling and support. men of color specifically — needed to hear Our foundation has agreed to rally to from you in condemning the use of vio- the call of our Surgeon General, Dr. lence in any form as a mechanism to Vivek Murthy, in engaging our young solve problems or disagreements, and is- people and their communities about how suing an apology for such an action. to respond accountably and construc2. Seek Counseling. Counseling support tively to their needs. Perhaps the “incior some other constructive form of ther- dent at the Oscars” can serve as a apeutic engagement is critical in the helpful turning point in elevating how to wake of such an incident. The counsel- confront a national crisis. ing support could come in the form of a Sincerely, psychologist, or some other licensed Robert K. Ross, MD mental health professional, or a pastor.

Robert K. Ross, M.D., is president and 3. Go Public. Now that you have gone on chief executive officer of The California record in condemning the use of violence, Endowment, whose mission it is to exand that some form of counseling interpand access to affordable, quality health vention is needed, then I would hope you care for underserved individuals and would “go public” — for the benefit of communities and to promote fundamenyoung people — with your effort to seek tal improvements in the health status of counseling and support. The United all Californians. For more information States Surgeon General recently issued about Ross or the California Endowa report highlighting the extraordinary ment, visit www.calendow.org. crisis of mental health and well-being ac-

Headlines From Africa Botswana: For the third consecutive year, Botswana leads Africa in concentration of female entrepreneurs with 38.5 per cent according to the 2021 Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs. Uganda (38.4 per cent) and Ghana (37.2 per cent) follow close behind.

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anhood,” a friend texted ing happened.

Was Will Smith me after Will Smith’s That’s not how it works when Protecting Chris Rock slap at the most of us choose violence. UnforBlack Women Oscars, “often comes tunately, many Black men spend or Displaying down to weighing the moment a lifetime navigating when to Toxic against the future.” make that choice, from defending Masculinity?

The sender was Jimi Izrael, a ourselves on the street or in the writer who has been workplace to taking up for our mothers, criticized as misogy- sisters, aunts or daughters when others nist in his own work mistreat them. I don’t know many men but who I once who’ve never had to make that choice. I talked out of assault- made it as recently as a month ago, when ing another writer a meaningless exchange of words in a who Jimi believed Walmart parking lot triggered a snap disrespected his late judgment that I needed to protect my fiwife, the former ancee and 18-month-old. I wanted to hurt NPR producer Tem- the man; I let him know, loudly, that I Keith Reed isha Walker, in an would. I spent the next several hours tryobituary after her 2013 death from ing to convince a woman I couldn’t care cancer. Few things raise a man’s impulse more deeply about that in my judgment, toward violence like an attack—real or it was all in her best interest. perceived—on our families. When it’s the In hers, it was terrifying. What would our women we love, the Black women who son, who already emulates everything I we’ve watched bear the scars of a lifetime do, take from that exchange? What if the of accumulated slights, the fuse is even police got involved and I, a six-foot-four shorter. inch, 220-lb, violently angry Black man But the thing about short fuses is they became the center of their attention? end in quick explosions that damage ev- What if the other guy had a gun and the eryone nearby, including those we in- last time I endeavored to protect them tended to shield from the blast. Smith’s was really the last time? What I’d spent assault of Rock and Jimi’s text crystal- a lifetime developing as a response to lized a question many of us have had to even slight aggression became a liability interrogate: what does protecting Black in the eyes of the person I’m closest to. women really look like? Does accountabil- She wasn’t wrong, but while I disagree ity for words always have to be meted out with how Smith handled the Chris Rock in violence, and if so, who accounts for the situation as poorly as humanly possible, collateral damage? his response still, oddly, resonated.

Those are questions Will Smith may Maybe it was a reflection of the work I never have to answer. Whatever moti- still need to do to avoid another flare up vated him to roll on Chris Rock, his at- like the one in the parking lot, or that tack happened in a sterile environment somewhere deep, I don’t abhor what where potential repercussions were min- Smith did as much as I tell myself I do. imal. Rock has said he won’t file a police Keith Reed is a writer, editor and comreport. The LAPD says it’s not investigatmentator whose bylines/appearances ining. Oscars security let him stay through clude Essence, theroot.com, ESPN, CNN the ceremony, in the front row, like nothand NPR.

A look at current news from the continent of Africa delayed elections intended to restore democratic rule after coups in 2020 and 2021. The measures were imposed in conjunction with sanctions by the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States, which froze Malian state assets, closed its borders and suspended non-essential financial transactions.

Burkina Faso: Paul-Henri Damiba was inaugurated last month as transitional president for three years, after leading a group of officers to oust Kabore in Januarywho said they’d been frustrated about mounting violence by Islamist militants.

Nigeria: Seven passengers died after gunmen attacked a busy train between Nigeria's capital, Abuja, and Kaduna city last month. An unknown number of passengers were abducted from the train as kidnapping for ransom has become commonplace.

Chad: In its first assessment of water security across the continent, the United Nations has found that 500 million people across 19 African nations remain water insecure with Chad, Somalia and Niger faring the worst.

Rwanda: Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has stressed that the trade and investment partnership between Rwanda and Zimbabwe must yield increased trade volume between both countries.

L.A. Focus/April 2022

Congo: The Democratic Republic of Congo has joined the East African Community as its seventh member, massively expanding the territory of the trade bloc and giving it access to the Atlantic Ocean.

Eritrea: Eritrea was the sole country on the continent to vote against a motion at the United Nations General Assembly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While many voted in favour of the resolution, about half of the African countries abstained, reflecting the influence Russia has on the continent.

Gabon: Gabon has recently emerged as a major destination for fake drugs, which according to the World Health Organization are the world’s most lucrative counterfeit goods, with a global market worth roughly $200-billion. Africa accounts for about 42% of this demand.

Gambia: More than 6,000 people have fled their homes in Gambia and Senegal following clashes between Senegalese soldiers and separatists near the Gambian border last month.

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Mali: A top court has ordered the suspension of sanctions imposed on Mali in January after the junta

Senegal: The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved $150 million from the International Development Association, to finance Senegal’s improvement in electricity access for households, businesses, and essential facilities.

South Africa: South Africa's unemployment rate rose to a new record high of 35.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021 due to job losses mainly in manufacturing and construction, according to Statistics South Africa. Private households, trade as well as community and social services, however, did see job gains.

Zimbabwe: The Citizens’ Coalition for Change, Zimbabwe’s leading opposition party, has won 19 out of the 28 national assembly seats in the long-delayed parliamentary by-elections. The parliamentary and local government by-elections are seen as a preview of next year’s presidential elections in which the opposition is hoping to dislodge The Zimbabwe African National Union, which has been in power since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980.

Money Matters More Black and Latino Californians Face Out-of-Reach Home Prices

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omeownership has long been considered a path to the middle class. But just 17% of Black and Latino households could afford a median-priced home in California last year, down from the prior two years, according to a new report.

All Californians faced a high-barrier market in 2021.

Only 26% of California households earned the minimum annual income of $144,400 needed to afford the monthly payments of a home priced at $786,750, the report by the California Association of Realtors said. That was down from 28% in 2020 and 30% in 2019.

The median home price is the point at which half the homes in the state are sold for more and half for less. In an ideal market, half of Californians would be able to afford a median-priced home, said Oscar Wei, deputy chief economist at the Realtors group.

Thirty-four percent of white households in the state could afford a median priced home, down from 38% in 2020. And 40% of Asian homebuyers could afford the median-priced home last year down from 43% in 2020.

Such racial inequities are likely to grow in 2022 if interest rates continue their expected upward climb, even as the labor market has driven wages higher for many workers, said Wei, the economist.

“When you see interest rates rising – and mortgage payments rising faster than income – that means affordability overall should decline in 2022,” Wei said.

“The housing affordability gap between ethnic groups … could widen.”

California’s Black and Latino families earned median incomes less than those of the state’s white and Asian families. And higher housing prices would likely make it harder for Black and Latino families to save for down payments, Wei said.

The pandemic pushed California home prices into overdrive last year, spurring demand for single-family homes as families sought more space and were able to move further away from their places of employment given the rise of remote work. In Southern California, for instance, the million-dollar home became ubiquitous in a growing number of neighborhoods, an analysis by

ALEJANDRO LAZO CAL Matters

The Los Angeles Times found.

Wei, of the Realtors group, said he believed Black and Latino families may have moved to more affordable parts of the state during the pandemic in comparison to other ethnic groups. This movement could result in further segregation in the state, particularly in the state’s more expensive counties, he added.

Nikki A. Beasley, the executive director of Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, an affordable housing organization that helps first-time buyers, said her organization has helped many people in the organization’s hometown of Richmond, as well as throughout the greater Bay Area. Qualifying for a mortgage in recent years has not been as big of a barrier as has the low availability of homes for sale, she said.

The nonprofit is itself a property manager, advocate and urban developer currently working on a West Oakland project of nine, single-family homes with accessory dwelling units, she said. They also are working to acquire and rehabilitate dormant or blighted properties around the Bay Area to be converted into homes for people, Beasley said, and they are partnering with the Realtors on a program that provides up to $10,000 toward closing costs for low and moderate income first-time homebuyers.

Sacramento lawmakers and advocates have sought to boost the homeownership rate for Black Californians.

Across the state, several programs seek to increase homeownership through downpayment assistance. The largest program is overseen by the California Housing Finance Agency, which provides as much as $11,000 of down payment assistance to qualifying first-time homebuyers.

Last year, Senate Democrats proposed a “California Dream for All” plan in which the state might pay up to 45% of the purchasing price of a home. The state treasurer is studying the proposal and is expected to report back to the legislature with more details.

Beasley, the director of the Richmond-based organization, works with many Black families. She tells them homeownership is possible, even in a frenzied Bay Area

On the Money No End In Sight for Gas Prices

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No matter where you go in Los Angeles County, prices at the pump are at record highs. The average price per gallon continues to rise and depending on where you fill up can range from a low of $5.50 per gallon to a high of $7.55. Just recently, Los Angeles became the first city in the nation to hit an average gas price of $6 per gallon.

President Biden recently announced a plan to release 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic reserve over the next six months to bring down energy and gas prices, adding that there was no firm answer as to when gas prices would decrease.

No end in sight for the pain at the pump could spell trouble for California Democrats who have been slammed by Republican lawmakers seeking to suspend California’s gas tax, citing the negative and disproportionate impacts on communities of color and low income residents.

In fact, U.S. governors around the nation are proposing tax cuts, rebates and other forms of relief to drivers in light of the soaring gas prices. Six governors -- from Michigan, Colorado, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Mexico and Pennsylvania -- jointly urged Congress to suspend the federal 18.4-cents-per-gallon gas tax until the end of 2022.

In his State of the State address, Governor Gavin Newsom said he was working on “a proposal to put money back in Californians’ pockets to address rising gas prices” and had proposed a tax rebate, the details of which are reportedly being worked out.

In response to the Governor’s plan, California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, indicated that they were working on a plan as well and would seek tax relief from the General Fund.

In the meantime, the Automobile Club have advised that Californians can save money on gas by making sure their tires are properly maintained, avoiding “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations, driving at the speed limit, minimizing the use of air conditioning, removing unnecessary bulky items from their cars and avoiding extended idling.

Money Matters continued to page 24

Biz News Briefs BET has pacted with Taraji P. Henson’s TPH Entertainment for a venture that was designed to supply the increased demand for premium content from Black creators. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Taraji and TPH Entertainment to BET Studios’ growing portfolio of top Black creators and industry leaders. Taraji is immensely important to both the industry and our community. As such, she will contribute her profound insights and expertise to amplify BET Studios’ diverse array of content offerings,” said Scott Mills, Chief Executive Officer, BET. “While Taraji continues to excite, inspire, and dismantle barriers as an awardwinning actress, the creation of TPH Entertainment as

BET Strikes Deal with Taraji P. Henson

a vehicle to champion underrepresented storytellers whose voices are integral to the media and social landscapes is in perfect alignment with our mission for BET Studios.”

Noting the support of BET throughout her career, Henson said, “BET Studios understands and perfectly aligns with my vision of why I founded TPH Entertainment, to increase opportunities and create content that will challenge audiences and inspire new perspectives.

I am so excited to join them and for the incredible content we will create together. This partnership will be for the culture.”

Nike To Honor Kobe Bryants’s Legacy in New Partnership with Estate Nike has announced a new chapter of collaboration with Kobe Bryant’s family and in partnership with Vanessa Bryant, it will inspire a new generation of athletes and encourage youth participation in sport.

The announcement ends a year-long beef between Bryant and Nike that ended with her severing ties with the company after accusing them of selling shoes that honorer her late daughter, Gianna, without her consent.

"Nike has NOT sent any of these pairs to me and my

girls. I do not know how someone else has their hands on shoes I designed in honor of my daughter, Gigi and we don't," she posted on Instagram.

Just recently, however, Bryant changed her tune, posting, “We're excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue! I am so proud that my husband's shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remain so desired by his fans around the world.”

The first new Kobe release, the Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16” will honor Gigi Bryant. All proceeds from the shoe will benefit the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. Release information will be shared at a later date.

“I am happy to announce that we will continue my husband's legacy with Nike and look forward to expanding his and Gigi's global impact by sharing the Mamba Mentality with youth athletes for generations to come,” says Vanessa Bryant.

As part of the new partnership, Vanessa and Nike will work together to establish a youth basketball center in Southern California and Nike and the Bryant family will continue to outfit the NBA and WNBA athletes who carry the legacy of the Mamba Mentality.

KEITH DELAWDER Contributor

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n September of last year, six term Congresswoman Karen Bass made waves in the political world when she announced her retirement from the House of Representatives in order to mount a campaign for Mayor of Los Angeles in the following fall.

“Our city is facing a public health, safety and economic crisis in homelessness that has evolved into a humanitarian emergency,” said Bass in the announcement to her candidacy. “Los Angeles is my home. With my whole heart, I’m ready. Let’s do this— together.”

Congresswoman Karen Bass

Bass, who currently serves as the second vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, joins a wave of five other California Representatives who are leaving Congress ahead of the 2022 Midterm elections. While these departures aren’t expected to change the balance of power in the House, they will open the door for fresh representation for candidates of underrepresented communities to seek office and bring more stimulated voter engagement to the transfers of power.

As for Karen Bass’ California Congressional District 37, which stretches from Inglewood to Westwood and includes the neighborhoods of Mid-City, Culver City, Leimert Park, Ladera Heights, South Los Angeles, Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, West Los Angeles, Exposition Park, among others— three top candidates have emerged to contend for the seat: former L.A. City Councilwoman Jan Perry, California State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and Culver City Vice Mayor Dr. Daniel Lee— along with Democratic candidate Sandra Mendoza and the field’s lone Republican Baltazar Fedalizo. Voters will get their first chance to weigh in on the candidates in the June 7th primary runoff where the top two vote recipients from either party will face off in the November midterm elections.

Sidney Kamlager was first to step up to the plate.

In her relatively short time in public office, California Senator Sydney Kamlager has been something of a rising star among L.A. Democrats, accumulating in her 2021 landslide victory in the race for the 30th Senate District seat.

“Nobody is as popular with voters in this district as Congresswoman Karen Bass, but state Senator Kamalager ranks as a close second and is easily the frontrunner to replace Karen Bass in Congress,” says Kerman Maddox, a public affairs consultant and political commentator.

Sydney is not only very visible in the district, her children attend schools in the district and she's accessible at public gath-

erings in a way many elected aren't. In addition, she has endorsements from two of the area’s most well nown elected officials in Congresswoman Karen Bass, and Supervisor Holly Mitchell. Her endorsements, visibility, name recognition and fundraising advantage give Sydney a substantial advantage over other candidates and makes her the candidate to beat.”

Hand-picked by Congresswoman Bass to fill her seat in Congress, Kamlager is calling on the same voters she’s represented in the State Senate and Assembly to send her to Washington so she can bring her vision of health and equity to the national stage.

“I currently represent 93% of the 37th District in the State Senate, so I would represent a district that already knows me,” says Kamlager. “I think whether it's protecting our democracy from continuous assaults or making sure women have the right to choose or finding ways to have as many people as possible achieve the American dream, the needs of everyday people continue to be my north star.”

Kamlager says she is running for Congress so she can be in a position to help the most people, in the same ways she’s worked for the people in her districts in Los Angeles.

“I’m running on a platform that centers around health— the health of our economy, the health of our planet, and the physical and mental health of the people of my district and across the country,” says Kamlager. “I think we’re at a critical juncture in 2022 where we have to put those cards on the table and that’s why I’m running for congress— to work on the big stuff. National policy affords us to have deeper conversations about how we can become less dependent on fossil fuels, how we can use the leverage of this country to drive energy prices down, how to conserve water, drive down the costs of healthcare, and how we can have a national conversation about mental and behavioral health. We have a responsibility to talk about these things as national issues rather than leaving it up to individual

Sydney Kamlager

Former City Councilwoman Jan Perry is poised to represent a community she has served a sizeable part of for decades. Known for her three terms representing L.A. City Council District 9 between 2001-2013, Perry then worked for the next six years as General Manager of the City of Los Angeles’ Economic & Workforce Development Department. She currently acts as the Executive Director of two non-profit organizations— Infrastructure Funding Alliance and Shelter Partnership, Inc. Throughout her career Perry has made issues of homelessness and affordable housing a top priority, something she plans to continue if given the opportunity to represent her district on the national level.

“What distinguishes me is that I’ve had over twelve years of experience working with federal, as well as state and county governments on many publicly funded programs and I’ve been able to see what works and what doesn’t work,” Perry tells L.A. Focus.

Perry refers to her time in City Hall and in the nonprofit sector working with federal agencies such as Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor and the Department of Education as vital to her ability to get things done on the inside.

“I’ve interacted with all those agencies over the years and I've seen the programs that come out the other end of their pipeline— many have been highly successful, and some have not, but I have that experience,” said Perry.

Born in Cleveland, Perry was exposed to politics and civic duty at an early age as her parents were civil rights advocates who both served their municipality as Mayor. Perry came to L.A. to study Public Policy at USC, and never left— working under four different public leaders before mounting her own successful campaign for City Council in 2001.

Perry is confident that her track record of experience and accomplishments in the city is evidence of effective leadership in government.

“I’ve built over 6,000 units of housing over my time, including housing for people who are unhoused, and I know how to use financing tools to subsidize the creation of more units,” says Perry. “I also know what good housing policy looks like and what it doesn’t look like.

When I see areas of our district where high volume premium apartments are being erected and rented out for $3,000 a month, that’s not going to solve our affordable housing crisis, it's only going to deepen it. So, I think I have the experience to be able to make those distinctions on how policy and legislation is created because I’ve done it.”

Looking forward, Perry preaches a message of inclusion of those who have been systematically marginalized as the cornerstone to prosperity for everyone.

“We’ve all come through a very dire situation, not just as a country, but globally, and we need to learn the lessons that this pandemic has exposed and close

Mayor Daniel Lee the gap in the disparities of housing, healthcare, food insecurity, and make a district and a country that is just and inclusive. We have to go forward, and we have to bring others along with us. That’s what I intend to do.”

Perry’s endorsements include Congresswoman Maxine Waters, former Congresswoman Diane Watson, L.A. County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, Reverend William Epps and the Martin Luther King Jr. Democratic Club, among others.

Dr. Daniel Lee, who in 2018 became the first African-American City Councilmember in Culver City’s history and is currently serving as Mayor, is also poised to bring his progressive agenda to Washington.

According to Lee, the pillars of his platform include creating legislation on the federal level to protect the right to choose, passing immigration reform which includes a path to citizenship, passing medicare for all, strengthening and protecting voting rights, and getting the government back into the process of actively building housing– but most crucially, Lee says he will be fighting in Congress to contain and prepare for an impending climate crisis.

“My chief motivation in running for Congress is so I can be on the federal level to push our government to do a lot more when it comes to addressing the climate crisis,” says Lee. “The effects of climate change hit low income people and people of color first both in the United States and around the world, and we’re already seeing the crisis of climate refugees which has the potential to only get worse. The climate crisis is the crisis of our time and we're just not doing enough about it on the federal level, so I want to be that change.”

Lee is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and National Guard, was a twelve year member of the Screen Actor Guild, and holds a PhD in social work. Lee is a self-described “unabashed progressive” and ran for city council on issues such as instating rent controls and lowering the police budget. He lists shutting down the Inglewood oil fields, passing rent control, being the second city in the country to to pass a form of reparations, and moving forward on a mobile crisis response pilot to help prevent violent interactions between police and citizens as some of his proud accomplishments since taking office.

“I am committed to do the things we know we need to do as a country,” says Lee. “We know that we need to address the climate crisis, we know there is not just an affordable housing crisis in L.A. but in many places across the country, and we know that there is an assault on women's rights. I firmly believe that we need a wealth tax and we need to get rid of the upper limit on income tax so that money can be used to rebuild public infrastructure and to build the green energy and internet infrastructure the country will need to be competitive in the future. I understand these problems, I’ve worked with a lot of these industries and I know how to push people to get things done.”

L.A. Focus/April 2022

states.”

Hailing from Chicago, Kamlager was exposed to politics early, working with her grandmother to help elect Chicago’s first black mayor, Harold Washington.

Kamlager moved to L.A. to study political science at USC. In 1992 during her time at USC she was inspired by the tragedy of the riots following the Rodney King verdict to get involved in local politics and make the city a more just and inclusive place. In her early work, Kamlager was a District Director under now L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell at the early education nonprofit Crystal Stairs.

According to Kamlager it was Mitchell whose mentoring and support encouraged her to run for office.

“She has been an amazing friend and mentor,” says Kamlager. “It was because of her that I co-founded the Black Woman’s Democratic Club which helped give greater opportunities for black women to have a voice in the Democratic Party.”

Kamlager won her first public position in 2015 when she was elected to the L.A. Community College Board, and then went on to successfully run for the State Assembly in 2018 and the State Senate in 2021.

Kamlager points to her legislative and policy accomplishments over the last six years as proof that she has been a consistent force for helping create a more just and prosperous state for her constituents.

“I have a proven record which shows that I listen and lead with openness and I’m committed to the success of the district and I’m committed to economic justice,” says Kamlager. “I’m committed to the idea that if you focus on economic equity, you will be addressing the many other social inequities that all of us are fighting against. It’s important to feel that we all have access to the American dream, and we all have the ability to determine our own future and successes. I’ve worked really hard as an elected official to make that happen and I hope the people will believe in me enough to know that I will do the same if I’m elected to Congress.”

In her endorsement of Kamlager, Bass said: Sydney Kamlager has the backbone we need in a Congresswoman. She’ll pick up when I leave and will help get important laws across the finish line. She will boldly stand up to the attacks on voting rights across our nation, protect democracy and help unite our nation, so we can more forward and address the crisis we are facing.”

Along with Congresswoman Karen Bass and Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Kamlager has received endorsements from California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Alex Padilla, California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Webber, L.A. Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, L.A. Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Curren Price, the California Legislative Black Caucus, State Senator Steve Bradford, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the California Democratic Party, Emily’s List, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and SEIU California, just to name a few.

Jan Perry

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HO L LY W OOD SPOT LIGHT Chez Hadley “They Call Me Magic” Set to premiere on April 22 (Apple TV+) is “They Call Me Magic,” the highly anticipated four-part documentary event that takes an illuminating, holistic look into the life and career of one of the world’s most iconic figures, Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

The documentary offers a rare glimpse into the incredible real-life story of Johnson, who left his mark on history through his work – both on and off the court. From the magnetic connection that led him to the love of his life to his transcendence from sports superstar to business titan blazing new trails for former athletes and revolutionizing the way corporate America does business in Black com-

munities, “They Call Me Magic” offers unprecedented access.

The docuseries explores Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s remarkable journey from being the face of the Los Angeles Lakers and cementing himself as an all-time NBA legend, to changing the conversation around HIV with the shocking diagnosis that he trans-

formed from grief into triumph, shifting global dialogue about the disease and overcoming its staggering odds.

From his humble beginnings in Lansing, Michigan to becoming the global force he is today, “They Call Me Magic” features intimate interviews with Magic, his family, and an all-star lineup–including Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Snoop Dogg, former President Barack Obama, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, and LL Cool J–as the docuseries charts the cinematic life of one of the biggest cultural icons of our era.

All four parts of “They Call Me Magic will premiere globally on April 22 on Apple TV+.

OUT THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Morbius March 4 Will Smith To Face the Music on April 18

L.A. Focus/April 2022

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Will Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.

“There are big consequences because nobody is OK with what happened.

Nobody, nobody, nobody,” said Academy board member Whoopi Goldberg of Smith’s open-handed slap of Chris Rock during the Oscars.

The box office star will find out exactly what the consequences are on April 18.

The disciplinary actions, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions against Smith who likely has already received notice of the vote regarding his violations and will have the opportunity to respond in writing. And even though Rock declined to press charges, the Academy could press formal police charges against Smith.

If found guilty, a misdemeanor charge of assault

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Ambulance April 8

The Unbearable Weight of The Man Who Fell to Earth• Massive Talennt• April 22 April 24 (Showtime)

would have Smith looking at up to six months in jail and a $100,000 fine.

The Academy apologized to Chris Rock for what he experienced on their stage and thanked him for his resilience in the moment.

“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the statement read. “While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.”

Smith has since publicly apologized to Rock on social media, writing, “I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be.

There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

For his part, Rock had mostly remained mum on the event, breaking his silence for a performance on stage in Boston where–before he said a word–he received two standing ovations that left him misty-eyed. Of the incident, Rock said: "I'm still processing it. I will talk about it, and it will be serious, and it will be funny, but not tonight.”

Ironically, in a video posted to her TikTok account a few days before the Oscars, Pinkett Smith said, “Being a Black woman and dealing with hair in Hollywood, especially in the era that I came up in, having your hair look as Euro-

pean as possible was always the thing,” she says in the video. … I had to learn to get the courage to go, nah I’m not doing it, which is why I feel the freedom today, I don’t give two craps what people feel about this bald head of mine. Cuz guess what? I love it.”

On the Home Front After 22 years of marriage, Blackish star Anthony Anderson’s wife Alvina Stewart has filed for divorce a second time, citing irreconcilable differences. She is asking for spousal support and attorney fees, as well as requesting “property acquired during the marriage be treated as ‘community’ property to be split between the parties.” There is much to split as Anderson is starring as Andre Johnson in the final season of Blackish, currently hosts the game show, “To Tell the Truth” and is back in his co-starring role of Det. Kevin Bernard in NBC’s revival of the original Law & Order.

In Other Entertainment News...

After a ten-year absence, Samuel Jackson is set to return to the Broadway stage for a revival of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning The Piano Lesson, to be directed by his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson in what will mark her Broadway directorial debut. The production–set to begin performances in mid-September–will also star John David Washington and Danielle Brooks…Finally, a docuseries tracing Megan Thee Stallion’s rise from viral freestyling phenom and hitmaking rapper to cultural powerhouse is currently in the works from Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.

Footnotes Regina Hall Hometown: Washington D.C. Age: 51 Big Break: “Scary Movie” Recent Projects: Master (Amazon), Honk for Jesus.

Save Your Soul (September, The Best Man (3) Regina Hall graduated from Fordham University in 1992 and went on to earn a master's degree in journalism from New York University before shifting to an acting career. In 1997, she began appearing in commercials, and then made the giant leap into movies. Notoriety came with her role in the comedyhorror spoof, Scary Movie in 2000. Since she’s appeared in dozens of films and T.V. shows including, “Black-ish”, “Black Monday”, “Think Like A Man”, “Shaft”, “The Hate U Give” and “Girls Trip”.

On her upcoming film, Honk for Jesus, stars Hall as the first lady of a megachurch embroiled in scandal after her husband (Sterling K. Brown) makes a series of missteps “My grandmother was a Baptist and I’ve gone to church my whole life. My family, myself, we’re all Christians,” she says. “I thought [Ebo] wrote a really interesting story that allowed us the gift of critical thinking about the church and what value we place on it.”

On religion: “I’m always fascinated by religion and its connection to culture and how we view the world,” Hall says. “What we learn, what we think, what is imposed by what you think is doctrine…I think those are questions we, unfortunately, have had since the beginning of time. I don’t think I’m asking a new one. But maybe we’re asking the same questions in different ways, still wanting the same answer.”

You hold a master’s degree in journalism, why did you not pursue it?

I value journalism even more now than ever and realize how difficult the job is – the risks they take in their life, what it takes to sit down and write a story. I’ve always thought it was such an honorable profession, and I still do. There's days where I'd be like, "Ah, I'd want to tell that story," because it's so imperative. I didn't pursue it because my dad had a stroke and life took me in a different direction.

How do you make a character your own?

I feel like the paper gives you all the information, but the actor gives it life. That means all the nuances of who she is, her backstory, all the stuff that’s not on the paper—her biggest secret, her biggest regret, whatever that might be, that you craft and all your homework before you even go up to set.

It’s those kinds of things that create texture and nuances in a character. That’s the hard part of it and the fun part.

On what the pandemic taught her: The pandemic was a reminder of how much I wanted my family to be okay, for them to be safe. I was very aware that we don't know what will happen, so just making sure that your family is safe and healthy, and that you're communicating how much you love them is always important.

RedCarpet Style

JADA PINKETT SMITH was a head turner in this Jean Paul Gautier Couture gown

REGINA HALL wowed in this beige Vera Wang showstopper

The Oscars were back in style and the among the stars lighting up the red carpet last month were those spotlighted below, wearing what we felt were some of the evenings most stylish looks.

ZOE KRAVITZ channeled Audrey Hepburn in Saint Laurent

JILL SCOTT sparkled in this gorgeous body shaping black gown

AUNJANUE ELLIS showed off her curves in this orange Versace gown

Eye On Gospel God is On Her Side Dubbed the “first lady of worship and praise” for her work as worship leader at L.A.’s West Angeles COGIC and such signature hits as “Like The Dew In the Morning”, Judith McAllister recently announced the release of her latest single, God Is on My Side.

“It is my hope and prayer,” she posted on Instagram, “that it blesses you and serves as a daily reminder that God is on your side.”

The single was written by her daughter Destiny.

“She was reading about the story of David and about how God rescued him and delivered him from his enemies. She texted me about three o’clock in the morning and said, ‘Mom, when you wake up, please come and talk to me because I have a song for you.’ I got up after prayer and I said to her, okay Destiny, what do you have for me. She began to sing this song and I said, ‘Oh my goodness, this is definitely a song that I believe will not only witness to the goodness of God but will also bless the people of the Lord.

The Harlem-born, selftaught pianist and mother of three credits her success in part to a vision in the heart of her pastor, the Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. “A lot of what I’m walking in at

this particular time in my life is a direct reflection of the vision that was in his heart,” she states. “In the early 80’s, he had a vision of people of color really lifting their hands and worshipping God and you must understand but we didn’t do that at the time. It was definitely something that was apostolic in its nature and the journey has definitely been wonderful. Seeing now how so many worship individuals and worship ministers are really embracing it and taking it to the next level it’s just such a joy to have been there on onset of what God is doing in this particular arena at the time.”

The new single is available on all platforms and McAllister has also announced the sale of God Is on My Side t-shirts on her website, neverendingworship.org.

Kingdom Business Grammy winning, platinum-selling gospel superstar Kirk Franklin is teaming up with five-time Grammynominated supergroup Maverick City Music for the Kingdom Tour featuring special guests Jonathan McReynolds and Housefires. Produced by Live Nation and Undivided, the 37-city tour kicks off on June 1st at FTX Arena in Miami, FL making stops across North America in Atlanta, Toronto, Nashville, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up in Denver, CO at Ball Arena on July 31st. At the conclusion of the Kingdom Tour, a collaboration album, Kingdom, will follow featuring Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin. In the meantime, shooting has wrapped shooting on Kingdom Business, the music-driven eight-episode scripted series about the gospel industry produced by DeVon Franklin, Holly Carter and Kirk Franklin and airing on BET later this year.

Yolanda Adams stars as the reigning “Queen of Gospel” Denita Jordan, a gospel superstar who has launched her own in-house label, while also serving as the first lady of her husband’s church. Serayah (of Empire fame) stars as Rbel, a talented up-and-coming gospel star with

a checkered past as an exotic dancer and a voice that propels her to center stage.

Co-stars include Michael Beach as Denita’s husband who also serves as the Bishop of the First Kingdom Church; Michael Jai White, Denita’s former collaborator turned rival; and Tamar Braxton. A date for the debut of the show has not yet been announced.

Marvin’s Song for Today’s Times In the lead up to his 14th album, Substance, (due in June), Marvin Sapp has released his latest single, All in Your Hands. Penned by Sapp and Stan Jones, “All in Your Hands” is a melodious reminder to relinquish worry, anxiety, fear and doubt to the ever-knowing God who has an answer before the question is even asked.

“If there is one thing that I know it is that God is sovereign,” says Sapp. “When I first heard this song, I actually had already selected a debut single, but I knew this is what we needed to lead with. Whatever we are going through individually, and everything that the world is going through collectively, it is absolutely all in God’s hands. I’m honored to be able to bring this song to life to remind us of just that.”…Sadly, gospel vocalist LaShun Pace –who got her start performing with The Anointed Pace Sisters along with her sisters, Duranice, Phyllis, June, Melonda, Dejuaii, Leslie, Latrice, and Lydia–passed away last month. Known as one of the most talented sopranos to ever walk on this side of Heaven, Pace’s signature hits include “I Know I’ve Been Changed”, “Complete” and “Act Like You Know.” She was 60 years old…Byron Cage is set to launch his own weekly talk show on his Instagram and Facebook Live platforms. Announced guests include Bebe Winans, Trina Braxton and T.C. Carson…Finally, congratulations to Jekalyn Carr on the launch of her skin care line for her Jekalyn Beauty brand. Products include a facial moisturizer cream, serum and facial gel cleanser.

L.A. Focus/April 2022

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GameChanger

GERALD BELL Contributor

“Always In Transition—Donna Ross Jones”

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L.A. Focus/April 2022

s president and owner of Transition Music Corporation (TMC), the exclusive music provider for more than 26 television series and 9 channels and networks, Donna RossJones has marked her territory behind the scenes of the music and TV industry and yet among some of its brightest stars.

From the late Bing Crosby to Whitney Houston and current A-lists names from Snoop Dogg to Ziggy Marly, Jones’ company has amassed extensive music credits listed in feature films, network television, commercials, trailers, and digital content.

TMC owns both a production music library and music publishing catalogs that represent more than 30,000 combined vocal and instrumental tracks from all genres. Their digital online production music library has more than 300 genres and sub-genres, resulting in more than 1 million global broadcasts annually.

For the last four consecutive years, TMC has been ranked by the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) as a top 100 music publisher in the United States. While the firm has garnered a wide range of Grammy and Emmy award-winning clientele, Jones admits she never saw it coming.

“I had no intention of being in music at all,” says Jones who is recognized today as an industry leader by major entertainment and business publications. “This was not on my radar—this was not [to be] my life.”

At age 17, Jones’ first real job was with a temp agency where she helped general labor folks find work.

An entertainment company that utilized the temp agency’s services to hire parttime admin help convinced Jones to come work in their office as an assistant. She joined the firm for a three-year stint gaining deep exposure to the good, bad, and ugly sides of music and talent management — which led her to determine, “I'm not working for anybody else. I'm starting my own company.”

Jones set out independently by representing artists and signing them to labels as well as negotiating foreign music deals. By age 20, her first exclusive client was the late Rick James who became known for his R&B punk-funk brand. She went on to work with other entertainment household names as Eddie Murphy, Anita Baker, Irene Cara, and Heart, respectively.

“For me, it was very much a journey,” describes Jones of the struggles she encountered along her career trajectory. “There were few female executives at that

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time (early 1980’s) so it was an odd business to navigate…respect for women was zero.”

She continued, “It was the beginning of my moving toward publishing because I started realizing (as an artist manager) that people could have so much control over your life and then they could hurt you. But with naivete, determination, and commitment you just see your way through.”

Having developed an affinity for the music business, Jones became skilled at working a room and networking with other professionals. She disclosed how there were times when her outward beauty is what got her into certain spaces and led to valuable connections.

But, along with all the access she gained (international travels, studio sessions, tours, etc.) came some dark moments when the private lives (and shady business deals) of those she worked with required navigating what she called “icky situations” — none of which meant compromising her own professional standards.

“Often through my career, the crazier a person was the more they liked working with me because I was so opposite,” explained Jones, who as a youth wanted to major in psychology. “I was so calm, so square, so believing, so optimistic. And that was something that wasn't a part of [certain celebrities and industry leader’s] lives.”

In 1993, Jones shifted her focus to providing music for film and television and without looking any other direction she continues to see remarkable payoffs. Her company’s diverse services include providing composers

and songwriters with music supervision, licensing, research, clearances, publishing administration, global royalty collection, performance and streaming income, and more.

TMC also offers an internship program where those who graduate can attain employment in publishing. This component of TMC is a passion of Jones and she relishes the increased number of women and minorities that come through the training.

“I seek out women and people of color,” Jones points out. “For women, I am over the top committed because I am a single mom with a special needs kiddo.

If I had been an employee (versus an owner) my life would be very different today.”

The City of Los Angeles honored Jones with the "Emerging Entrepreneur" award for her innovation, commitment to entrepreneurship, and general economic development. Black Enterprise recognized Jones as one of Hollywood's 16 Rising Stars. Additionally, the Hollywood Reporter featured Jones in their annual "50 Most Influential Women in Entertainment" issue. She was also named Executive of the Year for her contributions to Film & TV Music by the Cambridge Who’s Who. Jones credits such songs as “If Looks Could Kill” by Heart, and “Lead Me Into Love” by Anita Baker as her biggest chart making hits that positioned TMC to realize early sustainable gains. Moreover, popular media magnate Byron Allen, who became an exclusive partner with Jones, is the music client she is most proud of.

“Byron has given loyalty and we have grown wonderfully alongside him more-so than with any other individual client,” she says.

“I have said for years, I'm just going to keep doing an amazing job, showing up, and giving 110%,” notes Jones, who also co-founded Special Needs Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising public awareness of autism, impacting public policy, and parent education.

“I'm so committed to that act of entrepreneurship, especially for women of color,” adds Jones. “I go bonkers about it. When I see so many women whose realities of life, relationships, and business, and they're trying to figure how to survive, I am always seeking them out.”

Whether she is helping artists and musicians make money through licensing, supporting media producers with music solutions, or offering her time and influence to women or special needs children, Jones insists she is “dedicated to helping creatives make a living doing

Through theStorm “Health Dilemna Leaves Gifted Photographer Waiting To Exhale” what they love and dedicated to making a difference!”

With hospitals and clinics across the globe claiming staff burnout, high turnover rates, a shortage of supplies and resources–if ever there were a time to regret needing medical attention–the COVID-19 pandemic (now in year three) likely tops them all.

Louis Carr, 53, a highly regarded photographer, artists, and activist, has been living with this regret long before the historic pandemic struck America. For more than a decade, he’s found himself in a contentious space with questionable medical professionals and an often less than sympathetic healthcare system.

Diagnosed with HIV in 2008, the battle for Carr’s life has only faced a downward spiral with the additional diagnosis of stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Sickle Cell Anemia — which have intensified his desperate plea for adequate medical care.

Struggling with a weakened heart and a seriously damaged immune system, Carr has had to survive more than one misdiagnosis by both his primary doctor and other medical specialists. Some physicians have been forthright in admitting they are clueless as to what was going on with Carr’s body after examining him. Others have come back to him claiming they were sure he had Tuberculosis, or citing “gunk” on his lung they come back with a diagnosis of acute lung syndrome.

Moreover, some doctors have told him he’s just fighting an extreme case of pneumonia so go home and rest, or just take some antibiotics you’ll be fine, or worse you’re going to die if we don’t admit you right away.

“It’s hard. To say the least. And it gets even harder when you do not trust your medical provider or your health insurance,” Carr posted on a Gofundme page set up by a close friend to raise support for his healthcare costs and personal necessities. “Mentally, emotionally, and physically I’m completely derailed doing everything I know how to do to [assess] the damage, heal, and prepare.”

Much of Carr’s treatment and care has been administered by university based medical providers in Los Angeles. He shared how he’s walked out of an examination room due to heated exchanges with nurses and specialists who insisted that he interpret his conditions their way and not according to medical records.

If that isn’t enough, Carr has heard on more than one occasion that a required urgent procedure will be delayed or not conducted at all because his insurance would not adequately cover the costs, or the policy wasn’t accepted where he was being seen.

Up to twenty different medications have been prescribed to Carr over the course of his 14-year health crisis. In some instances, it was later discovered that there were medicines he should have never been taking, or the dosage was incorrect.

“I was put on diabetes medication, but I only took it because the doctor said that’s what I have,” Carr recounts. “I am not a diabetic because it doesn’t run in the family.” To this point, one of his nurses argued that because he was overweight, he must be diabetic.

In 2020, Carr, affectionally known as Kengi, participated in a Black Lives Matter protest and march and began feeling like he just couldn’t keep up. Though he tried to continue, no matter how much slowed his pace or how much water he consumed, nothing restored his energy. Fellow protesters became concerned and took Carr to the emergency room. As he stood to shake the hand of the care provider, he passed out on the floor in the examination room.

The attending physician gave Carr a sense of confidence that his life might finally be in the right hands when the doctor said to him, “I’m Going to admit you. I am married to a black man, and I’ve seen how he gets treated.”

Carr, who is also a medical treatment educator, shared with this doctor how he’s experienced other hospital staff discharging him even though they hadn’t done all they could do, nor properly advised how to

manage what he’s battling. “It doesn’t surprise me,” said the doctor, who confirmed he’s not diabetic, and she also vowed not to leave his room until she could figure out what needed to be done.

“For the first time in my life I’m thinking about death,” admitted Carr, who faced a period of being bedridden because he couldn’t standup or walk. “I’ve never been inside the house this long. I was always out of the house because of photo shoots, covering events, or being on a red carpet.”

On most major hospital and ER visits, Carr was accompanied by his close friends and creative business partners who continue to be his most reliable source of support and advocacy. The times when he couldn’t get to the bathroom on his own Carr says his friends were there to lift him up and help him shower.

“Friendship has always been very sacred to me,” Carr explains. “I don’t have a relationship with my brothers and sisters.

So, my friends have been fully supportive and I’m incredibly thankful because without them I would have given up.”

Although Carr’s ongoing health battles are not even close to being resolved, he’s determined to stay in the fight. It will mean missing photography gigs which was how he pays rent and puts food on the table. He’ll miss out on taking his dogs to the vet to get their shots, or on walks outside. Sadly, he’s also missing the 24 young men he regularly mentors on important life principles to benefit their own futures.

“I feel like I’m crazy,” laments Carr. “I feel like sometimes this is all my fault even though I know I did everything right. I was engaged in care, but care was not engaged in me and still isn’t engaged in me.”

This sudden drop-off of a very highly active life is causing the idea of winning

the fight to appear impossible for a man who is used to being among Hollywood celebrities and other social movers and shakers around Los Angeles and the nation. A critical part of Carr’s fight has led to taking financial hits from the costs of healthcare, daily essentials, and avoiding a repeat of being homeless which he suffered for 29 months (from 2007 to 2009).

“I still don’t know how I am going to pay these medical bills,” stresses Carr. “I don’t know how I am going to pay rent. My friends help me with food, but they can’t keep that up - they’re not rich.”

Along with hoping for resources, Carr longs to one day return to work as a photographer. Not only would this put money in his pocket, but it would also be a preferred coping mechanism while he endures the new normal his health demands.

“Photography is my passion,” Carr said. “If I’m having a bad day, or just need to get out, I grab the camera and go. I call Canon (the camera’s brand) my therapist and photography is my therapy.”

After twelve major hospitalizations, three previous bouts with cancer, four different primary physicians, and array of tests and examinations, and frustrations with an unreliable health coverage system, Carr remains hopeful. In fact, he says he mostly draws strength from his faith in God and companionship with his two dogs — even though their care has been compromised lately.

“There’s no reason to not have hope,” Carr affirms.

“Either way I am going to win. God says, I have a place prepared for me. So, my payoff is my reward in heaven.”

Support for Carr is still being accepted by caring individuals at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pleaseh e l p - l o c a l - h e r o - l o u i s - k e n g i carr?qid=4da38c7301b1dfabc56826d4dc0e0d13

ChurchNews AME Church Slammed with Lawsuit Over $100 Million Shortfall from Retirement Plan

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L.A. Focus/April 2022

federal lawsuit alleging that one the nation’s largest Black denominations lost 70% (approximately $100 million) from its retirement plans–impacting the retirement benefits of upwards of 5000 beneficiaries due to “foolish” and “risky” investments, was filed last month.

Rev. Cedric Alexander The 49-page complaint was brought by retired AME Pastor Cedric V. Alexander–whose pastoral appointments included Walker Temple AME and Price Chapel AME in Los Angeles. Alexander filed the action under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for himself and on behalf of thousands of current and former clergy and other employees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church over the mismanagement of funds and the loss of tens of millions on which Alexander and the other former clergy and employees were relying on for their retirement.

Those named as defendants in the lawsuit include former Executive Director of Retirement Services, Dr. Jerome V. Harris, former Retirement Services Chair Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., the Trustees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Ministerial Retirement Annuity Plan, the General Board of AME Church and its Council of Bishops.

According to legal documents, “Dr. Harris invested Plan assets in imprudent, extraordinarily risky investments that ultimately lost nearly $100 million of plan participants’ retirement savings. The document read, “Astounding in its disloyalty and imprudence to the retirement security of those serving the Church, Defendants provided Dr. Harris sole authority to invest tens of millions of AMEC clergy’s and other Church servants’ retirement savings in a questionable and potentially unlawful purchase of undeveloped land in Florida, a promissory note to an Illinois installer of solar panels, and an even more foolish investment in a now non-existent capital venture outfit.”

Alexander, who retired in 2020, had a statement balance in the plan of $86,631.75 as of March 31, 2021.

On September 13, 2021, he requested a rollover of his plan assets to an IRA, but was instead informed that the rollover had been held up due to a pending audit and that the funds had been frozen.

On December 14, 2021, a news article by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the AME Church revealed it was investigating “possible financial irregularities” with its retirement fund investments. At that time, Alexander heard rumors that the Plan had lost a large share of his and other clergy and employees’ retirement savings, totaling approximately $90 million. On January 31, 2022, a meeting of the General Board confirmed that the Plan had, in fact, lost more than $90 million, with the exact amount unknown.

Upon investigation into the missing assets, it was discovered that tens of millions of dollars had been invested in high-risk, speculative and demonstratively imprudent investments in Motorskill Ventures Group (a now defunct venture capital outfit. It was further determined that the Council of Bishops, General Board, Department of Retirement Services, the chair of the Department, Bishop Green and the Trustees allowed a single individual, Defendant Harris, to exercise full decision making authority over the use of all plan assets.

At a January 31 meeting, it was announced that the church would “never again will we allow

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one person to count the money.”

During the first week of February 2022, Rev. Alexander received a letter from the Department of Retirement Services informing Plan participants of “troubling news,” That "plan funds were frozen, and distributions delayed pending the investigative findings." Further that the office of the executive director of the AME's Department of Retirement Services "had been emptied, with nothing in the office cabinets but 'empty files and paperclips.' Even the most current version of the Plan document could not be located."

At the date of his filing the lawsuit, Alexander’s benefits had been reduced from $86,631.75 to $26,025.29 or approximately 70% of his retirement savings, with other former clergy and employees similarly informed that their pension payments were halted and/or reduced.

Officials of the AME church say that they are taking the allegations seriously and are committed to making every fund participant whole.

Faith Leaders Hold Service of Compassion for Pastor Ticey Brown

Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center 4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 Corprate Office: 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 2A, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-5571 www.agapela.org Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Founder & Senior Pastor Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South L.A. 10905 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566.5286 Pastor Alvin Stafford Jr. Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:30am Book by Book Bible Study (Wed.): 6:30pm Sunday service broadcast on Facebook live Sunday school and Book by Book Bible Study services are conducted on Zoom For more information, visit www.bethelsola.com Bethesda Temple Apostolic Faith 4909 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 299-2591 • thevoice4904@att.net Pastor Kyron S. Shorter Sunday Morning Prayer: 9:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Children’s Church: 11:00am Sunday Evening Service: 6:00pm

Four of the Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church r e g i o n ’ s 3719 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 l a r g e s t (323) 296-5610 • www.bkcamechurchla.org Rev. Mary S. Minor, DMin,Pastor church orWorship virtually: Facebook Live at g a n i z a Brookins-KirklandCommunity AME Church tions–the For prayer: Call or email to be added to the Baptist Minprayer list ister’s ConBible Study Thursdays: 6pm Via Zoom ference of call or email office:bkcamechurchla@gmail.com Southern California, Bryant Temple AME Church the California Baptist State Convention, the California 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 Missionary Baptist Convention and the Western State (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Baptist Convention–are joining together to host a Pastor Dwaine Jackson service of compassion for Pastor Ticey Brown of the Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church.

Sunday School: 8:15am “We’re coming together to have an afternoon of Morning Worship: 9:15 am prayer and encouragement for Pastor Ticey Brown, Bible Study (Tues): Noon Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 6:00pm who was hospitalized for 45 days after a COVID infection led to kidney failure,” said Pastor K.W. Tulloss, president of the Baptist Minister’s Conference. “We’re going to raise some money to help offset some of those Calvary Baptist Church medical costs.

4911 W. 59th Street,Los Angeles, CA,90056 The effort was being led by Pastor Xavier Thompson (323)298-1605•F: (310) 568-8430 • calvarybaptistla.org of Southern St. Paul, who has characterized Brown as Rev. Dr. Virgil V. Jones a hometown hero and rising star.

Sunday Prayer: 8:30am “We have watched him blossom i to a giant of a Sunday School: 9:30am preacher and a stellar leader in the community of Sunday Worship: 11:00am faith,” Thompson remarked. “We are duty bound in the Wednesday Bible Study: 12:00pm & 7:00pm spirit of brotherly love to rally to his aid in this season We are the Church on the Hill where the of affliction. We are praying for a supernatural act of Light Shines Bright!

God on his behalf in the area of divine healing. This is one time that the city of Los Angeles can rally together Crenshaw Christian Center without fear of procrastination to bombard Heaven on 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 the behalf of one who has been there for so many (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Pastor Frederick K. Price, Jr. others.”

Complications from COVID left Brown with 10% caSunday Service: 9:45am pacity in his kidneys and on dialysis awaiting a kidney Bible Study (Tue): 11:00am & 7:30pm transplant, though he never stopped holding services Tue. Night Children’s Ministry: 7:30pm online from his hospital or while recuperating at home.

Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7:30pm “I’m grateful to the Christian community for their Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7:30pm support and prayers during this difficult time,” said Brown, who is set to resume in-person worship serv- Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship ices on April 3 though at limited capacity due to his 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 condition. “I specifically want to thank Pastor Xavier Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 Thompson and the BMC of Los Angeles with Pastor www.christianfellowshipla.org Pastor James K. McKnight Tulloss, Pastor Welton Pleasant, Rev. J. Benjamin Sunday LiveStream: 10:00am Hardwick, my convention –which is led by Pastor (facebook.com/christianfellowshipla) E.Wayne Gaddis, and those churches who have Sunday Conference Call: 10:00am reached out in support. I also want to thank the con(310-372-7549 / code: 342408) gregation I’ve had the privilege of pastoring for the last Tue/Thurs Morning Word & Prayer: 7:00am 16 years for their ongoing support.”

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 Dr. Cottle on HBN TV Wed’s 7:30am Channel 886 Dish,Smart TV Local Channel 35.2 Listen to Dr. Cottle Sundays on KJLH at 5:30am

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

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1300 E. 50th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 235-2103 • F: (323) 235-3177 • Rev. Joshua Daniels, Pastor Morning Worship: 10am (In Service and Online Live Stream Worship) Sunday School: 8:45am Wed. Pastor’s Bible Study: 7:00pm www.mtzionla.org

FIRST LADY FILES

KAREN A. BROWN Contributor

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

Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Rev. DeNon Porter Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm

Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Email: holman@holmanumc.com Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday Radio: KJLH 102.3FM at 11am Sunday School: 9:30am (Children/Youth) & 9:45am (Adults) Bible Study: Every Thursday @ Noon We Gather,Grow,Go and Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ Macedonia LA 1751 East 114th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 569-9561 • www.macedonia-la-org Senior Pastor Shane B. Scott Sunday Worship Service: 7:30am|10:00am Live MondayBible Study: 7:00pm (Log-in to Zoom Meeting ID: 377-818-648 or Dial In: 346-248-7799)

McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 • www.mccartychurch.org Senior Pastor Edward Anderson Sunday Worship: 10:45am Bible Study: Tues @12:30pm/Wed @6pm Zoom Call: (605) 472-5454 Access:188857 Online Stream Live: Sundays@10:45am to www.mccartychurch.org Give: Text 77977 Instagram@mccartyconnect Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964 Rev. Johnteris Tate-Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00am Worship Service: 9:15am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tues. Bible Study/Prayer: Noon & 7:00pm

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 291-1121 F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am,10am,Noon Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Radio: KKLA 99.5 FM (Sun): 6:00pm All services stream live on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

During the pandemic, pre-registration is requested to attend in-person services.

Rolietta Adams Greater New St. Matthews MBC

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abulous, fierce and full of grace, Lady Rolietta Adams, has a strong commitment and conviction to service. She has been serving the Greater New St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church in the South Los Angeles community along side her husband, Bishop Lovester Adams, for nearly 20 years.

“We have had opportunities to share in various capacities in the community by serving at local nursing homes with a brief worship service and much needed toi- letry items for the patients,” said Adams.

As the President of the Women of Substance Ministry, Lady Rolietta, also led the group to participate in ongoing service to the community. “We have provided a safe place which comes along with a meal for everyone even those just walking by in the community,” The youngest of four children, Rolietta, grew up in a Christian home with her par- ents and siblings in South Los Angeles, CA. She and her husband met when they were young adults attending the same church where they grew up. “We served in ministry together. We knew each other for years and years. He was licensed and then called to pastor after his first year,” said Lady Rolietta.

Speaking with much experience and profound truth about the burden that ministry carries, Lady Rolietta, gives advice to newly assigned pastor’s wives. “Don’t lose yourself, stay supportive of your husband and remember to always self-care,” says the mother of three adult children and grandmother to two.

New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 • www.newantiochcogic.org Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Worship: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Tuesday Bible Study: 11am Wednesday In The Word: 7pm All services streamed: Facebook and YouTube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ ONE LA Potter’s House Church 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • hello@one.online Pastor Touré and Sarah Roberts The ONE Experience Online: Sundays: 7A |9A |11A |1P |6P Thursdays: 5P |8P (PST) @toureroberts @sarahjakesroberts @one.online ONE.ONLINE

Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net Rev. Terrell Taylor Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

Phillips Temple CME Church 973 East 43rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 233-4783 Rev. Dr. Darrell Wesley, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10am Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Online: Facebook.com/ PhillipsTempleCME.LosAngeles

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed Corporate Prayer: 6:00 - 6:55 pm Monday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Noon Prayer: 12 Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7:00pm

Trinity Baptist Church 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., L.A., CA 90018 • (323) 735-0044 F: (323) 735-0219• trinitybaptistchurchofla.org Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am YouTube: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH-FM: 9am Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7pm (Log into zoom.us,click“join in a meeting” enter meeting ID: 480-271-5449.

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

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

West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3600 W. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 • www.westa.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., Senior Pastor Charles E. Blake II Co-Pastor Sunday Service: 10:00am Sunday Radio Broadcast: KJLH 102.3 FM: 10:00am Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus) Service Time: 10:45 Virtual Worship: Youtube 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

Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • F: (310) 537-3149 Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Sunday School: 9:45am & 10:15am Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11:15am New Members’ Class: 9:45am Communion (1st Sunday): 7:30 & 11:15am Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study (Wed)- 7pm Broadcast (KALI 900AM - Sunday): 2pm3:00pm Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5449, Compton, CA 90224 Apostle Ronald C. Hill, Sr. Founder and Pastor Live Stream Sunday Worship:10am/6:30pm Live Stream Bible Studies: Wed 7:30am & 9:00am Live Stream Prayer w /Apostle Hill: Fri: 9:00am Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact Televison Network: Mon-Fri PST 6:30am The Word Network EVERY FRIDAY @ 12:30pm The City of Refuge 14527 S. San Pedro Street, 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

Atherton Baptist Church 2627 W. 116th Street Hawthorne,CA 90250 (323) 757-3113 • www.athertonbc.org F: 323-757-8772 • athertonbaptist@sbcglobal.net Pastor Larry Weaver

In Hawthorne

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

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

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

Faithful Central Bible Church 333 W. Florence Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035 Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher Sunday Services: 7am, 9:30am & 11:45am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com

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

Pastor Profile: Chrystopher Grundy Church: Second AME Zion (Inglewood) How Long at church: Six months Hometown: Los Angeles Family: Single Congratulations on your first church assignment as pastor of Second AME Zion, what led you to the ministry?

I got called into the gospel ministry at seven years old.

In fact, I was so engulfed in church and ministry that I even experienced the Holy Spirit at a young age and can go back a little further to when I was two, trained up at the First AME church under Dr. [Chip] Murray. They gave me a little white robe and allowed me in the pulpit with all the other ordained clergy. I was the only young man in the history of that church to be able to do such a thing because of what they saw in me.

What did you do at two?

So, I would be up in the pulpit marching around with the others. They gave me a little Bible, I had a microphone, and I was able to just march around– just be among them. I couldn't say much back then, but they would let me pray. Then I'll be up there directing the choir a little bit. At eight I delivered my first initial sermon at Mount Moriah in March of 1998.

How much of it was you imitating your father a n d others–or you really understanding what you were doing?

It was a mixture of both, because I experienced the gift of the Holy Spirit at

an early age and I would be imitating them. All I knew was praising God. It wasn't clear, but I had an understanding that this is where I belong. This is my calling.

How important in your development was your dad being a noted gospel musician?

So, the importance of the gospel music was embedded in me. We weren't listening to a whole lot of other genres of music per se, because we were always in rehearsal or at a concert. They would start praising God and we would start praising God right there with them.

It is really the scripture, train up a child in the way he should go…Now that I'm older, I see the benefit of those seeds being planted and they just nurtured it.

There's always been that debate about how important music is to ministry–what’s your perspective?

Music extends the tone. It prepares the way. Music and ministry go hand in hand. Gospel just ministers to me.

I found the Lord actually through music. And that's where it began before I even opened up my own Bible.

It was worship, it was praising God. What is the vision for the church?

The vision is to be what I would call the community's pastor…to touch the heart of the people. It is to grow the ministry because actually this church is a historical church founded by a Bishop, William Cornelius Brown.

They started on East 43rd street prior to 1941, and they went into this building I think it was in 1993. So, the goal is just to grow the church and be a blessing to the community. To offer counseling, assistance, after school programs –whatever it is that the community needs.

To let them know we arehere to serve them. Every Tuesday and Thursday, we have an outreach of food distribution. Sometimes it's hot meals over the pot as well as a full bag of groceries. The goal is to really help develop some meaningful programs beyond Sunday and Wednesday because that's what I was taught.

How is it going so far in terms of attendance?

Between returning and new members, we’ve got the membership back up to about 50. It had been a thriving church, but they’d gone through a lot of transition and when I got there, it was on the decline, so when I say a handful of people, I'm talking like 10. It was dead and since I've been there the church has grown and the giving is back up. There is vision in the house now that I'm there for where we're going and where we are right now.

And the people are excited.

What is it like to be a young pastor in a city like L.A.?

It's so easy to get distracted as a young pastor looking at what others have and what they're doing and forgetting what it took to get there. It is a major adjustment, but it's not something that I wasn't already doing in a sense, between the leaders I served under that did things properly. They prepared me for this allowing me to serve in different capacities and sit in on meetings.

It's a great work when you've been equipped for it and called for it. I take it week by week. I don't move too fast, but I don't move too slow. I just keep before me daily what God has given me and that's how I stay encouraged. So as a young pastor, I embrace everything God has given me. I can't get caught up in what the next church has going on.

Has being the son of Ricky Grundy helped you?

Absolutely. As I’ve matured, I’m finding out who my father is and was, and the favor that comes with my name dealing with city officials and getting some things done in the community. And because of my father, people coming to visit from all over and I’ve embraced that I am the son of the late Dr. Ricky Grundy.

What is your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?

My greatest challenge has been second guessing myself at times and this has just been all throughout my life.

Growing up, I would try and be the one that stays in the back and just be chill. But I’ve been able to overcome it by developing a confidence within myself–being confident in what God has given me, trusting my gifts. The more you do a thing, the more you become more confident in and you can trust that it's going to work.

When I was younger, I used to have like a slight lisp only because when I was born, my tongue was longer than what it should have been. And so basically, they thought they were going to have to perform surgery to cut my tongue when I was an infant, but they didn't have to do that. The Lord worked it out. He worked a miracle.

So, I used to be discouraged about words I couldn't say, but the more I kept preaching and teaching and standing up before the people and being allowed to go forth, I overcame it and now you can't get me to be quiet. Now, I'm a people person. I love who I am and who God has called me to be.

From the Pulpit: Triedstone Baptist Church “The Side Effects of Normalized Sin”

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e are living amid multiple ironies that have been encircled by a paradox. And according to the instruction that I have been getting from the Holy Ghost, we are living with the “Side effects of normalized sin.” Normalized sin is when a sin is no longer seen for its ugliness because it has become commonplace or normalized.

The two wealthiest and largest religious organizations in the world have stood for unrighteousness in basic doctrinal ways that have drifted toward cult status rather than Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church has covered up child sexual assaults for decades while claiming to be the protector of children because of a pro-life rhetoric. And the Southern Baptist Convention has been on the wrong side of history related to slavery, vagrancy laws, “Jim Crow” and normalized hatred from those that claim to represent Christ Jesus. These obvious ironies go unchallenged because the unrepentance has gone on for so long. And the sins have become so effectively “normalized” that the screaming hypocrisy falls upon deaf ears.

According to the Bible in 1Cor 5, the Apostle Paul gave us counsel on addressing the extraordinary sinful behavior of incest in the church. The sin had become commonly reported according to Paul.

His response was to inform the church that he had judged the matter and that he was praying that the man’s body be delivered to Satan in hopes “That the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord” (1 Cor 5:5).

I reference this passage because incest fits into the category I call “creepy sin.”

Being a pedophile is also a “creepy sin.”

It takes a specific demonic influence to

provoke incest or pedophilia. Paul said in 1Cor 5:1 that the sin was even unusual to be named among Gentiles. Paul also expressed his displeasure that the people had not mourned that such an evil was in their midst (1Cor 5:2).

The next irony is in the Southern Baptist Convention of which we (Triedstone MBC) are a part. The Southern Baptist have made themselves too cozy with racism and white supremacy. Somehow these folks don’t see any conflict between racism and the “Great Commandment”.

Maybe it is because they have mistaken Republican politics for Christian precepts.

For the record, they are not the same thing by a wide margin. God has responded by turning them over to strong delusion. Now the Southern Baptist Convention must cope with people who are willing to believe the most outlandish lies and conspiracy theories. People are showing up at Dealey plaza in Dallas looking for John F. Kennedy and his son to arrive from the dead and declare Donald Trump the king of America. If that’s not evidence of strong delusion to you, I don’t know what to tell you.

These two ironies have spiritual side effects. The normalized sin of molesting children and normalized racism has resulted in lowering the bar for righteousness and diming the light that the church should be radiating. Since our role as the church is to be salt and light, surrendering that position causes the world to lose access to the truth. Lies and hypocrisy become comfortable companions and reality is under attack.

As I have said many times, “A lie is a desperate attempt to alter reality.”

I mentioned earlier that we are living through a series of ironies that are encircled by a paradox. I’m going to pose a few

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

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

In Long Beach

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

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

Pastor Quentin T. Oden

Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org Rev. Dr. Michael W. Eagle, Sr. Sunday Worship: 10:45am Wednesday Food Bank: 9:00am-Noon Mothers of Murdered Youth/Children: Thurs by Appt.; (B.U.S) Blankets, Underware, Shoes: Thursdays Facebook Live•YouTube•Free Conf Call

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

selves.” That’s another irony!

Clearly the Bible has been ignored here and the approach implemented by the Roman Catholic church to pivot from their own error to emphasize the error of the world smacks of a distraction strategy from a marketing firm. Adding to the irony is the fact that this distraction strategy has worked tremendously well for them.

Let’s move on to the Southern Baptist Convention which has taken the same approach that the Roman Catholic church has adopted with the “Pro-Life” agenda. While their motivations may be different, heaping condemnation on the “unsaved” is an effective tool to pivot away from their own legacy of unrepented sin related to slavery, vagrancy laws, Jim Crow and our current incarnation of white supremacy.

Let’s look at some of their ignored ironies. First question: Why is it that the Southern Baptist Convention claims to support and defend the unborn and then chooses to disenfranchise all children that have the audacity to be born nonwhite? That’s ironic! And it is clear evidence of a lack of repentance and denial for the harm that slavery and racism has brought to America. Second question: If the Southern Baptist Convention is “ProLife,” how they can remain silent about the murder of thousands (including children) every year due to mass shootings.

Could it be that they love guns and gun rights more than they love their neighbor? Third question: Why did 73% of the Southern Baptist Convention endorse the election and re-election of Donald Trump who openly affiliates with white supremacists and a known pedophile by the name Jeffrey Epstein?

Neither of these men have any affiliation Continued to page 24

Arise Christian Center In Westchester 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C,Westchester, CA,90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor Morning Worship: 9:00am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Thursday:11:30am-12:30pm

In Lynwood

Pastor Nissan Stewart Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Prayer: 6:30pm Mid-Week Refuel/Bible Study: 7:00pm (Wednesday) Follow us: @GETFamilyNow The Greater Emmanuel Temple App Available in App Store

Walking In The Spirit Ministries In Double Tree (Sonoma Grill) 12623 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 Tim & Leshia Brooks

Norwalk

Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)

Excellent Rates Just three days a month Must have truck

Call 310.677.6011

L.A. Focus/April 2022

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

questions that you may not have considered because of the sin that has been normalized in our American culture. You will note that the ironies related to sexual assault and racism in the church have the side effect of irony offspring (One irony giving birth to another irony).

First question: How can the Catholic church disregard the ordinance of marriage for the priesthood while enabling and covering up for pedophiles in the priesthood. That’s ironic!

How is it that the Roman Catholic church has appointed itself the defender and protector of the unborn but does not choose to address the molestation of children once they are born? That’s another irony!

How has the Roman Catholic church been accepted as a policy maker and judge in the “Pro-Life” movement while not addressing the “log” in their eye because of pedophile priests? That’s another irony!

Why have church leaders failed to notice that the Bible says the church should judge those within the church rather than throwing stones at the world? 1Cor 5:12-13 says, “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?

But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked m a n f r o m among your-

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L.A. Focus/April 2022

Money Matters continued from page 9 market.

“There is affordability in the Bay Area, you just have to make a decision of where you want to live,” Beasley said. “You may have to get innovative and creative: Maybe you look for a fixer-upper.”

Assistance programs can only do so much to counterbalance a broader economic system that has left Black families and other communities of color on an unequal footing, she said. That’s why her organization promotes models outside of the traditional mortgage market, she said, including community and cooperative ownership models, as well as community land trust options.

When it comes to California home prices, Black families often face challenges including large student debt loads and pay discrimination, Beasley said. Possible solutions include student loan forgiveness and pay equity.

“The reality with a mortgage, or with financing, is you have to have income, you have to be able to manage your debt, and the only way you can combat that is either make more money or reduce debt,” she said. “So, either get more people of color higher-paying jobs, or figure out how to mitigate some of this debt.”

This article is part of the California Divide project, a collaboration among newsrooms examining income inequality and economic survival in California.

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Sermon continued from page 23 with the gospel or the church.

Nevertheless, the infiltration of Republican politics as a substitute for rightly divided truth has caused people to believe that being “Pro-Life” equates to salvation. This self-righteous doctrine deceives the masses while supplanting the “Great Commandment” (Matt 22:36-40). Jesus declared that the “Great Commandment” encompasses all the law and the prophets.

Fourth question: How is it that the two largest and most wealthy religious organizations in the world chose a moral standard that is beneath the standard and counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Let me elaborate about the paradox encompassing this cluster of ironies that have been mentioned. A paradox is something that would be ridiculous to suggest, but under further investigation is proven true. 2020 began the unfolding paradox arranged by God to confront our issues with normalized sin.

God pulled our coattail through a pandemic, racial conflict, economic uncertainty, political unrest, and policing inequality. Then there were hurricanes so numerous that they nearly ran out of names. Thousands of forest fires were set by lightning strikes. Floods, earthquakes and mass shootings came more frequently. Lies, hypocrisy and conspiracy theories found their way to the mainstream to challenge reality itself.

Nothing can happen in this world without the approval of Almighty God. Unto this very moment, we don’t want to acknowledge that God has been intentional and angry. That is the paradox. We (those claiming to be the church) have decided that the wrath of God is not real.

God has chosen to get our attention through trials and tribulations and those who claim to believe in God are in full blown denial about His correction. The correction of God is foundational to being included in God’s love according to Rev 3:19. Nevertheless, our collective unbelief in the application of God’s word has left glaring hypocrisy and glaring attachments to falsehoods.

Spiritual warfare is the defending of the truth of God’s word above every lie and every philosophy of men.

As Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he gives himself as the example in waging war against spiritual wickedness. At each response, Jesus proclaims the truth. Those who claim to represent Jesus have chosen silence or waiting until the news cycle changes rather than fulfilling the church’s role as declarer and defender of the uncompromised truth.

Could you have guessed that we would find ourselves living in a world so woefully short on the truth? It is because the church has failed to proclaim the truth while choosing political positions instead.

InGoodTaste

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SavingGrace Kym Whitley

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L.A. Focus/April 2022

eering into the face of actress and comedienne Kym Whitley, it’s easy to see a stark resemblance to Jackée Harry costar of the 1990’s sitcom 227. While the two were rumored to have had a little tiff years ago about their similar images, what Whitley has achieved in Hollywood over the course of her career is clearly a result of her own tenacity and merit.

Whitley’s standup comedy schedule, television and film roles, community activism, motherhood, and now book tour have kept her on the fast track. She is widely recognized for roles in such shows as "The Big Holiday Food Fight" and “Raising Whitley” both on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), also "Worst Cooks in America" on The Food Network, as well as for one of her many sitcom appearances on “Moesha, “Meet the Browns”, “The Parkers, among others.” She also has a lengthy line of credits for her work on the big screen.

“House Party 4”, “Nutty Professor II”, “Next Friday”, “Baby Boy”, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”, are a few that grace her filmography which dates back to the late 1990s and spans to her more recent roles in “Fist Fight” starring Ice Cube and “Hubie Halloween” starring Adam Sandler.

“I come from a funny family and that’s why I chose this as a career,” says Whitley who grew up in a twoparent home in the Cleveland, Ohio area. “I also believe that you do what you love to do. And if you can make money at it then that’s your career.”

Whitley remembers auditioning for a play while in college at Fisk University. She was handed a script on the spot and says unfortunately she was “horrible at reading it.” In that same moment “The teacher said, ‘you will never make it, you need to stay in your field,’ so I never tried out again.”

But that one failed audition didn’t dissuade Whitley–who majored in art–from her dream of being an entertainer. It only made her more determined and on another occasion, when she had less than 24 hours to memorize lines for a one woman show, Whitley went on to perform before a packed house in the Appleton Room on the campus of Fisk.

“It was dark, but I could see all the way to the back where my friends were,” she chuckles. “I started doing the lines and then I passed out.”

Shortly after regaining her composure, Whitley was able to finish the performance with the help of a school peer who fed her the lines from underneath a table off stage.

As early as high school age, Whitley felt certain she had the gift to make it in show business. The middle child of an older and a younger brother, she says all three were naturally silly and mischievous, with behaviors that got giggles from onlookers both at home and in school.

“From a young child I was always making people laugh,” Whitely said. “I loved the attention that I got from just being silly. Me and my brothers were just silly and always in trouble. As the class clown, all of us kept being sent to the school office.”

No one who knew Whitley presumed her in-school

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antics would later lead to such impressive payoffs. In 2004, she was nominated for a BET Comedy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Box Office Movie for her role as Ormandy in the 2003 comedy film “Deliver Us From Eva.” In addition, the digital series "The Bay" earned Whitley a daytime Emmy nomination in 2010 for her role as Big Candi.

Whether or not anyone else believed in her, Whitley says her biggest cheerleader has always been her dad.

Many years ago, her father took the family on a trip to New York City to see the hit Broadway musical “The Wiz”. In a standing room only venue, Whitley’s dad had to hold her up so she could get a clear view of the stage.

“I remember seeing Stephanie Mills and thinking I want to do that,” she mused.

These days, her village of cheerleaders has expanded to include close Hollywood allies Sherri Shepherd and Vivica A. Fox. Added to her cheering section are several members of her family, namely her 11-year son Joshua whom she legally adopted shortly after his birth.

Whitley had no aspirations for parenthood, much less being a single mom. But in 2011, a young woman Whitley had mentored for more than 15 years gave birth to a baby boy, and unexpectedly left the hospital without giving notice and without the baby. Instead, she left Whitley's contact information on a note declaring Whitley as the baby's legal guardian.

In an interview on NBC’s "Today," Whitley shares how she received what seemed like a prank phone call from one of her friends saying that her baby was ready to be picked up at the hospital. So, in true comedic fashion she responded, "I didn't order a baby," and hung up. The phone rang again and the social worker on the line proceeded to explain the abandoned baby boy story. The women went on to warn that if Whitley didn't accept guardianship, the infant would go into a foster system. In less than two hours, and with support from her mother and close friends, Whitley arrived to the hospital and embraced the role of new mom.

“It is a challenge having a child and having to go out at night to do stand up,” reveals Whitley who had frequent appearances on Larry David’s HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” “I have to make sure I don’t put my career in front of my son. Because either I will pay for it, or later on he will.”

“You want your child to learn so much and be a part of your life and you to be a part of theirs. Going to their basketball games and helping them with homework.

And trying to create memories that will be good for them and cooking dinner. But now you got to run out to the club and perform, but they just got home from school and then they need to be in bed by 8:30 PM… The work is very grueling and frustrating, especially when you’re a mother.”

Amid all her demands Whitely says the real fuel that keeps her persevering is her foundation of faith she received growing up in a God-fearing home and attending church with her grandmother who played the organ and sang.

“I really believe that God has always had HIs hand in my life,” says Whitley who worshipped in a

Baptist church. “There is no way I could have done this on my own. This is a very tough business and to stay in it so long is absolutely not my doing. There has to be a bigger source than just me.”

“When I was in college and at one of my lowest, that’s when God came and showed me—you don’t need your mama and daddy—I got you,” she reflects. “That’s when I really knew and believed there is a God. My mother told me at an early age so I could not be confused, and not to down anyone else’s religion, but for me my source is Jesus.”

She further credits her faith in Christ for shielding her from the lure of vices accessible in the entertainment industry.

“Only God kept me from drugs, alcohol, and prostitution,” offers Whitley, who became an author with the release of her recently published book titled, “The Delusion of Cinderella”.

“Many times, I’ve been just hanging out and God kept me from doing cocaine, smoking weed, or getting into situations where a date rape could have happened.”

When filming the movie “Fun With Dick and Jane”, Whitley recalls how after wrapping up from an allnight shoot she chose to make an early morning drive home and fell asleep behind the wheel. “I don’t know how I got home,” she reflects. “I remember taking the exit and all I could see was a wall and within seconds I swerved the car and missed the wall. That was only the hand of God. Years ago, my mother gave me a Bible and that is where I draw my strength from.”